This program provides preparation for entry-level employment as mid-level accountants in manufacturing, retail and service businesses as well as federal, state, and local governmental offices. It is intended for both new students in accounting and for those already employed in accounting. This program has been articulated with some area high schools. Recent high school graduates may have earned credit in this program through high school coursework. Refer to the Dual Credit web page for more information.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Accounting Program at South Suburban College is to deliver a comprehensive education to students to prepare for entry-level positions in the field of accounting and provide promotional opportunities for those already working in the field. Students are also prepared for program specific certifications.
Our vision is to provide students with a clear understanding of the accounting concepts, the accounting cycle, financial statements, and methods to analyze accounting information for effective business decision-making. Student will be better prepared to enter into a four year university or increase their job opportunities.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
Through quality instruction from faculty and input from the Advisory Board Committee, the following goals have been established for the Accounting Program:
- complete the various steps of the accounting cycle and explain the purpose of each step.
- determine the values of assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity; according to generally accepted accounting principles, as well as explain when and why they are used.
- prepare, interpret, and analyze financial statements using manual and computerized systems for service, merchandising, and manufacturing businesses.
- utilize planning and control principles to evaluate the performance of an organization and apply differential analysis and present value concepts needed for decision-making.
- gain valuable on-the-job accounting experience by completing and internship within a professional office environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll learn to record and analyze transactions, and prepare and analyze financial statements, payroll and taxes. You’ll be introduced to specific applications of accounting, including partnership and corporate data, investments, securities and cost accounting. You’ll receive hands-on experience with the computer in the accounting process, including general ledger, accounts receivable and payable, payroll, financial statements and spreadsheet applications.
The Accounting Systems-Information Management degree option provides students with a solid foundation in accounting, management information systems and management to meet the needs of today’s modern corporation.
Yes. South Suburban College’s Accounting program is structured to help you meet your goals. You can complete a short-term certificate in as little as 16 credit hours. Additional coursework will help you work toward a Certificate and/or Associate of Applied Science or transfer degree.
As a graduate of South Suburban College’s two-year Associate in Applied Science degree program you will be able to gain employment in a variety of settings, including manufacturing, retail and service businesses, governmental agencies and nonprofit organizations. More job openings will stem from replacement needs than from job growth. Each year, numerous jobs will become available as these clerks transfer to other occupations or leave the labor work force. The large size of this occupation ensures plentiful job openings, including many opportunities for temporary and part-time work. Entry-level accounting clerks, bookkeepers, and auditing clerks with an Associate’s degree earn approximate $22,000 – $35,000.
“As an accounting student at South Suburban College, you’ll learn more and do more than you ever expected. The small class size and personalized assistance from instructors gave me the confidence and motivation to succeed.”
Accounting Associates Degree (ACC.AAS)
Students enrolled in this program who intend to transfer should consult the College & Career Success Center for help in selecting courses appropriate for the program at the college or university where you plan to transfer.
Overview for College Success
Overview for College Success (OCS 121) is a course is designed to assist students in the navigation of becoming successful in college and life. Major topics include setting academic, career and personal goals; effective communication strategies; study skills; critical thinking; self-discovery; and learning styles. In addition, this course delves into topics such as stress management, diversity and other well-being topics. Students will develop educational and career plans, learn to utilize college resources and receive extensive help in course planning. OCS 121 credit is not calculated in the course minimum credit totals listed in this section.
Students must take OCS 121 if they meet one or more of the following:
- First time degree seeking students.
- Transfer student with less than 12 credit hours and no evidence of similar course on transcript.
- Registering for 6 or more credits.
- Test into 2 or more developmental classes.
- Currently does not have OCS credit or registered for OCS.
| Overview for College Success | CREDITS | |
|---|---|---|
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| General Education Courses | ||
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
| SPE 108 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| BUS 105 | Business Mathematics | 3 |
| ECO 201 | Principles of Economics, Macro | 3 |
| GROUP II | Select from Humanities Elective Students earning an Associate degree must meet the requirement for coursework on improving human relations as defined in Public Act 87-581. |
3 |
| Core Courses | ||
| ACC 120 | Financial Accounting | 4 |
| BUS 108 | Introduction to Business | 3 |
| BLW 201 | Introduction to Business Law | 3 |
| BLW 202 | Intermediate Business Law | 3 |
| MIS 101 | Computer Literacy and Applications | 3 |
| OAT 172 | Business Communication | 3 |
| Concentration Accounting | ||
| ACC 121 | Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| ACC 130 | Computerized Accounting (Quickbooks) | 3 |
| ACC 200 | Cost Accounting | 3 |
| BUS 271 | Principles of Finance | 3 |
| ACC 260 | Intermediate Accounting I | 3 |
| ACC 261 | Intermediate Accounting II | 3 |
| ACC 290 BUS 137 |
Federal Taxes OR International Business |
3 4 |
| OAT 143 | Excel | 3 |
| Minimum for Degree: | 61-62 | |
Accounting Systems/Information Management Associates Degree (ACC.AAS.INFOMGMT)
The modern corporation recognizes a strong interrelationship among accounting, data processing and management. The Accounting Systems-Information Management program is designed to meet the need for individuals to effectively function within a modern business environment. Graduates of this program will be prepared to perform more knowledgeably and effectively in the interrelated areas of accounting, data processing and management.
This program has been articulated with some area high schools. Recent high school graduates may have earned credit in this program through high school coursework. Refer to the Dual Credit webpage for more information.
Students enrolled in this program who intend to transfer should consult the College & Career Success Center.
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| Cluster 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| ENG 101 | Composition and Rhetoric | 3 |
| ACC 120 | Financial Accounting | 4 |
| BUS 108 | Introduction to Business | 3 |
| MIS 101 | Computer Literacy and Applications | 3 |
| GROUP IV | Select from Mathematics Elective MTH 165 Recommended |
3 |
| OAT 100 | Basic Keyboarding Skills (optional) Keyboarding is an expected proficiency of touch typing control shown by taking OAT 100 or having had high school course(s) or demonstrating proficiency through ECEP. |
1.5 |
| Cluster 2 | ||
| OAT 143 | Excel | 3 |
| OAT 172 | Business Communication | 3 |
| ACC 121 | Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| MIS 205 | Computer – Systems Development | 3 |
| GROUP II | Select from Humanities Elective Students earning an Associate degree must meet the requirement for coursework on improving human relations as defined in Public Act 87-581. |
3 |
| SPE 108 | Oral Communication | 3 |
| Cluster 3 | ||
| BLW 201 | Introduction to Business Law | 3 |
| ACC 130 | Computerized Accounting (Quickbooks) | 3 |
| MIS 250 | Information Systems Administration | 3 |
| MIS 110 | Microsoft Windows Operating Systems | 3 |
| GROUP III | Select from Social Science Elective Students earning an Associate degree must meet the requirement for coursework on improving human relations as defined in Public Act 87-581. |
3 |
| Cluster 4 | ||
| BUS | Business Elective Defined as any ACC, BUS, BLW, OAT, CIS/MIS or ECO 202. |
3 |
| ACC 200 | Cost Accounting | 3 |
| BUS 220 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| BUS 227 | Human Resources Administration | 3 |
| MIS 206 | Field Project I | 3 |
| Minimum for Degree: | 64 | |
Accounting Certificates
The Certificate in Accounting is designed to prepare the student for initial employment or promotability in the shortest possible time with solid academic credentials for the employers. This program has been articulated with some area high schools. Recent high school graduates may have earned credit in this program through high school coursework.
Accounting Certificate (ACC.CERT)
Gainful Employment Information
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| Core | ||
|---|---|---|
| ACC 100 | Personal Income Tax | 3 |
| ACC 120 | Financial Accounting | 4 |
| ACC 121 | Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| ACC 130 | Computerized Accounting (Quickbooks) | 3 |
| ACC 200 | Cost Accounting | 3 |
| BLW 201 | Introduction to Business Law | 3 |
| BUS 108 | Introductions to Business | 3 |
| MIS 101 | Computer Literacy and Applications | 3 |
| OAT 143 | Excel | 3 |
| ACC | Accounting Electives | 3 |
| Minimum for Certificate: | 34 | |
Accounting Electives
| ACC 260, | Intermediate Accounting I | 3 |
| ACC 290 | Federal Taxes | 3 |
| BLW 203 | Legal Environment of Business | 3 |
| BUS 220 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| OAT 172 | Business Communication | 3 |
Accounting Basic Certificates
South Suburban College offers a variety of basic certificates designed to provide specialized training in specific areas. The following basic certificates are now available. For further information, contact your academic advisor or counselor.
Accounting Paraprofessional (ACC.BASIC)
Gainful Employment Information
| OCS 121 | Overview for College Success | 1 |
| ACC 120 | Financial Accounting | 4 |
| ACC 121 | Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| ACC 130 | Computerized Accounting (Quickbooks) | 3 |
| BUS 108 | Introductions to Business | 3 |
| OAT 143 | Excel | 3 |
| ACC | Accounting Electives | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 19 | |
|---|---|---|
Tax Preparer (ACC.BASIC.TAXPREP)
Gainful Employment Information
| ACC 100 | Personal Income Tax | 3 |
| ACC 120 | Financial Accounting | 4 |
| ACC 130 | Computerized Accounting (Quickbooks) | 3 |
| ACC 290 | Federal Taxes | 3 |
| BUS 105 | Business Mathematics | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours | 16 | |
|---|---|---|