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Degrees for Portable Careers: Accounting

Degrees for Portable Careers: Accounting

Accounting.com describes accounting degree options for veterans and military members as a journey that may begin with an associates degree or a certificate, with learning in a variety of areas including finance, marketing, managerial accounting, and business math.

"Most technical colleges, community colleges, and some four-year institutions offer associate degrees. An associate of arts (AA) or an associate of science (AS) in accounting is usually fully transferable to a bachelor's program, but an associate of applied science (AAS) is generally a terminal degree. Graduates may pursue entry-level careers in accounting."

Accounting.com notes that the academic journey into this career field is diverse. "(M)any schools offer multiple accounting concentrations, like sports accounting, taxation, or management accounting, allowing students to specialize in an area of interest."

What Can You Do with an Accounting Degree?

Here are some of the positions you can hold with a degree in accounting:
  • Certified public accountant
  • Forensic accountant
  • Bookkeeper
  • Comptroller
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Financial Analyst
Additionally, a Degree in Accounting can provide opportunities to work for yourself by starting your own business or as a consultant. An Accounting Degree is available as an associate degree, bachelor’s,  master’s, or doctorate. There are also a wide variety of undergraduate and post-baccalaureate certificates available. Degrees and certificates in accounting may be offered through a school’s business program and may also be referred to as accountancy.

Is an Accounting Degree Hard?

A Degree in Accounting qualifies graduates for a wide variety of jobs. Additional certification and licensing opportunities vary greatly by state. Luckily, many states offer reciprocity for certifications and licensing so being licensed in one state may transfer (with or without restrictions) upon moving. This is, of course, of the utmost importance for military members and spouses seeking a degree and career that is portable across their many moves.

Associate Degree in Accounting

An Associate Degree in Accounting is a great starting point for those interested in jobs such as accounting and tax preparation. There are also a wide variety of certifications available for students in preparation for or in conjunction with earning an associate degree to prepare students for the accounting workforce.

Jobs with an Associate Degree in Accounting

Bookkeeper

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Median annual salary: $43,000.

Financial Clerk

Routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data to maintain accounting records. Median annual salary: $45,000.

Tax Preparer

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses. Median annual salary: $50,000.

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

Students can earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and choose a specialty focus, such as tax preparation, or forensic accounting, or prepare to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Indeed, a student seeking to become a CPA will be well prepared to sit for the national exam with their undergraduate education in accounting. In contrast, if one chooses not to sit for the CPA exam, a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting will open doors and opportunities for the student with a significant pay raise from an associate degree.

 

Jobs with a Bachelor’s in Accounting

Tax Examiner and Collector

Determine tax liability and collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations. Median annual salary: $61,000.

Certified Public Accountant-

Prepare and examine financial records. Median annual salary: $72,000.

Budget Analyst

Help public and private institutions organize their finances. Median annual salary: $77,000.

Master’s Degree in Accounting

Those earning a Master’s Degree in Accounting prepare to become leaders in a variety of accounting careers and related fields including forensic accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management. When earning a master’s degree one can continue in their current career path with additional earning power, undertake supervisory roles, enter into government or non-profit leadership roles, or transition into teaching.

For schools with GI Bill-approved master's degree programs in accounting, please go here.

Jobs With a Master's Degree in Accounting

Financial Services Agent

Provide financial services to businesses and individuals. May advise customers about stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, etc. Median annual salary: $93,000.

Actuary

Use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze financial costs of risk and uncertainty for businesses and government entities. Median annual salary: $108,000.

Financial Manager

Plan, direct and coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of an establishment. Median annual salary: $148,000.

Doctorate in Accounting

Ready to push your knowledge and expertise even further? Students seeking a Doctorate in Accounting become the premier experts in their field. As a result, many students pursuing a PhD in accounting will enter into business leadership roles, post-secondary teaching and/or publishing.

Is an Accounting Degree worth it?

Absolutely, a Degree in Accounting is worth it! An Accounting Degree is not a difficult degree to earn, yet it offers graduates an abundance of high-paying job opportunities. With opportunities to seek graduate degrees for even higher salaries and specialty fields of study, students can find a program that they truly like for a career that they will absolutely enjoy. You know the old adage: if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life!

For schools with GI Bill-approved doctorate degrees in accounting, please go here.

GI Bill-Approved Schools and Yellow Ribbon Schools with Accounting Degree Programs

Ready to earn your degree or a certificate in accounting? Check out these GI Bill-approved partner schools:

Stetson University Deland

Offers a Bachelor's in Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting and a fully online Master's in Accountancy.

University of Nevada Las Vegas

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting (BSBAA) and a Master of Science in Accounting.

Viterbo University

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting.

Loyola University Chicago

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting.

University of Southern Maine

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting and a Certificate in Accounting.

Upper Iowa University

Offers a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting.

Western Connecticut State University

Offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accounting.*All average annual salaries adapted and calculated from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. For more information, click here.

 

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