An accountant is perhaps the most important person in the running of a business. From ensuring that all financial statements of the company are accurate, to keeping track of all the expenses and revenues, their cataloging efforts are vital to a business's financial stability. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has estimated the accounting industry to grow by 16 percent between 2010 and 2020, which is equivalent to roughly 200,000 jobs. If you want to secure one of these, you will need complete an accounting degree.
Accounting Degrees
If you want to become an accountant, you will have to obtain a bachelor's degree in accounting or related field. In some cases, you will also need to obtain a master's degree with a concentration in a branch of accounting. Your course of study will teach you how to create and interpret financial statements, conduct calculations and internal audits to ensure that all information is consistent, and maintain records of all transactions that a company is involved in. Universities and colleges across the US offer campus-based programs which you could enroll in if you want to become an accountant. However, some students may not be able to enroll in these programs for a variety of reasons.
Some individuals may want to transition into accounting from another career, but hold a full-time job preventing them from enrolling as a student. Other individuals may be well past the normal college-going age, and feel uncomfortable returning to the same environment. Fortunately, a solution in the form of an online accounting degree exists for these individuals. Several accredited universities are taking advantage of the internet's universal access to help students connect with material and gain the benefits of a college degree from the convenience of their own homes.
Why Should I Consider This?
If you live far away from the nearest college offering an accounting degree, an online program brings the classroom to you. You are able to access the materials anywhere, so long as you have a reliable computer and internet connection. In order to comply with state requirements, most universities offer a state-approved curriculum which you may enroll. These programs cover the same topics as a campus-based program, but the deadlines are much more flexible. This is both in order to ensure that the student is able to finish his coursework, and so that he or she gets ample time to thoroughly understand the concepts.
Because of the way an online accounting degree is structured, it is easier to accommodate into your schedule without significantly compromising your current lifestyle. Another advantage is that online degrees do not limit your opportunities in any way. Upon graduation, you are eligible to take the same certification exams, and apply for the same jobs as your campus-based counterparts. There is a catch; because this is an online degree, it depends on your own self-motivation to be able to see it through. Otherwise, you are spending a large amount of money to no productive end. Sign up for an online accounting degree only if you are sure of your commitment.