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An online degree can cost as little as $3,000 – or over $100,000. More than 12,000 online degrees and certificates – and no two charge the same tuition. Our affordability rankings reveal who offers the best – and worst – buys in online degrees.
 
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Business & Management
Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks
Outlook & Growth
Though average expansion—only 12 percent—is expected in this field through 2016, this is a very large profession. Many jobs will open as current job-holders retire.
In addition, more businesses are expected to outsource their accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services, which will open up opportunities for self-employed bookkeepers. Accounting clerks and bookkeepers who can multi-task and handle payroll to billing will be favored over those who specialize or have limited skills.
Salary & Wages
In 2006, the median salary of accounting clerks was $30,560. The middle 50 percent earned $24,540 to $37,780. The highest 10 percent earned more than $83,000.
United States Postal Service employees earned the highest salaries. Those working for independent accounting, tax preparation and bookkeeping services earned the least.
What is a Bookkeeper, Accounting or Auditing Clerk?
Bookkeepers and accounting clerks are financial managers. They calculate expenses, receipts, profits and loss, and accounts payable and receivable.
A full-charge bookkeeper can manage the entire company's books. These are the type of bookkeepers found in many small companies. Large companies tend to divide up responsibilities among a larger staff of clerks.
All jobs in this field require attention to detail, accuracy and good math skills. Nearly all bookkeepers use special software to enter data from receipts and bills into the computer. They create accounting spreadsheets and maintain databases.
Computerization also enables bookkeepers and accounting and auditing clerks to assume responsibilities in payroll, procurement and billing.
Education & Degree Path
Many clerk jobs can be entered into directly after high school. On-the-job training is often provided by a supervisor or more experienced employee.
Certification: A Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation can lend credibility to your efforts. It may help you with career advancement but is not necessary for employment in most states.
If you stay in the accounting field, you may want to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a major in accounting. After earning this degree, you may sit for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam.
Entering the Field: Though only a high school diploma is needed to enter the field, many employers prefer clerks who have some college, preferably either a diploma or certificate in bookkeeping or an associate degree (two-year degree) in management with a major in accounting. Preference is also given to those who have computer experience, particularly in word processing, spreadsheet use and database management.
An associate degree in office management is another excellent two-year degree for an accounting clerk. A clerk may test for Certified Bookkeeper (CB) after two years of employment.
Career Changers: Check within your existing company to see if there’s an opening. If so, you may have a good chance, because many businesses like to fill these jobs from within. As you gain additional skills and training, you can move up.
Courses in bookkeeping, accounting and auditing are widely available online. Completing a short Certificate in Bookkeeping would be a wise investment. It will help quick-start your entry into accounting.

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in another major, such as psychology, you may be able to take selected business and accounting courses to accelerate a career change into this area.

Find online degrees for Business & Management now. >>

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Source for salary and growth data is the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information on bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerk careers, salaries and job prospects visit: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Bookkeepers, Accounting and Auditing Clerks.
  
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Q I’m looking for an online MBA. I’ve found several that fit my budget but none are accredited by the AACSB. What is the AACSB? Do I really need a distance MBA degree that is accredited by them? —Roberta, Gary, IN
A The AACSB is the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International. It is considered the gold standard of business school accreditation. But not every student needs an AACSB-accredited MBA...
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Q I was laid off from my job as a real estate agent and want to be a high school math teacher, but my bachelor’s degree is in psychology. Do I need a new degree in education? Will an online bachelor’s in education qualify me to become a licensed teacher? —Willis, Houston, Texas
A If you didn’t earn a bachelor’s degree in education years ago and you now want to teach in the public schools, don’t fret. Every state maintains what are termed “alternative teacher certification” programs...
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Champlain College
Champlain College’s 42-credit, unique MSL program educates non-lawyer working professionals about the law. This regionally accredited program delivered by our experienced faculty of attorneys was designed to help you build a greater understanding of the law. This distinct degree will help you become an objective thinker and equip you with the tools you need to appraise and evaluate real-life legal situations. Navigate the law with confidence! Contact us at 1.866.441.0427 Ext. 3517.
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Northcentral University
Northcentral University, an innovator in 100% online higher education, offers an outstanding academic program in Business & Technology Management, Education and Psychology with no required residencies. Northcentral faculty mentors bring excellent academic credentials and professional backgrounds to mentor career relevant, real-world courses one-on-one, entirely online and regionally accredited. Monthly course starts, 12-week terms, affordable tuition, 24/7 library access and unparalleled dissertation support make Northcentral a superb choice to earn your doctorate. Independent Learning. Individual Attention.
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For active-duty military, reservists, veterans, and military families.
More than half of military students use online education. What do you need to know to find schools that best fit your needs? How can you find the best financial aid and scholarship package at your online school? Answers are here.

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The field of online education is growing and so is the need for teachers who can teach online. Check out our regularly updated list of online job opportunities, post your job availability, and visit our Online Resource Center, with tips, advice and free downloads for online educators.

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Secure your career with an online MBA.

Facts from GetEducated's National Survey of Online MBAs. Who offers the cheapest online MBA? Do you need an AACSB-accredited distance MBA? Online MBA rankings and ratings. Everything you need to know to compare 390 accredited online MBAs from 168 online business schools.

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