Careers in Accounting

Bookkeepers, accounting and auditing clerks maintain accurate financial records. They examine documents, monitor accounts, prepare payroll, process accounts payable and receivable, and verify financial information and records. Taxation specialists trained in accounting also provide valuable services for businesses and individuals. Persons employed in the field of accounting use calculators and computers, as well as a variety of computerized spreadsheet and accounting software applications. Recent scrutiny of corporate, non-profit, and government financial accountability has resulted in an increase in the number of projected opportunities in accounting and related fields.

Employment Outlook

The California Employment Development Department (EDD) collects data about the state’s workforce. These data include information about the number of people employed in the field, job outlook, and wage information. The California EDD predicts for the period 2008-2018 the number of openings for accountants and auditors to increase by over 16% and bookkeepers, accounting and auditing clerks to increase by 5%. For more detailed information about positions in the accounting field, check the California Occupational Guide for the occupations listed below: http://www.labormarketinfo.edd.ca.gov/occguides/Search.aspx.

• Accountants and Auditors (SOC 13-2011)
• Budget Analysts (SOC 13-2031)
• Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks (SOC 43-3030)
• Tax Preparers (SOC 13-2082)

Necessary Education and Skills for Career Success

Employers report a growing need for a workforce experienced in the use of financial management software. Individuals interested in accounting careers should be willing to do repeated and routine work, possess good mathematical abilities, and be able to use professional judgment in handling confidential information.

General Info About the Program

De Anza College offers a variety of certificate and degree programs to prepare individuals for employment in the accounting field. These programs provide training in the following areas of accounting: bookkeeping, tax preparation, tax accounting and general accounting. De Anza College's Accounting Program also offers excellent preparation for transfer to four-year colleges and universities.

Accounting Certificate and Degree Programs at De Anza College

The following links open in .pdf.

Certificates of Achievement:

• Accounting
• Bookkeeping

Certificates of Achievement-Advanced:

• Accounting, Practice Emphasis
• Accounting, Taxation Emphasis
• Tax Practitioner

Associate Degrees (A.A.):

• Accounting, Practice Emphasis
• Accounting, Taxation Emphasis

More information contact the Accounting Department

Business and Computer Systems Division
De Anza L14
(408) 864-8796, 8797
www.deanza.edu/accounting