Over the years, accounting has always been an intriguing career prospect in the USA. Academic programs like the Associate Degree in Accounting hold paramount importance for numerous enthusiasts.
With the revenue in the accounting service industry reaching USD 145 billion (approx.), a career in this domain can be promising. If you have a keen eye for number crunching and want a perfect launchpad to explore an array of accounting jobs, the Associate degree can seem highly apposite.
In simple terms, an Associate degree in Accounting is a two-year academic program. It is an affordable accounting degree that can serve two purposes:
- Start a career in accounting
- Set a solid base to pursue a Bachelor’s course
In any case, an accounting associate degree can bolster your career outlook. Also, this program requires short commitment and comparatively lower tuition costs. Here are the main benefits of choosing this course:
- Faster entry into the accounting domain
- Cost-effectiveness
- Flexible learning mode
- A solid foundation for further education
Notably, you can pursue this course in two modes – an offline program or an online accounting degree. So, it is evident that an Associate Degree in Accounting is suitable for individuals prioritizing convenience over the traditional four-year degree.
Associate Degree in Accounting | Job Outlook
Understand this point – an Associate Accounting certificate is suitable for entry-level jobs. These profiles include the likes of Bookkeepers, Accounting Assistants, Auditing Clerk, and other similar ones.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, you can earn an annual average of USD 46,000 (approx.) by working in such roles.
The main question in this regard is – how does an Associate degree in Accounting help you gain such accounting jobs? Well, the answer lies in the skills that you develop after completing this two-year degree.
Here are the main categories of attributes that you can develop with an accounting associate degree:
- Financial knowledge
- Business acumen
- Non-technical skills
To understand more, take a brief look at all these aspects.
Financial Knowledge
An Associate Degree in Accounting establishes your base to advance in lucrative financial careers. This course contains the perfect blend of subjects that augment your knowledge.
After completing this two-year degree, you can develop sound literacy in the following areas:
- Core accounting principles: Study financial statements, bookkeeping, and taxes
- Proficiency in spreadsheets: Learn the utility and operability of ‘Excel’
- Software fluency: Gain proficiency in accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero
Overall, you can consider this comparatively affordable accounting degree as the foundation to delve deep into this exciting domain.
Business Acumen
An Associate Degree in Accounting can be your first step towards understanding the corporate world.
With this program, you will be able to comprehend the following parameters:
- Knowledge of economics: Concepts like supply and demand, inflation, interest rates, and much more
- Managerial aspects: Organizational structures, leadership styles, decision-making frameworks, and others
Your job outlook for financial careers becomes more solid after gaining such understanding in a short time.
Non-technical Skills
Finally, an accounting associate degree can amplify your soft skills. Here are some of the main traits that you can sharpen:
- Problem-solving ability: Analytical skills to identify discrepancies, troubleshoot issues, and propose solutions
- Communication clarity: Translating financial jargon into clear and concise explanations
- Attention to detail: A thorough understanding for ensuring high numerical accuracy
All in all, such facets can make you an analytical, proactive, and result-oriented professional. So, entering the accounting domain becomes a strong possibility.
Curriculum and Core Concepts
Interested in exploring the main subjects? Here is a comprehensive list for your perusal:
| Core Areas | Main Topics |
|---|---|
| Core Accounting | Accounting principles, double-entry bookkeeping, accounting cycle, and financial statements |
| Business Introduction | Business law, economics, management principles, legal aspects |
| Computerized Accounting | QuickBooks, Xero, task automation, and data management |
| Intermediate Accounting | Managerial accounting, ratio analysis, cost accounting, and financial statement analysis |
| Federal Taxation | Income tax, payroll taxes, and business tax principles |
| Miscellaneous | Forensic accounting, auditing, government accounting, and others |
It is vital to note that the curriculum of an Associate Accounting Degree can vary as per your university. In some cases, even the names of the courses will be different.
Regardless of this fact, the core concepts remain the same.
Eligibility Criteria
It is essential to understand if you are eligible to pursue this two-year degree in accounting. Well, if you are a citizen of the USA, ensure that you meet the following criteria:
- Academic background: High school diploma/equivalent/General Education Development (GED) certificate
- Standardized tests: SAT/ACT (Not mandatory for all universities or colleges)
- Specialized coursework: Completion of courses like Algebra, Pre-calculus, or Accounting Principles at the high school level (Not mandatory for all universities or colleges)
If you are an international student, it is possible to pursue an Associate Degree in Accounting. For this purpose, you should establish proof of English-language proficiency by providing valid TOEFL/IELTS scores.
Potential Roles After Completing the Course
Each year, you can explore approx. 183,900 openings in the entry-level accounting domain. However, the Associate Degree in Accounting is an apt program for some popular job profiles. Here is a quick breakdown of the major ones.
Financial Clerk
A Financial Clerk is an administrative professional who maintains records of monetary transactions. This individual ensures accuracy and a smooth flow of money within an organization.
- Average annual salary (approx.): USD 45,000
- Projected annual openings: 116,600
Usually, you do not need any Bachelor’s level accounting certificate to work in this profile. However, completing the Associate Degree in Accounting can give a massive boost to your job outlook.
Bookkeeper
In simple words, a Bookkeeper is an individual who records and maintains a business’ financial transactions. Here are some of the main duties of this profile:
- Reconciling accounts
- Preparing financial reports
- Ensuring financial compliances
- Maintaining robust financial systems
- Average annual salary (approx.): USD 44,000
- Projected annual openings: 183,900 (Including accounting and auditing clerks)
An Associate Degree in Accounting contains all the necessary courses to ensure that you become an adroit bookkeeper.
Auditing Clerk
To initiate a promising career in accounting, this position can prove highly conducive. As an Auditing Clerk, you are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of an organization’s financial records. These professionals work in tandem with Bookkeepers and Accountants.
- Average annual salary (approx.): USD 32,000
- Projected annual openings: 183,900 (Including accounting and auditing clerks)
If you have the zeal to maintain high accuracy and rectify errors, this profile can prove worth exploring.
Accounting Assistant
An Accounting Assistant supports the financial team through administrative and technical tasks, ensuring the smooth flow of financial information and processes.
- Average annual salary (approx.): USD 49,000
- Projected annual openings: 64,000
If you get a job as an Accounting Assistant, it is possible to earn more money than the other entry-level profiles. So, an Associate Degree in Accounting can be your best option to move one step ahead in this direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do with an Associate Degree in Accounting?
You can unlock entry-level financial careers like Bookkeeper, Accounting clerk, or data entry professional with an Associate Degree in Accounting. The other option is to pursue a Bachelor’s degree for further career advancement.
Is an Associate Degree in Accounting right for me?
Whether an Associate Degree in Accounting is suitable for you depends on your passion for numbers, obsession with details, and career goals. If finance careers are your end goal, explore this prospect. However, you should also consider further education like a Bachelor’s course if you have sound financial condition.
What are the long-term career prospects for accountants?
Accountants have a potentially promising future due to factors like growing demand, skill shortages, and diverse career paths. So, you can start a stable career by developing the right traits suitable for such exciting accounting jobs.