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Should I Go Back to School for Accounting?

Accounting is an essential component of every business. Without accounting professionals, invoices might not get processed, tax documents might not be compliant, and employees might not get paid. As a result, accounting and finance related skills are always in demand. Especially when hiring for administrative positions, employers place high value on candidates with some background in business and accounting.

Due to its value and versatility, an accounting degree is a common choice for individuals looking to go back to school. If you are seeking a career change, or looking to advance in your current role or company, an accounting degree can be your ticket forward. Going back to school for accounting can translate to:

  • In-depth analytical skills
  • Enhanced problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Technological skills, including vast knowledge of industry software like Quickbooks and Excel
  • Ability to gather, organize, report, measure, and assess financial data 
  • Heightened awareness of professional and ethical standards
  • Professional accounting certifications, such as a nationally-recognized bookkeeping certification

It can also mean more job prospects and stability to your career. No matter the state of the economy, there will always be a need for accounting professionals – accountants, bookkeepers, auditing clerks, payroll specialists, and more. Companies need these experts to analyze and organize their financial documents on a regular basis.

The beauty of going back to school for accounting is that it also does not limit you to a typical accounting career or workplace. These proficiencies – such as organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills – will be valued in an array of organizations and industries. Of course, an accounting degree can also lead to specific accounting jobs, if those are what’s calling you.

The accounting careers you can pursue will depend on the level of degree you attain. Generally, certified accountants require at least a bachelor’s degree in the field, which takes about four years to complete. Some alternative accounting professions, such as the role of a Bookkeeper or Accounting and Auditing Clerk, only require an associate degree in the field (about two years to complete).

If you are already in the workforce and in a steady career, the thought of going back to school can feel like a difficult step. At the same time, however, you know it is the right move to make for your career. That is why, if you do not yet have a college degree, you might consider the associate degree route. An associate degree in accounting can take less than two years to complete, and will provide you with a variety of skillsets and career outcomes that might not otherwise be available to you.

And yes, we did say less than two years. Accelerated accounting programs allow you to complete your degree in faster than average time. At Goodwin College, for example, accounting students can take classes in a 7.5-week format, enabling them to complete their associate degree in half the typical time.

If you already have your associate degree, and are looking to go back to school for your bachelor’s, there are also options for you that don’t require four years in college. For example, many entry-level accounting pros will pursue the Professional Studies degree at Goodwin College, which is a bachelor’s degree completion program designed for already-working adults. This program can be completed in as little as 12-months full-time, resulting in a bachelor’s degree and meaningful experiences along the way. Students in this program work to enhance their current professional capabilities and prepare for advancement opportunities by customizing their course schedule. So if you are already working in accounting but looking to step up or stand out, this program could be tailored to you.

In addition to the accelerated and short-term options available at Goodwin College, many accounting-related courses can be completed online, for added convenience. This means you can more easily balance your day-job and home obligations with school. We understand the difficulty of going back to school after establishing yourself in a job or at home, so it is our goal to offer programs that work with your scheduling needs.

To learn about the accounting courses offered at Goodwin College, or how you can level up your career with one of our flexible degree programs, please do not hesitate to reach out. Call 800-889-3282 or visit us online to request more information.