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Accounting

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There is a great deal to be gained by a pursuing a degree and a career in accounting. Perhaps the most important thing accounting students will gain is learning how business works. Accountants spend a lot of time looking at the details of business transactions, so they really understand the inner workings of business. Successful business owners, managers, supervisors, and others in key positions within organizations all share a common trait; they understand “the numbers”. The study of accounting will helps students understand “the numbers” and position themselves for various career paths.

The future of accounting is bright according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics which projects a 16% increase in job openings by the year 2016. Much of this reflects the increasing complexity of business transactions, the growth of the global economy, and increasing legal and regulatory requirements. Demand is especially high in the tax and health care areas, but every organization needs accountants. Professional sports teams, technology companies, law enforcement, environmental organizations, government, not-for-profit and charitable organizations, and the list goes on. After completing this program, graduates can go directly into business or they can transfer to a four-year college or university through established articulation agreements.

The first year of the two year program is designed to guide a student through the entire accounting cycle for proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Other areas of study include payroll accounting, income tax preparation for individuals, spreadsheet applications, and computerized accounting. The second year deals with advanced accounting theory, cost and managerial accounting, and accounting systems. Elective courses allow students to further specialize in the areas of business taxation and governmental and not-for-profit accounting.

Accounting jobs are plentiful even in the current weak economy and the money for well trained accountants is good. Taxes, audits, and bookkeeping will always need to be done.


Career Opportunities
Job openings in the accounting field are expected to remain strong.  As all organizations, including government, public accounting firms, service businesses, financial institutions, and manufacturing companies, require accounting services.  The following are some typical jobs that a graduate of this program may enter:
  • Bookkeeper
  • Cost Accountant
  • Public Accountant
  • Staff Accountant
  • Tax Accountant
  • Accounts Receivable/Payable Clerk
  • Account Manager
  • Account Specialist
  • Payroll Accountant
  • Governmental Accountant
  • Not-for-Profit Accountant
Is This Occupation for You?
Students entering the Accounting program should:
  • Have good analytical skills and work well with details.
  • Like to organize information
  • Work well under the stress of deadlines.
Program Outcomes
At the completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
  • Journalize advanced business transactions from source document in special journals and registers.
  • Post data from journals and registers to the general ledger and maintain accuracy utilizing subsidiary ledgers.
  • Prepare detailed financial statements, documents, and reports using appropriate technology.
  • Accurately complete payroll records and reports.
  • Accurately complete income tax forms (federal and state) for individuals.
  • Utilize computers and calculators as they apply to the accounting profession.
  • Design business procedures and processes utilizing manual and computerized accounting systems.
  • Read, communicate, and write proficiently.
  • Work productively with others in a variety of situations.
  • Interpret current business trends and act professionally and ethically.
  • Analyze business situations and apply problem-solving
    techniques
Program Basics
  • Associate degree requiring a minimum of two years to complete
  • Face-to-face and online classes
  • High school articulation courses accepted
  • Financial aid available
  • Classes start in August or January
  • Modified plans available
  • Articulation agreements in place for transfer to four-year university programs
Helpful Academic Background
  • High school accounting
  • Consumer math
  • Algebra
  • Computer skills
Program Admission Requirements
  • Complete required pre-admission assessment testing to demonstrate pre-set subtest scores.
  • Complete the application form.
  • Interview with counselor.
  • Pay a $30 nonrefundable application fee.
  • Submit high school and any post-secondary transcripts.
  • Students may re-apply to be admitted to a program for which they initially do not meet the Student Academic Achievement Plan (SAAP) criteria after they follow the additional courses and alternate program sequence prescibed for them.

Technical Skill Attainment

This TSA (Technical Skill Attainment) scoring guide will be used to document your attainment of technical program outcomes for the Accounting Degree. To meet the requirements on the scoring guide, you will be asked to draw upon the skills and concepts that have been developed throughout the program and are necessary for successful employment in your field. Results will be used to inspire continual improvement of teaching and learning in Wisconsin Technical College System. In addition, this assessment will provide feedback to you about your performance.

Program Fees

Please contact Student Services at 800.362.3322, Ext. 2354, or email student-services@swtc.edu for current fee information.

A Program Fee list is provided (please note the costs are approximate and based on the current academic year).

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