Online Accounting Certificates Undergraduate & Graduate Programs
Program Overview Why get an online certificate in accounting?
Organizations in every industry need accounting professionals to help them maintain the financial health of their business. As an accounting professional, you can record and interpret financial records, ensure compliance, evaluate fiscal standing, offer guidance and prepare tax documents – for individuals, companies and government entities.
If you have a knack for numbers and enjoy solving business challenges, consider an undergraduate or graduate accounting certificate at Southern New Hampshire University.
Courses & Curriculum Online accounting classes designed for any stage of your career
SNHU offers 2 online accounting certificates, each geared toward different points in your career.
If you are starting college for the first time or are working in accounting – with or without a bachelor's degree – and want to up-skill, the undergraduate accounting certificate program is for you. Plus, it can stack seamlessly into SNHU's associate and bachelor's degree programs in accounting if you choose to continue your education.
If you have a business bachelor's degree and want an advanced credential, have a non-business bachelor's degree and want to work in accounting, or need courses for the credit requirement for the CPA exam, the graduate accounting certificate is for you. It can also get you started on your way toward earning a master's degree in accounting.
Undergraduate accounting certificate
These courses are designed to provide you with the basic skills for entry-level positions or to up-skill within your organization. As part of the curriculum, you can earn Wiley Excel for Accounting certificates alongside your coursework and refine your accounting skills using Excel.
You'll take 6 courses (18 credits) in general accounting, including taxation, to cover the basics of accountancy as a profession. A variety of written communication and creative thinking exercises are included along with best practices of professional accountancy.
Courses may include:
Financial Accounting
Course ID:
ACC 201
Students will learn the steps of the accounting cycle and how to prepare financial statements in accordance with industry established rules and regulations. Students will develop skills needed to analyze financial accounting information, communicate this information to stakeholders, and understand the accounting procedures that produce this information.
Managerial Accounting
Course ID:
ACC 202
Students will explore the financial impact of short-term and long-term business decisions. By learning how accounting and other productivity information can be used to assess and improve performance of an organization, managers will be provided the essential information they need to execute growth strategies and select opportunities that create business value.
Intermediate Accounting I
Course ID:
ACC 317
In this course, students will take an in-depth look at financial statement elements and the interplay of various financial transactions represented on a financial statement. Students will apply theoretical frameworks and research accounting principles and concepts for the proper preparation and interpretation of financial statements. Students will utilize authentic industry tools and technologies to prepare financial statements and connect concepts learned to the importance of financial information for its users.
Intermediate Accounting II
Course ID:
ACC 318
In this course, students will study the liabilities and equities side of the balance sheet and apply accounting concepts for the proper preparation of financial statements. Students will analyze the inflows and outflows of cash for an organization and prepare accurate cash flow statements using direct and indirect methods. Students will utilize authentic tools and technologies to apply accounting principles to a variety of financial reporting situations.
Federal Taxation I
Course ID:
ACC 330
In this course, students will learn about current US tax laws and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), as well as the relevant source documents, associated with federal tax returns for individuals. Students will research and apply the appropriate tax laws in relation to the specific circumstances and tax liabilities. Students will prepare federal tax returns and communicate various tax return information to stakeholders.
View Full Curriculum in the Catalog: Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting
Graduate accounting certificate courses
The graduate certificate offers well-rounded coursework for accounting professionals who already have a bachelor's degree or those who need courses that can count toward the 150-credit-hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam (in most states).
Throughout the 6-course (18-credit) program your coursework will focus on accounting principles and practices while reinforcing applicable transferable skills, such as written communication and creative thinking.
Courses may include:
Cost Accounting
Course ID:
ACC 550
This course will provide a comprehensive study of the concepts, procedures, and practices of accounting systems that record, classify, and report cost data. These systems are designed to aid in the cost-effective operation of organizations. This course will focus on budgeting, cost data analysis, and accounting tools for planning and control. Additional focus will be placed on relevant cost data analysis for strategic decision making at the executive level of an organization.
Financial Reporting I
Course ID:
ACC 610
In this course, students will be introduced to foundational financial accounting theories and practices, with emphasis placed on standards and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Students will learn to analyze financial statements and accounts for advising stakeholders on strategic business decisions. This course will specifically focus on applying accounting methods to current assets and liabilities and long-term assets. This course is part of the financial reporting foundation courses for students who need the required foundational accounting knowledge.
Financial Reporting II
Course ID:
ACC 620
Concepts in this course will concentrate on financial activities and the impact they have on financial statements. These activities will include stockholders' equity, long-term liabilities, leases, and statement of cash flows. This course is part of the financial reporting foundation courses for students who need the required foundational accounting knowledge.
Auditing
Course ID:
ACC 640
In this course, students will explore the various aspects of completing an engagement for an audit. Students will apply industry frameworks and governing standards to the audit planning process. Students will apply audit strategies considering risk assessments and internal controls. Students will prepare standard audit reports based on substantive testing, fieldwork, and evidence that meets regulatory compliance standards.
Federal Taxation of Individuals
Course ID:
TAX 650
In this course, students will evaluate tax laws, codes and regulations for individuals with diverse financial situations. Students will use industry-relevant technology to prepare complex individual income tax returns that adhere to relevant tax regulations and codes. Students will provide advice to clients on tax positions to achieve desired outcomes and optimize tax advantage.
View Full Curriculum in the Catalog: Graduate Certificate in Accounting
PC (Windows OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | PC (Windows OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Microsoft. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Dell |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Apple (Mac OS) Technical Requirements
| Component Type | Apple (Mac OS) |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Currently supported operating system from Apple. |
| Memory (RAM) | 8GB or higher |
| Hard Drive | 100GB or higher |
| Antivirus Software | Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students. |
| SNHU Purchase Programs | Visit Apple |
| Internet/ Bandwidth | 5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100ms Latency |
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Note: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.
- Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government.
- Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures
SNHU has provided additional information for programs that educationally prepare students for professional licensure or certification. Learn more about what that means for your program on our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Licensing requirements to sit for the CPA exam vary from state to state, with many requiring 150 semester hours of education from an accredited college or university. You are encouraged to review your state-specific board requirements prior to enrolling in a graduate accounting program. A list of state-by-state educational requirements is maintained by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. Completion of an aligned educational program does not guarantee success on the CPA exam.
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Upcoming undergraduate term starts: October 28, 2024 | January 06, 2025
Upcoming graduate term starts: October 14, 2024 | January 06, 2024
Next terms start:
Sept. 2nd | July 29th
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
8 | 10 week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Dedicated to your success
Our instructors are at the heart of SNHU's mission of student success. With a passionate dedication to our students and their learning, our faculty is with you every step of the way. Courses in our accounting certificate programs are taught by instructors with professional credentials and experience in the field of accounting.
Featured Faculty
Mona Stephens
Mona Stephens teaches financial and managerial accounting at SNHU. She has over 25 years of accounting experience and has been teaching accounting for almost 20 years. She is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor and a member of the Government Finance Officers Association, the American Association of Accountants and the Institute of Management Accountants.
Position
Faculty Lead
Joined SNHU
2011
Education
- MS in Accountancy from California State University, Sacramento
- BS in Accounting from California State University, Sacramento
Kristin Regis
Kristin Regis began her teaching career as an English instructor at Edogawa University near Tokyo, Japan. Her passion for teaching and finance prompted her to start teaching finance courses part time at SNHU (both face-to-face and online) before transitioning into a full-time finance faculty lead role. Prior to working full time for SNHU, she held corporate and municipal leadership positions for over 10 years. Regis is a member of the Financial Planning Association
Position
Senior Associate Dean
Education
- MBA at Southern New Hampshire University
- MS in Financial Planning at Bentley University
- BS in Business Administration, Finance at University of Maine
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 180,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
You’ll fill out one form to verify your high school completion or GED. Then, if you’ve attended college before, you’ll submit a form for each school so we can request your transcripts for you. (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which means we meet certain standards of academic quality, and have the tools and resources necessary for students to be successful. The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
This program and its concentrations are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.
Career Outlook What can I do with a certificate in accounting?
An undergraduate accounting certificate provides a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices that can prepare you for entry-level accounting positions or advancement in your current role in accounting, auditing or finance.
A graduate accounting certificate can open doors into general or niche accounting roles and prepare you to up-skill toward a more advanced accounting career working for organizations or clients who have diverse accounting needs.
Occupations
Entry-level job roles include:
Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerk
Oversee a company’s financial inputs and outputs, maintain books, process payroll, produce reports and make general ledger entries.
Accounting technician or assistant
Perform general accounting duties including reconciling bank statements, recording revenue and managing accounts receivable.
Accounts administrator
Serve as an administrator of accounts payable and receivable. You may also track cash flow and ensure on-time payments
Advanced job roles include:
Accountant and auditor
Prepare or examine financial records, discover opportunity and risk, and share solutions that can help businesses and individuals.
Management analyst
Help improve efficiency and advise managers on making organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenue.
Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents
Collect taxes, perform tax returns, conduct audits, identify taxes owed and collect overdue tax payments.
$47,440
The 2023 median annual pay for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$79,880
The 2023 median annual pay for accountants and auditors, according to the BLS.1
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
The instructors added a lot of value to my education. They were consistently adding real-world examples to the weekly lessons, as well as challenging students on the discussion board to think beyond the basics of the task at hand.
Andrew Cyr '21G
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an accounting certificate?
The application process at Southern New Hampshire University is easy – and there's no application fee.
To start an undergraduate certificate program at Southern New Hampshire University, you only need to fill out an attestation form that says where you earned your high school diploma or GED. For a graduate certificate, you must show that you've finished your bachelor's degree, which can be in any subject.
You can talk with your admission counselor to make sure that the accounting certificate program you're interested in is right for you and that it can help you fill your skills gap.
Any accounting certificate program you enroll in should also include good student support services. Academic advising, career advising and a strong alumni network are areas that go beyond the curriculum and lend themselves well to the overall student experience. After all, it takes a considerable commitment of time and money to earn an education and it’s important to find a program that best fits your life and goals.
That’s where an online program can be a great idea. With online certificate courses, you will be able to not only customize your curriculum, but you will be able to personalize the entire learning experience.
You can access courses and submit assignments 24/7, and expect constructive, thoughtful and actionable feedback from your instructor within a fairly quick time frame. At SNHU, we aim to make sure you have feedback on any assignments, emails or other correspondence within a few days.
Can I get an accounting certificate online?
Online accounting certificate courses are an excellent option for a busy professional, or for anyone interested in gaining a quality education from the comfort of their own home.
"I really appreciated the flexibility," said Andrew Cyr '21, who earned a graduate certificate. "Also, not having set class times was very appealing. With young children and a full-time job, I needed the flexibility to complete my work on my schedule."
More academic programs are offered online now than ever before – and for good reason. With online options, you can access your courses every day of the week and any time – day or night. You can expect quick turnaround on grading and feedback from your instructors.
Perhaps one of the ways that online learning is particularly strong is because every interaction and every course can reinforce your written communication skills and creative thinking. You’ll learn how to collaborate in a new way while using the latest technology.
As an accounting professional, you can record and interpret financial records, ensure compliance, evaluate fiscal standing, offer guidance and prepare tax documents – for individuals, companies and government entities.
With Southern New Hampshire University, you can not only earn an accounting certificate online, you can do so at your own pace, on a schedule that works for you.
Which accounting certificate is best?
We believe that the best accounting certificate is one that offers courses grounded in general accounting.
Any certificate programs online should offer top-notch instruction plus the versatility you need to make the program work with your schedule. It can be tough to fit full-time employment, family, social life and the other challenges we all face every day into a schedule that includes school. When the coursework is online – and designed with you in mind – you have the flexibility you need to make the program work for you.
At Southern New Hampshire University, we designed our accounting certificates to be as flexible as you are. Every course is taught by instructors with experience in the field of accounting. They can teach the specifics about reporting, tax code and other aspects of the field while also sharing best practices about the profession itself. They can offer tips and tricks on how to best support clients, managers and other stakeholders. They also are ready to provide feedback and support quickly, every day of the week.
SNHU offers 2 online accounting certificates, and each is geared toward people at different stages of their career.
The undergraduate accounting certificate program is for those who are entering the field of accounting, may want to earn a full degree after getting a certificate or have earned a bachelor's degree, but not in accounting.
The graduate accounting certificate is best suited for professionals who have a bachelor's degree that's not in accounting and are seeking specialized education, have an accounting bachelor's and are seeking to upskill, want to earn a credential on the way toward an MS or need courses that can be put toward the 150-credit-hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam (in most states).
For those on a CPA pathway, SNHU also offers graduate CPA courses, which can help prepare you for the specialized discipline areas included on the revised 2024 CPA Exam — Business Analysis and Reporting, Information Systems and Controls or Tax Compliance and Planning.
An SNHU admission counselor can work with you to determine the best option for your goals.
Is an accounting certificate worth it?
If you work in accounting or are interested in pursuing accounting as a career, a certificate can help.
Undergraduate accounting certificate: The coursework lays the foundation for a bachelor’s degree and eventual graduate work if that’s the path you wish to take.
The certificate at Southern New Hampshire University can also serve as an additional credential to boost your resume, which could help you get a leg up on the competition when it comes to job offers and promotion opportunities.
By just earning 18 total credits, you can earn a credential that comes with academic and career advising as well as faculty who work in the field.
It shows that you're serious about the field and that you are best equipped to provide accounting and financial services to any company or organization.
Graduate accounting certificate: Earning a graduate certificate at SNHU is ideal for someone with a non-accounting bachelor's degree, someone who wants to earn an accounting master's degree afterward, or those who need the hours toward the CPA exam's educational requirements.
You'll learn from instructors with experience in the field who can show you the theories and practices that can make you an excellent accounting professional.
And with the 18 credits you'll earn in the program, you'll be more than halfway to an MS in Accounting at SNHU.
Can I take an accounting course, before I commit to a certificate program?
Yes! If you're looking to get college credits or grow a particular skill, with the option to transfer into a certificate or degree program later, you have the option to do so at SNHU.
If you're interested in taking a specific course, consider exploring SNHU's individual online courses, including a popular online accounting course.
Can I get an accounting job with a certificate?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that a bachelor's degree is common for entry-level roles in accounting.1 That said, completing a certificate in accounting can help prepare you to enter or advance in your field. The foundational accounting classes online will provide you with a strong grounding in the field of accounting while also showing your commitment to learning and professional growth.
With this credential under your belt, you'll be more competitive for promotions without investing the time and money it would take to earn a full degree.
If you'd like to continue or supplement your education in accounting, we have a portfolio of accounting programs designed for you – no matter where you are in your journey:
Undergraduate degrees:
- AS in Accounting
- BS in Accounting
- BS in Accounting Finance
- BS in Accounting with an online forensic accounting degree concentration
- BS in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting
Graduate degrees:
- MS in Accounting
- Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Certificate
- Management Accounting Certificate
- CPA discipline-aligned certificates:
- Business Analysis and Reporting for Accounting Certificate
- Information Systems and Controls Certificate
- Tax Compliance and Planning Certificate
Whatever job or education you choose to pursue, your new grounding in accounting can help you excel.
Related Articles
Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (viewed April 24, 2024)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm (viewed April 24, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.