Accounting
Program Description
The mission of the accounting department is to provide accounting students with an industry relevant certificate or degree. The terminal certificate and degree allow students to enter the accounting profession with a sound and relevant accounting education and experience.
The vision of the accounting department is to become a program of accounting increasingly recognized by the community for preparing self-confident, competent graduates able to perform in a business environment.
This degree program is designed for students seeking a two-year vocational degree. ***(Grand Canyon University accepts the AAS—Accounting degree as a transfer degree for the BS—Accounting degree.)*** A variety of accounting along with complementary business and general education courses will guide the student to establish a clearly focused foundation to enter the accounting profession in a wide range of available positions.
Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Complete the accounting cycle using assumptions, constraints, and principles in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles.
- Complete accounting activities using computerized accounting software.
- Prepare basic income tax returns.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements of payroll in the accounting industry.
- Describe and report costing concepts for business entities for decision making including budgeting and forecasting.
- Define and identify types of fraud found in business as well as develop methods of detection, investigation, and prevention and internal control.
- Demonstrate an understanding of how government and non-profits record economic activity, prepare budgets, and report financial results.
- Apply business analysis and decision making methods using equity and credit analysis and valuation models.
- Apply accounting concepts learned in the degree/certificate program to real world examples.
Have questions about this program?
Schedule NowDegree(s) / Certificates(s)
| Title | Local Bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Accounting - A.A.S. Occupational Degree | - |
| Accounting - CERT Occupational Certificate | - |
| Bookkeeping - CERT Occupational Certificate | - |
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program can open doors to various employment opportunities, many of which require further higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and their annual mean wages in Arizona, based on career and wage data from Pipeline AZ, which utilizes government sources for its reports and forecasts.
Description
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Duties/Tasks
- Prepare detailed reports on audit findings.
- Report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities.
- Collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
- Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency, effectiveness, and use of accepted accounting procedures to record transactions.
- Supervise auditing of establishments, and determine scope of investigation required.
- Confer with company officials about financial and regulatory matters.
- Examine and evaluate financial and information systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.
- Inspect cash on hand, notes receivable and payable, negotiable securities, and canceled checks to confirm records are accurate.
- Examine records and interview workers to ensure recording of transactions and compliance with laws and regulations.
- Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$78,550
$78,550
Entry Level Salary
$47,630
$47,630
Mid Level Salary
$76,060
$76,060
Expert Level Salary
$124,440
$124,440
Average Hourly Wage
$37.77
$37.77
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$22.90
$22.90
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$36.00
$36.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$59.83
$59.83
Description
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.
Duties/Tasks
- Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.
- Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
- Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
- Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.
- Perform personal bookkeeping services.
- Prepare and process payroll information.
- Prepare bank deposits by compiling data from cashiers, verifying and balancing receipts, and sending cash, checks, or other forms of payment to banks.
- Compute deductions for income and social security taxes.
- Calculate and prepare checks for utilities, taxes, and other payments.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$44,100
$44,100
Entry Level Salary
$29,490
$29,490
Mid Level Salary
$44,300
$44,300
Expert Level Salary
$60,570
$60,570
Average Hourly Wage
$21.20
$21.20
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$14.18
$14.18
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$21.00
$21.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$29.12
$29.12
Typical Education Level
High School Diploma
Description
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
Duties/Tasks
- Summarize budgets and submit recommendations for the approval or disapproval of funds requests.
- Analyze monthly department budgeting and accounting reports to maintain expenditure controls.
- Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations.
- Direct the preparation of regular and special budget reports.
- Provide advice and technical assistance with cost analysis, fiscal allocation, and budget preparation.
- Compile and analyze accounting records and other data to determine the financial resources required to implement a program.
- Review operating budgets to analyze trends affecting budget needs.
- Interpret budget directives and establish policies for carrying out directives.
- Match appropriations for specific programs with appropriations for broader programs, including items for emergency funds.
- Consult with managers to ensure that budget adjustments are made in accordance with program changes.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$73,740
$73,740
Entry Level Salary
$47,630
$47,630
Mid Level Salary
$69,680
$69,680
Expert Level Salary
$102,340
$102,340
Average Hourly Wage
$35.45
$35.45
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$22.90
$22.90
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$33.00
$33.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$49.20
$49.20
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.
Duties/Tasks
- Report violations of compliance or regulatory standards to duly authorized enforcement agencies as appropriate or required.
- Identify compliance issues that require follow-up or investigation.
- Discuss emerging compliance issues to ensure that management and employees are informed about compliance reporting systems, policies, and practices.
- File appropriate compliance reports with regulatory agencies.
- Maintain documentation of compliance activities, such as complaints received or investigation outcomes.
- Consult with corporate attorneys as necessary to address difficult legal compliance issues.
- Conduct or direct the internal investigation of compliance issues.
- Provide employee training on compliance related topics, policies, or procedures.
- Serve as a confidential point of contact for employees to communicate with management, seek clarification on issues or dilemmas, or report irregularities.
- Verify that all regulatory policies and procedures have been documented, implemented, and communicated.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$121,290
$121,290
Entry Level Salary
$60,710
$60,710
Mid Level Salary
$111,740
$111,740
Expert Level Salary
$169,250
$169,250
Average Hourly Wage
$58.31
$58.31
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.19
$29.19
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$53.00
$53.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$81.37
$81.37
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.
Duties/Tasks
- Establish and maintain relationships with individual or business customers or provide assistance with problems these customers may encounter.
- Oversee the flow of cash or financial instruments.
- Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of workers in branches, offices, or departments of establishments, such as branch banks, brokerage firms, risk and insurance departments, or credit departments.
- Establish procedures for custody or control of assets, records, loan collateral, or securities to ensure safekeeping.
- Communicate with stockholders or other investors to provide information or to raise capital.
- Develop or analyze information to assess the current or future financial status of firms.
- Approve, reject, or coordinate the approval or rejection of lines of credit or commercial, real estate, or personal loans.
- Prepare financial or regulatory reports required by laws, regulations, or boards of directors.
- Examine, evaluate, or process loan applications.
- Evaluate financial reporting systems, accounting or collection procedures, or investment activities and make recommendations for changes to procedures, operating systems, budgets, or other financial control functions.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$134,110
$134,110
Entry Level Salary
$61,370
$61,370
Mid Level Salary
$125,990
$125,990
Expert Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Average Hourly Wage
$64.47
$64.47
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.50
$29.50
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$60.00
$60.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Obtain evidence, take statements, produce reports, and testify to findings regarding resolution of fraud allegations. May coordinate fraud detection and prevention activities.
Duties/Tasks
- Document all investigative activities.
- Prepare written reports of investigation findings.
- Analyze financial data to detect irregularities in areas such as billing trends, financial relationships, and regulatory compliance procedures.
- Gather financial documents related to investigations.
- Interview witnesses or suspects and take statements.
- Review reports of suspected fraud to determine need for further investigation.
- Conduct in-depth investigations of suspicious financial activity, such as suspected money-laundering efforts.
- Lead, or participate in, fraud investigation teams.
- Prepare evidence for presentation in court.
- Arrest individuals to be charged with fraud.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$73,870
$73,870
Entry Level Salary
$47,310
$47,310
Mid Level Salary
$69,200
$69,200
Expert Level Salary
$103,670
$103,670
Average Hourly Wage
$35.51
$35.51
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$22.75
$22.75
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$33.00
$33.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$49.84
$49.84
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, loan underwriters, and payday loan officers.
Duties/Tasks
- Meet with applicants to obtain information for loan applications and to answer questions about the process.
- Analyze applicants' financial status, credit, and property evaluations to determine feasibility of granting loans.
- Approve loans within specified limits, and refer loan applications outside those limits to management for approval.
- Explain to customers the different types of loans and credit options that are available, as well as the terms of those services.
- Submit applications to credit analysts for verification and recommendation.
- Review loan agreements to ensure that they are complete and accurate according to policy.
- Review and update credit and loan files.
- Obtain and compile copies of loan applicants' credit histories, corporate financial statements, and other financial information.
- Work with clients to identify their financial goals and to find ways of reaching those goals.
- Handle customer complaints and take appropriate action to resolve them.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$62,730
$62,730
Entry Level Salary
$29,050
$29,050
Mid Level Salary
$52,530
$52,530
Expert Level Salary
$101,380
$101,380
Average Hourly Wage
$30.16
$30.16
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$13.97
$13.97
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$25.00
$25.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$48.74
$48.74
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives. May also buy and sell financial assets for clients.
Duties/Tasks
- Interview clients to determine their current income, expenses, insurance coverage, tax status, financial objectives, risk tolerance, or other information needed to develop a financial plan.
- Recommend to clients strategies in cash management, insurance coverage, investment planning, or other areas to help them achieve their financial goals.
- Manage client portfolios, keeping client plans up-to-date.
- Implement financial planning recommendations, or refer clients to someone who can assist them with plan implementation.
- Analyze financial information obtained from clients to determine strategies for meeting clients' financial objectives.
- Answer clients' questions about the purposes and details of financial plans and strategies.
- Review clients' accounts and plans regularly to determine whether life changes, economic changes, environmental concerns, or financial performance indicate a need for plan reassessment.
- Contact clients periodically to determine any changes in their financial status.
- Investigate available investment opportunities to determine compatibility with client financial plans.
- Explain to clients the personal financial advisor's responsibilities and the types of services to be provided.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$92,180
$92,180
Entry Level Salary
$37,530
$37,530
Mid Level Salary
$64,100
$64,100
Expert Level Salary
$166,310
$166,310
Average Hourly Wage
$44.32
$44.32
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$18.05
$18.05
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$30.00
$30.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$79.96
$79.96
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.
Duties/Tasks
- Send notices to taxpayers when accounts are delinquent.
- Confer with taxpayers or their representatives to discuss the issues, laws, and regulations involved in returns, and to resolve problems with returns.
- Notify taxpayers of any overpayment or underpayment, and either issue a refund or request further payment.
- Maintain records for each case, including contacts, telephone numbers, and actions taken.
- Collect taxes from individuals or businesses according to prescribed laws and regulations.
- Determine appropriate methods of debt settlement, such as offers of compromise, wage garnishment, or seizure and sale of property.
- Check tax forms to verify that names and taxpayer identification numbers are correct, that computations have been performed correctly, or that amounts match those on supporting documentation.
- Examine and analyze tax assets and liabilities to determine resolution of delinquent tax problems.
- Impose payment deadlines on delinquent taxpayers and monitor payments to ensure that deadlines are met.
- Conduct independent field audits and investigations of income tax returns to verify information or to amend tax liabilities.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$77,260
$77,260
Entry Level Salary
$46,590
$46,590
Mid Level Salary
$75,210
$75,210
Expert Level Salary
$111,360
$111,360
Average Hourly Wage
$37.14
$37.14
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$22.40
$22.40
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$36.00
$36.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
$53.54
$53.54
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Description
Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.
Duties/Tasks
- Evaluate needs for procurement of funds and investment of surpluses and make appropriate recommendations.
- Delegate authority for the receipt, disbursement, banking, protection, and custody of funds, securities, and financial instruments.
- Develop and maintain relationships with banking, insurance, and external accounting personnel to facilitate financial activities.
- Monitor financial activities and details, such as cash flow and reserve levels, to ensure that all legal and regulatory requirements are met.
- Receive, record, and authorize requests for disbursements in accordance with company policies and procedures.
- Develop internal control policies, guidelines, and procedures for activities, such as budget administration, cash and credit management, and accounting.
- Coordinate and direct the financial planning, budgeting, procurement, or investment activities of all or part of an organization.
- Receive cash and checks and make deposits.
- Prepare and file annual tax returns or prepare financial information so that outside accountants can complete tax returns.
- Supervise employees performing financial reporting, accounting, billing, collections, payroll, and budgeting duties.
Salary Information (AZ)
Average Salary
$134,110
$134,110
Entry Level Salary
$61,370
$61,370
Mid Level Salary
$125,990
$125,990
Expert Level Salary
N/A
N/A
Average Hourly Wage
$64.47
$64.47
Entry Level Hourly Wage
$29.50
$29.50
Mid Level Hourly Wage
$60.00
$60.00
Expert Level Hourly Wage
N/A
N/A
Typical Education Level
Bachelors Degree
Contact Information
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Gibson | Dean of Business, Education, Social and Behavioral Sciences | (928) 317-6417 | Stuart.Gibson@azwestern.edu |
| Kristine Duke | Professor of Accounting | (928) 344-7783 | kristine.duke@azwestern.edu |