An associate degree in accounting offers the foundation for the bachelor of accounting degree. The diploma in accounting has similar course work but offers no foundation work towards an accounting degree. Both programs include accounting principles, business law and ethics, cost, managerial bookkeeping, spreadsheet applications and human resource management. Both the associate degree and diploma prepare students to work as bookkeepers, payroll and accounts receivable/payable clerks, tellers or entry-level accountants. The accounting diploma is designed for students who need immediate employment without a degree.
The undergraduate study of accounting covers three major areas: financial accounting, managerial accounting and tax and business law. Cost accounting is the basis of managerial accounting. A master's degree program in accounting covers the different types of cost accounting systems. Study in the master's program includes variance analysis; fixed, flexible and capital budgets and different types of cost solutions. The planning and control of routine business operations is taught in the cost accounting certificate program.
Cost accounting certificate program schools generally recommend the applicant to have a bachelor's degree. No other prerequisites are required. A bachelor's degree in accounting is not necessary to apply to a master's degree program. If the applicant does not have an accounting degree, the master's prerequisite is a four-year business degree and a recommendation of accounting foundation course work.
A PhD degree in accounting offers employment at the college level in teaching. Accountants with this degree may choose forensic and investigative work in accounting. Forensic work includes legal review of accounts and inventories suitable for expert court testimony. Accounting malpractice work includes attorney assistance regarding CPA malpractice issues. Financial reporting and securities fraud work includes accounting research and legal aid investigation. International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) work includes investigation of transactions and events that are reported on international financial statements.