Four Common Types of Accounting

A career in accounting is not necessarily predictable. There are different types of accounting, and depending on your skills and your interests, you may find the most career growth in any one of them. You might be a CPA giving tax advice to hundreds of clients, or you might be an internal auditor combing your company's records for mistakes.

The US Department of Labor defines four major types of accounting:

1. Public Accounting
Many public accountants are CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) and work with clients to issue educated tax advice. Other public accountants work with larger companies, advising on business decisions and transactions. Some handle other corporate issues like insurance and benefits. Public accounting encompasses a wide range of accounting roles.

2. Management Accounting
Management accountants work for corporations and perform cost accounting, maintain their financial records, and perform financial analysis. They are also called "corporate accountants." Budgeting can also play a large part of management accountants' role within a corporation.

3. Government Accounting
Government accountants maintain the financial records of government agencies, audit businesses and organizations that are bound by federal regulation, and some work for the Internal Revenue Service. Government budgeting and cost analysis play a large part of government accounting.

4. Internal Auditing
Given the array of financial scandals during the last decade, this particular type of accounting is experiencing increased scrutiny, growth, and federal regulation. As companies are bound by stricter financial laws, internal auditors become even more essential in the effort to maintain financial integrity within an organization. Internal auditors perform audits on their company's financial records, ensuring their quality and legality.

Schools are listed in alphabetical order by state then city.

ECPI Online	[Online]
A tech degree from ECPI means success in the real world. For over 36 years, ECPI has taught courses that focus on the skills employers need. Programs: Accounting Systems Administration Request More Information >

Ellis MBA	[Online]
Programs: MBA/Accounting and Information Systems MBA/Finance Request More Information >

Ellis University

[Online]

Looking to take your career to another level? Ellis University gives you the opportunity to earn your undergraduate degree, graduate degree, or advanced certificate, all online, on your terms. Choose from a wide range of programs in fields such as Accounting, Business Administration, Advertising, Computer Science, Education and more.
Programs:
  A.A.S. - Accounting
  BS - Finance
  BS - Managerial Accounting
  BS - Professional Accounting
Request More Information >

Everest College	[Online]
Advance your education and your career by earning your college degree. Everest College can help train you for a rewarding, long-term career in areas such as business, healthcare, legal studies, or technology. Get the skills employers are looking for and succeed beyond your wildest dreams. Financial aid is available to students who qualify. Programs: Accounting Request More Information >

Everest University Online

[Online]

Advance your career (or start a new one) without interrupting your life. At Everest University Online, you’ll get the tools to prepare for a better future. Earn your Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in fields such as Business and Criminal Justice. Take classes at the times and places you choose, balance the demands of family and a career, and get personalized, one-on-one attention from expert instructors in your field of study.
Programs:
Accounting Associate
Accounting Bachelor
Request More Information >

Harrison College

[Online]

Get started on your career with an education from Harrison College. We offer more than 30 degree, certificate, and diploma programs in the fields of health sciences, veterinary technology, information technology, criminal justice, and business, in addition to our culinary arts academy. We have 13 campuses in Indiana and Ohio, and, depending on the field of study, some or all classes may be taken online.
Programs:
Accounting
Request More Information >

Kaplan University

[Online]

Earn your degree, advance your career, and achieve your goals with an online degree or certificate from Kaplan University. And do it all without missing a day of work. Kaplan University offers accredited online degree programs in Business, Criminal Justice, Technology and Design, and Paralegal Studies. Kaplan also offers Continuing Education, allowing working professionals to earn certificates in Forensic Nursing, Legal Nurse Consulting, Life Care Planning, and Financial Planning.
Programs:
A.A.S. in Business Administration/Accounting
Request More Information >

Keiser University eCampus Online	[Online]
Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni. We research trends for growing fields and tailor our curriculum to prepare students for entry and advancement to rewarding careers. Programs: Bachelor's - Accounting Request More Information >

Penn Foster Schools

[Online]

Looking for an edge in your career? Penn Foster offers affordable, career-focused distance education programs designed to give you the skills you need to launch a new career in one of today’s hottest, most in-demand fields. Study online, in print, or in combination, and take advantage of our expert faculty and friendly support staff. Program options include business, health services, technology, engineering, criminal justice, paralegal studies and many more.
Programs:
Finance and Business
Request More Information >

Rasmussen College	[Online]
Programs: Accounting Banking and Finance Forensic Accounting Request More Information >

University of Phoenix	[Online]
Whether you’re seeking an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, University of Phoenix can help you reach your goal much sooner than you might expect. Programs: BS in Business/Accounting BS in Business/Finance MBA/Accounting Single Courses - Finance Request More Information >

Westwood College

[Online]

Think you don't have time to earn the respected degree you need? Think again. Westwood College's online program gives you the flexibility to study at the times and places you choose. You'll also get the opportunity to interact with your instructors and fellow students in real time. Degree programs offered include business, criminal justice, design and technology.
Programs:
Business Administration - Accounting
Request More Information >