Do you have a knack for numbers? Are you detail-oriented and like to solve problems? If so, consider joining SJC's Accounting program to earn one of our Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS) degrees in Accounting. We offer two AAS degree options in accounting and tax preparation. With an accounting degree, you'll be a valued member of an accounting team to help individuals and businesses thrive with your expertise.
Why Complete an Accounting AAS Degree?
By completing an associate degree in accounting, you will become an expert in accounting principles and software. In just two years, you'll be ready for a job at the paraprofessional level, which means you can work under the supervision of an accountant or tax professional. You can also become an IRS enrolled agent to assist people and businesses prepare tax returns.
With your Accounting AAS, you will learn to:
- Develop valuable communication and problem-solving skills.
- Master important topics such as financial accounting, income tax, and payroll.
- Become an expert in accounting programs such as QuickBooks and Microsoft Excel.
With an accounting degree, you'll be job ready from day one.
Why Choose San Juan College's Two-Year Accounting Degree?
Two Specializations
Choose the Accounting program that best fits your career goals. Each degree program can be completed in just two years.
With an Accounting - Accounting Specialist AAS degree, you'll learn how to help businesses track their finances. Take courses on corporate financial reporting, bookkeeping, and internal control and auditing.
The Accounting - Tax Specialist AAS degree focuses on tax preparation. Explore different types of income taxes for individuals and businesses and become an expert with tax preparation software. You'll also complete an internship to gain extra experience.
Want to take both options? Because the AAS programs share many courses, you can earn both degrees with one or two extra semesters!
Unique Course Options
San Juan College is proud to offer a variety of accounting courses not found at many community colleges. We provide courses such as Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting to give you extra knowledge and skills that set you apart in your job search. They'll also boost your educational journey so you can be better prepared for a four-year degree, a master's degree, and the CPA exam.
Affordable Option
Because of SJC's low tuition rates, a two-year Accounting degree is a great investment for you. You'll be ready to start a career right away or use it as a stepping stone for more education. You may also qualify to get your accounting degree tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.
What You'll Learn With an Accounting Degree
The Accounting - Accounting Specialist AAS and the Accounting - Tax Specialist AAS will prepare you for a career as a paraprofessional and for future education. You'll learn accounting skills such as:
- Accounting information systems (QuickBooks)
- Financial and managerial accounting
- Microsoft Excel for accounting
This specialization helps you develop high levels of technical accounting. Study how to help professional accountants maintain the financial records of businesses and other organizations. You can also become a certified bookkeeper. Prepare for your future career with courses such as:
- Corporate Financial Reporting
- Cost Accounting
- Government & Not-For-Profit Accounting
- Internal Control and Auditing
Learn about filing taxes and tax preparation tools with this in-demand specialization. You'll take the courses you need to be an IRS enrolled agent who can help people and businesses file taxes. You'll also complete an internship in which you will provide free tax preparation for low-income community members. Other courses include:
- Corporate Financial Reporting
- Federal Income Tax: Business
- Federal Income Tax: Individual
- Payroll Accounting
- Personal Income Tax
Transfer Options
The Accounting - Accounting Specialist and the Accounting - Tax Specialist programs do not directly transfer to four-year institutions. However, some schools may accept courses as credit toward your bachelor's degree. We have had many students take accounting courses at SJC, transfer to a four-year college or university, and graduate with a bachelor's degree in accounting.
Our AAS in Accounting students have transferred to:
- New Mexico State University
- Fort Lewis College
Contact an academic advisor for more details about how you can transfer. They will help you coordinate and plan your courses so you can have a smooth transfer process.
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Tax Preparation Internship
Get firsthand experience preparing taxes through Four Corners Tax Help, which offers free income tax preparation to those who qualify. After taking the appropriate accounting courses, you'll be able to assist those with low to moderate income or who are 60+ years old with their tax returns free of charge. Serve the community and gain valuable work experience at San Juan College.
Careers and Outcomes
With your degree, you'll be qualified to assist accountants and accounting offices. You can also become an IRS enrolled agent. You may also choose to continue your education to become a certified professional accountant (CPA).
Our Accounting AAS graduates work in many careers, such as:
- Bookkeeper
- IRS enrolled agent
- Paid preparer
- Payroll clerk
Employers of graduates include:
- Chipman's Accounting
- CLA
- Moss Adams
- San Juan College
- Southern Ute Tribe
- Ute Mountain Ute Tribe
“My fondest memory is aiding the community while working at Four Corners Tax Help. I felt a part of something greater and able to give back to my community through the education I have acquired.”
Next Steps
To enroll in the Associate of Applied Science in Accounting courses, you must first apply to San Juan College. It's easy, and you can apply online at any time!
If you are already a student at San Juan College, talk to your advisor about our Accounting AAS program. You can also discuss your transfer options.
