There are two types of programs that offer accounting certificates. The first type is at the graduate level. To be admitted into this program, students must submit transcripts from their undergraduate studies, an essay and a resume. This type of program is for students who want to enter the accounting field above the entry level and move into careers, such as a corporate accountant, quickly. The other type of certification course is offered through a university's continuing education department. With this type of program, students are not required to have a bachelor's degree. This type of program is for students looking to enter the accounting field as clerk accountants. Students who earn a post-bachelor accounting certificate are eligible for higher paying jobs than those students who complete a certificate program without a bachelor's degree.
Accounting certification programs require several basic courses, including budget management and financial statement analysis. Elective courses can be taken in focused areas, depending on what certification you're pursuing. These courses include non-profit accounting, taxation and computer software applications. For a certification in financial accounting, individuals must take between six and 10 courses in certain subject areas, including statistics, auditing, taxation, finance, business law, cost accounting, corporate finance and business information systems.
Certification courses are delivered primarily through lectures, but coursework is also available online. The accounting certificate program at the University of California, Berkeley gives students a broad overview of accounting. This course includes financial reporting and accounting principle basics through coursework, such as financial, managerial and cost accounting, taxation, business law and corporate financing. These courses are available at the university as well as online. A total of seven different courses are needed to complete either a professional certificate in Accounting for Controls or Accounting for Financial and Business Analysts through UC Berkeley. The certificate can be completed in two semesters and must not take any longer than five years; otherwise, coursework will not be valid toward the certificate.
Due to the changing nature of tax laws, an accountant needs to take continuing education courses to keep up with these rules. Additional certification courses can also be taken to advance an accountant's career, such as a Certified Management Accountant weekend seminar, online courses available for working individuals or night courses at local universities or junior colleges. Individual accounting courses can be taken in three months at a university or less if a student works at a faster pace online. Additional certifications typically take between one and two semesters, depending on previous coursework. Many employers will offer tuition reimbursement if these certifications are recommended or required.