Accounting is a field that offers challenging and meaningful work, a great deal of career opportunity, good working conditions, and a rewarding salary. According to the 2008 Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor, there is a faster than average projected growth rate in the number of jobs created through the year 2016. Increased job creation is expected over the next decade. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers in their Job Outlook for 2009, accounting is again the top degree in demand.

The Accounting curriculum is continually modified and updated to keep pace with ever-changing rules, laws, and technology. The program focuses on providing the student with the accounting skills needed for the job, as well as on the analytical skills needed to evaluate situations and look at the "big picture." The degree provides a foundation in economics, law, management, finance, and computer technology.

Mission

The student will be able to transfer to a four-year college or university with a solid accounting and overall business studies foundation to continue their accounting education in a seamless manner, or become employed in an entry-level accounting position.

Goal / Objectives

Graduates with an A.S. degree in Accounting will:

• Have a practical working knowledge of financial and managerial accounting.
• Know how to operate at least one accounting software program.
• Know how to prepare a complex individual tax return.
• Be able to prepare accurate and well-organized financial statements.
• Be able to make the adjustments needed to create financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
• Demonstrate proficiency in analytical thinking, oral and written communication, and applied mathematical skills.
• Be able to transfer to a four-year college or university with a solid accounting and overall business studies foundation to continue their accounting education in a seamless manner.

Admissions Requirements

Although the Accounting Program does not have any specific admissions requirements, individuals with criminal charges may not be able to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Please check with the NH Board of Accountancy before pursing a degree in accounting if you have been convicted of a criminal charge and want to become a CPA.

Transfer Policy

Students may transfer credits earned at other accredited institutions with a grade of C or better in courses with equivalent content. Appropriate transfer credits may be accepted within a ten-year period.

Accreditation

The Department of Business Studies is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). Our national accreditation allows our graduates to transfer to four-year colleges and universities in all regions of the country.

Employment Opportunities

MCC has a working partnership with Robert Half International (placement agency for accounting professionals), where they can assist accounting students to find temporary and permanent placement in accounting-related jobs. Graduates of the program are ready for entry-level positions in public accounting, private industry, government, non-profit organizations, and international arenas. Accounting careers include jobs in such areas as cost accounting, taxes, auditing, internal auditing, management accounting, consulting, personal advisor, general ledger, and forensic accounting.

Transfer Opportunities

The Accounting Associate degree transfers in its entirety to many four-year colleges and universities. SNHU accepts 90 credits from MCC and awards scholarships to MCC accounting graduates based on academic performance. Locally, Plymouth State University, UNH - Manchester, and Franklin Pierce University accept accounting graduates. Credits also transfer nationally to ACBSP-accredited colleges.

Accounting Degree

Accounting Certificate

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Accounting Operations - Specializations Description

MCC offers a series of classes focusing on specialized accounting skills that prepare you for entry level jobs and for national certification in one of the specialized areas of Accounting Operations. These classes also feature a service learning component with a minimum of 30 hours of hands-on work experience at an approved site. Both the independent national certification and job experience add credibility to your skill set and increase your chances of being hired. Students completing an individual class (Accounts Payable-Entry Level, Accounts Payable Professional-Advanced or Payroll) will receive a document of completion that can be presented to prospective employers.

These individual classes prepare a student for national certification examinations:

ACSP101 Payroll Fundamentals-Entry Level 3-0-3
Covers the skills needed to work in entry-level payroll and sit for the Fundamental Payroll Certification Examination offered by the American Payroll Association.

ACSP103 Accounts Payable-Entry level 2-.5-2
Covers the skills needed in entry-level accounts payable positions and to sit for the Accounts Payable-Entry Level Exam offered by The Accounts Payable Network.

ACSP104 Accounts Payable Professional-Advanced 2-0-2 (requires 3 years of prior work experience)
Covers the skills needed as an upper level or manager of Accounts Payable and to sit for the Accredited Payable Specialist Certification Exam offered by The Accounts Payable Network.

Bookkeepping Certificate

The Bookkeeping Certificate covers the skills needed to work as a bookkeeper and to sit for the National Certified Bookkeepers exam offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.

Program Goal/Objectives

Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will:

• Be able to function in relevant positions in business settings.
• Be familiar with the relevant applications in QuickBooks®.
• Be prepared to sit for national certifications in accounts payable, payroll and bookkeeping and be prepared for entry-level work as a bookkeeper.

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Finance Certificates

MCC offers two Finance Certificates, one for corporate executives and one for personal finance. Financial analysts and personal financial advisors provide investment analysis and guidance to businesses and individuals to help with investment decisions. The certificates focus on the finance, accounting and analytical skills needed to evaluate the situational details while still taking into account the “big picture.” These certificates prepare students for jobs as entry-level financial analysts or as financial managers, depending on work experience, and also prepare them to continue their education and earn an associate or bachelor degree in accounting/finance. Finance provides stable employment with challenging, rewarding work and above-average salaries. The need for financial analysts and personal financial advisors is expected to grow much faster than the average for other occupations (U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2008-2009).

Executive Corporate Finance Certificate

Program Goals/Objectives

Upon successful completion of the certificate, the student will:

• Have a practical working knowledge of financial accounting and financial statements, understand corporate tax laws as they apply to financial decision making.
• Analyze financial scenarios, apply capital budgeting tools, prepare financial forecasts, prepare a comprehensive case analysis for decision making purposes.
• Understand investment options and select optimal financing mix for the company, evaluate the impact of international financial considerations on profitability.
• Be prepared for a job as a financial analyst for a company or a financial manager depending on prior work experience.

Admission Requirements

In addition to college wide admissions requirements, students must have completed ACCT113 and ACCT123 with a C or better, prior to acceptance into the program.

Personal Finance Certificate

Program Goals/Objectives

Upon successful completion of the certificate, the student will:

• Have a basic understanding of company financial statements in relation to investment selection.
• Identify the components necessary to evaluate and prepare a personal financial plan and how tax laws apply to preparing the plan, and understand investment options and how to build an investment portfolio.
• Identify the components necessary for retirement, trusts, wills and estate planning, and be prepared for an entry level position in an investment firm.

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