Deciding the best course for becoming a qualified accounting or finance professional is a crucial first step in your career journey. With information overload on the internet regarding the types of accounting online courses available, it may take time to determine which one is the most suitable for your career aspirations and level of commitment. This guide provides end-to-end clarity on accounting certifications, chartered accountant designations, online certificate programs, and financial accounting courses to set you up for success.
Key Considerations For Selecting an Accountancy Course
Before exploring the specific accountancy course options, ponder over the following checkpoints to determine the most suitable path for you:
- Area of specialization – Taxation, financial planning, audit, business analysis
- Mode of Learning – Online vs classroom programs
- Certification type – Certificate, diploma, degree
- Course duration – Weeks, months, years
- Accreditations – AACSB, regional or national accounting bodies
- University rankings
- Course fees and scholarships
Additionally, your existing academic background and work experience would influence the type of accounting program best suited to your learning needs and career progression opportunities.
Types of Accountancy Courses and Certifications
While selecting your accountancy education path, some of the popular options to consider are:
Certificate Courses
Certificate courses in accounting provide foundational knowledge in accounting principles, concepts and software like QuickBooks. Spanning over weeks or months, these accounting online courses can supplement existing degrees or full-time work for better job prospects. Examples are bookkeeping, payroll, Excel, and accounting fundamentals certificate programs. Consider reputed providers like edX, Coursera, and Udemy for quality accounting online courses.
Diploma Courses
Diploma courses in accounting and finance offer comprehensive training over 6 months to 1 year in practical aspects like financial reporting, business tax, corporate accounting, etc. These classroom programs include internships for hands-on industry experience.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or business management equips students over 3 to 4 years with a well-rounded knowledge of core accounting concepts along with general management principles. This paves the way for lucrative careers in corporate accounting, banking, auditing, etc.
Master’s Degree Programs
Pursuing a 1-2 year master’s degree in accounting after graduation prepares for leadership roles like Chief Financial Officers. The advanced coursework focuses on accountancy specializations like forensic auditing, international accounting, controllership, etc.
Chartered Professional Accountant Courses
The Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) credential offered by the American Institute of CPAs is the gold standard for public accounting careers. The CPA license requires passing a rigorous four-part exam covering auditing, attestation, regulation, business environments, taxation, etc., along with qualified work experience.
Chartered accountancy courses like CA, CMA, and CFA are other prestigious professional accounting designations recognized globally.
Key Tips for Choosing the Best Course
With myriad course options for building an accountancy career, use these proven strategies to pick the most suitable one:
- Research thoroughly on course providers, fees, duration, learning models, accreditations, faculty, alum reviews, and post-completion job prospects.
- Check if your shortlisted accounting course aligns with local state licensing policies for certified public accountants.
- Enroll in free introductory courses to gauge your interest before paying any fees.
- Evaluate whether online accounting learning or traditional classroom teaching is better for your study style.
- Seek guidance from academic counselors or professional network contacts working in your desired accounting niche.
- Shortlist providers offer robust career assistance for internships and full-time finance job placements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which accounting course is best for beginners?
Certificate programs in bookkeeping or accounting fundamentals are ideal starting points for grasping the basics of financial statements, reporting, QuickBooks, etc., before progressing to advanced credentials.
2. Is CPA tough to clear?
The four-part CPA exam is intellectually rigorous, covering advanced accountancy concepts. Thorough preparation through review courses combined with perseverance results in high passing rates.
3. Can an accounting certificate get me a job?
Yes, adding certificates to existing degrees and work experience can make your accounting job application more compelling. Reputed certificate credentials significantly boost employability.
4. Is a Masters in Accounting worth it?
Pursuing a master’s degree post-graduation is advisable for leadership roles in controllership, taxation, auditing, etc. The advanced skills and CPA license eligibility enhance career progression prospects.
5. Which accounting course has the highest salary?
Certifications like CPAs, CAs, CMAs, and CIAs, followed by specialized master’s degrees, offer the highest salaries, upwards of six figures in public accounting and CFO roles.
6. Should I learn to account on my own?
Self-paced learning of accounting fundamentals via online courses gives basic knowledge. However, structured certificate or degree programs are more thorough and greatly valued by employers.
7. Is accounting a dying career?
No, accountants are indispensable across all industries for fintech solutions, data analytics, financial reporting, auditing, etc. New regulations and automation are revolutionizing the accounting domain daily.
