Why Accreditation Matters
Accreditation officially ensures that a school is meeting the standards agreed upon by experts. Only accredited institutions guarantee a degree that will be honored by other schools and respected by future employers. You don’t want to wait until you decide to transfer to realize that your new school won’t recognize or accept your old school’s credits. Without a doubt, accreditation should be one of the first things you research when you are considering online accounting classes.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, only graduates from accredited programs are eligible to apply for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exams. That's why the Bureau strongly recommends "prospective accounting majors should carefully research accounting curricula and the requirements of any States in which they hope to become licensed."
While there are many reputable and respected online accounting programs out there, make sure you're discerning with your choice of institution before you invest your time and money.