Campuses offering Program:
North Harris, Tomball, Montgomery, Cy-Fair, Kingwood
Definition of Occupation:
Accountants help individuals and businesses manage their money. They set up and maintain accounting systems, prepare budgets, study company operations, perform audits, and prepare government forms. They also help management plan and control company activities.
Description of typical work activities/transferable skills:
- Prepare payroll
- Operate office machines
- Proofread data for accuracy
- Compile numbers
- Use computers to organize information
- Answer questions about bills and charges
- Process accounts payable and receivable
- Prepare and organize numerical records and financial reports
Levels of Education:
Certificate:
Accounting Certificate and Professional Bookkeeper Certificate
Associate:
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting
PLEASE NOTE: Transferability of degree or certificate to other institutions will vary depending on the institution and the department. Speak to a counselor or advisor for options.
Special Admissions/Prerequisite Courses:
The Accounting certificate and AAS degree do not have special admissions criteria. Students must follow the prerequisites listed in the catalog to take specific classes.
Method of Delivery:
- LSC-Online and Traditional
- Fast - Track
Some typical job titles for Accounting:
Certificates:
- Bookkeeper
- Accounts Receiveable Clerk
- Accounts Payable Clerk
- Financial Records Clerk
Associate Degree:
- Accounting Assistant
- Record Clerk
- Billing Clerk
- Payroll Clerk
- General Ledger Clerk
- Audit Clerk
- Cost Clerk
- Interest accrual bookkeeper
- Bursar
Types of Companies that typically hire graduates:
- All types of companies in all kinds of industries hire accountants and bookkeepers.
- Examine your interests and/or work experiences to discern where you can market yourself best.
Workplace Skills:
Individuals must enjoy working with numbers, be accurate and be attentive to detail. Finger dexterity and eye-coordination is helpful for using computers and calculators. Many companies are computerizing accounting data, so individuals should develop good computer skills. Also, they should have good judgment in handling confidential information.
The following information is provided for individuals seeking career counseling. The MBTI provides information regarding an individual’s personality preferences and the Holland code provides information regarding an individual’s interest. If you are interested in learning more about how your interests and personality fit in with this and other career options, please see a career counselor at any of the Lone Star College System campuses
Myers-Briggs Type (MBTI):
Holland Interest Code:
Working Condition Requirements:
Sedentary. Most of the day one sits at a desk in an office setting.
Industry Certification/Licenses:
Voluntary certificates are available in various industries. Check the internet for each industry.
Earnings:
The Median hourly wage in Texas for 2002 for accountants and auditors according to the America's Career InfoNet (ACINET.ORG) was $22.00 an hour or $46,000 annually. The hourly wage for Claims Adjusters was $23.00 or $47,000 annually .The median income for bookeepers in Texas in 2002 was $27,500 annually according to America InfoNet.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2003-04
PLEASE NOTE: Earnings and salaries will vary with industry, region and experience of employee.
Employment Outlook:
Average growth. Employment is somewhat limited because of automation, however, many openings are expected because of high turnover. Bookkeepers who perform variety of accounting functions will have more opportunity.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2003-04