Accounting is the basic language of business, and a career that opens a wide variety of doors in the business world. Accounting students study the rules and software at play in the world of business, using effective communication skills to break down complex issues for their clients and managers so that they can make good business decisions.
The increased globalization of businesses makes the varied skillset of an Accounting professional in high demand across a wide variety of industries and settings.
The Accounting Program is designed for persons interested in obtaining skills that will allow them to seek employment in many areas of the accounting profession. Accounting is a precise, logical and communicative skill. The Accounting Clerk Certificate emphasizes practical skills and prepares graduates for introductory bookkeeping careers. The Associate in Applied Science degree provides a strong background in accounting and business skills and prepares graduates for entry-level accounting positions in private industry, public accounting, nonprofit organizations, and government entities with the potential for advancement to supervisory roles.
Career Opportunities
Accounting as a discipline has broad employment possibilities in both government and private business. Knowledge and skill in accounting provide excellent background for employment opportunities in business management, government administration, consulting, purchasing, finance and banking. Entry-level positions in accounting generally include accounting clerk, accounting assistant, full-charge bookkeeper, accountant, fiscal analyst, and financial analyst.
Financial Examiner
Budget Analysts
Credit Analysts
Length of Program
The program takes two years of full-time studies (93-104 credits) for the Associate in Applied Science degree. The time needed to complete the program may be extended if students need to repeat courses in order to meet the program’s grade requirements or if students have basic skills deficiencies.
South Puget Sound Community College believes that all students need to develop a broad range of abilities that will not only make them more effective in their professional pursuits but will enhance their capacity to relate well to others in their daily lives.
At the completion of the Accounting Program, the successful student will be able to:
In a complex setting, students will be able to gather and analyze a variety of information using accounting concepts to draw appropriate and supportable conclusions
Clearly express in a variety of forms accounting information that is useful to a broad class of decision-makers
Properly select quantitative and qualitative accounting data and apply a process to the data in order to reach accurate and reliable conclusions
Recognize ethical dilemmas in the workplace and assess the consequences of these dilemmas
Identify and adjust to workplace differences in order to operate collaboratively and effectively in an organizational setting
The SPSCC college-wide abilities are embedded into each program:
Effective Communication
Information Literacy
Analytical Reasoning
Multicultural Awareness
Social Responsibility
A cumulative GPA of 2.0 is required in order to earn a certificate or degree and a “C” or better is required in all ACCT courses. A “C” or better must also be earned in all prerequisite ACCT courses.
ACCT& 201, First of two course series equal to Financial accounting for transfer
2
ACCT& 202, Second of two course series equal to Financial accounting for transfer
3
ACCT& 203, Managerial accounting for transfer
South Puget Sound Community College has provided pathways and associated recommended courses for ease of student selection based upon a student’s career interest. Please review the pathway maps for required and recommended courses.
