Accounting
Associate of Science
Associate of Applied Science
Division: Business, Social and Behavioral Science, and Professional/Public Service
Division Chair: Kristie deRuiter, kderuite@sunyrockland.edu
Department Chair: George Repic, grepic@sunyrockland.edu
Discipline Coordinator: James Tappan, jtappan@sunyrockland.edu
Department Support Staff: Diane Mena, dmena@sunyrockland.edu
Department Office: Academic II, Room 2350, Phone: 845-574-4330
Why Study Accounting?
Accountants and auditors help ensure that firms are run efficiently, public records are kept accurately, and taxes are paid properly. Accounting career options for Certified Public Accountants also include assurance services, environmental accounting, forensic accounting, international accounting, and tax and financial planning. Job opportunities for those who earn CPA credentials are favorable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, faster than average employment growth in this field will result from an increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations, and greater scrutiny of company finances.
Degrees Offered:
Occupational Objectives:
Upon graduation, students may find employment in small businesses, large corporations, accounting firms, and governmental organizations. Additional requirements are necessary for CPA eligibility.
5 Top Reasons
To Study Accounting at RCC:
- VALUE: Affordable tuition. Renowned honors program. Study abroad opportunities.
- TRANSFER: Agreements with many four-year colleges for seamless transfer for a bachelor's degree.
- FLEXIBILITY: Many courses are offered days, evenings, or online.
- CAREER: Internships and an annual business plan competition provide networking with professionals and real-world experience.
- SUPPORT: Dedicated and experienced faculty. Small class sizes. Free tutoring.
Opportunities at Rockland Community College:
There are several opportunities to gain practical accounting skills through extra-curricular activities on campus such as an annual Entrepreneurial Business Plan Competition with cash awards (co-hosted by the local NY State Society of Certified Public Accountants and the RCC Business Department); Rotaract, sponsored by the Rotary Club of New York City; and Alpha Beta Gamma, a business honor society established in 1970 to recognize scholarship among two-year college students.
Program Goals:
- Encourage active informed citizenship and leadership in students through the mastery of effective written and oral communication skills and thoughtful consideration of ethical issues in today’s business world.
- Instill an appreciation and awareness of racial, ethnic, and gender issues in today’s society.
- Provide a rigorous and dynamic interdisciplinary education that will attract, motivate and prepare students for the challenges of accounting practices.
- Enhance the student personal and professional development.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Identify and describe generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), explain how the application of GAAP impacts the recording of financial transactions, and the preparation of financial statements.
- Apply the steps in the accounting cycle in order to prepare financial statements.
- Assess the financial condition and operating results of a company, and analyze and interpret financial statements and information to make informed business decisions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role that accountants play in business and society.
- Utilize information technology tools to conduct business effectively and efficiently.