Accounting Services is a Certificate program (100% Online) offered by U.S. Career Institute in Fort Collins, CO. The program takes 406 clock hours to complete, with a total tuition of $1,279.
Program Overview
U.S. Career Institute’s self-paced, online Accounting School will prepare you for an entry-level role in as little as 4 months.
The Accounting Services Program provides theoretical and practical instruction that prepares students to obtain an entry-level accounting services position. Students begin by learning the importance of accounting terms and concepts. They continue with step-by-step instruction through the entire accounting cycle. The program also provides instruction in specialized procedures used in accounts receivable and payable, merchandising accounts and tax preparation. Students learn payroll recordkeeping, as well as payroll processing procedures. Additionally, students study computerized accounting and the accounting elements of sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations and non-profit organizations. The program culminates with practical instruction on obtaining an accounting services job and how to establish and operate a home-based accounting service.
What sets this Program apart
- 5-day money-back commitment
- DEAC Accredited
- 100% online, self-paced classes, on your phone or computer
- Complete in 4-9 months, part-time
- One-on-one career coaching and instructor support
- Start learning today - no waiting period!
- A+ BBB Rating, 45 years in distance education, and 97% of students would recommend U.S. Career Institute to a friend.
- The DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Lead instructor/course expert. Valerie Monahan, has more than 25 years of progressive experience in the field of accounting, including payroll, auditing and tax. She has worked in public and private practice and owns her own company, assisting clients in bookkeeping and tax by providing advice, guidance and training for employees. She has extensive knowledge of all types of accounting software, including Quickbooks, NetSuite, Ajera and various other add-ons to accounting software packages.
Admission Requirements and Process
To qualify for enrollment in the program, an applicant must:
- Certify that she/he is a high school graduate, holds a state-approved Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) or its equivalent, or has completed college-level coursework; or otherwise demonstrate ability to perform postsecondary-level coursework (including test evidence).
- Submit a completed enrollment application with the required payment.
- Be at least 16 years of age.
U.S. Career Institute is an open enrollment school: as long as the applicant meets the admissions requirements for minimum education and age, they will be accepted into the school. Students must be able to read, write and speak English fluently. Students aged 16 and 17 may be admitted provided their parent or guardian signs the enrollment agreement; students under the age of 16 cannot be admitted. Applicants who do not meet the high school diploma or equivalent requirement are allowed to use test evidence to show they can benefit from the program: the first five grades the student receives serve as the basis for test evidence, and a “C” GPA meets the minimum education requirement. Most professional certification agencies have minimum age requirements (typically 18) to sit for a certification exam.
General Requirements
- Minimum ageYou must be at least 16 years old; students aged 16 and 17 need a parent or guardian to sign the enrollment agreement.
- High school diploma or GEDYou need a high school diploma or GED, or college-level coursework; otherwise you may use test evidence to show you can benefit from the program.
- EnglishYou must be able to read, write and speak English fluently.
- Basic informationThe enrollment form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level.
- Enrollment agreementYou must submit a completed enrollment application or agreement with the required payment.
Application Process
- 1Ask your questionsRequest information online or call U.S. Career Institute toll-free at 866-250-6851 to learn more.
- 2Provide basic informationThe form asks for your name, email, phone, date of birth and education level.
- 3Pay for your tuitionYou can pay in full or choose the monthly payment plan.
- 4Sign the enrollment agreement and disclosuresEnrollment takes about 5 minutes; the school accepts enrollments 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- 5Start your first lessonUpon enrollment, students have immediate access to their program online, with 12 months to complete it.
Program Schedule
The Accounting Services program is 406 clock hours, delivered in 23 lessons with 23 quizzes. Students can complete it in 4-9 months, studying part-time. Classes are 100% online and self-paced, on your phone or computer, with no due dates or deadlines.
The program is designed for guided independent study through distance learning, and is self-paced. Each program is designed to be completed in 12 months or less; the student has 12 months after enrollment to complete the program, and a student who needs more time should follow the leave of absence procedure. The school accepts enrollments 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and upon enrollment students have immediate access to their program online. All quizzes are open book.
Cost of Attendance and Financial Aid Information
U.S. Career Institute is committed to making your accounting education affordable. Start a new career that you’ll love and find fulfilling without a mountain of debt!
- Option 1, pay in full: $979 (save $300); the application charge is waived.
- Option 2, monthly auto payments: $1,279 in total at $69 a month, with a first payment of $69, plus a one-time $29 application charge.
First payment includes $40 down payment and $29 application charge. Application charge is non-refundable.
5-day money-back commitment. After you receive your first lesson, you have 5 full days to decide if our program is the best route for you.
Funding. U.S. Career Institute participates in military education benefit programs and the MyCAA spouse support tuition program; specific questions regarding eligibility should be directed to the Veterans Administration by calling 1-888-GIBILL1. U.S. Career Institute also participates in various employer-paid and Vocational Rehabilitation programs. U.S. Career Institute does not participate in other financial aid programs.
All enrollments are assessed a one-time $29 application charge (2026 catalog price list). Students who wish to purchase textbooks or manuals may do so for an additional charge.
Required Courses
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Career Outcomes
Career Outlook
Upon graduation from our program, you will receive your U.S. Career Institute Certificate of Completion attesting to your accomplishment.
Choose a career that offers security, prestige, advancement, flexibility, and a steady income with an Accounting Services Certificate from U.S. Career Institute. You can work in many interesting and exciting places: the entertainment, fashion, advertising, travel and hospitality industries, or for lawyers, doctors, business executives or politicians. You might work for businesses and corporations of all kinds: banks, retail stores, airlines, insurance companies, accounting firms, realtors, the list goes on and on! No other single career offers so many choices. You can choose to work for a company full or part-time, or even start your own home-based accounting service!
As a skilled and competent Accounting Services Specialist, you'll always be in demand because you're the one who records every financial transaction. And it's so easy once you know the fundamentals. Accounting is logical and simple to learn, and our clear, concise, step-by-step methods make it easier than you ever thought possible!
What to expect as a U.S. Career Institute student
Beginner-Friendly Lessons. Classes are designed for anyone to easily learn, and are broken up into digestible sections that build as you progress through our program. No due dates or deadlines.
Engaging Curriculum. Reading lessons, supplemental videos, interactive games, flashcards, note taking, read-aloud and disability features, and open note multiple choice quizzes with no time limit.
Student support and coaching. Your tuition includes access to instructors via phone and email, student services, tutoring, resume and job interview support, and one-on-one career coaching (a $400 value).
Learning materials included. Your tuition includes e-books, study guides, supplemental videos, and interactive exercises. Hard copy books are also available for under $50. Everything is included - no hidden fees after enrollment.
Grading and graduation. To graduate, students must submit all quizzes, attain a final average of 70% or higher, have a signed enrollment agreement on file and have paid tuition in full; U.S. Career Institute then releases the Certificate of Completion. Students with a grade point average of 93 or higher are awarded a seat on the Dean’s List.
Graduate support. U.S. Career Institute provides continuing employment instruction and advice, including training in job-search techniques, résumé and letter writing, interviewing and presentation skills, available to all graduates whenever they request it. The school cannot promise or guarantee employment and does not provide job placement services.
Campus Location
Why Accreditation Is Important
U.S. Career Institute is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. It is approved and regulated by the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Private Occupational School Board.
Curriculum
The Accounting Services program totals 406 clock hours, taught in 4 instruction packs, listed below as the course outline.
U.S. Career Institute’s curriculum is developed specifically for the distance education learner by instructional designers who specialize in how to develop content for adults and well-qualified subject matter experts to ensure quality content. In addition, USCI works with a program advisory council of non-USCI employees who work in the accounting field to review content annually to ensure students receive content that is up-to-date, relevant, and accurate.
The Accounting Services Program prepares a student for an entry-level position in an accounting department, accounting firm, tax preparation firm or payroll firm. Upon completion of this program, graduates will be trained to:
- Post entries in the journal, ledger and subsidiary ledgers.
- Record bank transactions and reconcile bank accounts.
- Prepare payroll records for processing.
- Compile and organize financial information into reports, including the income statement, balance sheet, and statement of owner’s equity.
- Implement GAAP procedures and policies.
- Complete Form 1040 and its supplemental forms, including Schedules A through E.
- Complete payroll-related employee tax forms, including Form W-2, Form W-3 and Form W-4.
- Set up and manage a home-based bookkeeping service.
Required Courses
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Frequently Asked Questions
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