Accounting

Accounting is the language of business.  The East Central College Accounting Program is designed to provide the foundation required for modern accounting and business professionals to excel in today’s business environment. Our program provides many courses and several degree options for students who want to enter the field of accounting.

Accounting classes are characterized by small size, use of current technology, instructors who are willing to provide assistance, and a modern business lab environment in the accounting area for additional assistance.

Students also have the opportunity to network with local and regional business leaders through classroom visits, business department-sponsored conferences, and internships. ECC has also worked closely with regional universities and colleges to design a curriculum for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution.

Degrees & Certificates

Accounting, AAS

Program Description

The East Central College Accounting Program is designed to provide the foundation required for modern accounting and business professionals to excel in today’s business environment. Our program provides many course options for students who want to enter the field of accounting. Accounting classes are characterized by small size, use of current technology, instructors who are willing to provide help, and a modern business lab environment in the accounting area for additional assistance. Successful completion of program requirements provides the student with an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting.

Accountants, accounting assistants, and bookkeepers are important to any business because of their abilities to analyze, record, organize, summarize and interpret business information. They help businesses run efficiently by keeping records accurately and ensuring that taxes and other payments are made on time. Accountants, auditors, accounting assistants, and bookkeepers work for corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, not-for-profits, and governments across the globe. Computers greatly have changed the way these professionals and paraprofessionals do their work. Recent changes in federal law, like the Sarbanes Oxley Act, have created new opportunities in the field of accounting.

Program Format

The Accounting degree is a two-year program that provides a balance of accounting, business, economics, and general education courses for an entry-level professional. With a balance of classroom instruction, software simulation, and electronic lab work students are challenged on theory and practice. Courses are instructed by industry professionals from the fields of accounting, business, and economics.

Professional Traits

Students also have the opportunity to network with local and regional business leaders through classroom visits, student programs across campus, DECA, and internships. ECC has also worked closely with regional universities and colleges to design a curriculum for students planning to transfer options.

Those pursuing a career in this field should:

  • Have an aptitude for math
  • Be able to analyze, compare and interpret facts and figures quickly
  • Clearly communicate the results of their work to clients and managers both verbally and in writing
  • Be good at working with people, business systems, and computers
  • Have a high standard of integrity

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Professional/Technical Skills: The student will be able to apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), including completion of the accounting cycle and creation of financial statements. Students will demonstrate skills in specialized accounting areas, such as managerial, cost, tax, payroll, and internal control. Students will develop the skills necessary to utilize technology to gather, analyze, and communicate accounting information in a professional manner.
  2. Critical Thinking: The student will be able to utilize different strategies to make decisions and solve complex problems
  3. Ethical/Legal Concerns: The student will understand the implications of legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks related to accounting.

 

Accounting, Certificate of Achievement

The Accounting Certificate of Achievement is a 27-credit hour certificate consisting of foundational courses in accounting, Quickbooks, and payroll.  The certificate prepares students for entry-level employment in the field of accounting, office management, and basic bookkeeping.

Program Outcomes

  1. Conceptional Knowledge: Students will gain an understanding of the role accounting plays in business
  2. Ethical/Legal Concerns: The student will understand the implications of legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks related to accounting.

Programs of Study – Catalog

Accounting Programs and course descriptions

Accounting, AAS

Accounting, Certificate of Achievement

 

Information about the Program