CPA Certificates Online Graduate-Level Certified Public Accountant Courses

Gain in-depth knowledge of business analytics, financial reporting and managerial accounting.

Introduced in 2023, the Business Analysis and Reporting for Accounting Graduate Certificate is an ideal choice if you're:

• A BA/BS in Accounting graduate
• Selecting the 2024 CPA Exam's Business Analysis and Reporting discipline
• Seeking to upskill or reskill in this specialized area of advanced accounting

This certificate explores advanced topics within predictive analytics, data cleaning and analysis, public accounting, foreign currency and strategic business decisions. More specifically, it can help you gain skills and experience in:

• Forecasting
• Internal controls
• Strategic planning
• Financial, system and data analysis
• Government accounting
• Data visualization
• Statistical modeling
• Critical thinking
• Written communication

The curriculum integrates business and data analytics, which satisfies essential, emerging skills for accountants. It also relates data analytics to financial risk, planning techniques and projections and greatly emphasizes data-driven decisions.

Seeking employment in state or local government accounting? This program is a great fit. It can prepare you for roles like financial/investment analyst, budget analyst, controller and financial manager.

To successfully earn this certificate, you'll be required to take 12 credits — nine of which overlap with SNHU's MS in Accounting degree.

The certificate's core classes include:

QSO-511: Business Analytics
Master the fundamental concepts and tools needed to understand the emerging role of business analytics in organizations.

ACC-690: Advanced Topics in Financial Reporting
Explore advanced financial reporting topics in accounting for investments, foreign currency transactions, and state and local governmental accounting.

ACC-735 Advanced Managerial Accounting
Focus on the role of managerial-level accountants in providing organizations the financial and operational data analysis required to advance strategic goals.

QSO-570 Predictive Business Analytics
Learn to apply the principles, tools and techniques of predictive analytics using Excel and other popular data analytics software.

If you don't hold an undergraduate accounting or business degree, you may be required to complete business foundation courses (6 credits) and/or accounting foundation courses (12 credits).

Master the areas of auditing, accounting information systems, information security and attestation.

Introduced in 2023, the Information Systems and Controls Graduate Certificate is an ideal choice if you're:

• A BA/BS in Accounting graduate
• Selecting the 2024 CPA Exam's Information Systems and Controls discipline
• Seeking to upskill or reskill in this specialized area of advanced accounting 

This certificate explores advanced topics within accounting information system controls, information technology infrastructure and emerging attestation. More specifically, it can help you gain skills and experience in:

• Auditing
• Business operations
• Information systems
• Ethical conduct
• Risk assessment and management
• System integration and analysis
• Project management
• Communication and research

The curriculum focuses on the intersection of technology with accounting and finance, including:

• Information security and cyber risks
• Business intelligence, data management and analytics
• IT governance, risks and controls
• Security, confidentiality and privacy

You'll hone in on assurance and advisory services relating to business processes, information systems and security, data governance, internal control testing and IT audits.

Seeking to become a financial/system auditor? This program is a great fit.

To successfully earn this certificate, you'll be required to take 12 credits — nine of which overlap with SNHU's MS in Accounting degree.

This certificate's core classes include:

ACC-640: Auditing
Learn the various aspects of completing an engagement for an audit and apply industry frameworks and governing standards to the audit planning process.

ACC-676: Audit of Accounting Information Systems
Explore the area of auditing specific to accounting information systems and internal controls.

ACC-677: Information Systems Assurance and Advising
Gain an understanding of IT governance and strategy within organizations and examine how IT governance is constructed.

ACC-705: Advanced Topics in Information Systems and Controls
Study the SOC engagement process and learn how to evaluate risk within a system.

If you don't hold an undergraduate accounting or business degree, you may be required to complete business foundation courses (6 credits) and/or accounting foundation courses (12 credits).

Learn the ins and outs of corporate federal income tax, taxation specialties and personal finance/advisory services.

Introduced in 2023, the Tax Compliance and Planning Graduate Certificate is an ideal choice if you're:

• A BA/BS in Accounting graduate
• Selecting the 2024 CPA Exam's Tax Compliance and Planning discipline
• Seeking to upskill or reskill in this specialized area of advanced accounting

This certificate explores advanced topics like the IRS audit process and representation, impacts of contemporary tax legislation, tax codes and compliance standards, and financial planning. More specifically, it can help you gain skills and experience in:

• Tax planning, preparation and returns
• Tax law
• Analysis
• Financial management
• Strategic planning
• Accounting
• Data visualization
• Critical thinking
• Research and communication

The curriculum focuses on advanced individual and corporate tax compliance, in addition to consolidated tax return and multi-jurisdictional tax issues.

You'll focus on assurance and advisory services relating to business processes, information systems and security, data governance, internal control testing and IT audits.

Seeking to become a tax examiner/collector, tax accountant, personal financial specialist or revenue agent? This program is a great fit.

To earn this certificate, you'll be required to take 12 credits — six of which overlap with SNHU's MS in Accounting degree.

This certificate's core classes include:

TAX-655: Federal Income Tax of Corporations and Partnerships
Explore taxation regulations, legislature and procedures specific to corporations and partnerships.

TAX-700: Special Topics in Taxation
Examine the IRS audit and examination process, as well as multi-jurisdictional and multi-national tax issues.

TAX-705: Personal Financial Advisory Services
Study the specialized field of personal financial advisory services as it relates to tax planning.

Free Elective
It's recommended to choose an advanced ACC or TAX course — or a course from the MS in Accounting program.

If you don't hold an undergraduate accounting or business degree, you may be required to complete business foundation courses (6 credits) and/or accounting foundation courses (12 credits).  

Flexible 

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. You can also craft your educational pathway to fit your life and career. Some of our certificate programs, for example, can stack into an associate, bachelor’s or master’s program — helping you build the skills and credentials you need to succeed. 

Affordable 

As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

You could also earn college credit for previous work experience or professional credentials — saving you time and money.

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality. 

Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

• U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities" 
• Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) 
• A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth 

Network 

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities. 

93.2% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2023 survey with 21,000+ respondents. Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:

• Completed free application
• Undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms.

If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:

• Complete free graduate application
• Submit undergraduate transcripts
• Walk through the application process with an admission counselor

Communication Platform:

• Mac or PC desktop or laptop (not a mobile device or tablet)
• Webcam
• Microphone
• Required: At least 1 Mbps upload/download speed
• Learn more about our detailed technical requirements

Internet Connectivity for Business Analysis & Reporting Certificate's Virtual Lab:

• Recommended: 5 Mbps upload/download speed with less than 40ms latency

Notes: 

• Laptop or desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. 

• Note:  Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. 

• Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. 

• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. 

The 2024 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam update is the result of new skill demands and technological advances within the field of accounting.

With the revision, some elements will change, while others will remain the same. Three existing core sections — Auditing and Attestation (AUD), Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR), and Taxing and Regulation (REG) — will be retained.³ The Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) section, however, will be interspersed throughout the exam.³

In addition to its emphasis on technology, the new exam will allow you to choose one of three specialized discipline units based on your interests and career goals. These areas have been identified as core disciplines for advanced accounting professionals and include³:

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
• Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

SNHU’s associate dean of business Ann McLaughlin thinks the new exam will appeal to the next generation and reshape the field of accounting as it "requires students to understand how to perform data analysis and research, which shifts the narrative of the traditional accounting role."

McLaughlin also notes SNHU's redeveloped MS in Accounting program "takes into account these movements within the profession to ensure our students are prepared for this new environment.”

SNHU students who would like to earn a CPA designation are encouraged to pursue an MS in Accounting degree and a CPA discipline certificate simultaneously to satisfy eligibility and preparatory needs for the CPA Exam. This approach also allows you to graduate with two credentials instead of one.

NOTE: Eligibility requirements differ from state to state. Successful completion of an accounting degree program does not guarantee exam eligibility or success. Students should check with the individual requirements for their state prior to enrolling in a degree program.

Earning a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is generally considered more challenging than earning a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation. However, the career paths for each can greatly differ, and many individuals within the accounting field opt to pursue both.

A CPA is an accountant with a credential that signals a baseline of knowledge and demonstrated proficiency in key financial areas. They often work at banks, tax services, insurance companies, government offices, private enterprises and auditing services.

Conversely, a CMA is an individual with a credential that offers the insight and aptitude to leverage accounting practices with keen business insights to make strategic decisions. They hold roles like accountant/auditor, budget analyst, financial manager, management analyst, financial/investment analyst and financial risk specialist. Learn about SNHU's graduate-level Management Accounting Certificate.

Regardless of the designation you select, you'll be well on your way to a respected accounting career.

Yes, earning a CPA designation is absolutely worth your time and effort. Though you can work as an accountant without becoming a CPA, it's widely considered to be the industry-standard designation of quality and trust.

As a CPA, you'll have the experience and expertise needed to perform functions a non-certified accountant can’t, like audits, reviews and taxation services. Non-certified accountants can't audit public companies, issue audit reports or opinion letters, or review public company financial statements for the SEC. And only a CPA can sign a client’s tax return as a paid preparer and represent the client in front of the IRS.

Furthermore, CPAs can often earn a higher salary. According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), "CPAs charge more for their services and earn up to 15% higher salaries because they’re bound to high standards of work, ethics and professionalism. They have to be, because the State Boards of Accountancy may review their work and can revoke their license if necessary."¹

The CPA Exam is challenging by design. As businesses, technology and regulatory standards have evolved, the scope of CPA-required knowledge has expanded. Consequently, valued certifications like the CPA Exam have expanded their breadth of content in order to cover more critical areas.

The 2024 CPA Exam puts a greater emphasis on technology than ever before and includes task-based simulation-style questions.³ It includes four total sections, three of which are retained from earlier versions of the exam³:

• Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
• Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
• Taxation and Regulation (REG)

The fourth section of the exam allows candidates to select one of three brand-new discipline areas³:

• Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR)
• Information Systems and Controls (ISC)
• Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP)

This element of choice is new to the CPA Exam and allows you to focus your studies on areas of interest and career goals.

A Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree is an impressive achievement, as is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. That said, your career goals can help inform which is a better choice for you.

An MBA is a graduate-level business degree designed to give professionals the critical knowledge they need to step into management and leadership roles in companies. The degree can be used as a tool to advance your career in nearly any industry, from business to finance.

On the other hand, a CPA is a designation that represents expertise in public accounting. They focus on auditing and reviewing financial statements, often working in places like a bank or government office. In most states, a CPA credential requires both a bachelor's and master's in accounting.

Occasionally, a student will opt to earn both credentials. If they've already earned an MBA online, or on campus, and want to become a CPA, they can broadly approach the field of accounting having potentially already met the educational requirements of the CPA Exam.

The 2024 CPA Exam has been newly revised, but includes four sections, like previous versions. According to multiple sources, candidates spend roughly 80-100 hours per each section, which averages out to approximately 300-400 hours of total studying.⁴

However, everyone learns differently, and you should take as long as you need to feel completely confident in your abilities.

No, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is not the same as an accountant. While all CPAs are accountants, not all accountants are CPAs.

To earn the highly respected designation of CPA, you must successfully pass the CPA Exam, which demonstrates your expertise in public accounting. With this credential, you can perform functions a non-certified accountant can't, like defending tax returns to the IRS or state authorities and preparing formal audited financial statements.

Accountants, on the other hand, hold roles that span varying levels of required skills and experience. At some businesses, accountants may be those responsible for managing the books, including recording financial transactions and managing accounts payable and receivable. They may also be responsible for departmental budgeting, auditing and even payroll.

Both CPAs and accountants fill a tremendously important roles — which one you choose is ultimately dependent on the tasks you want to perform on a regular basis.

The first step in becoming an accountant is earning an undergraduate accounting certificate or degree in accounting. It's important to note that education requirements beyond that will depend greatly on which type of accountant you would like to become. For instance, someone who would like to be a general accountant may need to earn an AS in Accounting, while someone angling to become a CPA is likely to earn an MS in Accounting.

• https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/segmented-landing/salary-information/ (viewed May 16, 2023)
• https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/why-cpa/articles/salary-information/licensed-to-earn/ (viewed May 16, 2023)

² Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm#tab-6 (viewed Nov. 7, 2023)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm#tab-6 (viewed Nov. 7, 2023)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

³ Journal of Accountancy, 2024 CPA Exam Blueprints Released, on the internet, at https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/news/2023/jan/2024-cpa-exam-blueprints-released.html (June 1, 2023)

⁴ Test Prep Insight, How Long Does It Take To Study for the CPA Exam?, on the internet, at https://testprepinsight.com/resources/how-long-study-cpa-exam/#:~:text=For%20the%20average%20candidate%2C%20you,each%20section%20of%20the%20test (viewed May 16, 2023)