[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accountants investigate financial irregularities, manage corporate risk, and support executive decision-makers. If you aspire to work as an accountant, bookkeeper, or auditor — or if you envision yourself as a certified public accountant (CPA) — an online accounting associate degree can provide a great starting place.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The need for accountants continues to grow quickly, with retiring baby boomers creating more openings for new graduates. In 2022, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm” target=”_blank”]Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (BLS) projected employment for accountants and auditors would grow by 4% from 2022-2032, keeping pace with the average for all occupations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While a bachelor’s degree or higher may be your ultimate goal, an associate [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/accounting-degrees/”]degree in accounting[/hen-ui-link] can help you explore the field, enter the workforce, and pursue an accelerated four-year program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about what you can do with an online accounting degree, and explore our list of the top online associate degrees in accounting.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Associate Accounting Degrees[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we pride ourselves on our proprietary ranking methodology to help prospective students like you find the best fit. Our ranking system uses official government data to present schools without bias, taking into account key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Why Get an Accounting Associate Degree?[/hen-ui-heading]

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[hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-5xl”]Career Advancement[/hen-ui-heading] Aspiring business and accounting professionals can benefit from associate programs. An accounting degree can get you started as a bookkeeper or accounting clerk. These careers pay an average annual salary of $45,000-$50,000, or about the same as the national average for all occupations.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-5xl”]Affordable Education[/hen-ui-heading] An associate degree typically costs much less than a bachelor’s degree. In addition to requiring just half the credits of a four-year program, an associate usually comes at a cheaper cost per credit. Some community colleges even offer free tuition, reducing your total costs to near zero.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-5xl”]Transfer Credits[/hen-ui-heading] Earning an associate degree can shave off two years from a bachelor’s degree. You may be able to transfer all your credits toward a degree in accounting, finance, business, or another major. A bachelor’s degree can help you secure more advanced accounting roles or meet state requirements for becoming a CPA.[/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect From an Online Accounting Associate Degree[/hen-ui-heading]

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[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online accounting associate degree can equip you to transfer into a four-year program or enter the workforce immediately. This degree introduces business, economics, and financial management principles that students can apply as bookkeepers and clerks.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Like other associate programs, this degree usually requires 60-72 credits, amounting to two years of full-time enrollment. Part-time students will typically need 3-4 years. Studying online can help you complete your coursework on a more flexible schedule.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you attend an accredited school, your credits may transfer to a four-year institution, giving you a head start on your bachelor’s degree. Check your prospective school’s [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ed.gov/accreditation” target=”_blank”]accreditation status[/hen-ui-link] with the U.S. Department of Education before applying.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Different Associate Types[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can earn an associate of arts (AA), associate of science (AS), associate of applied science (AAS), or associate of applied business (AAB) in accounting. Explore similarities and differences below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]AA in Accounting: This degree usually offers more flexibility with electives and may require more general education coursework in humanities and social studies.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]AS in Accounting: An AS degree emphasizes math, science, and technology, and you may need to take more computer science or business technology courses.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]AAS in Accounting: Unlike an AA or AS, which can prepare students to enter a bachelor’s program, the AAS equips graduates to pursue a career after graduation. This degree offers more skills-based courses, which graduates may not find easy to transfer to a four-year program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]AAB in Accounting: Like the AAS, the AAB is a career-focused degree emphasizing professional skills. It may include more general business courses than an AAS.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can typically transfer your courses from an applied associate to a bachelor’s program, but transfer credit is not the purpose of these degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Admissions Process[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each college sets specific criteria for admission. However, most online accounting associate degrees require applicants to submit the following documents:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Application and fee (unless waived)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Proof of a high school diploma, GED certificate, or completion of an approved homeschool program[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A minimum GPA or minimum score on the GED exam[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Acceptable SAT, ACT, or CLT scores (unless waived)[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some community colleges accept all applicants, but if you need additional support in math or English, you may need to complete developmental courses before joining the accounting program.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Popular Accounting Associate Courses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate degrees in accounting typically combine general education coursework with core accounting courses and electives. Some schools may require additional math or business credits, while others emphasize accounting technology. Common courses include:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Financial Accounting[/hen-ui-heading] This class introduces the accounting cycle. Students explore the rules and regulations for preparing financial reports and learn fundamental accounting procedures. Topics include preparing income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, and statements of retained earnings. The course may require a lab.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Managerial Accounting[/hen-ui-heading] Managerial accounting refers to assessing the financial impact of business decisions. Students learn the principles of cost and management accounting, covering topics such as cost accumulation, cost behavior, and cost control. Other subjects may include budgeting, decentralized operations, activity-based costing, differential analysis, and capital investment analysis.[/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Federal Taxation[/hen-ui-heading] This course introduces the Internal Revenue Code and current U.S. tax law. Students learn to research and apply federal tax laws and regulations to individual tax returns. Topics include preparing tax returns and communicating taxation information to various stakeholders.[/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How Much Do Accounting Associate Programs Cost?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nces.ed.gov/” target=”_blank”]National Center for Education Statistics[/hen-ui-link] (NCES) reports that the average [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/associates/best-online-associate-management/”]associate degree in business[/hen-ui-link] costs about $3,255 per year. While this single data point can help you budget for your degree, be aware that tuition costs vary widely among schools.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many factors affect the price of education, including your school’s prestige, its classification as public or private, and whether your degree is offered in person or online. In addition, some schools charge additional fees.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, students can often avoid paying the full sticker price for college tuition. Grants, scholarships, employer reimbursements, and other financial aid options can help.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Grants are usually based on need and do not require repayment.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Scholarships are merit-based aid that does not need to be repaid.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers sometimes help pay for their employees to earn more education if they maintain a certain GPA.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn more about how to pay for your online associate in accounting with the links at the end of this guide.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accounting Jobs and Salaries[/hen-ui-heading]

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[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an online accounting associate degree can position you for a career as a payroll clerk, bookkeeper, tax preparer, or other financial professional. It can also prepare you for an accelerated bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or finance — all well-paying fields.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/home.htm” target=”_blank”]BLS reports[/hen-ui-link] that the median wage for business and financial occupations was $76,850 as of May 2022. Accountants and auditors earned a median wage of $78,000.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accounting and Auditing Clerks[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An accounting clerk may post transactions, monitor payments, prepare invoices, or code documents. Auditing clerks usually check documents and reports for mathematical or coding errors. They may work for small businesses, corporations, or accounting firms. A bachelor’s degree can position clerks to become accountants and auditors.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Job Outlook (2022-32): -6%[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Median Annual Salary: $45,860[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm” target=”_blank”]BLS[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bookkeepers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bookkeeper calculates, records, and balances a company’s financial records so decision-makers can make effective decisions. These professionals need a strong working knowledge of best practices in bookkeeping and strong skills in spreadsheet and accounting software. With a bachelor’s degree and experience, a bookkeeper can become a staff accountant or operations manager.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average Annual Salary (March 2024): $47,630[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Bookkeeper/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”shadow” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Accounts Payable Specialists[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An accounts payable specialist processes and files vendor invoices. These professionals print and mail checks and maintain tax information such as 1099 and W-9 forms. They need excellent communication skills and familiarity with spreadsheets. With experience and education, an accounts payable specialist may become a manager, supervisor, or staff accountant.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Average Annual Salary (March 2024): $49,680[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Source: [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Accounts_Payable_Specialist/Hourly_Rate” target=”_blank”]Payscale[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Should You Get an Associate Degree or a Certificate?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some schools offer accounting certificates and associate degrees. It makes sense to pursue a certificate if you want to start work within a year or if you already hold an associate degree and want to specialize. If you can devote two years to study, however, an associate degree can prepare you for more job opportunities and bachelor’s programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Comparing Associate and Certificate Programs[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Key Factor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Accounting Associate[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Accounting Certificate[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Key Factor”]Time to Completion[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Accounting Associate”]3-4 semesters if studying full time[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Accounting Certificate”]1-2 semesters if studying full time[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Key Factor”]Curriculum Focus[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Accounting Associate”]Covers a broad base of general education and accounting courses; usually 60-72 credits[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Accounting Certificate”]Emphasizes a specific area of accounting, such as forensic accounting or payroll taxes; usually 12-30 credits[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Key Factor”]Admission Requirements[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Accounting Associate”]Applicants generally need a high school diploma or GED certificate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Accounting Certificate”]Requirements for educational and work experience vary widely by school[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Key Factor”]Cost[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Accounting Associate”]The average public institution charges $4,000 per year for a two-year degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Accounting Certificate”]Costs vary widely by school[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Key Factor”]Financial Aid[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Accounting Associate”]Grants, scholarships, employer reimbursements, loans, and work-study programs[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Accounting Certificate”]Grants and employer reimbursements may apply; scholarships and loans may be more difficult to acquire for a certificate[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Key Factor”]Future Degree Options[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Accounting Associate”]Can prepare graduates for a bachelor’s degree[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Accounting Certificate”]Some certificates can be stacked into an associate degree; generally, a certificate does not prepare graduates for advanced education[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Selecting the Right Associate Program[/hen-ui-heading]

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[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You may be tempted to choose the cheapest or most convenient associate program, and certainly, cost and accessibility are two important considerations. However, you may want to consider these other factors as you research the right degree for your needs:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation: Your school should hold institutional accreditation with an agency such as the Higher Learning Commission or the New England Commission of Higher Education. Accreditation is the key to receiving federal financial aid and, ultimately, a credible degree.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Location: Although online education is location-independent, a degree from a local institution may present more opportunities to connect with alumni.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Career Services: How will this school help you get a job after graduation? Will they still offer career support if you are ready to change jobs years later?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Delivery: Do you prefer a synchronous or asynchronous program? Do you want to take some courses on campus or study entirely online?[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Common Questions About Accounting Associates[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a two-year accounting degree called?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A two-year accounting degree is called an associate degree, usually an associate of applied science, or AAS, in accounting. Some schools may offer associate of applied business, associate of arts, or associate of science in accounting degrees.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can you do with an accounting associate?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in accounting can prepare you to pursue entry-level positions such as accounting assistant, tax preparer, bookkeeper, or payroll clerk. This degree also gives you a headstart on a four-year program in accounting or a related field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an associate degree in accounting worth it?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate_of_Applied_Science_(AAS)%2C_Accounting/Salary” target=”_blank”]According to Payscale[/hen-ui-link], in March 2024, people with AAS in accounting degrees earned an average of $57,000 a year. Most people with the degree also reported being highly satisfied with their jobs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]