Accounting

Associate of Applied Science

Find out more about Associate of Arts in Business & Accounting here

About

TCC’s Accounting program prepares students for employment in a wide variety of business accounting environments. Hear from students about why they chose to study accounting at TCC.

Accounting might be a good fit for you!

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ASSESSMENT PLANNING SHEET COMPARE PROGRAMS

Accounting Certificates Add Up to a Degree

The program structure is progressive, leading to four levels of achievement associated with increasing levels of job responsibility. The certificates can be taken as stand-alone options or applied to the Associates in Applied Sciences degree. TCC also offers specialized accounting certificates in Computerized Accounting and Tax Preparation.

Upon completion of this AAS degree program, students may continue their education and work towards a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in a business-related field at a number of Washington State community and technical colleges. Those students intending to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a Bachelor of Business degree may be required to take additional courses depending on the requirements of the particular program or degree. Students who plan to transfer should meet with the program chair to plan their course selection and sequence.

The classes required to earn these certificates do have prerequisites. But if you're interested in earning a certificate to advance your career, you won't necessarily be starting from scratch. After you submit your transcripts, we'll work with you on placement.
Upon successful completion of the AAS Accounting degree, students will:
- Generate accurate financial statements for a company and communicate a company's financial position.
- Simulate an accounting department (group process) to prepare accounting documents using software to record business transactions for an entity or tax agency, and integrate current regulations.
- Demonstrate analysis of existing documentation to verify the accuracy of information for an entity and perform necessary reconciliations.
- Assessment above or completion of ENGL 095 and MATH 085.
- Knowledge of CU 091, CU 100 and HD 101.
Accounting majors find employment in every sector of the job market, and this major serves as a starting point for a huge variety of careers. As an accounting major, you might:
- Become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Interested in becoming a CPA? Find out more here.
- Perform accounting or bookkeeping functions for a corporation, non-profit, or government entity
- Serve as CFO of a corporation, non-profit, or government entity
- Specialize in assisting individuals or businesses complete tax returns
- Manage financial investments for clients
- Perform financial audits
Research careers for this area of study.

Accounting Certificates + Associate of Applied Science Degree

The first-year certificates can be taken as stand-alone options or applied to a degree. Each certificate builds on the one before.

1. Accounting Office Associate Certificate

(15 credits)

This 15-credit certificate can be taken as a stand-alone option, or it can be applied to the Associates in Applied Sciences degree. Prepares students for entry-level employment in office support positions.

CORE REQUIREMENTS

2. Assistant Bookkeeping Clerk Certificate

(As Bookkeeping Clerk Certificate: 15 credits, + Accounting Office Certificate = 30 credits)

This 30-credit certificate can be taken as a stand-alone option, or it can be applied to the Associates in Applied Sciences degree. Prepares students for entry-level positions as assistant clerks in accounts payable or accounts receivable.

Prerequisite: You must first complete the Accounting Office Associate Certificate.

CORE REQUIREMENTS

3. Bookkeeping Systems Certificate

(15 credit Bookkeeping Systems Certificate + 2 Prerequisite Certificates: 45 credits)

This 45-credit certificate can be taken as a stand-alone option, or it can be applied to the Associates in Applied Sciences degree. Prepares students for entry-level positions as accounts payable, accounts receivable or payroll clerks. You must first complete the Assistant Bookkeeping Clerk Certificate.

CORE REQUIREMENTS

4. Associate of Applied Science Degree

(45 additional credits = total 90 credits)

Prepares students for entry-level accounting positions that work with integrated accounting systems.
To complete the AAS Accounting degree students must first complete the Bookkeeping Systems Certificate.
With the addition of 45 credits from the three accounting certificates, the Associate of Applied Science Degree is 90 credits.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Specialized Accounting Certificates

These certificates are designed for individuals who are currently employed in the workforce and returning to school to enhance or update skills for the accounting industry. Courses taken for these certificates can be applied to the Accounting AS degree.

Computerized Accounting Tax Preparation

Questions?

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