Accounting

Accounting

The numbers don’t lie—accounting is a profession with plenty of the right opportunities for the right person with the right training. Oakland Community College can tip the percentages for success in your favor with two accounting programs that will prepare you for business leadership.

The Associate degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting qualifies you for positions including:

  • Accounts-payable clerk
  • Accounts-receivable clerk
  • Auditing clerk
  • Bank teller
  • Billing clerk
  • Bookkeeper
  • Loan officer
  • Payroll clerk
  • Tax preparer

The degree also provides a solid business foundation upon which you can build toward a bachelor’s degree in fields such as accounting, economics and mathematics. OCC graduates go on to earn bachelor of accountancy degrees, MBAs and certifications as CPAs and CMAs. 

This program is offered in both the traditional format and 100% online. Faculty teaching in the online program have completed a mandatory faculty distance learning training and development program to ensure you have an engaging, valuable, and consistent learning experience.

The certificate in general accounting provides entry-level accounting skills that employers are looking for. You also can choose to continue to complete an associate in business administration degree or an associate in business administration with a concentration in accounting.

Whether you want to pursue an associate’s degree or certificate, you can expect an education that goes beyond knowing how to crunch numbers. You’ll be able to develop real relationship with instructors who can mentor you in your pursuit of professional and personal goals. It all adds up to success in your chosen field.

Did you know?

The median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $77,250 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. *Bureau of Labor Statistics

"It's personal at OCC" - Malcolm Berry

Career Information

Strong demand for accountants may lead to good prospects for entry-level positions. In some cases, those with associate’s degrees, as well as bookkeepers and accounting clerks who meet the education and experience requirements set by their employers, get junior accounting positions and advance to accountant positions by showing their accounting skills on the job.

In May 2021, the median annual wages for accountants and auditors in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Finance & Insurance $79,310
Management of Companies & Enterprises $78,540
Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, & Payroll Services $77,080
Government $77,290

*Bureau of Labor Statistics

Eligibility Information

Prospective students must meet standard OCC eligibility requirements - there is an open admissions policy and placement tests and new student orientation are required in most cases. Students should meet with an OCC counselor before attempting this plan of study.

General Accounting

This option is intended for individuals who desire entry-level employment in the field of general accounting. Successful completion of this option will result in a Certificate in General Accounting. Eligibility for this certificate is dependent upon the student achieving a ‘C’ or better in each of the required courses. The student may choose to continue and complete an Associate in Business Administration or an Associate in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting.

Credential Received

General Accounting Certificate (ACC.GA.CT) - after successfully completing required coursework over four semester and earning 28 course credits.

Certificate - Program Plan

General Accounting (ACC.GA.CT)

Business Administration/Accounting

The Associate Degree in Business Administration Degree with a concentration in Accounting offers a cognitive foundation in areas fundamental to business studies such as accounting, economics and mathematics.

Students elect the Associate in Business Administration Degree for various reasons that may include further study toward a bachelor degree or as preparation for CPA certification or MBA programs.

Before taking business courses, students should consult a counselor since the requirements of four-year colleges and universities, both private and public, vary considerably.

Graduating from this program does not automatically qualify the student for the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) endorsement. Students in this program seeking MTA endorsement should work closely with an OCC counselor to identify classes from the MTA List which apply to the endorsement and to degree requirements.

Credential Received

Associate Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting (ACC.ABA)  - after successfully completing required coursework over five semester and earning 62 course credits

Degree - Program Plan

Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting (ACC.ABA)  - Full Time 

Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting (ACC.ABA)  - Part Time