Accounting

The Occupations

Accounting Clerk

Bookkeeper

Accounting Assistant

Audit Clerk

Payroll Clerk

Accounts Receivable Clerk

Accounting Payable Clerk

Accounting Supervisor/Office Manager

Financial Clerk

About the Occupations

An accounting degree is one of the most sought-after credentials today. In the corporate world, accounting is more than just processing numbers. As a member of an accounting department, you may be expected to organize, analyze and interpret financial data for managers and executives, as well as, participate in strategic planning and decision-making. Whether the economy is strong or weak, the demand for accountants thrives. When there is an economic downturn, companies may trim costs by cutting back investments in management or marketing, but they still need to monitor the flow of money in order to identify organizational inefficiencies. With all this in mind, consider the value an accounting certificate or degree from Navarro College would have for you. Accounting personnel generally work in three areas: public accounting, business (profit or non-profit), and/or Governmental entities. Employees in the accounting field may specialize in specific information areas such as Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Billing, Costing or Budgeting. Those who assist Certified Public Accountants may also work with clients to acquire, record and prepare financial and/or tax information. According to the United States Bureau of Labor, “Accounting clerks who can carry out a wide range of bookkeeping and accounting activities will be in greater demand than specialized clerks.” Therefore, Navarro College’s Accounting Program is designed to provide students with a broad range of accounting knowledge and experiences, which will help develop the skills employers value. According to the United States Bureau of Labor (December 2015), the area of accounting is one of the occupations projected to experience significant growth. Jobs in the field of accounting are expected to show a 3-11 percent growth rate through the year 2024. Due to the significant size of this occupational area, it is expected there will be many job opportunities available, including temporary, part-time and freelance work. “Demand for full-charge bookkeepers is expected to increase as they are called upon to do much of the work of accountants.” Additionally, an accounting degree is preferred by many companies when hiring or promoting employees. An accounting certificate and/or degree from Navarro College can open new doors. Accounting is an excellent profession for those directly out of high school as well as those who are looking for new career opportunities, or supplemental income. Graduates may find entry-level opportunities in small business, large corporations, professional associations, governmental agencies, and non-profit organization. Some may even find entrepreneurial opportunities available. Most bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks are required to have a high school degree and accounting training, however, some college such as a certificate or associates degree is preferred. Most entry-level accounting clerk positions can be obtained with a post high-school accounting certificate, while advancement opportunities and certifications may require a minimum of an associates degree. With this in mind, the Accounting Program at Navarro College offers a “Step approach”. Full-time students can receive an Accounting Marketable Skills or Clerk Certificate in as few as two semesters, allowing them to pursue an entry-level accounting position and/or continue their education. In as few as one more semester, the full-time student can enhance their knowledge and skills with the Accounting Paraprofessional Certificate. This certificate also includes the opportunity for students to receive on-the-job training experience through a supervised practicum course. Both of these certificates lead completely into Navarro College’s A.A.S. in accounting, which can be completed by the accounting paraprofessional graduate in as little as one additional semester. For those who wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree, such as a B.A.A.S., the A.A.S. in Accounting serves as an excellent foundation and allows students to pursue this as either a fulltime student or part-time, while working in the accounting field. “Regardless of specialty, accountants and auditors who have earned professional recognition through certification, will have the best job prospects.” National certifications, such as the Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CB) and Accredited Business Accountant (ABA) are available for individuals with accounting training, like offered at Navarro College, plus some work experience. For those who want to continue their education and pursue a bachelor’s degree (or higher), additional certifications, such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), the Enrolled Agent (EA) and the Certified Public Accountant (CAPA) are available.

Work Environment

Employers:

Service companies

Retail stores

Wholesale and distribution companies

Industrial and manufacturing organizations

Federal, state, and local government agencies

Not-for-profit organizations

Typical Schedule:

Standard 40-hour work week with overtime during peak times

Tools and Equipment:

Computer systems

Accounting software such as general ledger packages

Spreadsheet, data base, presentation, and word processing application software

Internet access

Financial documents such as journals, ledgers, financial statements, and government forms

Worker Portrait

Skills and Aptitudes:

Organized, careful, accurate and neat

Good math skills

Dependable, punctual, and able to meet deadlines

Able to communicate well orally and in writing

Takes direction well, but can work with limited supervision

Problem solver

Interests

Enjoys helping people and providing a vital service to society

Enjoys high level of responsibility and maintains high ethical standards

Career Outlook

The median salary for an accounting clerk is $36,430. With experience and additional certifications one can become a full charge bookkeeper making up to $56,470 per year, or an accounting supervisor/manager, making more than $70,000 per year. (3) (Note: Individual earnings may vary based upon the job setting and position. These are ranges not guarantees of earnings.) Sources:

1. Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation, http://www.acatcredentials.org 
2. American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, http://www.aipb.org 
3. State U.S. Dept. of Labor, Bureau of Labor Occupational Employment Elementary Statistical Methods, http://www.bls.gov
4. Texas Workforce Commission: http://www.twc.state.tx.us
5. Accounting has been ranked as the most sought-after college major by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). http://www.naceweb.org/

Degree Plans

A.A.S. in Accounting

Accounting Assistant/Paraprofessional Certificate

Accounting Clerk Certificate

Accounting Marketable Skills Certificates