Accounting A.A.S.

Career Opportunities  |  Transfer Opportunities  | Degree Requirements | For More Information
Apply for Admission  | General Education Requirements | Articulation Agreements

The Program (HEGIS Code 5002)

The Accounting degree program is designed to prepare the student for entry level positions in a variety of accounting-related positions in private businesses, governmental agencies and public accounting firms. The program consists of core requirements in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences in addition to an in-depth concentration in accounting theory and practice. Students who plan to earn a four-year degree in Accounting should enroll in Jefferson’s Business Administration A.S. (transfer) program.

Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the Accounting program with an A.A.S. degree will meet the following learning outcomes:

• Develop the ability to utilize the accounting cycle to record transactions, process information, and prepare financial statements for a business.
• Demonstrate the ability to organize, analyze, manage, and disseminate information.
• Demonstrate communication, interpersonal, research, and organizational skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.  

Career Opportunities

Accounting is one of the fastest growing professions in the United States. The A.A.S. degree in Accounting is designed to prepare people for employment in accounting. An accountant examines, analyzes, and interprets accounting data for the purpose of giving advice and preparing financial statements. The analyses and reports are relied upon by individuals and organizations to make financial decisions.

Responsibilities may include recording transactions, preparing financial statements, and preparing state and federal income tax returns or other reports. Also, accountants perform many other tasks important to management, such as budgeting and controlling costs.

Career Potential

Account Manager, Account Specialist, Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk, Bookkeeper, Cost Accountant, Management Accountant, Payroll Accountant, Public Accountant and Staff Accountant.  

With additional education and/or work experience, graduates may find employment as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), comptroller, or controller. The Web page of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, www.aicpa.org, provides additional FAQ on Accounting careers and certification requirements.

Tax Tips

 Ernst & Young (one of the largest certified public accounting firms) has provided five new tax tips per week that are made public through their weekly Financial Tips page. They have published over 110 of these tips. The Web sites listed are but a few that are available to the public. Those listed should be of particular interest to the accounting student or the potential business or accounting student.

Employment Outlook

Employment in the accounting field is expected to have steady growth for the next several years. Proficiency in accounting and auditing computer software, or expertise in specialized areas such as international business, specific industries, or current legislation, may also be helpful in landing certain accounting and auditing jobs. In addition, employers increasingly seek applicants with strong interpersonal and communication skills. (Occupational Outlook Handbook, October 2000).

Transfer Opportunities

As a graduate of Jefferson, you will have many transfer opportunities to consider and will be able to choose from a wide variety of colleges and universities to pursue your baccalaureate degree. Jefferson has partnered with some selected academic institutions to develop agreements that help students transfer smoothly.  These agreements assist students with selecting courses in their academic program that will transfer effectively to specific baccalaureate programs:

* Students who intend to seek CPA licensure should note that ACC 207 does not fulfill the federal taxation curricular requirement.

For More Information

Linda S. Dening, Professor of Accounting
ldening@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2220

Richard Merryman, Assistant Professor of Accounting
rmerryman@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2465

Application and Admissions Information
Office of Admissions
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
315-786-2277 or Toll Free 1-888-435-6522