Accounting

What is Accounting?

Accounting is the process of recording, classifying, and summarizing financial transactions to provide information that is useful in making business decisions. It involves analyzing, interpreting, and communicating financial information to various stakeholders, such as investors, creditors, and management. Accounting helps organizations to measure their financial performance, assess their financial position, and make informed decisions about their future. The information produced by the accounting process is used for internal decision-making, as well as for complying with legal and regulatory requirements. The profession of accounting involves individuals who are trained to perform these tasks and are responsible for ensuring that financial information is accurate, reliable, and in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).

Is Accounting right for Me?

Accounting takes organization, planning, and teamwork. If you like working out puzzles, meeting new people, learning about businesses, and helping others learn by explaining complicated concepts in simple ways, this may be the right profession for you.

Personality traits and skills that may mean you are well-suited to pursue accounting, including:

• Attention to detail
• Analytical skills
• Organizational skills
• Communication skills
• Ethical behavior
• Technical proficiency

Overall, individuals who are detail-oriented, analytical, organized, good communicators, ethical, and have a strong technical aptitude may enjoy and excel in an accounting career.

Accounting Degree and Certificates

Accounting Associate of Arts

An Accounting degree provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and growth in the accounting profession. Using the language of business, accountants assemble and analyze, process, and communicate essential information about financial operations. 

Bookkeeping Certificate of Achievement

The Bookkeeping program provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and growth in the accounting profession. 

Quickbooks Basics for Small Business Certificate of Completion (NC)

The QuickBooks Basics for Small Business Certificate of Completion (NC) provides a framework for student entrepreneurs to develop skills and knowledge in the bookkeeping software.

Paying For Education

You CAN Afford BC

Don’t let finances get in the way of your goals. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books, or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

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Accounting Careers

An Associate of Arts (AA) degree is a two-year undergraduate degree that provides a strong foundation in the liberal arts and sciences. Graduates with an AA degree have a wide range of career options, including:

• Administration and Office Support: Positions such as administrative assistant, receptionist, and customer service representative.
• Education and Training: Opportunities in education and training, including roles as a teaching assistant or instructional aide.
• Human Services: Careers in human services, such as a social worker, case manager, or human resources assistant.
• Marketing and Sales: Entry-level positions in marketing and sales, including market research analyst and sales associate.
• Media and Communications: Jobs in media and communications, such as a public relations assistant or media coordinator.
• Technology and IT: Technology and IT careers, including technical support specialist and IT assistant.
• Healthcare: Healthcare-related careers, such as a medical assistant, patient care technician, or laboratory assistant.
• Retail and Hospitality: Retail and hospitality careers, including positions as a hotel manager, retail sales associate, or food service worker.

This list is not exhaustive and the career opportunities available to an AA degree holder can vary depending on individual skills, experience, and interests.

Accounting can lead to lucrative careers in bookkeeping, analysis, billing and posting, auditing, tax-preparation and beyond. The higher your education, the more opportunities that will be available. You can get started in the field of accounting with a Bookkeeping certificate of achievement and/or move on to the Accounting Associate of Arts to start in the field. You may also wish to transfer to a four-year college or university to achieve your baccalaureate and further for higher-level employment.

Accounting Department and Pathway

Academic Department: Business Education

Career & Learning Pathway: Business Pathway

Courses: Business Administration BSAD