Visit the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business website to see a listing of U.S. and international business schools that have current accreditation for the PhD in accounting. Review the AASCB article "What Price Rankings?" about how various media sources rank business schools.
Select three to five schools whose Ph.D. program in accounting fits your schedule, your career interests, and your geographical preferences. Contact these schools to get admissions applications.
Request your undergraduate academic records, letters or recommendation and any other required documents as soon as you have selected your target schools. Ph.D. programs admissions are highly competitive. It is wise to complete the application process as early in the year as possible.
Register to take the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). Get exam preparation materials at major bookstores or at your local library. Download free exam practice software at the MBA website.
Complete the applications for a minimum of three schools. Most people choose one from each ranking tier (Top 10, middle, and bottom third) so that they have a good possibility of acceptance to at least one.
Enroll and complete the degree courses. Expect to finish classes in 2 to 3 years.
Prepare for any additional certification exams in the accounting specialization that you chose. Finish your final research. Complete and defend your dissertation, depending on the school and your specialty.