Accounting

Overview

• The Accounting program offers a course of study that will prepare participants for employment at many different levels depending upon their previous experience. This program offers students a career ladder approach to business office-related careers, which has the following advantages:
• The Accounting Technician I and II certificates are awarded to students for their progress and prepare them with the skills they need to obtain employment in a variety of entry-level positions. Some course flexibility is allowed within the certificate requirements to facilitate student progress and allow students to tailor the certificates to match their personal and career goals.
• The certificates ultimately count towards an Associate of Applied Science degree.
• The Associate of Applied Science program is designed to place students on a pathway towards a supervisory position in an accounting and financial office environment.

In addition, the accounting program offers students the opportunity to take courses that satisfy nearly all of the general core requirements of a four-year college. This track is recommended for students who wish to earn an associate degree, but who plan to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree.

Courses are offered at varying times of day in order to allow students to pursue their career goals on either a full-time or part-time basis. 

Degree Outcomes 

Upon successful completion of the Accounting programs, graduates are able to: 

• Understand fundamental accounting principles and how they are applied to achieve proper financial oversight and management.
• Balance and reconcile accounting information using generally accepted accounting principles to ensure that financial data is compiled completely and accurately
• Use information from financial statements and other documents to support managerial decision making and assess the financial well-being of an organization.
• Gain a working knowledge of the functions of a business, including: general management, operational effectiveness, and financial accountability.
• Understand the importance of ethical behavior in business and how organizations influence ethical behavior; demonstrate ethical behavior in personal, academic, and professional activities. 

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites 

Students must meet general admissions requirements. 

Careers in Accounting 

Forensic Accounting 
Also known as forensic auditors or investigative auditors, these professionals are generally employed in case of a dispute or potential litigation (lawsuit). Cases may range from insurance claims, personal injury suits and royalty audits to insolvency, divorce, or breach of contract issues. 

Managerial Accounting 
Managerial accountants work within companies and organizations to direct internal financial processes; monitor costs, sales, spending and budgets; conduct audits; identify past trends and predict future needs; and assist company leaders with financial decisions.

Public Accounting 
Public accountants assist individuals and corporations with a variety of financial tasks, including computing and filing income taxes, reviewing financial records, staying up to date on fiscal regulations, creating financial statements and providing general accounting advice. They may work in private practice or be employed at an accounting firm. 

Financial Accounting 
Financial accountants are responsible for the public reporting of a company or organization’s financial status. This work involves collecting and maintaining data, detecting trends, and forecasting future needs.  

Auditing 
Auditors work with a range of clients to review financial documents for accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. 

Government Auditing 
As public servants, government accountants manage budgets, expenses, and revenues at the federal, state, and local levels for organizations such as the military, law enforcement, and public schools.

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