An accounting associate degree will help you explore the world of business and finance to determine if this is the career for you. With this entry-level position, there is a lot of growth potential if you have enough skill, experience and pursue further studies.
In the one to two years needed to complete an accounting associate degree program, you will be taught basic accounting, cost accounting, taxation, financial statement analysis and payroll accounting. With technology at the backbone of our society today, accounting technology classes are also being incorporated in the curriculum.
Sought-after jobs
Accounting and finance are crucial to any business, whether these are start-ups or established enterprises. And while some business owners may personally handle their finances initially, they usually require the help of someone to take care of bookkeeping, or with billings and collections. The most qualified individual for this kind of work is someone who attended business school and has at least an accounting associate degree.
Most accounting colleges and universities that offer associate degrees in accounting give their students adequate preparation to handle all these tasks. Small businesses prove challenging because they may offer the position of accounting assistant, but you may be asked to take on the role of bookkeeper, accounts receivable clerk or billing clerk, as well.
Yet it is this kind of exposure that truly develops your skill and gives you a better view if the profession is suited for you. From there, you can chart your career by pursuing further studies to be eligible for higher positions or be given more responsibilities. Some will even pursue an accounting master degree for career growth.
In general, courses under an Associate in Accounting degree program includes:
Financial Accounting
Accounting Theory and Applications
Introduction to Individual Taxation
Introduction to Cost Accounting
Introduction to Accounting Information System
These may vary per school, in that the scope will be more in some and less in others. But a graduate is normally expected to be proficient in these subject areas once they complete the course.
The University of Phoenix has, as part of its core curriculum for an accounting associate degree, accounting ethics and financial reporting. Keiser University in Florida includes courses in business law, financial management, and introduction to marketing for its AAS in accounting primarily because they are paving the way for graduates to eventually pursue a career in criminal justice.
Kaplan University, including its online program, also has a managerial accounting subject and one on federal taxation. Pennsylvania College of Technology includes Payroll, State and Local Taxation.
Once proficient in these subject matters, coupled with intensive hands-on training to apply your newly-acquired skills, you will be on your way to serve every kind of enterprise or institution in need of accounting staff. The most common positions available for people with an accounting associate degree are:
Accounting Assistant
Accounts Receivable Clerk
Billing Clerk
Bookkeeper
Management Trainee
Payroll Clerk
The projected growth for this entry-level position, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is very positive at 18% to 26% until the year 2014. The annual salary, in the range of $25,000 to $35,000, is also quite competitive, one reason that draws people to the profession. It is also common for those who started at the entry-level positions to eventually work their way to earning a masters in Business Administration or MBA, or some business-related degree.
Anyone interested in any job related to finance must have the self confidence in math, aside from having good computer skills. Accuracy, attention to detail, analytical thinking and reliability are also necessary requisites. If you possess these traits, then go and enroll for an accounting associate degree.
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