Southwestern's accounting program is designed to provide you with the fundamentals necessary to obtain an entry-level position in the field of accounting. With your accounting degree, you will be prepared for entry-level jobs in private business, all levels of government, and public accounting firms.
According to the state of Iowa's occupational projections, bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing assistants are projected to have a huge number of openings in the next few years, due not only to job growth, but also to job replacement needs.
This program is also offered through SWCC's online/distance education department!
Awards Available
Associate of Applied Science Degree
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a specialized degree that can be used for immediate entry into the workplace. Emphasis is placed on competence of applying basic principles, theories, and occupational skills. These are two-year programs.
A certificate or diploma is a credential showing completion of a select group of courses that focus on job skills preparation in a 9– or 10–month format. These programs may be used toward completion of an AAS degree.
Small Business Accounting Certificate
The small business accounting certificate is designed to serve current small business employees who want to improve their accounting skill sets. This certificate, which is designed to include 25 total credits spanning two semesters, can be stacked and earned credits may be applied to the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in accounting.
Potential Careers
- Accounts payable/receivable clerk
- Payroll accountant
- General ledger accountant
- Cost or tax accountant
Sample Courses
- ACC 131 Principles of Accounting I
- BUS 102 Introduction to Business
- CSC 110 Introduction to Computers
- ACC 132 Principles of Accounting II
- BUS 121 Business Communications
- BUS 110 Business Math and Calculators
- ACC 211 Intermediate Accounting I
- ACC 311 Computer Accounting
- BUS 185 Business Law I
- ECN 120 Principles of Macroeconomics
- ACC 221 Cost Accounting
- ACC 261 Income Tax Accounting
- ECN 130 Principles of Microeconomics
- MAT 156 Statistics
- BUS 238 Business Problem Solving
- WBL 110 Employability Skills
Click on the course number in the list above to view the course description. This may not be a complete list of courses that may be included for the Accounting program. To see all courses in a semester-by-semester plan, view the Accounting program course outline.
Degree requirement advising sheet
NOTE: If you plan to transfer and earn a bachelor's degree, the Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree is recommended for your course of study. Follow the link and refer to the "Business" link listed under Transfer Majors.
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Describe and illustrate the accounting concepts, principles, and characteristics for sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations; and prepare basic business forms and financial records for each.
- Utilize information typically found on the balance sheet, income statement, statements of owner's equity or retained earnings statement and the cash flow statement.
- Understand the use of accepted accounting procedures for all levels and sizes of business activity from small sole proprietorships to large highly organized corporations.
- Illustrate the cost accounting systems used by manufacturing enterprises including job order, process and standard cost which includes the flow of manufacturing costs through the production process--direct materials, direct labor and factory overhead.
- Understand and use accounting terminology related to payroll records, and demonstrate to correctly calculate, record and process payroll information.
- Understand and use accounting terminology related to tax accounting and prepare federal and state income taxes using manual and computerized methods.
- Describe and illustrate effective methods of establishing audit trails and internal controls.
- Participate in class activities that develop oral and written communication skills, group work skills and problem solving skills beneficial in the workplace.