“A two year degree in accounting will start your career with a strong foundation. The pay is excellent and jobs are plentiful. Most graduates have job offers before they complete the program.”
-- Sue Madarieta, Department Chair
Program Overview
Accounting professionals are in high demand, and as a student in this program you will learn basic knowledge of accounting processes that are required for a variety of career paths. College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Applied Accounting program will help prepare you to find employment in professions such as accounting clerk, accounting technician, accounting associate, payroll clerk, or bookkeeper. Upon completion, you will have an opportunity to obtain credentialing as a Certified Bookkeeper by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), a national standard of excellence in the profession. So if you like numbers, order, and troubleshooting, you will enjoy this career!
What will you learn to do?
- Process daily accounting transactions, journals, and ledgers, and handle other entry-level accounting functions
- Prepare financial statements
- Perform payroll functions
- Manage cash and accrual accounting
- Handle accounting for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations
- Use business computer applications
- Communicate professionally, both in person and in writing
- Solve problems
- Conduct an effective job search
What kind of degree(s) can you earn?
- Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) Fall Start – approximately two years
- Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) Spring Start – approximately two years
- Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) Fall Start – approximately 16 months
- Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) Spring Start – approximately 16 months
What else should you know?
It is recommended that students do not hold a job outside of class that requires more than 20 hours per week because of the homework load of this program.
Orientation:
Interested students are highly encouraged to attend an informative session for all Administrative Support, Medical Administrative Support, Applied Accounting, and Marketing Management programs.
You will learn more about available resources and information to make your start at CWI successful. You will also have the opportunity to meet the Business faculty and other new students.
Requirements
Degree Plan
- Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) Fall Start – approximately two years
- Associate of Applied Science Degree (AAS) Spring Start – approximately two years
- Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) Fall Start – approximately 16 months
- Advanced Technical Certificate (ATC) Spring Start – approximately 16 months
Orientation:
Interested students are highly encouraged to attend an informative session for all Administrative Support, Medical Administrative Support, Applied Accounting, and Marketing Management programs.
You will learn more about available resources and information to make your start at CWI successful. You will also have the opportunity to meet the Business faculty and other new students.
Instructor Info
Program Chair:
Amanda Shea
208.562.2479
amandashea@cwidaho.cc
Career Info
What kind of career can you expect?
This program will prepare you for an entry-level accounting position. Employers include almost every area of business and industry including but not limited to corporations, small companies, healthcare organizations, non-profit groups, and more.
All credits earned in this two-year associate degree program can be applied at any time if you decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
What skills, traits, or prep classes would be helpful?
- Interest in a business career
- Enjoyment of working with others
- Attention to detail
- Keyboarding proficiency is a plus
- College-level reading skills
- Fluency in the English language
