What is Accounting?
Accounting is a diverse field with a wide variety of specializations to choose from. As a result, professionals are able to pursue many different employment opportunities. While your daily responsibilities will vary depending on your area of interest, training, and education.
Exact job tasks will vary depending on the type of services offered. Responsibilities also differ based on specialization. Generally, however, all accountants possess the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure financial statements are accurate and comply with all laws and regulations. Other common tasks include inspecting account books, organizing records, assessing financial operations, identifying risks and challenges, and suggesting ways to reduce costs.
Accountants can find employment within by many different industries and company types. Most professionals in this field work for accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, or payroll service companies. The majority of jobs are full-time and professionals spend a significant amount of time in offices. Some employers do allow accountants to work from home, however. While a 40-hour work week is the norm, plenty of employees work part-time as well.
Some of the most common areas of expertise include:
- Cost Estimation
- Compliance
- Human Resources / Payroll
- Budgeting
- Analytics
- Logistics
- Project Management
- Investments
- Risk Management
- Mergers and Acquisitions
Job outlook for the accounting profession is comparable to most other occupations in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for accountants and auditors is expected to increase by 4% from 2019 to 2029. This change is projected to add approximately 125,700 accounting jobs to the market. Growth and stability in this field are likely due to the fact that both individuals and businesses depend on accounting professionals to maintain accurate financial records. Demand for individuals with finance-related knowledge and skills is high. It is important to realize, however, that this particular job sector is closely linked to the overall health of the economy. If economic development continues as expected, the United States will sustain the need for accounting professionals. A downward economic trend, on the other hand, could lead to an oversaturation of experts in this field.
Many accounting degree graduates choose to pursue careers as accountants. These professionals can provide a wide variety of financial services, but are generally responsible for handling financial information and transactions for individuals and/or businesses. They may also identify areas of opportunity and potential risk, as well as offer possible solutions for monetary problems that arise. Additionally, accountants help ensure individuals and companies are adhering to financial regulations and often submit pertinent information to oversight agencies. It’s also common for these professionals to compute and report taxes for clients, as well as ensuring that funds are paid properly and on time to other collection entities. Yet another routine responsibility is creating financial statements that concisely summarize a person or company’s activities and monetary positions over a specific period of time, usually for reasons of taxation.
Top Ranked Campus & Online Accounting Programs in Florida
University of Florida
Score: 93.39
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,381
- Out-of-State:$28,659
- Net Price: $11,740
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Retention Rate: 97%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Total Enrollment: 55,211
- Undergrad Students: 34,552
- Graduate Students: 20,659
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Florida State University
Score: 86.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,656
- Out-of-State:$18,786
- Net Price: $14,003
- Acceptance Rate: 25%
- Retention Rate: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 85%
- Total Enrollment: 44,161
- Undergrad Students: 32,936
- Graduate Students: 11,225
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
University of South Florida
Score: 83.42
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,410
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $11,004
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Total Enrollment: 49,600
- Undergrad Students: 38,047
- Graduate Students: 11,553
- Grads Salary: $73,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Florida A&M University
Score: 81.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,785
- Out-of-State:$17,725
- Net Price: $11,583
- Acceptance Rate: 33%
- Retention Rate: 90%
- Graduation Rate: 60%
- Total Enrollment: 9,215
- Undergrad Students: 7,709
- Graduate Students: 1,506
- Grads Salary: $74,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
University of Central Florida
Score: 81.53
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,368
- Out-of-State:$22,467
- Net Price: $13,108
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Retention Rate: 93%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
- Total Enrollment: 68,346
- Undergrad Students: 58,662
- Graduate Students: 9,684
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 29:1
University of Miami
Score: 81.03
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $59,926
- Out-of-State:$59,926
- Net Price: $36,467
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
- Retention Rate: 92%
- Graduation Rate: 84%
- Total Enrollment: 19,402
- Undergrad Students: 12,504
- Graduate Students: 6,898
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Florida International University
Score: 80.1
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State:$18,963
- Net Price: $9,881
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Retention Rate: 91%
- Graduation Rate: 69%
- Total Enrollment: 55,609
- Undergrad Students: 45,688
- Graduate Students: 9,921
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 24:1
University of North Florida
Score: 76.87
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,389
- Out-of-State:$20,793
- Net Price: $11,338
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Retention Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 16,406
- Undergrad Students: 14,171
- Graduate Students: 2,235
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
Florida Atlantic University
Score: 76.47
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,879
- Out-of-State:$17,324
- Net Price: $9,711
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 29,592
- Undergrad Students: 24,191
- Graduate Students: 5,401
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
The University of West Florida
Score: 74.89
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,360
- Out-of-State:$19,241
- Net Price: $8,609
- Acceptance Rate: 48%
- Retention Rate: 85%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 13,521
- Undergrad Students: 9,291
- Graduate Students: 4,230
- Grads Salary: $67,000
- Student-to-faculty: 22:1
Nova Southeastern University
Score: 72.96
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,080
- Out-of-State:$37,080
- Net Price: $29,589
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Retention Rate: 78%
- Graduation Rate: 62%
- Total Enrollment: 20,948
- Undergrad Students: 6,971
- Graduate Students: 13,977
- Grads Salary: $80,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Florida Gulf Coast University
Score: 71.86
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,118
- Out-of-State:$25,162
- Net Price: $10,834
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Total Enrollment: 15,969
- Undergrad Students: 14,130
- Graduate Students: 1,839
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Jacksonville University
Score: 69.8
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $46,180
- Out-of-State:$46,180
- Net Price: $26,943
- Acceptance Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 63%
- Graduation Rate: 53%
- Total Enrollment: 3,837
- Undergrad Students: 2,563
- Graduate Students: 1,274
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 13:1
Florida Southern College
Score: 69.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $42,360
- Out-of-State:$42,360
- Net Price: $27,324
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Retention Rate: 77%
- Graduation Rate: 68%
- Total Enrollment: 3,281
- Undergrad Students: 2,721
- Graduate Students: 560
- Grads Salary: $65,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Stetson University
Score: 69.44
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $55,220
- Out-of-State:$55,220
- Net Price: $25,756
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 64%
- Total Enrollment: 3,928
- Undergrad Students: 2,561
- Graduate Students: 1,367
- Grads Salary: $71,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
The University of Tampa
Score: 69.23
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,424
- Out-of-State:$33,424
- Net Price: $34,653
- Acceptance Rate: 26%
- Retention Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Total Enrollment: 10,566
- Undergrad Students: 9,602
- Graduate Students: 964
- Grads Salary: $68,000
- Student-to-faculty: 17:1
Barry University
Score: 69.19
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $33,450
- Out-of-State:$33,450
- Net Price: $20,207
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Retention Rate: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 39%
- Total Enrollment: 6,958
- Undergrad Students: 3,122
- Graduate Students: 3,836
- Grads Salary: $78,000
- Student-to-faculty: 12:1
Saint Leo University
Score: 68.6
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $28,360
- Out-of-State:$28,360
- Net Price: $20,390
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Retention Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 10,242
- Undergrad Students: 7,320
- Graduate Students: 2,922
- Grads Salary: $76,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Santa Fe College
Score: 66.69
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,563
- Out-of-State:$9,189
- Net Price: $11,380
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 51%
- Total Enrollment: 12,729
- Undergrad Students: 12,729
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $77,000
- Student-to-faculty: 20:1
Miami Dade College
Score: 66.56
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,838
- Out-of-State:$9,661
- Net Price: $5,478
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 45%
- Total Enrollment: 47,245
- Undergrad Students: 47,245
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $61,000
- Student-to-faculty: 19:1
St. Thomas University
Score: 65.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,770
- Out-of-State:$34,770
- Net Price: $28,654
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Retention Rate: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Total Enrollment: 6,370
- Undergrad Students: 3,950
- Graduate Students: 2,420
- Grads Salary: $79,000
- Student-to-faculty: 18:1
Indian River State College
Score: 65.4
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,764
- Out-of-State:$10,201
- Net Price: $5,019
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 46%
- Total Enrollment: 14,862
- Undergrad Students: 14,862
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $62,000
- Student-to-faculty: 27:1
Daytona State College
Score: 65.32
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,106
- Out-of-State:$11,994
- Net Price: $5,674
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Retention Rate: 51%
- Graduation Rate: 49%
- Total Enrollment: 11,584
- Undergrad Students: 11,584
- Graduate Students: N/A
- Grads Salary: $59,000
- Student-to-faculty: 16:1
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Score: 64.97
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $37,990
- Out-of-State:$37,990
- Net Price: $30,276
- Acceptance Rate: 95%
- Retention Rate: 76%
- Graduation Rate: 56%
- Total Enrollment: 3,828
- Undergrad Students: 3,027
- Graduate Students: 801
- Grads Salary: $69,000
- Student-to-faculty: 11:1
Flagler College
Score: 63.62
- Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $26,610
- Out-of-State:$26,610
- Net Price: $26,547
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Retention Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 57%
- Total Enrollment: 2,623
- Undergrad Students: 2,607
- Graduate Students: 16
- Grads Salary: $63,000
- Student-to-faculty: 14:1
Online Accounting Education in Florida
Are you considering enrollment in an accounting degree program in Florida? If you have an aptitude for or simply enjoy analyzing, summarizing, and discussing finances, this may be a good option for you. In particular, individuals who find mathematics easy to understand and interesting are likely to thrive in this field.
Florida is probably best-known for its tourism industry. The state is, however, successful in other areas as well. Finance and insurance is rated sixth among the state’s top industries and brings in $66.4 billion in revenue each year. Accountants and accounting services are also extremely important in real estate, business, education, healthcare, retail, and wholesale trade, which are Florida’s biggest industries.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida employed 21,880 financial and investment analysts, financial risk specialists, and financial specialists in May 2020. This is more than most states. In fact, New York is the only state with higher employment rates for financial professionals on the eastern side of the United States. The annual mean wage offered to individuals in these professions in Florida is $76,370, which is significantly higher than the national median.
With as important as finance professionals are, it makes sense that many colleges and universities in Florida offer degrees in accounting. If you plan to pursue a career in this state, it is generally recommended that you enroll in a program locally. These institutions are familiar with the knowledge and skills coveted most by employers in the area and can ensure you are prepared to meet state certification requirements in the state.
Deciding to earn a degree in accounting can prepare you for a wide variety of jobs in Florida. The level of education you complete will directly impact the types of employment you qualify for. Most employers require candidates to have, at minimum, bachelor’s degrees in relevant majors. Highly specialized financial service work, however, will necessitate having a more advanced degree.
As you consider the various accounting programs available, you are likely to find offerings at the associate, bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. Always ensure your selection will meet education requirements for your desired job.
Online Associates (AS or AA)
Those interested in attaining entry-level employment in the field or preparing for further education in a bachelor’s program later will benefit most from an associate accounting degree. While many finance employers expect candidates to have bachelor’s degree, an associate degree is generally adequate to qualify graduates for work at bookkeepers, account collectors, and financial clerks. However, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a decline in financial clerical roles due to an increase in automation. This could make it more difficult for individuals with associate degrees to find employment.
Most associate degree programs in accounting consist of 60 credit hours of coursework and take full-time students approximately two years to complete. They are designed to provide students with a basic introduction to accounting methods and concepts including, but not limited to, economics, finance, tax preparation, cost accounting, budgeting, and business management. It is also common to receive instruction on the use of various spreadsheet software programs.
Many four-year colleges and universities accept transfer credits from accredited community colleges and institutions. Opting to earn an associate degree in accounting now can make it easier and less expensive to earn a bachelor’s degree later. They also allow students to explore the field before committing to it completely.
Online Bachelors (BS or B.Acy.)
Most prospective accounting professionals start by enrolling in bachelor’s degree programs. Education at this level helps students develop the major skills necessary to perform most standard financial services. Bachelor’s degree graduates typically find employment quicker, enjoy more job security, promote faster, and earn more money than those with less education. Some of the most common employment opportunities include accountant, budget analyst, cost estimator, auditor, and tax examiner.
Most bachelor degree programs in accounting consist of 120 credit hours of coursework and take full-time students approximately four years to complete. Instruction varies but it tends to focus on several fundamental financial concepts such as fraud examination, accounting, ethics, and tax reporting. Students also often develop the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the most common financial duties and adhere to legal and professional standards within the field.
Those planning to pursue a master’s degree in accounting or a related field will need to earn a bachelor’s degree first. Most colleges and universities require graduate candidates have a four-year degree and minimum grade point average before admittance. Additionally, earning a bachelor’s degree is required for licensure.
Online Masters (MS or M.Acy.)
Prospective and current professionals who want more responsibilities in the workplace, who aspire to hold management positions, or who want to become certified public accountants (CPAs) will need to complete master’s in accounting degree programs. Graduates will be qualified for advanced job placement, are likely to earn higher salaries, and often promote faster. While there are numerous employment opportunities available, some of the most common options include financial manager, personal finance advisor, and accounting manager. Earning a master’s degree also makes it easier to apply for various professional certifications.
Most master’s degree programs in accounting consist of about 30 credit hours of coursework and take full-time students approximately one to one-and-a-half years to complete. College and university curriculums vary, but most provide in-depth coverage of accounting theory, practice, and principles. Many programs also allow students to select a concentration such as public accounting, managerial accounting, or fraud examination.
Online Doctorate (PhD or D.Acy.)
While earning an online doctorate degree or PhD in accounting is rarely a requirement, choosing to pursue one can be very rewarding. Graduates from programs at this level are often considered experts in the field and can apply positions in academia, research, management, and policy. Some of the most common career opportunities include chief financial officer, chief executive officer, and accounting professor.
Most doctorate-level programs consist of between 90 and 120 credit hours and take full-time students four to seven years to complete. The topics most commonly covered include public accounting, audit accounting, forensic accounting, managerial accounting, and accounting information systems. Those enrolled are often expected to complete extensive research and write a dissertation prior to graduation.