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Online Accounting Certificates Undergraduate & Graduate Programs
Undergrad Cost per Credit $354
Grad Cost per Credit $659
Credits per Certificate 18
Program Overview Why get an online certificate in accounting?
Organizations in every industry need accounting professionals to help them maintain the financial health of their business. As an accounting professional, you can record and interpret financial records, ensure compliance, evaluate fiscal standing, offer guidance and prepare tax documents — for individuals, companies and government entities.
If you're looking to take your first step toward learning new skills in accounting, Southern New Hampshire University's Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting can provide you with a solid foundation.
However, if you already have a bachelor's degree in another field or earned a related degree and want an advanced credential, the Graduate Certificate in Accounting may be a good fit for you.
Courses & Curriculum Online accounting classes designed for any stage of your career
SNHU offers 2 online accounting certificate programs, each geared toward different points in your career.
If you are starting college for the first time or are working in accounting — with or without a bachelor's degree — and want to up-skill, the undergraduate accounting certificate program is for you. Plus, it can stack seamlessly into SNHU's associate and bachelor's degree programs in accounting if you choose to continue your education.
If you have a business bachelor's degree and want an advanced credential, have a non-business bachelor's degree and want to work in accounting, or need credits to meet educational requirements for CPA licensure, the graduate accounting certificate is for you. It can also get you started on your way toward earning a master's degree in accounting.
Undergraduate accounting certificate
If any of the following apply, the 18-credit undergraduate certificate might be right for you:
- You want to develop foundational knowledge of accounting for entry-level positions.
- You are seeking some formal education to supplement your current role in accounting.
- You have an associate degree, bachelor's degree or college credit in another field and you're looking to move into accounting.
- Your current career would benefit from gaining basic accounting skills.
- You want an education in accounting, but you're unsure if you're prepared for a full degree, like SNHU's online bachelor's in accounting.
The courses in the Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting are designed to provide you with the basic skills for entry-level positions or to up-skill within your organization. As part of the curriculum, you can earn Wiley Excel for Accounting certificates alongside your coursework and refine your accounting skills using Excel.
You'll take 6 courses (18 credits) in general accounting, including taxation, to cover the basics of accountancy as a profession. A variety of written communication and creative thinking exercises are included along with best practices of professional accountancy.
And if you decide you'd like to earn your bachelor's degree, you can apply all of the credits from this undergraduate accounting certificate toward the BS in Accounting at SNHU.
Courses may include:
Financial Accounting
Course ID:
ACC 201
Students will learn the steps of the accounting cycle and how to prepare financial statements in accordance with industry established rules and regulations. Students will develop skills needed to analyze financial accounting information, communicate this information to stakeholders, and understand the accounting procedures that produce this information.
Managerial Accounting
Course ID:
ACC 202
Students will explore the financial impact of short-term and long-term business decisions. By learning how accounting and other productivity information can be used to assess and improve performance of an organization, managers will be provided the essential information they need to execute growth strategies and select opportunities that create business value.
Intermediate Accounting I
Course ID:
ACC 317
In this course, students will take an in-depth look at financial statement elements and the interplay of various financial transactions represented on a financial statement. Students will apply theoretical frameworks and research accounting principles and concepts for the proper preparation and interpretation of financial statements. Students will utilize authentic industry tools and technologies to prepare financial statements and connect concepts learned to the importance of financial information for its users.
Intermediate Accounting II
Course ID:
ACC 318
In this course, students will study the liabilities and equities side of the balance sheet and apply accounting concepts for the proper preparation of financial statements. Students will analyze the inflows and outflows of cash for an organization and prepare accurate cash flow statements using direct and indirect methods. Students will utilize authentic tools and technologies to apply accounting principles to a variety of financial reporting situations.
Federal Taxation I
Course ID:
ACC 330
In this course, students will learn about current US tax laws and the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), as well as the relevant source documents, associated with federal tax returns for individuals. Students will research and apply the appropriate tax laws in relation to the specific circumstances and tax liabilities. Students will prepare federal tax returns and communicate various tax return information to stakeholders.
Visit the course catalog to view the full Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting curriculum.
Graduate accounting certificate courses
If you already have a bachelor's degree and any of the following apply, the the 18-credit graduate certificate may be right for you:
- You need courses that count toward credit-hours required to sit for the CPA licensure exam. (Check with the appropriate board in your jurisdiction for individual requirements.)
- You want a graduate-level credential without committing to a full program.
- You have some business background and want to build on basic accounting skills.
The Graduate Certificate in Accounting offers well-rounded coursework for accounting professionals who already have a bachelor's degree. With learning aligned to content in the Uniform CPA Examination, you can prepare yourself with knowledge needed for this career path. Even better, this graduate-level accounting certificate can be seamlessly stacked into the full online MS in Accounting program at SNHU.
Throughout the 6-course (18-credit) program, your coursework will focus on accounting principles and practices while reinforcing applicable transferable skills, such as written communication and creative thinking.
Courses may include:
Cost Accounting
Course ID:
ACC 550
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.
Financial Reporting I
Course ID:
ACC 610
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.
Financial Reporting II
Course ID:
ACC 620
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.
Auditing
Course ID:
ACC 640
In this course, students will explore the various aspects of completing an engagement for an audit. Students will apply industry frameworks and governing standards to the audit planning process. Students will apply audit strategies considering risk assessments and internal controls. Students will prepare standard audit reports based on substantive testing, fieldwork, and evidence that meets regulatory compliance standards.
Federal Taxation of Individuals
Course ID:
TAX 650
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.
Visit the course catalog to view the full Graduate Certificate in Accounting curriculum.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: 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.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
CPA Pathway Information
The content in SNHU's Undergraduate and Graduate Certificates in Accounting was intentionally aligned with the Uniform Certified Public Accounting (CPA) Examination®. Learners interested in the exam and licensure may also need to pursue other accounting education in order to meet the 150 credit hours required for exam eligibility in most jurisdictions. Completion of the Undergraduate or Graduate Certificate in Accounting alone will not satisfy complete educational eligibility to sit for the CPA licensure exam or to become a licensed CPA in most jurisdictions.
Licensing requirements to sit for the CPA exam vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Students are encouraged to review their jurisdiction-specific requirements. Jurisdiction educational requirements can be found on the website of the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), while jurisdiction CPA licensing requirements can be found through the Accounting Licensing Library, powered by the NASBA.
For more information on which SNHU programs satisfy educational eligibility by jurisdiction, please visit our licensure and certification disclosure page.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming undergraduate term starts: October 26, 2026 | January 04, 2027
Upcoming graduate term starts: December 7, 2026 | March 1, 2027
Next terms start:
Aug. 31st | Sept. 21st
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 93.4% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2025 survey with 8,718 respondents.
What to expect:
8 or 10 week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Dedicated to your success
Our instructors are at the heart of SNHU's mission of student success. With a passionate dedication to our students and their learning, our faculty is with you every step of the way. Courses in our accounting certificate programs are taught by instructors with professional credentials and experience in the field of accounting.
Featured Faculty
Mona Stephens
Mona Stephens teaches financial and managerial accounting at SNHU. She has over 25 years of accounting experience and has been teaching accounting for almost 20 years. She is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor and a member of the Government Finance Officers Association, the American Association of Accountants and the Institute of Management Accountants.
Position
Associate Dean
Joined SNHU
2011
Education
- MS in Accountancy and BS in Accounting from California State University, Sacramento
Dr. Enrique Barreiro
Dr. Enrique N. Barreiro brings more than 20 years of experience as a strategic leader. Before joining SNHU, Barreiro worked within the Airman Leadership School and Right Start military program. He held various roles in higher education administration and academics, serving students across multiple degree levels at several universities. Barreiro is an active member of the North American Society for Sport Management and the Academy of Management associations.
Position
Senior Associate Dean, Business
Joined SNHU
2024
Education
- PhD in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and Organizations from Trident University International
- MBA from American InterContinental University
- BS in Management and Sports Management from Old Dominion University
Read more about Dr. Enrique N. Barreiro and other online faculty at SNHU.
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
More about SNHU
Southern New Hampshire University is an accredited, nonprofit institution dedicated to transforming lives by expanding access to education. That means offering high-quality programs, unparalleled support and flexible learning pathways designed to fit the individual needs of our students.
SNHU has been nationally recognized for making education more innovative, affordable and achievable. Some of our recent accolades include:
- Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
- Among U.S. News & World Report’s “Most Innovative Universities in the North” nine times, most recently in 2025
- Ranked 2022–2023 Top 10 Military Friendly
® School and consecutively maintained Gold Status from 2023–2025 - Named by Military Times as one of the Best for Vets Colleges for 2023–2025
Since our founding in 1932, SNHU has grown from a small accounting school into one of the largest universities in the U.S., now serving more than 200,000 students online and on our campus in Manchester, New Hampshire. We are accredited by the institutional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the institutional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
These certificates are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Student achievement data can be found on the ACBSP accreditation page.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Student Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education — and customize a payment plan that works for you.
The Undergraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management and the Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management are eligible programs for students who meet federal student aid eligibility requirements. Students seeking alternatives to federal financial aid can explore tuition assistance, grants and scholarships, as well as private loans. To learn more about loans, visit our Funding Your Education with Student Loans page.
Online undergraduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 18-credit certificate
Online Undergraduate Degrees and Certificates
$354
$1,062
$6,372
Online Undergraduate Active Duty Military
$250
$750
$4,500
To learn more about tuition and fees, visit online tuition and financial aid.
Online graduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 18-credit certificate
Online Graduate Degrees and Certificates
$659
$1,977
$11,862
Online Graduate Active Duty Military
$470
$1,410
$8,460
To learn more about tuition and fees, visit online tuition and financial aid.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer credits toward your degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of online undergraduate and graduate tuition discounts for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with a certificate in accounting?
Accounting certificate programs are designed to teach you accounting skills and principles needed to enter or advance your current role in accounting, auditing or finance. The Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting is great for anyone with or without an undergraduate degree looking to pursue an entry-level role. And if you already have a bachelor's degree, the Graduate Certificate in Accounting could help you pivot to an accounting role or give you specialized knowledge you need to grow as a working accountant.
Occupations
An undergraduate accounting certificate provides a solid foundation in accounting principles and practices that can prepare you for entry-level accounting positions or advancement in your current role in accounting, auditing or finance. Entry-level job roles include:
Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerk
Oversee a company’s financial inputs and outputs, maintain books, process payroll, produce reports and make general ledger entries.
Accounting technician or assistant
Perform general accounting duties including reconciling bank statements, recording revenue and managing accounts receivable.
Accounts administrator
Serve as an administrator of accounts payable and receivable. You may also track cash flow and ensure on-time payments.
A graduate accounting certificate can open doors into general or niche accounting roles and prepare you to up-skill toward a more advanced accounting career working for organizations or clients who have diverse accounting needs. Advanced job roles include:
Accountant and auditor
Prepare or examine financial records, discover opportunity and risk, and share solutions that can help businesses and individuals.
Management analyst
Help improve efficiency and advise managers on making organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenue.
Tax examiners and collectors, and revenue agents
Collect taxes, perform tax returns, conduct audits, identify taxes owed and collect overdue tax payments.
What SNHU students are saying
The instructors added a lot of value to my education. They were consistently adding real-world examples to the weekly lessons, as well as challenging students on the discussion board to think beyond the basics of the task at hand.
Andrew Cyr '21G
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an accounting certificate?
Whether you want to enroll in an undergraduate or graduate certificate program, you'll need to start by finding the right school for you. Southern New Hampshire University offers both of these certificates online, which makes earning your accounting certificate convenient. Plus, applying to SNHU is fast, easy and free.
Not sure which certificate is right for you? You can speak with an SNHU admission counselor to make sure that the accounting certificate program you're interested in fits your needs.
Can I get an accounting certificate online?
Yes, you can get an accounting certificate online. In fact, online accounting certificate courses are an excellent option for busy professionals — or anyone interested in gaining a quality education from the comfort of their own home.
"I really appreciated the flexibility," said Andrew Cyr '21, who earned a graduate certificate from Southern New Hampshire University. "Also, not having set class times was very appealing. With young children and a full-time job, I needed the flexibility to complete my work on my schedule."
Getting a certificate online could be more affordable, too. In fact, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the U.S.
Which accounting certificate is best?
We believe that the best accounting certificate is one that offers courses grounded in fundamental accounting principles and lets you learn using real-world scenarios.
Southern New Hampshire University offers 2 online accounting certificates, and each is geared toward people at different stages of their career.
The undergraduate accounting certificate program is for those who are entering the field of accounting, may want to earn a full degree after getting a certificate or have already earned an associate or bachelor's degree in a subject other than accounting.
In this program, you'll learn marketable skills in communication, research, data analysis, problem solving and regulatory compliance. You'll also gain fundamental knowledge of accounting, cost accounting and federal taxation, as well as business practices using relevant industry tools and technology.
The graduate accounting certificate is for professionals with bachelor's degrees. If your undergraduate degree isn't in accounting, it can help you learn skills needed to shift into a role that requires accounting knowledge. And if your bachelor's degree is in accounting, this graduate certificate can help you with advanced upskilling, as a credential on the way toward a full master's degree or earning credits that can be applied toward the education requirement to sit for the CPA exam (check with your local board for individual requirements).
For those on a CPA pathway, SNHU also offers graduate CPA courses, which can help prepare you for the specialized discipline areas included on the CPA exam — Business Analysis and Reporting, Information Systems and Controls or Tax Compliance and Planning.
An SNHU admission counselor can work with you to determine the best option for your goals.
Is an accounting certificate worth it?
If you work in accounting or are interested in pursuing accounting as a career, a certificate can help.
Undergraduate accounting certificate: The coursework lays the foundation for an associate or bachelor's degree — and eventual graduate work if that’s the path you wish to take.
The undergraduate accounting certificate from Southern New Hampshire University can also serve as an additional credential to boost your resume. It shows employers that you're serious about the field and you're equipped with the formal education needed for entry-level accounting roles.
Graduate accounting certificate: SNHU's graduate certificate is ideal for someone with a non-accounting bachelor's degree, someone who wants to earn an accounting master's degree afterward, or those who need the hours toward the CPA exam's educational requirements.
You'll learn from instructors with experience in the field who can show you the theories and practices that can make you an excellent accounting professional.
And with the 18 credits you'll earn in the program, you'll be more than halfway to an MS in Accounting at SNHU.
Can I take an accounting course before I commit to a certificate program?
Yes! If you're looking to get college credits or grow a particular skill, with the option to transfer into a certificate or degree program later, you have the option to do so at SNHU.
If you're interested in taking a specific course, consider exploring SNHU's individual online courses, including a popular online accounting course.
Can I get an accounting job with a certificate?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that a bachelor's degree is common for entry-level accountant roles.1 That said, completing an undergraduate or graduate accounting certificate can help prepare you to enter or advance in your field.
The online Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting from SNHU includes foundational accounting classes online that provide you with a strong grounding in the field of accounting while also showing your commitment to learning and professional growth. With an undergraduate accounting certificate, you could pursue clerk roles in bookkeeping, accounting and auditing.1 It can also be a stepping stone to a full associate or bachelor's degree program.
The online Graduate Certificate in Accounting is for professionals with bachelor's degrees. If your undergraduate studies weren't in accounting and you're looking to switch careers or add accounting to your skill set, this certificate could be a good fit. And if you already have your bachelor's degree in accounting, getting a graduate certificate could help you sharpen your skills, earn credits required to sit for the CPA Exam (check with your local board for individual requirements) or earn a credential on your way to a master's degree in accounting.
If you'd like to continue or supplement your education in accounting, we have a portfolio of accounting programs designed for you — no matter where you are in your journey:
Undergraduate degrees:
- AS in Accounting
- BS in Accounting
- BS in Accounting Finance
- BS in Accounting with a concentration in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination
- BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting
Graduate degrees:
- MS in Accounting
- Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination Certificate
- Management Accounting Certificate
- CPA discipline-aligned certificates:
- Business Analysis and Reporting for Accounting Certificate
- Information Systems and Controls Certificate
- Tax Compliance and Planning Certificate
Whatever job or education you choose to pursue, your new grounding in accounting can help you excel.
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Handbook, on the internet, at:
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (viewed June 10, 2026)
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm (viewed June 10, 2026)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.