The Graduate Certificate in Accounting enables non-accounting graduates to obtain an accounting credential and progress into full Master of Accounting programs.
Are you looking to advance your career in accounting but don't have a background in the field? An online Graduate Certificate in Accounting might be the perfect solution for you.
With flexible study options and a short duration of 8 months part-time, you can access a professional master's program. Let's explore the benefits of an accounting graduate certificate, the top online programs, and how it can help you achieve your professional goals.
The Graduate Certificate in Accounting
An online Graduate Certificate in Accounting is a short course that teaches accounting methods and principles. A program may consist of both introductory and advanced units.
- A full program is 4 units, chosen from an available set of usually 8 or more.
- It takes 1 semester (3-4 months) of full-time study (or longer if done part-time).
- Students who don't have a degree can enrol in the course as a pathway to a diploma or a masters degree in professional accounting.
Graduate certificate courses are typically embedded in diploma and masters programs. That means, if you enjoy it, you can keep studying beyond 4 units and gain an extended qualification.
Why Get a GradCertAcc?
Graduate certificates for accounting are popular because they are quick and versatile. Students who enrol in online GradCertAcc programs include the following.
- People without an accounting degree and want to gain good initial exposure to the accounting field (which is valuable in business)
- People without an accounting degree and want to become professional accountants. The GradCertAcc is a pathway to an MPA. Entry standards are more relaxed and completed units count towards a masters.
- Accounting graduates needing to do some top-up units to qualify for professional accreditation programs (Chartered Accountant, Public Accountant, or Certified Practising Accountant).
Due to high demand for accounting professionals, occupations listed consistently in the Skilled Occupations List (SOL) and Consolidated Sponsored Occupations List (CSOL) include Accountant (General), Management Accountant, Taxation Accountant, External Auditor, Financial Investment Manager.
~ AECC Global
Top Online Programs
Deakin Professional Accounting
Deakin University offers a Graduate Certificate of Professional Accounting for university graduates. Students have 10 units to choose from, all of which meet professional accreditation requirements. They cover both applied accounting and business theory. The course is suitable for students who wish to learn some accounting as well as those who are considering becoming professional accountants.
UNE Graduate Certificate in Accounting
The University of New England offers a 100% online Graduate Certificate in Accounting. The 4-unit course is intended for (i) accounting graduates who need extra units to gain accreditation with professional accounting organisations and (ii) non-graduates seeking entry into the Master of Professional Accounting. Subjects are drawn from the Master of Professional Accounting program, covering both introductory and advanced units in accounting, finance, systems, law, auditing, economics and statistics.
Study Accounting Online
Online study makes getting a graduate certificate easy.
- You can study anytime from anywhere according to your own schedule. Gone are the days when you need to turn up to a class in person at a specific time.
- Start dates are flexible. A course can be started at different times of the year.
- Study costs are minimal. A computer and internet connection give you full access to course content and allow you to interact with instructors and classmates.
As with all accredited university courses, Australian students have the option to study now and pay later. A government loan is available so that you don't have to fund your studies up front.
