Best Online Schools for Accounting​

Every organization needs careful financial management to pay employees, settle debts, and follow regulations. Accountants and finance experts handle these aspects of running a business.

Enrolling into an accredited accounting degree program online can kick-start your career in accounting or finance. Our list ranks the best schools for accounting and details career paths and common courses.

Online accounting degree programs provide the skills and knowledge necessary to work in the business and finance world. Accounting programs at the bachelor’s level typically cover a wide range of business and finance topics, along with accounting specifics like financial, cost, and forensic accounting.

To graduate, you’ll usually need to complete around 120 credits over four years. Many of these programs focus on preparing you to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. As an online student, you take the same types of core courses as you would on-campus: general education, accounting basics, and electives. Major classes cover economics, finance, and business law.

If you’re interested in a specific area of accounting, you may be able to pursue a concentration as part of your degree. Many online schools for accounting offer specializations such as auditing, forensic, managerial, public, or tax accounting. Each specialization requires specific courses.

Accreditation is a process that ensures excellence in curriculum, faculty quality, and job preparation. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is the gold standard for online accredited accounting degree programs.

Attending an AACSB-accredited school signals to employers and licensing boards that you’ve received a high-quality education in the field of accounting.

A bachelor’s degree in accounting can be versatile and prepare you for many different roles. While public accounting might be the most obvious career path for graduates, an accounting degree can also lead to job opportunities with businesses, governments, and individuals.

Below are three of the most popular careers for those with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, with salary and job outlook data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note that some careers may require additional education or certification.

Certified public accountants (CPAs) complete financial tasks for individual, corporate, and government clients. These tasks include bookkeeping and accounting, auditing, tax preparation, and consulting. Accountants generally work independently while completing tasks, but they must communicate effectively with clients to explain their findings.

To become a CPA, candidates must earn at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting and complete a national certification exam from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Financial managers—also known as controllers, treasurers, and finance officers—safeguard an organization’s financial health. These professionals monitor legal compliance, prepare statements and reports, direct investment activities, and help craft long-term financial goals.

Employers typically look for financial managers with a bachelor’s degree and several years of relevant experience in business or finance. Many financial managers begin their careers as accountants or financial analysts before seeking advancement.

Businesses, universities, and governments rely on budget analysts to help organize their finances and develop realistic budgets. Tasks include estimating future financial needs, analyzing costs and benefits, and making recommendations to managers.

Education requirements vary by employer, but many budget analyst positions require a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or statistics.