Welcome

Just the facts

Entry: Fall or Spring

Length: 4 semesters, 1 summer

Award: Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree

Program Guide: Para-Accounting

Admission Requirements

Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent. We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.

Program Information

The Para-Accounting program is committed to providing higher education to students by giving them the tools to become active members in society and to prepare students for entry-level employment in accounting-related positions.

Program Outcomes

Apply accounting principles to properly complete the accounting cycle for business organizations and government and non-profit entities.
Exhibit proper behaviors necessary for employment in the accounting industry.
Prepare, interpret, and analyze financial statements using manual and computerized accounting systems.
Communicate effectively in the written, verbal and nonverbal forms.
Actively participate as a positive force in their community
Work effectively in a team

Career Opportunities

"Employees in the Business, Financial and Accounting pathway help design, install maintain and use general accounting systems to prepare, analyze and verify financial reports and related economic information to help make important financial decisions for an organization." Career Clusters says also that "employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2010. In addition to openings resulting from growth, the need to replace accountants and auditors who retire or transfer to occupations will produce numerous job openings annually. The most successful job applicants will have college degrees and some work experience."

Sample Occupations

Bookkeeper
Billing Supervisor
Accounts Payable Clerk
Billing Clerk
Payroll Clerk

Articulation/Transfer Opportunities

Iowa Western Community College has articulation agreements with various four-year schools local and state.

Scholarship Information

Iowa Western Community College has many scholarship opportunities available for new and continuing students. We encourage you to take a moment to explore these options by visiting our Scholarship Page - the few minutes it takes to fill out the application may literally pay off.

Come check out para-Accounting yourself!

It is important to research the program you would like to study and school you would like to attend, but it is equally important that you experience both before making your selection. We encourage you to come experience Para-Accounting at Iowa Western yourself by scheduling a visit .

Excerpts from the Career Clusters brochure regarding careers and employment outlook are being used with permission of the:

Career Cluster logo States’ Career Clusters Initiative, 2006, www.careerclusters.org

Robert Hedrick

Business & Accounting Program Chair

2700 College Road

Council Bluffs, IA 51502

1-800-432-5852 ext. 3317 or 712-325-3317

rhedrick@iwcc.edu