Essential Information
Students in accounting associate's programs learn the ins and outs involved with business strategies, financial organization, and tax laws in accounting. The program usually takes two years to prepare students for entry-level work in investment planning, auditing, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. Some schools encourage students to create personal portfolios that can later be used to highlight their financial talents when seeking employment. Schools offering this program usually require a high school diploma or the equivalent.
Associate in Arts Degree in Accounting
Students typically explore ethical issues in banking and finance and learn the basics of creating and analyzing financial statements. Coursework typically totals 61-70 semester hours. Students usually take coursework in social science, natural science, math, history and English to comply with most schools' degree requirements. Coursework within the program could include:
- Statistics
- Tax law
- Economics
- Business finance
- Accounting for federal income tax
- Cost analysis
Popular Career Options
Graduates are typically qualified for entry-level employment with companies that have finance departments or accounting divisions. They are prepared to assist financial analysts, cost estimators and financial data auditors. They can also seek opportunities with accounting firms, banks or tax preparation companies. Some possible job titles could include:
- Bank teller
- Bookkeeper
- Financial planner
- Tax preparation specialist
- Accounts payable clerk
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
Over the period spanning 2019-2029, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects a decline of 1% for tax preparers and an employment decrease of 6% for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks. The mean wage in May 2018 was $52,710 for tax preparers and $44,100 for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks. A decrease of 15% in employment is expected for tellers from 2019-2029, and they earned a mean wage of $32,960 in May 2020.
Continuing Education
Employment opportunities beyond entry-level work can be enhanced by higher education credentials. Upon completion of the degree program, students interested in continuing their education can apply to a bachelor's degree program in accounting. Students can also pursue programs in other business-related majors, such as finance, management, human resources or marketing.
An associate's degree program in accounting gives students the necessary business and finance skills to work entry-level jobs as bank tellers, financial planners and more. Graduates may also choose to pursue higher education to advance their careers.
