2026-2027 Course Catalog
Accounting Specialist, AAS
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 Return to: Ankeny Campus Programs
The Accounting Specialist program is designed to provide skills needed for positions in the accounting field in four semesters. It will qualify students for the same opportunities as the diploma plus more specialized areas such as income tax preparation and financial analysis. Students 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 students for the Fundamental Payroll Certification exam offered by the American Payroll Association.
Communication and leadership skills are incorporated in all of the courses. If students are thinking of continuing their 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 may be used to obtain specialized certificates.
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PENDING IOWA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION APPROVAL
Locations: Ankeny, Online
Students may start any semester.
Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.
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
Option 2 - 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. Option 3- Select 3 Credits
- Select 3 credits from ACC, BUS, FIN, ECN, CSC, BCA, ADM, MKT, MGT, or CIS
Option 4 - Select 8 Credits
- Select 8 credits from ACC, BUS, FIN, ECN, CIS,CSC, BCA, ADM, MKT, or MGT
Option 5 - Select 2-3 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: 65*
*Total credits are calculated using the least number of credits needed to satisfy the option requirements. Fixed Costs
Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 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: $16,415**
**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.
- Specialized certificates can be obtained with one or two additional classes.
- Average starting salary $37,470 (Iowa Bureau of Statistics May 2017)
Program Competencies
- Demonstrate Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and double entry accounting
- Utilize relevant software to perform accounting functions
- Demonstrate workplace professionalism skills
- Demonstrate Regulatory Accounting Principles
Competencies revised date
AY2026 Nondiscrimination Statement
It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of 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. If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov (2026) |
Return to: Ankeny Campus Programs
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