Earn a Graduate Certificate in Management Accounting Online
- Launched in 2023
- Aligned with Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam
- $637 per credit for 12 credits
- Complete in as little as 20 weeks
- Combine with an MS program to specialize your skill set
- Learn to make informed business decisions with accounting intel
Graduate Certificate in Management Accounting Online Program Overview
Learn how to use accounting for the management of business operations and financial decisions with a Graduate Certificate in Management Accounting online at Southern New Hampshire University.
Launched in 2023, this specialized certificate is ideal for those looking to advance their career in private accounting, as it provides in-depth lessons on cost accounting, controllership and beyond.
The certificate's topics strategically align with the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam and other areas crucial to managerial accounting, including:
- Strategic decision-making
- Forecasting
- Impacts of contemporary tax legislation
- Tax codes and compliance standards
- Financial planning
After earning the Graduate Certificate in Management Accounting, you may want to consider taking the CMA Exam — if you've met all prerequisites. However, should you choose to forgo this designation, you'll also be able to leverage your accounting acumen to make informed, strategic business decisions and pursue a potential career in management accounting.
SNHU provides additional information for education programs on our Licensure and Certification Disclosures page.
What You'll Learn
- Financial statement preparation, planning and analysis skills
- Internal and external auditing practices
- Budget preparation and reporting methods
- Ledger and balance sheet management techniques
- Cost analysis and risk evaluation approaches
How You'll Learn
At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.
Career Outlook
There are many career options for professionals entering the field of management accounting, including:
Accountant/Auditor
Survey, analyze and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice or evaluate statements prepared by others.
Budget Analyst
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy and conformance with procedures, regulations and company expectations.
Financial Manager
Plan, direct or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities and other financial activities of an establishment.
Management Analyst
Direct organizational studies, design systems and prepare operations manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently.
Financial/Investment Analyst
Conduct analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of institutions, including valuation of businesses.
Financial Risk Specialist
Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity or economic state of an organization.
Earning a Graduate Certificate in Management Accounting can serve as a valuable addition to your undergraduate or graduate degree and prepare you for future graduate study.
And for those who additionally pursue a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation, the opportunity for success only increases. According to the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), 88% of CMAs surveyed agreed the certification boosted their professional confidence.1 Moreover, the CMAs earned 58% higher median annual compensation than their noncertified peers.1
Job Growth and Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the strong demand for accountants and auditors in the coming years will continue to be led by factors like globalization and a growing economy.2
Furthermore, the prominence of AI will command the need for skilled accountants who can apply human intelligence to financial data to provide contextualization for informed decision-making.
Job Growth
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 4% through 2032 — that's 67,400 new jobs each year.2
Salary
In 2022, the median annual salary was $78,000 for accountants and auditors, with the highest 10% earning more than $132,690.2
Understanding the Numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
Start Your Journey Toward a Management Accounting Graduate Certificate
Why SNHU for your Management Accounting Certificate
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.
Admission Requirements
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.
How to Apply
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
Preparing You for Success
"Certificates offer specialized curriculums and take a shorter time to complete, which can be very beneficial to those who already work in the industry and want to further their career."
Courses & Curriculum
The Graduate Certificate in Management Accounting can teach you how using methodical accounting to create statements, reports and documents can help management make better decisions related to their business's performance.
Each course is taught by a professional with real-life experience, so you'll be properly prepared for the workplace come graduation.
In your studies, you'll be required to take four core classes:
- ACC-550 Cost Accounting: Study the concepts, procedures and practices of accounting systems that record, classify and report cost data to aid in the cost-effective operation of organizations.
- ACC-660 Controllership: Review the essential functions of a controller within an organization and examine the process for compiling and analyzing financial/operational information.
- ACC-677 Information Systems Assurance and Advising: Gain a better understanding of IT governance and strategy within an organization, in addition to learning how IT governance is constructed.
- ACC-735 Advanced Managerial Accounting: Focus on the role of managerial level accountants in providing organizations with the data analysis needed to make improvements and advance strategic goals.
"Students will engage in scenario-based learning to apply theoretical knowledge to the real world. This means that graduates will leave SNHU understanding not just the why, but also the how, of navigating today’s world of work," said Ann McLaughlin, associate dean of business.
If you don't hold an undergraduate accounting or business degree, you may also be required to complete business foundation courses (6 credits) and/or accounting foundation courses (12 credits).
| View Full Curriculum in the Catalog |
|---|
| Graduate Certificate in Management Accounting |
| Courses May Include | ||
|---|---|---|
| Certificate in Management Accounting Online | ||
| ACC 550 | Cost Accounting | This course will provide a comprehensive study of the concepts, procedures, and practices of accounting systems that record, classify, and report cost data. These systems are designed to aid in the cost-effective operation of organizations. This course will focus on budgeting, cost data analysis, and accounting tools for planning and control. Additional focus will be placed on relevant cost data analysis for strategic decision making at the executive level of an organization. |
| ACC 610 | Financial Reporting I | In this course, students will be introduced to foundational financial accounting theories and practices, with emphasis placed on standards and compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Students will learn to analyze financial statements and accounts for advising stakeholders on strategic business decisions. This course will specifically focus on applying accounting methods to current assets and liabilities and long-term assets. This course is part of the financial reporting foundation courses for students who need the required foundational accounting knowledge. |
| ACC 620 | Financial Reporting II | Concepts in this course will concentrate on financial activities and the impact they have on financial statements. These activities will include stockholders' equity, long-term liabilities, leases, and statement of cash flows. This course is part of the financial reporting foundation courses for students who need the required foundational accounting knowledge. |
| ACC 660 | Controllership | This course will review the essential functions of a controller within an organization. Specifically, students will examine the process for compiling and analyzing financial and operational information used to determine opportunities for improvement and reduce inefficiencies. Students will explore specific financial data analysis techniques and evaluate how this financial information along with other non-financial factors contributes to the decision making within an organization. |
| TAX 650 | Federal Taxation of Individuals | In this course, students will evaluate tax laws, codes and regulations for individuals with diverse financial situations. Students will use industry-relevant technology to prepare complex individual income tax returns that adhere to relevant tax regulations and codes. Students will provide advice to clients on tax positions to achieve desired outcomes and optimize tax advantage. |
| Total Credits: 12 | ||
University Accreditation
Tuition & Fees
At SNHU, we’re committed to making education more accessible by making it more affordable.
Beyond low tuition rates, we help our students save through transfer credits, credit for prior learning, grants and scholarships, tuition assistance and more. Full- and part-time U.S. service members (as well as the spouses of those on active duty) are additionally eligible for a 25% tuition discount.
This certificate program is eligible for Federal Student Aid.
| Online Graduate Programs | Per Course | Per Credit Hour | Annual Cost for 15 credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree/Certificates | $1,911 | $637 | $9,555 |
|
Degree/Certificates (U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty)* |
$1,410 | $470 | $7,050 |
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
*Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional Costs:
No Application Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a Management Accounting Certificate online?
Yes — you can absolutely earn a Management Accounting Certificate online.
In fact, SNHU offers their Graduate Certificate in Management Accounting exclusively online and courses are asynchronous. This means you can do your classwork when and where you want, making school more manageable if you have to balance a job, family or personal commitments.
Benefits of SNHU's online, asynchronous learning include:
- 24/7 access: Everything for your courses is right at your fingertips – at all times.
- Convenience: Balance your individual course or degree program with work and other outside responsibilities.
- Affordability: SNHU offers some of the most affordable tuition rates in the nation.
- No set class times: Participate in courses on your own schedule without needing to meet at set times.
- No commute: Earn your degree from whenever you feel most comfortable — no travel required.
SNHU has offered online learning since 1995 and is dedicated to providing you both the freedom and structure you need to be successful.
What is certified management accounting?
Management accounting is a method of accounting that creates statements, reports and documents to help management make better decisions related to their business's performance.
Certified Management Accountants (CMAs) are experts at:
- Preparing financial statements
- Financial planning and analysis
- Internal or external auditing
- Budget preparation and reporting
- Management of general ledger or balance sheets
- Financial forecasting
- Business decision making
- Cost analysis and risk evaluation
What can a Certified Management Accountant do?
A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) can pursue a range of roles with job functions related to cost and managerial accounting. These roles include, but are not limited to:
Accountant/auditor: Survey, analyze and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice or evaluate statements prepared by others.
Budget analyst: Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy and conformance with procedures and regulations.
Financial manager: Plan, direct or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities and other financial activities of an establishment.
Management analyst: Direct organizational studies, design systems and prepare operations manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently.
Financial/investment analyst: Conduct analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of institutions, including valuation of businesses.
Financial risk specialist: Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity or economic state of an organization.
How hard is the CMA Exam?
The Certified Management Exam (CMA) Exam is intentionally designed to test your intellectual limits. It has global recognition and is respected in over 150 countries.1
The exam is separated into two parts covering 12 competencies1:
CMA Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics
- 15% External Financial Reporting Decisions
- 20% Planning, Budgeting, and Forecasting
- 20% Performance Management
- 15% Cost Management
- 15% Internal Controls
- 15% Technology and Analytics
CMA Part 2: Strategic Financial Management
- 20% Financial Statement Analysis
- 20% Corporate Finance
- 25% Decision Analysis
- 10% Risk Management
- 10% Investment Decisions
- 15% Professional Ethics
After passing the CMA Exam, you'll gain a competitive edge in your career and improve your chances of earning a high salary.
Can I take CMA Exam without experience?
Yes, you can take the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam without experience. However, even if you pass the exam, you'll be unable to successful secure a CMA designation without having met the work and experience requirements set by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA).
What is the highest salary for a certified management accountant?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary was $78,000 for accountants and auditors in 2022 — with the highest 10% earning more than $132,690.2
How many hours does it take to get CMA certification?
To earn a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation, you must1:
- Join the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) as a member
- Enroll as a CMA candidate
- Pass the CMA exam
- Meet the education and work experience requirements
According to the IMA, CMA Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics requires 170 study hours on average, which you can achieve within 10-13 weeks. CMA Part 2: Strategic Financial Management, on the other hand, takes about 130 study hours and 8-11 weeks.1
Which accounting certificate is easiest?
There is no accounting certificate that can be plainly labeled as the easiest. It all depends on what areas of accounting interest you most and which certificate suits your skill set best.
SNHU offers several graduate-level accounting certificates:
- Graduate Certificate in Accounting
- Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination
- Graduate Certificate in Management Accounting
You may also take advantage of one of SNHU's graduate-level online CPA Certificates:
- Graduate Certificate in Business Analysis & Reporting for Accounting
- Graduate Certificate in Tax Compliance & Planning
- Graduate Certificate in Information Systems & Controls
Is a CMA an accountant?
Yes, a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is an accountant with a globally recognized credential that represents expertise in financial accounting and strategic management.
According to the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), 88% of CMAs surveyed agreed the certification boosted their professional confidence.1 In addition, the IMA also reported that CMAs earn 58% higher median annual compensation than their noncertified peers.1
What is the pass rate for the CMA Exam?
In 2020, the Institute of Certified Management Accountants (ICMA), the certification division of Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), announced a worldwide pass rate of 45% on CMA Part 1: Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics and CMA Part 2: Strategic Financial Management.1
Can you take the CMA Exam online?
Is management accounting in demand?
Yes, management accounting is in demand. Certified Management Accountant (CMA) earning potential reported by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) provides a great illustration of this demand1:
- 58% higher median annual compensation for CMAs vs. noncertified peers.
- 50% higher median salary for CMAs aged 30-39 vs. noncertified peers
Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 4% through 2032 — that's 67,400 new jobs each year.2
Can people get a CPA and a CMA?
Yes, it's possible to get both a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA) license.
For someone with a CPA designation, becoming a CMA can help open doors to different sectors, like corporate accounting.
Conversely, someone who's already a CMA might find a CPA designation helpful, because it can help them can gain more advanced knowledge of taxation, auditing and day-to-day accounting.
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References
Sources & Citations (1, 2)
1 Institute of Management Accountants, on the internet, at:
- https://www.imanet.org/en/IMA-Certifications/CMA-Certification/Benefits (viewed May 11, 2023)
- https://www.imanet.org/en/IMA-Certifications/CMA-Certification (viewed May 11, 2023)
- https://www.imanet.org/newsletters/cma-connection/2022/august/how-long-does-it-take-to-pass-the-cma-exam (viewed May 11, 2023)
- https://www.imanet.org/press-releases/2020/may/icma-releases-pass-rates-for-new-cma-exam-curriculum-offers-flexibility-in-2020-testing-schedule (viewed May 11, 2023)
- https://www.imanet.org/IMA-Certifications/CMA-Certification/Enroll-in-the-CMA (viewed May 11, 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-1 (viewed Nov. 16, 2023). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.