Major Details
With an Accounting Assistant Diploma from Minnesota State College Southeast, in just one year you'll be ready to launch an accounting career path in one of the nation's fastest growing professions.
Southeast's Accounting Assistant Diploma focuses on coursework in the most practical aspects of accounting, including a hands-on approach to spreadsheets and databases. You will focus on payroll, financial, managerial, and non-profit accounting.
Southeast offers a program that can be completed online, on campus in Winona, or a combination of both. You can enroll in the accounting program in either the fall or spring semester and attend classes on a full-time or part-time basis.
If you have the desire to own your own business, be a leader, motivate people, and solve problems, consider enrolling in an accounting assistant diploma or degree at Minnesota State College Southeast.
More and more employers are demanding an accounting degree or diploma from potential job candidates to fill their accounting positions. Our educational approach of accounting courses is a blend of theory and practice, providing a solid foundation for your career. We offer a practical, personal approach to learning the principles of accounting and making the best use of a variety of popular accounting software packages.
Once you have your accounting assistant diploma and degree in hand, you will find that the opportunities for meaningful and challenging employment are plentiful in companies of all sizes.
Apply now for admission to Minnesota State College Southeast
Download the Program Plan
Courses
1) 1000 level (minimum) General Education courses required unless specified.
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
ACCT1210
Payroll Accounting
This course covers the fundamental principles of accounting for payroll in a business environment. Federal Wage and Hour law provides the framework for payroll record keeping requirements that most employers must follow. The course discusses the various payroll taxes that both employers and employees are subject to, filing requirements, and legal deadlines that must be followed. (Prerequisite: none) (2 Credits: 2 lec/0 lab)
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2 cr
ACCT1212
Computerized Acct Applications
Hands on approach to the accounting system. Topical areas covered include but are not limited to general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, inventory, depreciation, financial statement analysis, departmentalized accounting and client write-up. (Prerequisites: ACCT2201 Financial Accounting) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ACCT1218
Spreadsheets Concepts and Applications
This course uses a spreadsheet system for business applications. Procedures used include: document creation, storage, retrieval, major editing, printing, merger of documents, segments and variables, and graph creation. (Prerequisite: None) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
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3 cr
ACCT2201
Financial Accounting
This course covers the fundamental accounting concepts and principles which are used in a business environment to provide reports on the economic condition of an organization. The focus will be on the accrual method of accounting, utilizing Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) to analyze and record transactions. The ultimate objective is to understand the effects of these transactions in order to provide timely and relevant information in the form of financial statements. (Prerequisite: none) (4 credits: 4 lecture/0 lab)
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4 cr
ACCT2202
Managerial Accounting
This course covers the techniques for planning, controlling, and decision making relevant to managing costs in a manufacturing environment. The focus will be on cost concepts and cost behavior in relation to job-order costing, activity-based costing, and process costing. The budgetary process will be analyzed; including preparing and interpreting a master budget and flexible budget. (Prerequisite: ACCT2201 Financial Accounting or ACCT2211 Principles of Accounting II) (4 credits: 4 lecture/0 lab)
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4 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 31 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $6,413 |
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| Minimum Tool Cost: | N/A |
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| Books/Supplies: | $500 |
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| Estimated Total: | $6,913 |
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Career Opportunities
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Staff Accountants
- Banking
- Managerial Accounting
- Financial Accounting
- Cost Accounting
- Income Tax
- Financial Services
- Payroll Accounting
- Government/Non-Profit
- Budget Analysis
- Audit
Career Information
Use the MN DEED Career and Education Explorer Data Tool to learn about wages, job growth, and much more in this career field.
Outcomes
Program graduates will be able to:
- Apply the principles of financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, tax accounting and not-for-profit accounting.
- Apply mathematical, analytical and business knowledge skills to formulate and solve problems and to make decisions relevant to the needs of business.
- Demonstrate proficiency in personal computer operations and applications.
- Demonstrate an understanding of human society and culture in order to function as an effective employee and citizen.
Highlights
- 100% online option available
- Excellent reputation with employers and students
- Hands-on learning
- Instructors have professional experience in all areas of accounting
- Learn the latest computer software: Excel, QuickBooks, Access, Turbo Tax, Word, Peachtree and PowerPoint
- Vast job opportunities with high growth potential
- Interactive learning combines technology with accounting theory
- Student organizations such as Student Senate provide leadership and professional growth opportunities
Instructors
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Samantha Justin
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Samantha Justin earned her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business Administration from Winona State University and her Masters of Professional Accounting from Bemidji State University. She also holds a Wisconsin Certified Public Accountant license. She has experience in public, private, audit, tax, governmental, and non-profit accounting.