Accounting

The Career

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 companies and organizations run efficiently and effectively by keeping records accurate 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.

Advances in computer technology have greatly 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.

Professional Traits

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

Employment And Salary Information

The accounting profession is experiencing average growth, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. By 2022, the number of positions is expected to increase by 11 percent.

In May 2012, the median earnings of bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks were $35,170. Their salaries ranged from less than $21,610 (lowest 10 percent) to more than $54,310 (top 10 percent).

The Program

Accounting is the language of business and the East Central College Accounting program is designed to provide the foundation required for modern accounting and business professionals to excel in today’s professional environment.

The program provides many courses and several degree options for students who want to enter the field. 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 four-year institutions.

Transfer Options

The AAS degree is designed for students seeking employment immediately upon graduation. However, many of the credits, particularly the general education electives received with this degree, may qualify as transfer credit by four-year schools.

Please note that these decisions are made solely by the bachelor degree-granting institution, not East Central College. Students seeking to transfer are advised to contact the institution of their choice before beginning a program or reviewing other degrees and coursework offered through ECC.

Programs

Associate of Applied Science

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is the career and workforce preparation degree. Each AAS degree is comprised of a block of general education coursework (a minimum of 20 hours) coupled with a minimum of 44 credit hours of program based coursework. While the AAS is a career preparation degree, many institutions may consider the degree in transfer. Certificate Options are also available in many of the career fields offering the AAS degree.

Information on the following AAS degree options is provided at the links below.

Accounting, AAS

Certificate of Achievement

Accounting-Certificate of Achievement

Courses

Accounting