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.
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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 may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2020 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. |
$43,600 |
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks. |
$45,640 |
| Tax Preparers Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses. |
$52,630 |
| Credit Analysts Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking. |
$70,600 |
| Budget Analysts Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports. |
$73,400 |
| Accountants and Auditors Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. |
$74,270 |
| Actuaries Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. |
$107,130 |
| Financial Managers Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment. |
$129,760 |
Contact Information
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuart Gibson | Associate Dean of Business, Education, Socials and Behavioral Sciences | (928) 317-6417 | Stuart.Gibson@azwestern.edu |
| Kristine Duke | Professor of Accounting | (928) 344-7783 | kristine.duke@azwestern.edu |