Program Purpose
A degree in Accounting Technology equips students with the skills needed for entry-level roles in the accounting industry. The program offers practical, hands-on training in areas such as general ledger accounting for service and merchandising businesses, computerized accounting systems, payroll, taxation, and professional ethics.
Upon successful completion of the program, students may earn one or more of the following credentials:
- Occupational Skills Award (OSA) Bookkeeping
- Level 1 Certificate in Accounting Technology
- Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Technology
If you are interested in learning more about whether this program is the right fit for you, contact one of our academic advisors today.
Who Does the Program Serve?
The Accounting Technology program is designed for:
- Students seeking immediate employment in the accounting field upon earning their associate degree. A variety of career opportunities are available-see the Career Options section below for examples
- Those pursuing a technical, workforce-ready education, as this program emphasizes practical skills for direct entry into the job market
- Students who may later choose to further their education. While program-specific courses are not intended for transfer to traditional four-year academic programs, general academic courses are transferable
- Graduates interested in advancing their studies toward a bachelor’s degree in accounting or business administration, with potential concentrations in areas such as financial accounting, tax accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, forensic accounting, or accounting information systems
- Students who wish to continue their education at Texas Southmost College by enrolling in the Bachelor of Applied Technology in Organizational Management program
Skills and Knowledge You Will Gain
Certificate in Accounting Technology graduates will be able to:
- analyze and record financial transactions for both service and merchandising businesses;
- demonstrate proficiency in preparing financial statements and performing bank reconciliations;
- compute employee payroll and associated employer taxes; and
- earn certification in Microsoft Office 365 applications: Word and PowerPoint.
Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Technology graduates will also be able to:
- analyze and record financial transactions for both service and merchandising businesses;
- demonstrate proficiency in preparing financial statements and performing bank reconciliations;
- compute employee payroll and associated employer taxes;
- apply knowledge of QuickBooks Online for managing service and merchandising business accounts;
- obtain certification through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program to provide free tax services to the community;
- earn certification in Microsoft Office 365 applications: Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; and
- gain practical experience by applying accounting theory in a cooperative education (Co-op) internship course. The program coordinator will arrange a job placement for students to complete the required 224 internship hours.
Career Opportunities
Our program will help prepare graduates for a wide variety of positions in the field, such as:
- Accounting Technician
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing clerks
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
- Tax Preparers
- Accounts Receivable Clerk, Accounts Payable Clerk, and Purchasing Clerk
- Inventory and Receiving Clerk
- Budget Analysts
- Credit Analysts
- Brokerage Clerks
- Entrepreneur: opening your own bookkeeping service business is a possibility
Job search assistance
Texas Southmost College (TSC) prepares students for high-demand, high-paying careers by aligning academic and continuing education programs with current workforce needs. TSC offers a variety of opportunities that enhance students' career readiness and marketability, including:
- Job Fairs: Held each spring, TSC's job fair brings together over 70 employers seeking qualified candidates. Students and alumni can attend to share their resumes, network with professionals, and explore opportunities in their fields of interest.
- Career Services: The Transfer, Career, and Employment Services team supports students in planning college transfers, exploring career paths, and securing employment after graduation. Services include job search assistance, resume and cover letter development, and interest assessments. Learn more [here].
- Additional Opportunities: TSC also offers portfolio development workshops, employer guest talks, and other career-focused events designed to connect students with industry professionals and enhance their professional development.
Funding your education
Texas Southmost College remains the most affordable institution of higher education in the entire Rio Grande Valley. When we talk about financial literacy, we talk about accumulating wealth, not debt. If you want to make a good return on investment, Think TSC, and study local.
TSC offers a number of grants and scholarships for those who qualify.
- Applying for scholarships is easy. Submit one application, and you are automatically matched with all of the scholarships you qualify for at TSC. Click here to learn more about the TSC scholarship portal.
- Federal financial aid is available through grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Applying for financial aid is free! Click here to learn more.
FAQ
How long does it take to complete the program?
- The certificate program is designed to be completed in one year, but each student’s pace may vary. Taking longer than a year is perfectly acceptable.
- The associate program is intended for a two-year completion, though timelines can differ based on individual needs. It's completely fine if it takes more than two years to finish.
How much time will I need to commit to coursework and assignments?
The time required for coursework and assignments varies by class. On average, you should plan to spend an additional 5-7 hours per class each week outside of scheduled class time to prepare and complete assignments.
How do I apply to the program?
To apply, complete the ApplyTexas application and follow the admissions process. If you need assistance, our advisors are available to guide you through the steps.
Testimonials from students, faculty, and employers
Specific to program - provide contact information to send to Melissa
Student Testimonial Marco Perales
Student Testimonial Olga Nelly Rosas
Student Testimonial Daisy Bouleris
Service-Learning Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
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Program of Study
1st Semester
2nd Semester
| ENGL-2311 | Technical and Business Writing | 3 |
| ACNT-1329 | Payroll and Business Tax Accounting | 3 |
| ACNT-1304 | Introduction to Accounting II | 3 |
| ITSW-1310 | Introduction to Presentation Graphics Software | 3 |
| ITSW-1307 | Introduction to Database (Microsoft Access) | 3 |
3rd Semester
4th Semester
XXXX-X3XX
| Social and Behavioral Sciences Elective | 3 |
-
| | |
XXXX-X3XX
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture Elective | 3 |
-
| Or | |
XXXX-X3XX
| Creative Arts Elective | 3 |
-
| | |
| ITSW-2334 | Advanced Spreadsheets | 3 |
| ACNT-2380 | Cooperative Education: Accounting | 3 |
| ACNT-1240 | Accounting and Business Ethics | 2 |
| ACNT-1193 | Special Topics: Taxation | 1 |
ENGL-1301, ACNT-1303, POFI-2301, HRPO-1311, ENGL-2311, ACNT-1329, ACNT-1304, ITSW-1310, ITSW-1307, MATH-1314, SPCH-1315, ACNT-1311, ACNT-1331, POFI-1349, and ITSW-2334: Grade of C or better is required for graduation
XXXX-X3XX (Social and Behavioral Sciences Elective), XXXX-X3XX (Language, Philosophy, and Culture Elective), and XXXX-X3XX (Creative Arts Elective): Students may take any course within this category of the TSC General Education Core Curriculum