Become an Accounting Technology Technician and Bookkeeper with an Associate Degree

Earning an associate degree in accounting technology can open doors to a rewarding career as an accounting technology technician and bookkeeper. This degree typically takes two years to complete and can be a great stepping stone to further education.

You'll learn the ins and outs of accounting software, financial record-keeping, and tax preparation. Many programs also include courses in business management and communication.

With this degree, you can work in a variety of settings, including small businesses, non-profits, and government agencies. You'll be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records, preparing tax returns, and providing financial analysis to help businesses make informed decisions.

By earning an associate degree in accounting technology, you'll be well on your way to a successful career in this field.

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To be eligible for an accounting technology program, you'll typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate, as well as submit an application to the college and take a placement exam if you're not exempt by state board of education rule 6A-10.0315.

The first semester of a typical program consists of 12 credit hours, covering courses like Introduction to Financial Accounting, Principles of Management, and Introduction to QuickBooks.

You'll be applying terminology, concepts, and applications of federal income tax law for individuals, and understanding the principles of accounting during the complete accounting cycle.

Students in these programs will also learn about product costing, budgeting, analysis of financial results, and financial analysis of future actions.

Here's a breakdown of a typical first semester course load:

Many accounting technology programs offer online, face-to-face, and hybrid course formats to accommodate different learning styles, and some even offer a 30-credit Certificate of Applied Science in accounting fundamentals for students interested in an introductory degree.

Graduates of the accounting technology associate degree program are successful because they emphasize career readiness from day one, providing students with one-on-one guidance and support to thrive.

Classes are small, with professors available to help with questions and job searches, and students benefit from internship and apprenticeship experiences that lead to job offers.

Employment outlook is positive, with annual growth expected from 2021 to 2025, and accounting technicians with little experience may start at salaries not much higher than minimum wage, which is $15.00 per hour in Alberta.

Students also participate in a 90-hour internship experience, which often leads directly to job offers, and can participate in apprenticeships with leading companies in the region, creating opportunities for real-world learning and networking.

In Alberta, accounting technicians can expect annual growth in employment from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years. This will create more job openings for accounting technicians.

Accounting technicians with little experience may start at salaries not much higher than minimum wage. The minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers.

Graduates of related post-secondary programs, such as the accounting technology associate degree, can expect higher starting salaries.

Our associate degree programs are designed to get you job-ready from day one. Classes are small, allowing for one-on-one guidance from professors who are there to help you succeed.

You'll benefit from internship and apprenticeship experiences that give you real-world learning and networking opportunities. These opportunities often lead directly to job offers, giving you a solid pathway to career success.

The curriculum is customized to meet the needs of regional employers, ensuring that you're learning the skills that are in demand. This means you'll be able to hit the ground running when you graduate.

A 90-hour internship is a required part of the program, giving you hands-on experience in the field. This internship often leads to job offers, and you'll also have opportunities to participate in apprenticeships with leading companies in the region.

You'll learn about accounting procedures, income tax fundamentals, payroll accounting, and personal finance, as well as develop management and communication skills.

The cost and salary of accounting technology technician and bookkeeping careers are definitely worth considering.

The average salary for a bookkeeper is $42,410, making it a well-paying job that can be done remotely. Freelance bookkeepers who set their own rates can often earn much more.

If you're looking at other accounting jobs, here are some average salaries for associate degree graduates:

With a bachelor's degree in accounting, your earning potential will grow significantly, with an average salary nationally for accountants and auditors at $77,250.

To pursue an associate accounting degree, you'll need to complete a program that covers essential topics like accounting procedures and income tax fundamentals. This typically involves a set of required courses.

These courses also delve into payroll accounting and personal finance, providing a solid foundation for a career in accounting. The associate accounting technician program requires a 90-hour internship to gain hands-on experience.

This internship is a crucial part of the program, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge in a real-world setting and develop valuable skills in management and communication.

Bookkeeping is a well-paying job that can be done remotely, with an average salary of $42,410.

Freelance bookkeepers who set their own rates can often earn much more.

The average salary for an accounting clerk is $41,151, while a payroll specialist can earn $47,195.

A staff accountant's average salary is $52,247.

If you earn a bachelor's degree in accounting, your earning potential will increase to $77,250.

Take a look at this: Salary of Accounting Technician

The cost of pursuing higher education can be a significant burden. Tuition fees for this program range from $29,025 to $35,285.

To put that into perspective, you can expect to pay around $30,000 in tuition alone.

Our accounting technology degree is designed with real-world learning in mind.

Hands-on education is a key part of the program, with a required 90-hour internship experience that often leads to job offers.

You'll have the opportunity to participate in apprenticeships with leading companies in the region, creating chances for networking and real-world learning.

Required courses for the associate accounting technician program cover topics like accounting procedures, income tax fundamentals, payroll accounting, and personal finance.

The program also focuses on developing management and communication skills, essential for success in the field.

By the end of the program, you'll have gained valuable experience and skills that will prepare you for a career in accounting technology.