Overview of Associate Degree Program in Accounting Administration
Majors Overview April 23, 2013Students should study business administration with a concentration on accounting, if they are interested in starting a career in the fields of economics, business management, or human resources. Associate degree program with an emphasis on entry-level accounting skills will give prospective business professionals the credentials required to succeed and complete in the workforce.
Accounting Administration Associate Degree Program
An associate degree program in accounting teaches students the fundamentals business and accounting practices. Students will learn how to develop journal entries in manual accounting and computer-based systems, perform business related decision making, perform ethical business transactions, arrange tax returns and statements, and prepare financial reports. Individuals will be able to obtain an Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate of Business Science (A.B.S.), or Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree once they have completed the degree program. Graduates will be able to work in various industries, such as government, business, and healthcare.
Program Coursework
Course topics will include human resource, communication, economics, and business, all of which relate to a majority of business-related fields. Some sessions will be spent on introducing the most up-to-date computer hardware and software applications commonly used by financial managers and accountants; for example, a program may teach QuickBooks. An accounting administration associate degree program will also include lessons such as:
•Taxation
•Economics
•Finance
•Ethics
•Business Law
•Government accounting
•Data entry
•Financial software applications
•Small business management
•Intermediate accounting
Career Options
Students will learn how to perform various consulting, tax, auditing, and accounting activities for clients. They will gain the tools needed to pursue human resource and managerial roles within a business organization. This involves thinking critically, mediating conflicts, concentrating on customer service, and sharpening communication skills. Graduates of an accounting administration associate degree program will have several entry-level career options, such as:
•Bookkeeper
•Payroll clerk
•Accounting clerk
Continuing Education
Depending on the students, but most will advance their careers by pursuing a four-year bachelor degree program in accounting. There are several accredited colleges and universities that offer bachelor degree programs in accounting to individuals who want to obtain a financial director role. Additionally, students who have graduated from these degree programs will be able to advance their education to become a certified public accountant (CPA).
