Accounting & Finance

Accounting & Finance Degrees

Contribute to a corporation or small company with your accounting and finance expertise by finding a program that offers you the education necessary to succeed in the business field. Accounting and Finance degree programs are offered at the certificate, associate, bachelor and master’s degree levels.

An associate’s degree in accounting will prepare graduates to fill entry level accounting positions such as a bookkeeper or accounting assistant. Associate’s degree programs require 2 years of student and are an excellent first step towards higher education.

In an Accounting bachelor’s degree program, students will lead how to prepare, audit and analyze financial statements. They will also learn how to use this information to make managerial decisions. Graduates may find work as public accountants, management accountants, government accountants, and internal auditors, after obtaining certification.

Bachelor’s degrees in finance are also available. In fact, a bachelor’s degree is often considered the minimum requirement for a career in finance. Students will study statistics, problem solving, critical thinking, technology, and accounting principles. Programs in finance prepare you for a career in a commercial bank, brokerage firm, or other financial services provider. Bachelor’s degree programs require 4 years of study.

A master’s degree in accounting or finance is often done while a student is working towards earning their Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credentials. Certificate programs are also available for those who want to learn basic accounting principles or brush up on their skills.

Job Opportunities in Accounting & Finance

The world of financial services is changing. Banks traditionally kept money safe and loaned money. Insurance companies provided protection from financial loss. Investment firms facilitated the buying and selling of securities. However, due to deregulation, all of these institutions now provide an array of overlapping financial services.

Job opportunities in accounting and financial services depend on your area of expertise. Competition for jobs in finance can be high, especially in large firms. Job opportunities for accountants and auditors should be excellent, however, especially for those who are CPAs. There are many opportunities for tellers and support workers in banks, and they can advance to management positions after they gain experience and technical skills. By earning your degree in accounting or finance, you will see more job opportunities, higher wages, and better chances for promotion.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition