Accounting AAS
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Accounting AAS

accountant at desk
50% or more of this program can be completed online.

Your accounting career starts at Jefferson

The Accounting A.A.S. degree is designed to prepare you for entry level positions in a variety of accounting-related positions in private businesses, government agencies and public accounting firms.

This program offers:

  • Preparation for continued studies in accounting and business
  • Savings on general education and core business classes
  • Entry-level preparation for accounting jobs
  • Access to ample job opportunities

Learn to apply accounting principles and practices in business

Graduating with an Accounting A.A.S. degree you will:

  • Utilize the accounting cycle to record transactions, process information, and prepare financial statements for a business
  • Organize, analyze, manage, and disseminate information
  • Communicate, build interpersonal skills, research, and hone organizational skills to work as part of a team

Pursue a career in one of the fastest-growing professions in the U.S.

The Accounting A.A.S. is designed to prepare you for direct employment in accounting after you graduate.

A basic accountant examines, analyzes, and interprets accounting data for the purpose of giving advice and preparing financial statements. The analysis and reports are relied upon by individuals and organizations to make financial decisions.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Record transactions
  • Prepare financial statements
  • Prepare state and federal income tax returns or other reports
  • Money management
  • Budgeting and cost control

After you graduate with your Accounting A.A.S. degree you may be hired into jobs like account manager, account specialist, accounts payable/receivable clerk, bookkeeper, cost accountant, management accountant, payroll accountant, public accountant and staff accountant.

Employment in the accounting field is expected to have steady growth for the next several years. Proficiency in accounting and auditing computer software, and expertise in specialized areas such as international business, specific industries, or current legislation, is in demand. Employers seek applicants with strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

Suggested 4-Semester Pathway

The four-semester pathway is intended for the typical college-ready student. Always look at placement scores, AP, and previous college credits to ensure proper placement in the first and subsequent semesters.

Semester 1
Semester 1 Credit Hours
INT 111: College Foundations 1
ACC 101: Accounting Principles 1 4
BUS 112: Introduction to Business 3
ENG 101: Research and Composition 3
MTH 154: Quantitative Reasoning or higher 3-4
SUNY Gen Ed Natural Science Elective 3-4
Semester Credit Hours: 17-19
Semester 2
Semester 2 Credit Hours
ACC 102: Accounting Principles 2 4
BUS 160: Spreadsheet Applications 3
ECO 101: Macroeconomics 3
SUNY Gen Ed English (Humanities or Arts) Elective (ENG 102: Literature and Composition recommended) 3
Math / Science Elective 3-4
Semester Credit Hours: 16-17
Semester 3
Semester 3 Credit Hours
ACC 209: Management Accounting 3
ACC 220: Accounting Information Systems 3
BUS 211: Business Law I 3
BUS 157: Professional Development and Skills Seminar 1
SUNY Gen Ed Humanities/Social Science Elective (Critical Thinking and any knowledge and and skill area, PSY 133: Introduction to Psychology recommended) 3
Semester Credit Hours: 13
Semester 4
Semester 4 Credit Hours
ACC 200: Intermediate Accounting Principles 4
ACC 208: Cost Accounting 4
SUNY Gen Ed DEISJ Elective (HIS 150: American History to 1877 / HIS 151: American History 1877 to Present recommended) 3
ACC/BUS Elective (BUS 121: Business Financial Operations or BUS 275: Business Internship recommended) 3
Semester Credit Hours: 14

Lookup Course Description

Contact Enrollment Services for Application and Admissions Information

Jules Center 6-010 (ground level)
admissions@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2437, fax (315) 786-2471 or toll free (888) 435-6522

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Friday

Beyond the A.A.S degree

Although the program is designed to prepare you to enter the workforce after completing the A.A.S. degree, you can choose to transfer to a bachelor's degree program too.  

Jefferson has partnered with some select academic institutions and developed agreements that will help you transfer smoothly. Talk to your advisor if you are interested in transferring.  We have transfer agreements for the Accounting A.A.S. degree with:

  • SUNY Oswego
  • SUNY Platsburg
  • SUNY Empire State College
  • Franklin University 
  • SUNY Canton (business and finance)

With additional education and/or work experience, you may find employment as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), comptroller, or controller. 

Degree requirements for Accounting A.A.S.

Accounting and Business Requirements (35 credit hours)
Accounting and Business Requirements (35 credit hours) Credit Hours
ACC 101: Accounting Principles 1  4
ACC 102: Accounting Principles 2 4
ACC 200: Intermediate Accounting Principles 4
ACC 208: Cost Accounting 4
ACC 209: Management Accounting  3
ACC 220: Accounting Information Systems  3
Accounting/Business Elective (BUS 121 recommended) 3
BUS 112: Introduction to Business  3
BUS 160: Spreadsheet Applications 3
BUS 211: Business Law 1 3
BUS 157: Professional Development and Skills Semnar 1
Liberal Arts Requirements (24 credit hours)
Liberal Arts Requirements (24 credit hours) Credit Hours
MTH 154: Quantitative Reasoning or higher 3
Mathematics or Science Elective 3
SUNY Gen Ed Natural Science Elective 3
ENG 101: Research and Composition 3
SUNY Gen Ed English Elective (ENG 102 recommended) 3
ECO 101 Macroeconomics or
ECO 102 Microeconomics		 3
Humanities or Social Science Elective (PSY 133 recommended) 3
SUNY Gen Ed DEISJ Elective (HIS 150/HIS 151 recommended) 3
Graduation Requirements 
Graduation Requirements Credit Hours
INT 111: College Foundations 1

Total Credit Hours 60

Advising Notes
Advising Notes:  
Math placement is important. Emphasis on algebra or courses that contain algebra content (see note for Underprepared students regarding the sequencing of MTH 154 → ACC 101 → ACC102)   
BUS 160 should be taken as soon as possible. Many accounting and business courses include the use of Microsoft Excel so reasonable proficiency is important.   

It is recommended that SUNY transfer students use the electives to complete additional SUNY Gen Ed requirements.  

  

It is recommended that SUNY transfer students choose liberal arts electives to include courses from at least seven (7) SUNY knowledge and skill areas. 

  

 

Program Contacts

Richard Merryman

Associate Professor of Accounting
rmerryman@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2465

Donna Stevenson

AVP of STEM, Health Professions, & Business
dstevenson@sunyjefferson.edu
(315) 786-2323

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