Program Coordinator Christina Wickenhauser
The success of a business is based on a manager’s decisions, and individuals who are trained in accounting at Lewis and Clark can help prepare the data and reports that managers need to make profitable moves. That’s why large and small companies need people with accounting backgrounds. When you’re trained in accounting at Lewis and Clark, you’ll know what it takes to help make a business profitable. You’ll receive training in accounting principles, taxes and business practices. L&C’s curriculum also includes the latest in technology, and you’ll work with computers and software applications to increase your productivity and efficiency. Lewis and Clark can give you the background you’ll need to understand the finances of a business and to serve as a paraprofessional in the accounting field.
Program Learning Objectives
Understand the business functions of organizations
Understand the nature and process of management within modern organizations
Understand the political, legal and regulatory environment
Describe the foundational tools of business finance and their applications to controlling the firm’s financial environment
Utilize tools and method needed to solve marketing problems, including developing marketing plans and the use of various marketing strategies
Understand the concepts of business operations and importance of supply chain management
Demonstrate a foundation of computer and information systems knowledge, technical skills, and a basic understanding of computer applications
Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking skills
Demonstrate effective communication skills
Understand the importance of a global perspective
Degree and Certificate Options: Lewis and Clark offers programs in accounting at three different levels. The A.A.S. degree prepares a person to assume the responsibilities of a position such as an Accounting Paraprofessional. The certificate of proficiency consists of courses needed for a person to assume the role of what is sometimes referred to as an Accounting Specialist. The certificate of completion prepares one to perform the tasks usually handled by an Accounting Clerk.
Nature of Work: The Accounting Program prepares individuals to provide technical administrative support to professional accountants and other financial management personnel. Accounting, which is the recording and interpretation of financial information, starts with the recording of transactions in either a manual or computer system. The collected data is then converted to a useful form for various financial and managerial functions.
Skills and Abilities: Skills required include a knowledge of the bookkeeping process and current accounting principles. Also needed is a working knowledge of computers, since most accounting information is computerized.
Evening Classes: The offering of some advanced courses in this program is rotated between day and evening schedules. Therefore, students wishing to complete the degree requirements within two years during the day should anticipate a minimum of four evening classes. Some advanced accounting classes are offered in a Web-blended format in which two courses can be taken during the same evening of the week.
Please Note: You must select courses at L&C to match the freshman and sophomore requirements listed by the transfer institution. Colleges and universities vary greatly in their policies, and therefore prospective transfer students are urged to contact the Enrollment Center for assistance in deciding which courses to take. Students who may later seek a four-year degree are encouraged to complete MATH 235 to satisfy math requirements and to complete MATH 165 as an elective.
In order to prevent a course being taken or a degree being granted where the student would be disadvantaged by a lack of awareness of recent developments in the relevant field of study, the Business department may refuse to accept a course or courses to meet course prerequisites or program requirements if there has been a lapse of eight years or more since the credit was earned and there has been significant advance in the field of study.
30 and Out A.A.S. Degree Program Options: Anyone who has already earned an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university may earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Accounting by completing 30 semester hours of approved business courses. Students interested in this program option must contact the program coordinator to receive written approval detailing the specific courses required for this degree option. Students must meet all institutional requirements for the A.A.S. degree.
Graduation Requirements: To be eligible for graduation with an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Accounting, Certificate of Proficiency in Accounting, or to earn the Certificate of Completion in the area of accounting (Accounting Clerk), a student must:
Earn a grade of “C” or better in all required accounting courses (defined as courses with an ACCT prefix) and
Satisfy the requirements for an Associate in Applied Science degree, Certificate of Proficiency, or Certificate of Completion as specified by Lewis and Clark Community College.