Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Course Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Accounting Specialist, AAS



The Accounting Specialist program is designed to provide skills needed for positions in the accounting field in four semesters. It will qualify you for the same opportunities as the diploma plus more specialized areas such as income tax preparation and financial analysis. You will have the option to get hands-on experience by participating in a volunteer income tax preparation course, an internship, or a class that prepares you for the Fundamental Payroll Certification exam offered by the American Payroll Association.

Communication and leadership skills are incorporated in all of the courses. If you are thinking of continuing your education the program provides a high degree of transferability to many private colleges.

All of the classes in the Accounting & Bookkeeping program will transfer into the Accounting Specialists program plus many of the classes can be used to obtain specialized certificates.

For more information about the Accounting Specialist program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/accounting.

Program Details


Locations: Ankeny, Online and Urban


Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Students may start any semester.


Graduation Requirements


To earn an Accounting Specialist AAS degree, a student must complete the requirements for the degree, maintain a 2.0 grade point average and receive a grade of “C” or above in all ACC coursework.

Option 1 - Select 3-4 Credits


Note:


Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should check with that institution regarding math requirements before selecting math courses for this program.

Option 2 - Select 3 Credits


Semester 4


Option 3 - Select 2-3 Credits


Option 4 - Select 3 Credits


Note:


Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should check with that institution regarding math requirements before selecting math courses for this program.

Total Credits Required to Complete this AAS Degree: 64*


*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements.

Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$174.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs


  Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4
Books (Approximate) 400 725 700 575
Equipment - Calculator 40      

Approximate total for program: $13,576**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate costs.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Perform full-time, full-charge bookkeeping and payroll service.
  • Apply computer skills using QuickBooks, Peachtree, and/or Excel.
  • Apply knowledge learned in:
    • Tax Preparation
    • Cost Accounting
    • Financial Statement Analysis
  • Communicate with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
  • Ability to transfer to Grandview and Simpson to complete a Bachelor’s degree.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Understand accounting concepts and applications at the principles and immediate level.
  • Follow instructions.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of business operations and the communications process.
  • Communicate with coworkers, supervisors, and the public.

What Else Should I Consider about this Degree program?


  • Class work requires daily homework preparation (average two-three hours per night).
  • Reading and math skills are important to get maximum benefit from the classes.
  • Desire to get the most out of coursework as possible.
  • All classes in Accounting & Bookkeeping Program will transfer to Accounting Specialists.
  • Specialize certificates can be obtain with one or two additional classes.
  • Average starting salary $37,470 (Iowa Bureau of Statistics May 2017)

Program Competencies


  1. Demonstrate the basic workplace skills of listening, writing, communicating, problem-solving, interpersonal relationships and leadership.
  2. Demonstrate double-entry accounting.
  3. Compile financial reports for corporations, manufacturing and branch operations.
  4. Interpret financial statements.
  5. Assess financial statements as to conformance with FASB regulations or GAAP or Govt. rules.
  6. Compile Cost Reports.
  7. Prepare personal income tax returns.
  8. Generate computerized financial and managerial reports.
  9. Demonstrate the personal qualities needed to succeed as an accountant.
  10. Develop individual career values.
  11. Explore opportunities in the accounting profession.
  12. Assess the changing accounting environment.
  13. Produce personnel and payroll records in conformance with current legal requirements.
  14. Solve problems on a computer calculator/keyboard. 
  15. Interpret the impact of governmental regulations on business.

2020

Nondiscrimination Statement


Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6857, dso@dmacc.edu. Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA 50023, phone 515/964-6216, Title9@dmacc.edu. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/admissions/Pages/checklist.aspx. (2021)