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Accountant

  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS)
  • 60 credits
  • 2 Years
  • Delivery Method: Hybrid

Why Study Accountant at 91ɬÂþ?

The AAS Accountant degree prepares students for successful entry into the job market upon graduation or for continuation onto their Bachelor’s degree.

A solid understanding of ethics and the ability to apply critical thinking skills to problem resolution is interwoven throughout the curriculum. Students demonstrate the mastery of their accounting skills through hands-on experiences as they complete comprehensive problems and case studies involving payroll, tax return preparation, transaction analysis, financial statement preparation and analysis, budget preparation and analysis, and business simulations using software programs that are popular in the industry. Managerial accounting, nonprofit accounting, internal control analysis, and spreadsheet skills are also essential components developed within our accounting program.

Many of the courses in the Accounting AAS Degree are offered on-site and all of the courses are offered online.

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Career Information

Below you will find the Career Field and Career Cluster that this program is related to. Learn more about if this career area fits your interests!

Is Business Administration and Management right for you?

Business, management, and administrative workers give the support needed to make a business run. You might check employee time records or train new employees. Or, you might work as a top executive and provide the overall direction for a company or department.

Is Finance right for you?

Finance workers keep track of money. You might work in financial planning, banking, or insurance. For example, you might provide financial services to a business or individual. Or, you could maintain financial records or give advice to business executives on how to operate their business.

Is Government and Public Administration right for you?

Government and public administration workers help pass and enforce the law. You could work in national, state, or local government. You will find almost every type of occupation within the government, including some jobs that are only found within government.

$82K

$39/hr

Median annual salary/wage for
Accountants and Auditors
in the United States

Details

6%

Projected job growth
in the next decade

Details

1.6M

Accountants and Auditors are currently employed

Details

This data is delivered by an API from CareerOneStop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Find more information including data update schedules at CareerOneStop's Data Sources (). Full list of datasources.

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Median Annual Salary/Wage Earnings for Accountants and Auditors

the United States

$82K
$39/hr

$53K - $141K

$25/hr - $67/hr

Minnesota

$81K
$38/hr

$55K - $135K

$26/hr - $65/hr

Duluth, MN Area

$74K
$35/hr

$50K - $120K

$23/hr - $57/hr

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; national occupational estimates for specific industries are also available.

Salary data are from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program (). Current as of May 2024.

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Projected 10-Year Job Growth for Accountants and Auditors

Rapid Growth; Numerous Job Openings
Outlook: Bright

the United States

5%

Projected Annual Job Openings: 124,200

2024 to 2034

Minnesota

6%

Projected Annual Job Openings: 2,690

2022 to 2032

My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.

Occupation outlook data come from O*NET Bright Outlook occupations () and My Next Move career outlook designations (). Note this information is only available at a national level, so even if you selected a state, you’ll see this information for the whole country. Current as of November 2024.

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Employment Numbers for Accountants and Auditors

the United States

Estimated Employment:

1,579,800

Minnesota

Estimated Employment:

32,080

My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.

Occupation outlook data come from O*NET Bright Outlook occupations () and My Next Move career outlook designations (). Note this information is only available at a national level, so even if you selected a state, you’ll see this information for the whole country. Current as of November 2024.

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Alternative Job Titles for Accountants and Auditors

  • Accountant
  • Accounting Officer
  • Audit Partner
  • Auditor
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Cost Accountant
  • Financial Auditor
  • General Accountant
  • Internal Auditor
  • Revenue Tax Specialist

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Job Tasks and Activities for Accountants and Auditors

  • Advise clients in areas such as compensation, employee health care benefits, the design of accounting or data processing systems, or long-range tax or estate plans.
  • Advise others on business or operational matters.
  • Advise others on financial matters.
  • Advise others on human resources topics.
  • Analyze business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations to project future revenues and expenses or to provide advice.
  • Analyze business or financial data.
  • Analyze financial information.
  • Assess financial status of clients.
  • Audit payroll and personnel records to determine unemployment insurance premiums, workers' compensation coverage, liabilities, and compliance with tax laws.
  • Calculate tax information.
  • Collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
  • Collect evidence for legal proceedings.
  • Compute taxes owed and prepare tax returns, ensuring compliance with payment, reporting, or other tax requirements.
  • Conduct financial or regulatory audits.
  • Conduct pre-implementation audits to determine if systems and programs under development will work as planned.
  • Confer with company officials about financial and regulatory matters.
  • Coordinate regulatory documentation activities.
  • Develop business or financial information systems.
  • Develop, implement, modify, and document recordkeeping and accounting systems, making use of current computer technology.
  • Direct activities of personnel engaged in filing, recording, compiling, and transmitting financial records.
  • Discuss business strategies, practices, or policies with managers.
  • Establish tables of accounts and assign entries to proper accounts.
  • Evaluate effectiveness of personnel policies or practices.
  • Evaluate taxpayer finances to determine tax liability, using knowledge of interest and discount rates, annuities, valuation of stocks and bonds, and amortization valuation of depletable assets.
  • Examine and evaluate financial and information systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.
  • Examine financial records or processes.
  • Examine financial records.
  • Examine inventory to verify journal and ledger entries.
  • Examine records and interview workers to ensure recording of transactions and compliance with laws and regulations.
  • Examine whether the organization's objectives are reflected in its management activities, and whether employees understand the objectives.
  • Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency, effectiveness, and use of accepted accounting procedures to record transactions.
  • Inspect cash on hand, notes receivable and payable, negotiable securities, and canceled checks to confirm records are accurate.
  • Investigate legal issues.
  • Oversee business processes.
  • Prepare adjusting journal entries.
  • Prepare detailed reports on audit findings.
  • Prepare financial documents, reports, or budgets.
  • Prepare financial documents.
  • Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
  • Report information to managers or other personnel.
  • Report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities.
  • Report to management regarding the finances of establishment.
  • Review accounts for discrepancies and reconcile differences.
  • Review taxpayer accounts, and conduct audits on-site, by correspondence, or by summoning taxpayer to office.
  • Supervise auditing of establishments, and determine scope of investigation required.
  • Verify accuracy of financial information.
  • Verify accuracy of records.

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Interests for Accountants and Auditors

  • Conventional
    Following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting.
  • Enterprising
    Managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations.
  • Investigative
    Studying and researching scientific subjects and human behavior.

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Skills for Accountants and Auditors

In order of importance

  • Reading Comprehension
    Reading work-related information.
    Importance: 72/100
  • Active Listening
    Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
    Importance: 69/100
  • Speaking
    Talking to others.
    Importance: 69/100
  • Critical Thinking
    Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
    Importance: 69/100
  • Writing
    Writing things for co-workers or customers.
    Importance: 63/100
  • Judgment and Decision Making
    Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
    Importance: 63/100
  • Complex Problem Solving
    Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
    Importance: 60/100
  • Monitoring
    Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
    Importance: 60/100
  • Coordination
    Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Mathematics
    Using math to solve problems.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Service Orientation
    Looking for ways to help people.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Time Management
    Managing your time and the time of other people.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Social Perceptiveness
    Understanding people's reactions.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Active Learning
    Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Persuasion
    Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Systems Analysis
    Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Systems Evaluation
    Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Negotiation
    Bringing people together to solve differences.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Management of Personnel Resources
    Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Instructing
    Teaching people how to do something.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Learning Strategies
    Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Management of Financial Resources
    Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Programming
    Writing computer programs.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Quality Control Analysis
    Testing how well a product or service works.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Management of Material Resources
    Managing equipment and materials.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Technology Design
    Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Operations Monitoring
    Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Operations Analysis
    Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Operation and Control
    Using equipment or systems.
    Importance: 10/100
  • Science
    Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
    Importance: 6/100
  • Equipment Selection
    Deciding what kind of tools and equipment are needed to do a job.
    Importance: 6/100
  • Installation
    Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs.
    Importance: 3/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Knowledge for Accountants and Auditors

In order of importance

  • Economics and Accounting
    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
    Importance: 91/100
  • English Language
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
    Importance: 74/100
  • Mathematics
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
    Importance: 73/100
  • Customer and Personal Service
    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
    Importance: 63/100
  • Administration and Management
    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
    Importance: 63/100
  • Law and Government
    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
    Importance: 58/100
  • Administrative
    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
    Importance: 52/100
  • Computers and Electronics
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
    Importance: 51/100
  • Personnel and Human Resources
    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Education and Training
    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
    Importance: 38/100
  • Communications and Media
    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
    Importance: 35/100
  • Sales and Marketing
    Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Telecommunications
    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Psychology
    Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Production and Processing
    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Transportation
    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
    Importance: 14/100
  • Public Safety and Security
    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
    Importance: 8/100
  • Geography
    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
    Importance: 7/100
  • Design
    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
    Importance: 6/100
  • Sociology and Anthropology
    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
    Importance: 6/100
  • Engineering and Technology
    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
    Importance: 5/100
  • History and Archeology
    Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
    Importance: 5/100
  • Building and Construction
    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
    Importance: 4/100
  • Philosophy and Theology
    Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
    Importance: 4/100
  • Mechanical
    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
    Importance: 4/100
  • Foreign Language
    Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
    Importance: 4/100
  • Therapy and Counseling
    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Food Production
    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
    Importance: 2/100
  • Chemistry
    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
    Importance: 2/100
  • Fine Arts
    Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
    Importance: 1/100
  • Medicine and Dentistry
    Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
    Importance: 1/100
  • Physics
    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
    Importance: 1/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Physical Abilities for Accountants and Auditors

In order of importance

  • Oral Comprehension
    Listening and understanding what people say.
    Importance: 75/100
  • Oral Expression
    Communicating by speaking.
    Importance: 72/100
  • Written Comprehension
    Reading and understanding what is written.
    Importance: 72/100
  • Written Expression
    Communicating by writing.
    Importance: 69/100
  • Inductive Reasoning
    Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
    Importance: 69/100
  • Deductive Reasoning
    Using rules to solve problems.
    Importance: 69/100
  • Problem Sensitivity
    Noticing when problems happen.
    Importance: 69/100
  • Near Vision
    Seeing details up close.
    Importance: 69/100
  • Information Ordering
    Ordering or arranging things.
    Importance: 66/100
  • Speech Clarity
    Speaking clearly.
    Importance: 60/100
  • Speech Recognition
    Recognizing spoken words.
    Importance: 60/100
  • Mathematical Reasoning
    Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
    Importance: 60/100
  • Number Facility
    Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Category Flexibility
    Grouping things in different ways.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Flexibility of Closure
    Seeing hidden patterns.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Perceptual Speed
    Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Speed of Closure
    Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Selective Attention
    Paying attention to something without being distracted.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Fluency of Ideas
    Coming up with lots of ideas.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Originality
    Creating new and original ideas.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Time Sharing
    Doing two or more things at the same time.
    Importance: 35/100
  • Memorization
    Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
    Importance: 35/100
  • Far Vision
    Seeing details that are far away.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Visualization
    Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Auditory Attention
    Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Trunk Strength
    Using your lower back and stomach.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Visual Color Discrimination
    Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Wrist-Finger Speed
    Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Hearing Sensitivity
    Telling the difference between sounds.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Dynamic Strength
    Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Depth Perception
    Deciding which thing is closer or farther away from you, or deciding how far away it is from you.
    Importance: 13/100
  • Sound Localization
    Noticing the direction that a sound came from.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Finger Dexterity
    Putting together small parts with your fingers.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Manual Dexterity
    Holding or moving items with your hands.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Spatial Orientation
    Knowing where things are around you.
    Importance: 3/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Tools and Technology used by Accountants and Auditors

  • Photocopiers
  • Scanners
  • Notebook computers
  • Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers
  • Laser fax machine
  • Desktop calculator
  • Desktop computers
  • Personal computers
  • Tablet computers
  • Accounting software
    • ATX Total Accounting Office
    • ATX Total Engagement Office
    • Accounting software
    • Accounts payable software
    • Accounts receivable software
    • Accurate NXG
    • AcorynSystems Activity Based Costing/Management ABC/M
    • AdaptaSoft CyberPay
    • Automation Counselors municiPAL
    • Best MIP Fund Accounting
    • Billing software
    • CCIS AccountAbility
    • CYMA IV Accounting for Windows
    • Client billing software
    • Cost accounting software
    • Evron Computer Systems SAGE PFW (Platinum For Windows)
    • FRx Software Microsoft FRx
    • Financial reporting software
    • Financial statement software
    • Fund accounting software
    • General ledger software
    • Heron CrossTie General Ledger
    • Intuit QuickBooks
    • Invoice software
    • Lead Activity Analyzer
    • Lead Business Analyzer
    • Micronetics Xpert Write-up
    • Multiview Accounts Receivable
    • New Millennium Communications Genesis Accounting
    • PROPHIX Enterprise
    • Pro Systems Client Write-Up System for Windows
    • Profit Developers Electronic File Interchange
    • Roundtable Software Advantage Accounting System
    • SAP Concur
    • Sage 50 Accounting
    • Sage BusinessWorks
    • Sage CPAAccounts Payable
    • Sage CPAAccounts Receivable
    • Sage CPAClient Checkbook
    • Sageworks ProfitCents
    • Softrax Revenue Management
    • Summit Software Summit Biofuels Accounting
    • Tax software
    • UA Business Software Professional Edition
  • Word processing software
    • Google Docs
    • Microsoft OneNote
    • Microsoft Word
  • Financial analysis software
    • ACL Business Assurance Analytics
    • Accounting fraud detection software
    • Audit management software
    • Audit planning and control environment software
    • AuditWare CaseWare Examiner
    • AuditWare financial reporting and auditing software
    • Automated auditors fraud detector software
    • BNA Corporate Tax Audit Analyzer
    • Bi3 Financial Statement Fraud Analysis
    • BizBench
    • Brentmark Estate Planning Quickview
    • Cammack Computations Inter-Est
    • Cartesis Magnitude iAnalysis
    • CaseWare International IDEA
    • CaseWare International IDEA SmartAnalyzer
    • CaseWare Working Papers
    • CashFlow Guardian
    • Cebos MQ1 Audit System
    • Choice Technologies PowerBill +
    • D'Arcangelo Galileo
    • Datavantage
    • Delphi Technology
    • Digital analysis tests and statistics DATAS for Excel
    • Digital analysis tests and statistics DATAS for SAS
    • Estate planning software
    • Financial Competence
    • Fixed-assets depreciation software
    • IAD Audit Leverage
    • InformationActive ActiveData for Excel
    • Internal audit software
    • Kirix ProffiPoint
    • MRO Audit Tracker
    • MethodWare ProAudit Advisor
    • Microsoft FRx
    • OSI TrustWise
    • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
    • Paisley AutoAudit
    • Paisley IssueTrack
    • Palisade @Risk
    • Pentana audit work system PAWS
    • Pleier Audit Management System
    • PricewaterhouseCoopers TeamMate
    • RSM McGladrey Advanced Practice Solutions Paperless Audit
    • RSM McGladrey Auditor Assistant
    • Recovery audit software
    • Sage MAS 500
    • Sampson Data Pattern Index software
    • Solutions Technology & Software HR Premier
    • Star Software Fixed Asset Depreciation
    • Star Software Materiality Calculator
    • Sync Essentials Trade Accountant
    • Thomson Creative Solutions Engagement CS
    • Thomson Creative Solutions Financial Analysis CS
    • Thomson PPC e-Tools Suite
    • TimeValue software
    • TopCAATs
    • Tropics workers' compensation software
  • Tax preparation software
    • 1099 ProsSoftware
    • ATX Total Tax Office
    • Abacus Tax
    • Advanced Micro Systems 1099-Etc
    • American Riviera Magtax
    • Avalara AvaTax ST
    • BNA Estate and Gift Tax Suite
    • BNA Income Tax Planning Solutions
    • BNA Sales and Use Tax Rates and Forms
    • CCH ProSystem fx TAX
    • Creative Solutions UltraTax 1040
    • H&R Block Tax
    • IDMS Account Ability
    • Income tax return preparation software
    • Intellitax financial solutions software
    • Intuit Lacerte
    • Intuit ProSeries
    • Intuit TurboTax
    • KPB Associates TaxStream
    • NewPortWave Year End Solutions
    • Thomson GoSystem Tax
    • Universal Tax Systems TaxWise
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    • Accountants Templates JAZZ-It!
    • AcornSystems Corporate Performance Management
    • Cartesis ES Magnitude
    • Exact Software Macola ES
    • Lawson ERP
    • Microsoft Dynamics
    • Microsoft Dynamics GP
    • Microsoft Dynamics NAV
    • Microsoft Dynamics SL
    • NetSuite ERP
    • Oracle Fusion Applications
    • Oracle Hyperion
    • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
    • Oracle PeopleSoft
    • Oracle PeopleSoft Financials
    • SAP Business Objects
    • SAP software
    • Sage ERP Accpac
    • Sage MAS 200 ERP
    • Sage Platinum for Windows PFW
    • Workday software
  • Compliance software
    • ACCUCert
    • Accounting compliance software
    • Bi3 Audit Intelligence
    • Corporate Responsibility System Technologies Limited Compliance Positioning System
    • Intrax ProcedureNet
    • Lumigent Entegra
    • Paisley Cardmap
    • Paisley Focus Control Assurance
    • Paisley RiskNavigator
    • Sage EDP Payroll Tax
    • Sage HandiSoft HandiLedger
    • Tax compliance property tax management software
    • TrendTracker Compliance Solution
  • Data base user interface and query software
    • Best Software CPAPayroll
    • Data entry software
    • Database software
    • FileMaker Pro
    • Microsoft Access
    • Microsoft SQL Server
    • Oracle Database
    • Practice management software PMS
    • Sage 300 Construction and Real Estate
    • Structured query language SQL
    • Yardi Systems Yardi Enterprise
    • Yardi software
  • Document management software
    • Adobe Acrobat
    • Document management system software
    • Iron Mountain Accutrac records management software
    • Microsoft SharePoint
    • OmniRIM Records Management Suite
    • Sage CPADocument Manager
  • Analytical or scientific software
    • ACL Audit Exchange
    • Arbutus Analyzer
    • Guidance Software EnCase Enterprise
    • IBM SPSS Statistics
    • SAS
    • WizSoft WizRule
  • Medical software
    • Epic Systems
    • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
    • MEDITECH software
    • Medical condition coding software
    • Medical procedure coding software
  • Business intelligence and data analysis software
    • Alteryx software
    • IBM Cognos Impromptu
    • Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition
    • Qlik Tech QlikView
    • Tableau
  • Human resources software
    • ADP Workforce Now
    • CPSI EHR System
    • Human resource management software HRMS
    • Sage HRMS
  • Electronic mail software
    • IBM Notes
    • Microsoft Exchange
    • Microsoft Outlook
  • Development environment software
    • Microsoft Visual Basic
    • Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
    • eXtensible Business Reporting Language XBRL
  • Office suite software
    • Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
    • Microsoft Office software
    • Microsoft Works
  • Spreadsheet software
    • Google Sheets
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Spreadsheet software
  • Customer relationship management CRM software
    • Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
    • Salesforce software
  • Operating system software
    • Microsoft Windows
    • UNIX
  • Data base management system software
    • Apache Solr
    • Teradata Database
  • Data base reporting software
    • ADP Super Report Writer
    • SAP Crystal Reports
  • Object or component oriented development software
    • R
    • Swift
  • Time accounting software
    • Payroll software
    • WorkForce Software EmpCenter Time and Attendance
  • Presentation software
    • Google Slides
    • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Data mining software
    • Data extraction software
    • WizSoft WizWhy
  • Project management software
    • Microsoft Project
    • Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
  • Risk management data and analysis software
    • Thomson Reuters Risk Management
  • Enterprise system management software
    • IBM Power Systems software
  • Desktop communications software
    • Eko
  • Desktop publishing software
    • Microsoft Publisher
  • Video creation and editing software
    • TechSmith Camtasia
  • Enterprise application integration software
    • SAP BusinessObjects Data Integrator
  • Transaction server software
    • Tumbleweed SecureTransport
  • Transaction security and virus protection software
    • NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software
  • Inventory management software
    • Asset management software
  • Process mapping and design software
    • Microsoft Visio
  • Information retrieval or search software
    • LexisNexis

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Employment Industries for Accountants and Auditors

  • Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services
    362,100 employed
  • Management of companies and enterprises
    96,900 employed
  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals
    55,300 employed
  • Real estate
    47,300 employed
  • State government, excluding education and hospitals
    47,300 employed
  • Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
    43,400 employed
  • Computer systems design and related services
    32,000 employed
  • Securities, commodity contracts, and other financial investments and related activities
    32,000 employed

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database () by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 () license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Career Information Datasources for Accountants and Auditors

  • Wages by occupation

    The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; national occupational estimates for specific industries are also available. Current as of May 2024.
  • Education and training assignments

    BLS provides information about education and training requirements for hundreds of occupations. In the education and training system, each of the occupations for which the office publishes projections data is assigned separate categories for education, work experience, and on-the-job training. Current as of September 2024.
  • Occupation data

    The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements. Current as of October 2024.
  • Occupation outlook

    My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations. Current as of November 2024.
  • Career videos

    Explore our collection of videos on hundreds of different careers. Career videos are organized into 16 clusters, or related types of work. Select a category to view a list of videos related to that cluster. Videos include career details such as tasks, work settings, education needed, and more. Current as of rolling.
  • Educational attainment, typical education of current workers

    BLS provides information about education and training requirements for hundreds of occupations. Educational attainment data for each occupation show the level of education achieved by current workers. Current as of September 2024.

Plan Your Education

The Accountant Program Guide is a tool to help you map out how to successfully get your degree at 91ɬÂþ

View approximate total tuition and fees for MN residents to complete this degree.

This program may be completed in 2 years if prerequisites are complete.

Educational Pathways

Pursue your bachelor’s degree as an accountant. We have agreements with other colleges and universities. They accept transfer credits from 91ɬÂþ Visit Transfer Services for more information.

Paying for College

Lake Superior College$5,93191ɬÂþ IceHawks Logo 
Minnesota State Colleges$6,444 
Minnesota State Universities$10,643 
University of Minnesota$14,928 
Minnesota Private Colleges and Universities$44,928
*Based on average 2025-26 tuition and fees. For the exact costs, contact the institution that interests you. Does not include room and board.

Program Participation Requirements

Note:

ENGL 1106 - College Composition I is required for graduation. Students must satisfy course prerequisites for ENGL 1106, which may require more than one semester of additional ENGL/READ courses. Contact your advisor for assistance with course placement.

Mathematics: A college level math course is required for graduation. Students must satisfy course prerequisites for college level math courses, which may require more than one semester of additional math. Contact your advisor for assistance with course placement.

Course Title Credits
Semester 1
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ACCT 1400 Business Math

This course is a basic study of the essential mathematical concepts and practical business applications of pricing, discounts, basic payroll calculations, simple interest, compound interest, lump sum and annuity calculations, time value of money, credit c

ACCT 1400
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ACCT 1400 Business Math

This course is a basic study of the essential mathematical concepts and practical business applications of pricing, discounts, basic payroll calculations, simple interest, compound interest, lump sum and annuity calculations, time value of money, credit c

Business Math
2
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ACCT 1410 Financial Accounting Principles I

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles which are used in the business environment to analyze and record transactions incorporating the accrual method of accounting. The focus will be on the analysis of the fundamental a

ACCT 1410
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ACCT 1410 Financial Accounting Principles I

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles which are used in the business environment to analyze and record transactions incorporating the accrual method of accounting. The focus will be on the analysis of the fundamental a

Financial Accounting Principles I
3
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ACCT 1500 Personal Finance

This course is an introduction to personal financial management and planning designed to help the student plan for a successful financial future. Topics covered in this course include key factors that affect personal income, budgeting, cash-flow managemen

ACCT 1500
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ACCT 1500 Personal Finance

This course is an introduction to personal financial management and planning designed to help the student plan for a successful financial future. Topics covered in this course include key factors that affect personal income, budgeting, cash-flow managemen

Personal Finance
3
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ACCT 1430 Business Computers

This course introduces computer concepts, terminology, hardware, and software used in today's business environment. Students will develop skills in business productivity applications, digital collaboration, and professional computing practices. Topics inc

ACCT 1430*
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ACCT 1430 Business Computers

This course introduces computer concepts, terminology, hardware, and software used in today's business environment. Students will develop skills in business productivity applications, digital collaboration, and professional computing practices. Topics inc

Business Computers
3
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LGST 1420 Business Law - An Introduction

This course is an introductory course in the principles of business law as they apply to individuals and businesses. This course focuses on the ethical, social, and political perspectives underlying the United States legal system. Topics include the ope

LGST 1420*
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LGST 1420 Business Law - An Introduction

This course is an introductory course in the principles of business law as they apply to individuals and businesses. This course focuses on the ethical, social, and political perspectives underlying the United States legal system. Topics include the ope

Business Law - An Introduction
3
Semester 2
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ACCT 1510 Financial Accounting Principles II

This course is the second course in a series of two courses. This course continues the study of fundamental concepts and principles which are used in the business environment to analyze and record transactions incorporating the accrual method of accounti

ACCT 1510*
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ACCT 1510 Financial Accounting Principles II

This course is the second course in a series of two courses. This course continues the study of fundamental concepts and principles which are used in the business environment to analyze and record transactions incorporating the accrual method of accounti

Financial Accounting Principles II
3
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ACCT 1540 Fundamentals of Taxation

This course is an explanation and interpretation of the Internal Revenue Code as it relates to the preparation and filing sole proprietorships and individual federal income tax returns. (Prerequisites: ACCT 1410 or concurrent or instructor consent) (4 hrs

ACCT 1540*
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ACCT 1540 Fundamentals of Taxation

This course is an explanation and interpretation of the Internal Revenue Code as it relates to the preparation and filing sole proprietorships and individual federal income tax returns. (Prerequisites: ACCT 1410 or concurrent or instructor consent) (4 hrs

Fundamentals of Taxation
4
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ECON 1160 Principles of Economics: Microeconomics

The study of microeconomics gives a foundational understanding of how price and quantity are determined in the market place. Students will learn how consumers determine spending and how firms decide what and how much to produce. A variety of market stru

ECON 1160*
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ECON 1160 Principles of Economics: Microeconomics

The study of microeconomics gives a foundational understanding of how price and quantity are determined in the market place. Students will learn how consumers determine spending and how firms decide what and how much to produce. A variety of market stru

Principles of Economics: Microeconomics
3
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ENGL 1106 College Composition I

First semester college-level composition course focusing on writing expository prose using word processing as a tool for composing. Emphasis is on writing as a process, critical reading, developing a voice, and grammar review. Presupposes competency in

ENGL 1106*
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ENGL 1106 College Composition I

First semester college-level composition course focusing on writing expository prose using word processing as a tool for composing. Emphasis is on writing as a process, critical reading, developing a voice, and grammar review. Presupposes competency in

College Composition I
3
Elective Minnesota Transfer Curriculum Goal Areas 1-10 3
Semester 3
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ACCT 1530 Payroll Accounting

This course covers various federal and state laws pertaining to the computation of salaries, wages, and related taxes. Topics include the preparation of employment records, payroll registers, time cards, employee earnings records, and state and federal r

ACCT 1530*
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ACCT 1530 Payroll Accounting

This course covers various federal and state laws pertaining to the computation of salaries, wages, and related taxes. Topics include the preparation of employment records, payroll registers, time cards, employee earnings records, and state and federal r

Payroll Accounting
2
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ACCT 2420 Intermediate Accounting I

First of the two Intermediated Accounting course series: This course is a comprehensive, in-depth study of financial accounting theories, concepts and practices with an analysis of the influence on financial accounting by various boards, associations, and

ACCT 2420*
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ACCT 2420 Intermediate Accounting I

First of the two Intermediated Accounting course series: This course is a comprehensive, in-depth study of financial accounting theories, concepts and practices with an analysis of the influence on financial accounting by various boards, associations, and

Intermediate Accounting I
4
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ACCT 2430 Managerial Accounting

This course focuses on business concepts and methods used to report managerial performance information to internal users and managers to support them in making sound business decisions for the enterprise. (Prerequisites: ACCT1410 or instructor consent) (

ACCT 2430*
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ACCT 2430 Managerial Accounting

This course focuses on business concepts and methods used to report managerial performance information to internal users and managers to support them in making sound business decisions for the enterprise. (Prerequisites: ACCT1410 or instructor consent) (

Managerial Accounting
3
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ECON 1150 Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics

This course introduces the student to the study of business cycles, economic growth, and the role of government within the context of market economies. Policy decisions, past and present, and their effects on unemployment and inflation are examined. MTC

ECON 1150*
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ECON 1150 Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics

This course introduces the student to the study of business cycles, economic growth, and the role of government within the context of market economies. Policy decisions, past and present, and their effects on unemployment and inflation are examined. MTC

Principles of Economics: Macroeconomics
3
MATH*
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MATH 1100 College Algebra

This MN Transfer course is an extension of Intermediate Algebra. Topics covered include equations, inequalities, radicals, functions and their graphs, polynomial functions, rational functions, logarithmic functions, exponential functions, and systems of

MATH 1100 or higher
Preferred
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MATH 1100 College Algebra

This MN Transfer course is an extension of Intermediate Algebra. Topics covered include equations, inequalities, radicals, functions and their graphs, polynomial functions, rational functions, logarithmic functions, exponential functions, and systems of

MATH 1100
or
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MATH 2210 General Statistics

An introductory course in descriptive and inferential statistics. The following topics will be covered: organizing data; averages and variations around the mean; probability and probability statistics; binomial, normal, and sampling distributions; estimat

MATH 2210
4
Semester 4
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ACCT 2410 Spreadsheet Concepts and Applications for Accounting

This course covers the use of electronic spreadsheets for accounting and other business applications. Various spreadsheet models will be constructed for the purpose of illustrating the different features of the electronic spreadsheets and to provide usefu

ACCT 2410*
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ACCT 2410 Spreadsheet Concepts and Applications for Accounting

This course covers the use of electronic spreadsheets for accounting and other business applications. Various spreadsheet models will be constructed for the purpose of illustrating the different features of the electronic spreadsheets and to provide usefu

Spreadsheet Concepts and Applications for Accounting
3
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ACCT 2460 Computerized Applications in Accounting

This course is an introduction to computerized accounting applications. Topics include computerized general ledger and payroll accounting, accounting applications for accounts receivable and accounts payable, fixed assets accounting, inventory procedures,

ACCT 2460*
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ACCT 2460 Computerized Applications in Accounting

This course is an introduction to computerized accounting applications. Topics include computerized general ledger and payroll accounting, accounting applications for accounts receivable and accounts payable, fixed assets accounting, inventory procedures,

Computerized Applications in Accounting
2
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ACCT 2520 Intermediate Accounting II

Second of the two Intermediate Accounting course series: this course is a continuation of the comprehensive, in-depth study of financial accounting theories, concepts and practices with an analysis of the influence on financial accounting by various board

ACCT 2520*
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ACCT 2520 Intermediate Accounting II

Second of the two Intermediate Accounting course series: this course is a continuation of the comprehensive, in-depth study of financial accounting theories, concepts and practices with an analysis of the influence on financial accounting by various board

Intermediate Accounting II
4
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ACCT 2697 Accounting Capstone

This course is designed to help students to synthesize the variety of skills and knowledge that they have been introduced to in the AAS Accounting program to solve complex problem. Students will be required to analyze and resolve accounting problems by in

ACCT 2697*
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ACCT 2697 Accounting Capstone

This course is designed to help students to synthesize the variety of skills and knowledge that they have been introduced to in the AAS Accounting program to solve complex problem. Students will be required to analyze and resolve accounting problems by in

Accounting Capstone
3
Semester 5
Technical Electives Choose 3 Credits From the Following: 3
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ACCT 2470 Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting

This course is designed to introduce students to the application of fund accounting principles and procedures that are incorporated by governmental units and not-for-profit organizations. The focus will be on the standards promulgated by the Governmental

ACCT 2470*
or
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ACCT 2480 Fraud Prevention

This course is designed to introduce students to the responsibilities that management, internal auditors, and external auditors have for maintaining appropriate internal controls within the framework of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The implementation o

ACCT 2480*
or
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ACCT 2695 Accounting Internship

This course is designed to provide the student with practical work experience in the accounting field. The internship should provide the student with the opportunity to apply the variety of skills and knowledge that they have been introduced to in the A.A

ACCT 2695*
or
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ADSC 1420 Business Communications

This course covers the development and application of business writing skills in creating business documents such as letters, memos, and informal reports, and electronic communications. (Prerequisites: keyboarding/word processing ability or concurrent en

ADSC 1420*
or
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CIS 1430 Data Analytics Fundamentals

This is an introductory data analytics course using Excel, Access, and Tableau or current data analytics software. Students will create Access databases, tables, forms, and queries to gather data; prepare and analyze the data using Excel spreadsheet formu

CIS 1430*
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ACCT 2470 Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting

This course is designed to introduce students to the application of fund accounting principles and procedures that are incorporated by governmental units and not-for-profit organizations. The focus will be on the standards promulgated by the Governmental

Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting*
or
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ACCT 2480 Fraud Prevention

This course is designed to introduce students to the responsibilities that management, internal auditors, and external auditors have for maintaining appropriate internal controls within the framework of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The implementation o

Fraud Prevention*
or
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ACCT 2695 Accounting Internship

This course is designed to provide the student with practical work experience in the accounting field. The internship should provide the student with the opportunity to apply the variety of skills and knowledge that they have been introduced to in the A.A

Accounting Internship*
or
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ADSC 1420 Business Communications

This course covers the development and application of business writing skills in creating business documents such as letters, memos, and informal reports, and electronic communications. (Prerequisites: keyboarding/word processing ability or concurrent en

Business Communications*
or
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CIS 1430 Data Analytics Fundamentals

This is an introductory data analytics course using Excel, Access, and Tableau or current data analytics software. Students will create Access databases, tables, forms, and queries to gather data; prepare and analyze the data using Excel spreadsheet formu

Data Analytics Fundamentals*
3
Total: 60

*Requires a prerequisite

Program Outcomes

Students will possess a strong background in GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), accounting theory, accounting practices, and be able to:

  • Examine and apply the laws, regulations, and the codes of the governing bodies that have an impact on the business and accounting environment.
  • Apply current accounting principles and practices to understand an organization’s financial data.
  • Analyze and properly record routine to advanced business transactions within the accounting cycle both manually and with industry software.
  • Complete the accounting cycle and prepare advanced/complex financial statements both manually and with industry software.
  • Describe federal and state laws related to payroll issues; including determination of taxable wages, taxes on wages, and exemptions from taxes
  • Prepare federal individual tax returns with accompanying schedules both manually and using industry software.
  • Apply analytical methods and techniques to drive effective, data-driven solutions to business problems using industry or spreadsheet software.
  • Evaluate and prepare financial and non-financial information used to support strategic management and internal decision making.
  • Utilize accounting information to diagnose the financial health of a business and offer solutions with ethical and sound reasoning.
  • Interpret ethical principles in decision making.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Articulation Agreements

This program has excellent articulation agreements in place with various colleges and universities that allow the student to transfer most (if not all) of their credits earned in the 91ɬÂþ Accountant program, should the graduate decide to pursue a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Current articulations include:

  • University of Wisconsin, Superior, BS in Accounting Articulation Agreement

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