What Can I Do With A Major In Accounting Technology or Accounting Technology w/ Computer Support?

Introduction

In today's entrepreneurial environment (the heart of the American economy), the professional bookkeeper is the key decision maker. Even the greatest CPA cannot create strong financial statements from flimsy data. Who cares about a small company's financial statements? The bank making a loan decision. The vendor deciding whether to extend credit. The business owner trying to determine whether to expand or discontinue a particular segment of his/her business. Forget about the stereotypical image of the recluse with meticulous records and no skills. Today's professional bookkeeper (as opposed to "bookkeeping clerk") is expected to know current state and federal payroll tax law, complex rules on writing off cars and equipment, how to handle independent contractors vs. employees, usage of current technology and benefit and pension plan administration. The list of accounting and tax rules that today's bookkeeper must know is endless. Professional bookkeepers will work in small businesses as full charge bookkeepers or large businesses as a member of the accounting staff. Folks who occupy these positions are analytical, detail-oriented and enjoy using technology to compile data.

Special Features of this Degree

  • High level of computer skills/literacy
  • Easy degree to 'path' from
  • Beginning to educational/career path depending on how far you want to go!
  • Marketable skills that makes a graduate immediately employable with A.A.S.
  • Ability to continue on "2+2" path towards B.S., apply to graduate school and take the CPA
  • Note: great way to finish financing rest of education
  • Accounting faculty are practicing CPAs

    Future of the field/Job Prospectus

  • All types of organizations need a financial staff
  • Manufacturing, non profit, service, etc.
  • Steady job prospects - not susceptible to economic cycles
  • Technology/applications changing, but not 'base theory'

    A Sample of Related Occupations

    Staff Accountants Paraprofessional at CPA firm Full charge bookkeeper
       
     
    Types of Employers
    Private and Non-profit Organizations
     

    Accounting Firms

    Publishing Firms

    Financial Institutes

    Retail Buisnesses

    Health Care Providers

    Radio/TV Stations

    Law Enforcement Agencies

    Universities and Colleges

     
    Government Agencies
     

    Social Security Administration

    City/State/County Agencies

    Internal Revenue Service

    Related Web Links

     

    Professional Associations

    For additional career information, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook