Accounting Program
Complete Program Description
Accounting Clerk Dipoloma Gainful Employment Report
Industry Description
Accountants must be knowledgeable in the areas of financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, payroll, taxes, and computerized accounting applications. Their job responsibilities might include the accounting functions of accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, taxes, general ledger accounting, cash management, inventory management, budget preparation, or financial reporting. Additional skills are required to develop spreadsheets, use multiple accounting software packages, and communicate with customers, vendors, clients, and colleagues.
Program Description
The accounting program at Anoka Technical College prepares students for careers in accounting. The program allows students to select a specific accounting pathway by completing the Bookkeeper Certificate, Payroll Accounting Certificate, or Tax Preparer Certificate. Students select the Accounting AAS degree for a comprehensive curriculum that includes courses from each of the certificate pathways.
The accounting program prepares students for nationally recognized certifications including:
· Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) conferred by the American Payroll Association (APA).
· Certified QuickBooks User conferred by Intuit.
· Certified Bookkeeper conferred by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB).
· Registered Tax Return Preparer certification conferred by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
· Accredited Business Accountant (ABA) certification conferred by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation (ACAT).
· Registered Accounting Practitioner (RAP) as a Minnesota state license conferred by the Minnesota Board of Accountancy.
Anoka Technical College's Accounting degrees offer options to individuals who are interested in quickly entering the workforce with strong accounting skills. Furthermore, if students successfully pass the certification exams, they demonstrate to employers that they are prepared to handle their job responsibilities.
Wages/Outlook/Advancement
Wage information is available from the Minnesota Department of Education and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
External Certification/Accreditation Requirements Anoka Technical College?s Accounting AAS degree prepares students for up to five nationally recognized certifications: QuickBooks Certified User, Certified Bookkeeper, Accredited Business Accountant, Registered Tax Return Preparer, and Fundamental Payroll Certification. Students may also qualify for a Registered Accounting Practitioner license, which is a Minnesota state license. To become certified or licensed, students must satisfy all requirements of each applicable national or state credentialing agency.
IMPORTANT ACCUPLACER testing in math, reading and writing is required. Any needed developmental courses must be completed before receiving a diploma or an A.A.S. award.
Length of Program
AAS Degree 60 credits
Bookkeeper Certificate 27 credits
Payroll Accounting Certificate 19 credits
Tax Preparer Certificate 25 credits
Start Dates
Fall Semester August
Spring Semester January
Program Contact
Erika Limbacher
Phone (763) 576-4787
E-mail elimbacher@anokatech.edu
For information on how to apply or to schedule a campus tour, please contact the Admissions Office (763) 576-4700 or by E-mail info@anokatech.edu
