Accounting

Technical and Professional Studies Departments

Resources

Accounting student

What Is Accounting?

Accounting is often called the "language of business." The financial health of an organization is communicated through financial reports and data provided by accountants. This information is provided to investors and potential investors, to taxing authorities, and to other government agencies. Virtually all business decisions depend on accounting data. All business people need a thorough understanding of this important field. As the structures of business and economic systems become more technical and complex, the need for highly trained and competent accountants also increases.

What Accountants Do?

Generally, accountants create information, check it, summarize it, analyze it, interpret it, use it, and help others use it. Corporate accountants prepare the financial reports for a business. Internal and certified public auditors test these reports to ensure their accuracy. Managerial accountants prepare information for decision making for business managers. Some accountants analyze financial information and advise clients on investments. Other accountants design computer systems to accumulate information. Government accountants determine if various laws have been followed. Still, other accountants have become the heads of major corporations. Anywhere there is a need for financial information, in any type of organization; there is a need for accountants.

Where do UA-PTC Graduates Go?

Many accounting majors transfer to four-year schools to earn a bachelor's degree. Others take accounting assistant, bookkeeping assistant, or clerical jobs in the accounting field after completing a two-year degree. To obtain more information about the accounting program and the field of accounting see an advisor or accounting faculty member.

Jobs in Accounting (upon completion of a Bachelor and/or CPA or Master)

Graduates majoring in accounting are prepared for, and hired as Certified Public Accountants, corporate accountants, internal auditors, government accountants, industrial accountants, managerial accountants, financial analysts and consultants, accounting system consultants, and accountants in non-profit organizations. Accountants are still among the highest-paid graduates and demand is strong. Majoring in accounting does not limit you to just being an accountant. The analytical and problem-solving skills learned prepare students for many jobs in a business.

Programs of Study

For additional information, contact April Hearne at ahearne@uaptc.edu or call (501) 812-2843.