Accounting Specialist
Do you like working with numbers, organizing data and communicating with people? Then a career in accounting may be the perfect fit for you. Here at Iowa Lakes, you have the option of pursuing a Certified Professional Bookkeeper Certificate, an Accounting Diploma or an Associate in Applied Science degree as an Accounting Specialist.
Learn something new every day while acquiring the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in an accounting career. Become familiar with the basic principles of accounting and discover the variety of specialties within this industry, including public accounting, private accounting or governmental and nonprofit accounting.
Prepare for a recession-proof career in a field that’s stimulating, challenging and constantly evolving. Learn how the business world works and gain the skills and experience of a specialist.
Faculty Contact
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Erin Latona Executive Dean of the Estherville Campus 712-362-7913 | elatona@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
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Curriculum
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.
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.
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
MAT 110 – Math for Liberal Arts
This is a general survey course which includes sets; number systems; elementary algebra; exponents; equations and inequalities; fractions; ratios; proportion and variation; probability and statistics; elementary graphing; consumer mathematics; and an introduction to geometry.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 054 – Math Strategies
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.
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 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.
Prerequisites: ACC 131 – Principles of Accounting I
ACC 310 – Computer Accounting
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the accounting cycle on microcomputers. Topics include general ledgers, accounts receivable and payable, payroll, inventory and depreciation.
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.
MAT 157 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are also introduced to software as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
MAT 156 – Statistics
This course provides a foundation of statistical concepts and procedures that can aid the student as both a consumer and producer of statistical information. The course emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistical methods, probability, estimation, hypothesis testing and linear regression. Students are introduced to technology as it applies to introductory statistical methods.
Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score or MAT 110, MAT 140, MAT 120, MAT 121, MAT 127 or MAT 210
Choose either ACC 310 or ACC 311
Choose either MAT 157 or MAT 156
Plus Humanities: 3 credits
Social Science: 3 credits
Term 3
ACC 941 – Practicum
On-the-job training experience provides the opportunity to apply accounting concepts and procedures in a business setting and to develop proper work attitudes.
ENG 106 – Composition II
Continuation of ENG 105 with emphasis on research and documentation as well as literary analysis.
Prerequisites: ENG 105 – Composition I
Choose ACC 941 or ENG 106
Term 4
ACC 221 – Cost Accounting
This course develops an understanding of accounting methods for manufacturing and service enterprises. Included are analysis techniques for management’s use of accounting data to aid in product costing, performance measuring, budgeting and other operating decision.
Prerequisites: ACC 132 – Principles of Accounting II
ACC 231 – Intermediate Accounting I
The course reviews accounting procedures and reporting processes, including an in-depth analysis of generally applied accounting principles. Topics include the income statement, balance sheet, revenue recognition, cash and marketable securities, inventory, depreciation, cash flows, and notes and accounts receivable.
Prerequisites: ACC 132 – Principles of Accounting II
ACC 261 – Income Tax Accounting
Introduces the general theory and procedures pertaining to state and federal taxation. Studies application of laws as they pertain to income of individuals and sole proprietorships, gifts, estates and Social Security.
ACC 929 – Individual Projects
Provides experience in the application of accounting principles to a simulated retail business.
Grading: P/Q
ECN 120 – Principles of Macroeconomics
Reviews national income and output; employment and prices; money and credit; government finance; monetary and fiscal policy; economic growth and development; and international finance.
Term 5
ACC 232 – Intermediate Accounting II
The course is a continuation of ACC 231, including an in-depth analysis of the theory and practice of financial accounting for liabilities and equity. Other topics include earnings per share, deferred taxes, pension, leases, accounting changes, error corrections and cash flow.
Prerequisites: ACC 231 – Intermediate Accounting I
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 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.
ECN 130 – Principles of Microeconomics
Reviews the organization and workings of modern economic systems; the role of markets, prices and competition in the promotion of economic welfare, alternative systems and international trade.
BCA 218 – Adv Microsoft Office Apps
Provide students with broad understanding of management information systems in the business environment. Offers more detailed hands-on uses of application programs such as word processing, database management and spreadsheets in preparation for careers in business.
Prerequisites: CSC 110 – Intro to Computers, CSC 116 – Information Computing or BCA 212 – Intro to Comp Business Apps
BUS 102 – Intro to Business
The basic fundamentals of business. Basic business and economic concepts and terminology; management, marketing, finance, human resource management, accounting and other business areas.
MGT 101 – Principles of Management†
Principles of Management provides the student with a conceptual framework for understanding the basic theories of management. Emphasis is placed on the internal and external environment, ethics, planning, goal setting, decision making, organizational structure, motivation and group dynamics, and effective control mechanisms for establishing and accomplishing business objectives.
Choose either ACC 232 or Acc 702
Choose either BCA 218, BUS 102 or MGT 101
Plus Science: 4 credits
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
