Accounting

AAS Degree – Code #0630

Thomas Stolberg, Program Coordinator

Email address: stolbete@alfredstate.edu

The accounting program is one of the most established and respected programs within the business discipline. It is a computer-based program in which accounting theory and practice receive equal emphasis as applied to both financial and managerial accounting issues. It intends to support the career objectives of those looking to enter the job market upon graduation, as well as the academic needs of those looking to pursue a four-year degree. Required course work covers areas critical to success in today’s business workplace:

1. Technical accounting knowledge
2. Communication and interpersonal skills
3. Career-related computer literacy

A laptop computer is recommended, but not required, for students entering the accounting program.

PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Define and provide an example of the major underlying elements and principles of accounting (per FASB) and discuss the legal and ethical choices that may arise through their application. Students must be able to present the relevant application of each in a group/team oral presentation.
• Prepare and interpret (using basic math to employ common ratio analysis) the four general purpose financial statements (income statement,owners equity statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.
• Contrast, in writing, the major differences between Financial and Managerial Accounting.
• Define basic cost concepts, including differentiation between fixed and variable costs within relevant range.
• Demonstrate a knowledge of current U.S. income tax concepts, laws and regulations and computational procedures in individual taxation and be able to contrast our country's system with the systems utilized in at least two other countries.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of technology by properly employing accounting information systems for purposes of payroll, accounting reports and general ledgers.
• Info Management (computer & research skills appropriate to degree level and type)
• Written & Oral Communication (appropriate to degree level and type)
• Critical Thinking (problem solving, reasoning skills appropriate to degree level and type)
• Students must demonstrate, through their oral and written work, an overriding fundamental understanding and acumen for the for-profit business environment.

DIRECT ENTRY INTO BACCALAUREATE DEGREE PROGRAM

Alfred State accounting graduates may enter directly into either the business administration BBA, financial planning BBA, or technology management BBA degree program.

TRANSFER OPPORTUNITIES

Students may transfer directly into one of our own BBA degree programs or to another college. To facilitate the transfer of graduates choosing to continue their education at the baccalaureate level, students are encouraged to make their intentions known to their academic adviser during their freshman year. Through the careful use of elective courses, students can realize excellent transfer credit.

The Business department has established many formal articulation agreements with local four-year institutions, although graduates may transfer to colleges virtually anywhere. Historically, accounting graduates have done very well after leaving Alfred State, whether they enter the work force or transfer to an advanced program.

OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

• Banking
• Manufacturing
• Retail
• Government and other not-for-profit entities
• Tax Agencies
• Financial Services

EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS

Employment and/or transfer rate of 100 percent.

RELATED PROGRAMS

Agricultural Business

Business Administration

Computer Information Systems

Financial Planning

Financial Services

Marketing

Technology Management

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS/RECOMMENDATIONS

Required: Algebra

Recommended: Geometry and Algebra 2/Trigonometry