Fast-Track Your Career with an Accounting Diploma
If you’re ready to dive into the workforce quickly, the Accounting Diploma Program at Iowa Lakes is the perfect choice. Designed to provide essential skills in just two terms, this program equips you with the knowledge to excel in entry-level accounting roles. Whether you’re preparing to start a new career or add valuable skills to your resume, the Accounting Diploma puts you on the fast track to success.
A Practical, Career-Focused Curriculum
You’ll gain a solid foundation in accounting principles and practical tools in just one year. Learn how to:
- Process payroll and maintain compliance.
- Complete the accounting cycle, including journal entries, ledger postings, and financial statement preparation.
- Use industry-standard software like QuickBooks and Excel for efficient bookkeeping and reporting.
This focused program ensures you’re ready to meet the demands of entry-level positions confidently.
Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other commitments, this diploma program is designed to fit your life. With on-campus or online courses, Iowa Lakes makes it easy to achieve your goals. Plus, small class sizes and expert instructors ensure you’ll have the personalized attention needed to succeed.
Explore career opportunities and salary projections through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Accountants & Auditors Outlook.
To expand your knowledge further, explore the Accounting Specialist, AAS Degree at Iowa Lakes!
Find Your It!
Career Opportunities Await
The Accounting Diploma program at Iowa Lakes opens doors to immediate employment in roles such as:
- Bookkeeping Clerk: Maintain accurate financial records and assist with audits.
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk: Ensure compliance and timely payroll for employees.
- Accounting Clerk: Support accountants by preparing reports, processing transactions, and reconciling accounts.
With accounting being a vital function in every business, your skills will be in demand across industries.
Certification Ready
The program prepares you for the Certified Bookkeeper Exam through the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), adding valuable credentials to your resume and boosting your career potential.
Program Details
Length
2 Terms
Degree
Diploma (32 credits)
Campus
Any, Online
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
ACC 131 – Principles of Accounting I
The course examines the accounting methods, principles and terminology needed in the preparation and analysis of financial statements. Included is a study of partnership accounting.
ACC 161 – Payroll Accounting
This introductory course covers the processes of completing payroll records and implementing payroll procedures. Topics include methods of computing compensation, state and federal laws affecting payroll, mandatory and voluntary payroll deductions, methods of keeping records, and preparation of internal and governmental reports.
BUS 115 – Business Correspondence
The course emphasizes correct grammar, punctuation, spelling and tone as applicable to written business communications, letters and memos. Included are techniques for writing informational, persuasive, sales, and good and bad news messages.
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET, COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
Term 2
ACC 132 – Principles of Accounting II
Continuation of ACC 131, covering corporate accounting, long-term debts, financial analysis, managerial accounting and budgeting concepts.
Prerequisites: ACC 131 – Principles of Accounting I
ACC 311 – Computer Accounting
This course is designed to provide hands-on approach to learning how modern computerized accounting systems function. This application includes the following: general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliation, budgeting, purchase order processing and inventory, sales order processing and inventory, fixed assets, and payroll.
ACC 360 – Accounting Spreadsheets
This course provides the student with an in-depth working knowledge of using an integrated spreadsheet program to assist in routine jobs. Writing formulas is emphasized, along with planning and creating spreadsheets
ACC 702 – Certified Bookkeeper Review
The course is designed to prepare students for successful completion of the Certified Bookkeeper National Certification Examination. Included in the course is a review of adjusting entries, correction of accounting errors, payroll accounting, depreciation, inventory, and internal controls and fraud prevention.
Prerequisites: ACC 131 – Principles of Accounting I
BUS 175 – Business Seminar I
Introduces business and accounting students to career opportunities in the business world. The course includes methods of networking and the processes needed to successfully begin a career.
SPC 101 – Fundamentals of Oral Communication†
The fundamentals course develops the basic skills involved in a variety of communication situations, including oral presentations and interpersonal speaking. Emphasis is placed on organization, audience analysis, vocal and physical delivery, listening, nonverbal communication, critical thinking, and methods of dealing with communication apprehension through class discussion and activities.
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Accounting Diploma program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn the following:1
- Apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in accounting for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.
- Perform all required steps in the accounting cycle, including the preparation of financial statements.
- Perform specialized payroll accounting procedures.
- Perform word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and accounting applications.
- Apply communication strategies in written and oral business communications.
- Evaluate the ethical issues businesses confront.
- Apply critical thinking skills in solving complex accounting problems.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining an Accounting diploma from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Special Certifications: American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) Certification
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
.3%
Potential Careers
Staff Accountant, Cost Accountant, Payroll Accountant, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Office Manager, Billing Specialist, Inventory Clerk
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$77,272
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$90,780
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
 |
Sheila Drenkow Accounting Professor/Coordinator 712-362-8399 | sdrenkow@iowalakes.edu |