| Job Title | Typical Education | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Credit Analysts | Bachelor Degree | $86,878 |
| Accountants | Bachelor Degree | $71,856 |
| Auditors | Bachelor Degree | $71,856 |
| Financial Examiners | Bachelor Degree | $76,586 |
| Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks | Bachelor Degree | $53,123 |
| Brokerage Clerks | Bachelor Degree | $46,987 |
| Statistical Assistants | Bachelor Degree | $46,987 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | High School Diploma or More | $45,048 |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | High School Diploma or More | $44,060 |
| Tax Preparers | High School Diploma or More | $43,127 |
About the Accounting Program
Did you know? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 10% from 2016 to 2026, faster than average for all occupations. Continuous changes in financial laws and regulations, technological advances, and our increasingly global economy are all contributing to a greater need for qualified accounting professionals.
Step into a career in accounting at SMC, where you will learn essential skills for in-demand accounting professions. Real-world training includes how to prepare and examine financial records of municipal, county, state, and federal agencies for compliance with laws, as well as how to record transactions such as receivables, payables, and payroll. Apply your training right away in small business and startup settings, or in corporate accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparer roles, and more.
With on-campus and fully online program options, SMC offers a format that works for you.
Apply Now See an Academic Counselor
Program Paths
Accounting
Associate in Science Degree
This program is for bookkeepers and accounting clerks who want to advance to a higher professional level. Business owners can strengthen their businesses with best ethical practices and compliance with current accounting standards and laws.
Staff Accountant
Certificate of Achievement
This program is for bookkeepers and accounting clerks who want to advance to a higher professional level. Business owners can strengthen their businesses with best practices and compliance with current accounting standards and laws.
Small Business Tax Practice
Certificate of Achievement
This program is intended to prepare individuals to enter the tax profession and enable them to prepare tax returns for the general public. In addition, hands-on experience in the form of supervised tax preparation through an internship or SMC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides real-world knowledge.
CPA Track
Certificate of Achievement
After completing this program, students possess a range of accounting skills and an understanding of all the concepts tested on the Certified Public Accounting exam. These include GAAP, cost accounting, accounting for income taxes, accounting ethics, professional auditing responsibilities, and analysis of complex and advanced accounting topics.
Business Bookkeeping
Department Certificate
The bookkeeping certificate program is designed to provide students with basic accounting skills and knowledge necessary to obtain entry-level accounting and other accounting support positions in small and medium-sized businesses.
Potential Career Options
Treasurer & Controllers
Salary: $137,441
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
What We Offer
Accounting
Staff Accountant
Financial Analysts
Salary: $90,438
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
What We Offer
Accounting
Small Business Tax Practice
Business Bookkeeping
Budget Analysts
Salary: $90,293
Typical Education Bachelor Degree
What We Offer
Accounting
Small Business Tax Practice
Business Bookkeeping
Resources and Transfer
Many colleges and universities offer baccalaureate degrees in this field. Students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university should meet with a counselor to discuss which courses need to be taken at SMC before applying to your designer colleges/universities.
Student Resources
We know college isn't always easy. We are here to help as you navigate through your SMC journey. This resource connects to information about Financial Aid, Tutoring Services, the Center for Wellness and Wellbeing and much more!
Student Clubs
Clubs are a great way to make friends, network, and build community at SMC. Two clubs specific to Business and Accounting students. You can even create your own club!
Transfers
Accounting is a career education program that does not directly lead to transfer. Students planning to transfer should talk immediately with an Academic Counselor to discuss what SMC courses will help you transfer.