Accounting and Business Technology

The Accounting and Business Technology program area prepares students to enter the business world – as bookkeepers, as accountants, or as entrepreneurs. Graduates of the Accounting track learn skills readying them to be accounting technicians with private, government, or not for profit agencies. Graduates of the Business track gain knowledge as associates in business or entrepreneurs of their own ventures. Students choosing either option may transfer their A.A.S. degree toward earning a Bachelor of Applied Science in business through other Montana higher education institutions.

The Accounting track emphasizes accounting procedures with other business, communication, and computer courses to complement the needs of today’s employers. Students successfully completing the Associate of Applied Science in the Accounting Technology program will have a general knowledge of financial statement presentation, non-profit accounting, managerial accounting, payroll procedures, and income tax preparation. The Associate of Applied Science – Accounting Technology further emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for students with instruction in business law, economics, ethics, finance, and a capstone experience.

Requirements for all Accounting and Business certificates and degrees: Students must fulfill their math requirements in at least M108T Business Math or M121 College Algebra and their English requirements in at least WRIT121T Introduction to Technical Writing or WRIT101 College Writing I. Students who do not place into these classes will be required to take additional English and mathematics courses at the beginning of their program.

Computer Competence: Students must have a computer competency equal to CAPP131 (basic Windows, Internet, Word and Excel) to be determined through advising at enrollment. Students who do not meet these requirements will be required to take CAPP131 at the beginning of their program.

Gainful Employment

Accounting and Business Technology
Certificate of Applied Science

Career Outlook: According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. There has been an increased focus on accounting in response to corporate scandals and recent financial crises. Stricter laws and regulations, particularly in the financial sector, will likely increase the demand for accounting services as organizations seek to comply with new standards. Additionally, tighter lending standards are expected to increase the importance of audits, as this is a key way for organizations to demonstrate their creditworthiness.

The continued globalization of business should lead to more demand for accounting expertise and services related to international trade and international mergers and acquisitions.

Employment Opportunities with SOC Code:
Accountant and Auditors 13-2011.00
Tax Examiner/Revenue Agents 13-2081.00
Bill and Account Collectors 43-3011.00
Bookkeeping, Auditing Clerks 43-3031.00
Office Clerks, General 43-9061.00

Salary Forecast: MT CO
Accountant/Auditors 13-2011.00 57,830 72,300
Tax Examiner/Revenue Agents 13-2081.00 53,510 47,130
Bill/Account Collectors 43-3011.00 32,500 35,470
Bookkeeping, Auditing Clerks 43-3031.00 31,690 35,770
Office Clerks, General 43-9061.00 26,020 31,390

For the most current salary information please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook found at www.bls.gov/ooh/.

Program Cost:
Approximately $9,400



A 4-year degree in Business is available at Helena College through partnership with Montana Tech.


Associate of Applied Science

Accounting Technology

Length of Program: 4 Semesters
Type of Program: Associate of Applied Science
Semester of Entry: Fall and Spring
The suggested sequence in this catalog is for students entering in the fall semester. Please see your advisor for a suggested spring entry sequence.

FIRST YEAR

Fall Semester

ACTG101 Accounting Procedures I 3
BGEN105 Introduction to Business 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     M108T  Business Math 
     M115  Probability and Linear Mathematics
     M121  College Algebra
     STAT216  Introduction to Statistics
Choose one of the following: 3
     WRIT101  College Writing
     WRIT121T  Introduction to Technical Writing 
Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 15

Spring Semester

ACTG102  Accounting Procedures II 3
ACTG205  Computerized Accounting 3
BGEN201 Foundations of Business Ethics 3
CAPP156 MS Excel 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     HR110T  Career Development and Human Relations 
     PSYX100  Introduction to Psychology 
     SOCI101  Introduction to Sociology
Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 18

SECOND YEAR

Fall Semester

ACTG180 Payroll Accounting 3
ACTG201  Principles of Financial Accounting 3
BGEN235  Business Law I 3
CAPP266 Advanced MS Excel 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     BMGT205 Professional Communication Fundamentals
     COMX111 Introduction to Public Speaking 
Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits  18

Spring Semester

ACTG202 Principles of Managerial Accounting 3
ACTG215  Foundations of Governmental and Not for Profit Accounting 3
ACTG299 Capstone: Accounting 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     ECNS201 Microeconomics
     ECNS202 Macroeconomics 
     ECNS203 Principles of Micro and Macro Economics 
Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 15
TOTAL CREDITS 66

A 4-year degree in Business is available at Helena College through partnership with Montana Tech.


Accounting Technology


Accounting Technology Advising Options

Choose one of the following Accounting Technology Advising Options:


ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEMS
ACTG125 Quickbooks 3
ACTG211 Income Tax Fundamentals 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     ACTG230 SABHRS
     ACTG292 Independent Study
     ACTG298 Internship
CSCI172 Introduction to Computer Modeling 3
Total Advising Options 12
Recommended course sequence is as follows:
1st Semester: CSCI172
2nd Semester: ACTG125
3rd Semester: ACTG211
4th Semester: Choose one of the following:
ACTG230, ACTG292, ACTG298
BOOKKEEPING
ACTG125 Quickbooks 3
ACTG211 Income Tax Fundamentals 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     ACTG292 Independent Study
     ACTG298 Internship
     TASK150 Customer Service Strategies
Choose one of the following: 3
CAPP154 MS Word
TASK113 Keyboarding and Document Processing
Total Advising Options 12
Recommended course sequence is as follows:
1st Semester: Choose one of the following:
CAPP154, TASK113
2nd Semester: ACTG125
3rd Semester: ACTG211
4th Semester: Choose one of the following:
ACTG292, ACTG298, TASK150
FINANCE
ACTG211 Income Tax Fundamentals 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     ACTG292 Independent Study
     ACTG298 Internship
     BGEN236 Business Law II
BFIN205 Personal Finance 3
BFIN265 Introduction to Business Finance 3
Total Advising Options 12
Recommended course sequence is as follows:
1st Semester: NA
2nd Semester: BFIN205
3rd Semester: ACTG211 and BFIN265
4th Semester: Choose one of the following:
ACTG292, ACTG298, BGEN236


Business Technology

The Business track emphasizes general business courses to provide students with a broad background for the business environment. The Associate of Applied Science – Business Technology degree offers management, marketing, ethics, and finance courses. The two options will provide educational opportunities for students to develop the necessary skills to manage their own businesses.

Gainful Employment

Business Technology
Associate of Applied Science

Career Outlook: According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of top executives is expected to grow 5 percent from 2010 to 2020, slower than the average for all occupations. Employment growth will vary widely by industry and is largely dependent on the rate of industry growth.

Top executives are essential for running companies and organizations. Their work—formulating strategies and policies—is central to the success of a company. However, as a business grows, the number of top executives does not grow as quickly as the number of employees. Therefore, top executives are not expected to experience as much employment growth as the employees they oversee.

Employment growth will be driven by the formation of new organizations and expansion of existing ones, which will require more managers and executives. However, employment will be negatively affected by mergers. When companies consolidate, management jobs often are lost.

Top executives should face very strong competition for jobs. High pay and the prestige associated with the positions attract a substantial number of qualified applicants. For chief executives, those with an advanced degree and extensive managerial experience will have the best job prospects. For general and operations managers, educational requirements vary by industry, but candidates who can demonstrate strong leadership abilities and experience getting positive results will have better job opportunities.

Employment Opportunities with SOC Code:
General & Operations Manager 11.1021.00
Managers, All Other 11-9199.00

Salary Forecast: MT CO
General & Operations
Manager 11.1021.00 87,230 118,570
Managers, All Other 11.9199.00 72,300 103,870

For the most current salary information please refer to the Bureau of Labor Statistics “Occupational Outlook Handbook”

Program Cost:
Approximately $9,100



Associate of Applied Science

Business Technology


Length of Program: 4 Semesters
Type of Program: Associate of Applied Science
Semester of Entry: Fall and Spring
The suggested sequence in this catalog is for students entering in the fall semester. Please see your advisor for a suggested spring entry sequence.

FIRST YEAR

Fall Semester

ACTG101 Accounting Procedures I 3
BGEN105 Introduction to Business 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     M108T  Business Math 
     M115  Probability and Linear Mathematics 
     M121  College Algebra
     STAT216  Introduction to Statistics
Choose one of the following: 3
     WRIT101  College Writing
     WRIT121T  Introduction to Technical Writing 
Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 15

Spring Semester

ACTG205 Computerized Accounting 3
ACTG220 Business Ethnics and Social Responsibility 3
BMGT210 Small Business Entrepreneurship 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     CAPP156 MS Excel 
     CSCI172  Introduction to Computer Modeling
Choose one of the following: 3
     HR110T  Career Development and Human Relations 
     SOCI101  Introduction to Sociology 
     PSYX100  Introduction to Psychology
Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 18

SECOND YEAR

Fall Semester

BFIN265 Introduction to Business Finance 3
BMKT225 Marketing 3
BGEN235 Business Law I 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     BGEN292  Independent Study 
     BGEN298  Internship 
     BMGT215  Human Resource Management 
Choose one of the following: 3
     BMGT205  Professional Communication Fundamentals 
     COMX111  Introduction to Public Speaking 
Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 18

Spring Semester

BGEN299 Capstone: Business 3
BMGT235 Management 3
CAPP153 MS PowerPoint 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     ECNS201  Microeconomics 
     ECNS202  Macroeconomics 
     ECNS203  Principles of Micro and Macro Economics 
Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 15
TOTAL CREDITS 66



Associate of Applied Science

Business Technology / Evening After Hours

Length of Program: 4 Semesters
Type of Program: Associate of Applied Science
Semester of Entry: Fall and Spring
The suggested sequence in this catalog is for students entering in the fall semester. Please see your advisor for a suggested spring entry sequence.

The Business Technology Evening After Hours Degree option emphasizes general business courses to provide students with a broad background for the business environment while completing courses at the student’s own pace. The Associate of Applied Science – Business Technology degree further offers management, marketing, ethics, and finance courses. The option will provide educational opportunities for students to develop the necessary skills to manage their own businesses. Evening - After Hours Degree program courses are offered beginning at 4:00 p.m., weekends beginning at 9:00 a.m. or online. Students build their futures at Helena College through individualized instruction developing practical problem-solving skills, strengthening their positions in the job market and for educational advancement toward earning a bachelor degree.

FIRST YEAR

Fall Semester

ACTG101 Accounting Procedures I 3 (FS)
BGEN105 Introduction to Business 3 (A)
Choose one math: 3 (FO)
     M108T  Business Math 
     M115  Probability and Linear Mathematics 
     M121  College Algebra
     STAT216  Introduction to Statistics
Choose one writing: 3 (A)
     WRIT101  College Writing
     WRIT121T  Introduction to Technical Writing 
Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 15

Spring Semester

ACTG205 Computerized Accounting 3
BGEN201 Foundations of Business Ethics 3
BMGT210 Small Business Entrepreneurship
Choose one of the following: 3
     CAPP156 MS Excel 
     CSCI172  Introduction to Computer Modeling
Choose one of the following: 3 (OS)
     HR110T  Career Development and Human Relations
     SOCI101  Introduction to Sociology 
     PSYX100  Introduction to Psychology
Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 18

SECOND YEAR

Fall Semester

BFIN265 Introduction to Business Finance 3
BGEN235 Introduction to Business Finance 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     BGEN292 Independent Study
     BGEN298 Internship
     BMGT215 Human Resource Management
BMKT225 Marketing 3
Choose one of the following: 3 (FS)
     BMGT205 Professional Communication Fundamentals
     COMX111 Introduction to Public Speaking
Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 18

Spring Semester

BGEN299 Capstone: Business 3
BMGT235 Management 3
CAPP153 MS PowerPoint 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     ECNS201  Microeconomics 
     ECNS202  Macroeconomics 
     ECNS203  Principles of Micro and Macro Economics 
Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 15
TOTAL CREDITS 66




Business Technology and Business Technology / Evening After Hours


Business Technology Advising Options

Choose one of the following Business Technology Advising Options:


HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

ACTG180 Payroll Accounting 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     BMGT236 Business Law II
     PSCI240 Introduction to Public Administration
BMGT263 Legal Issues in Human Resources 3
TASK150 Customer Service Strategies 3
Total Advising Options 12
Recommended course sequence is as follows:
1st Semester: TASK150
2nd Semester: Choose one of the following:
BMGT236, PSCI240
3rd Semester: ACTG180
4th Semester: BMGT263

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS

ACTG180 Payroll Accounting 3
BMIS270 MIS Foundations for Business 3
CSCI172 Introduction to Computer Modeling 3
STAT216 Introduction to Statistics 3
Total Advising Options 12
Recommended course sequence is as follows:
1st Semester: CSCI172
2nd Semester: STAT216
3rd Semester: ACTG180
4th Semester: BMIS270

SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

ACTG180 Payroll Accounting 3
BMKT240 Advertising 3
MART145 Web Design 3
TASK150 Customer Service Strategies 3
Total Advising Options 12
Recommended course sequence is as follows:
1st Semester: TASK150
2nd Semester: MART145
3rd Semester: ACTG180
4th Semester: BMKT240




Certificate of Applied Science Bookkeeping

Length of Program: 2 Semesters
Type of Program: Certificate of Applied Science
Semester of Entry: Fall and Spring
The suggested sequence in this catalog is for students entering in the fall semester. Please see your advisor for a suggested spring entry sequence.

Fall Semester

ACTG101 Accounting Procedures I 3
BGEN105 Introduction to Business 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     M108T  Business Math 
     M115  Probability and Linear Mathematics 
     M121  College Algebra
     STAT216  Introduction to Statistics
Choose one of the following: 3
     WRIT121T  Introduction to Technical Writing 
     WRIT101  College Writing
Accounting Technology Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 15

Spring Semester

ACTG102 Accounting Procedures II 3
ACTG205 Computerized Accounting 3
BGEN220 Business Ethics and Social Responsibility 3
CAPP156 MS Excel 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     HR110T  Career Development and Human Relations 
     SOCI101  Introduction to Sociology 
     PSYX100  Introduction to Psychology
Accounting Technology Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 18
TOTAL CREDITS 33

Gainful Employment

Certificate Name: Bookkeeping
Job Title & Subsequent Codes: 43-3051
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

PROGRAM COSTS:

Tuition and Fees: $3091.00
Room and Board: $5,574.00
Books and Supplies $1,200.00

PROGRAM STATISTICS

  • Number of students completing this certificate
  • program in most recent fiscal year: <10
  • Number completed within normal time: N/A
  • On-time completion rate: N/A
  • Job Placement Rate: N/A
  • Median loan debt for program completers: N/A




Certificate of Applied Science Entrepreneurship

Length of Program: 2 Semesters
Type of Program: Certificate of Applied Science
Semester of Entry: Fall and Spring
The suggested sequence in this catalog is for students entering in the fall semester. Please see your advisor for a suggested spring entry sequence.

Fall Semester

ACTG101 Accounting Procedures I 3
BGEN105 Introduction to Business 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     M108T  Business Math 
     M115  Probability and Linear Mathematics 
     M121  College Algebra
     STAT216  Introduction to Statistics
Choose one of the following: 3
     WRIT121T  Introduction to Technical Writing 
     WRIT101  College Writing
Business Technology Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 15

Spring Semester

ACTG205 Computerized Accounting 3
BGEN220 Business Ethics and Social Responsibility 3
BMGT210 Small Business Entrepreneurship 3
Choose one of the following: 3
     CAPP156 MS Excel 
     CSCI172  Introduction to Computer Modeling
Choose one of the following: 3
     HR110T  Career Development and Human Relations 
     SOCI101  Introduction to Sociology 
     PSYX100  Introduction to Psychology
Business Technology Advising Option Credits 3
Total Semester Credits 18
TOTAL CREDITS 33

Gainful Employment

Small Business Entrepreneurship
Job Title & Subsequent Codes: 11-1021
General and Operations Managers

PROGRAM COSTS:

Tuition and Fees: $3091.00
Room and Board: $5,574.00
Books and Supplies $1,200.00

PROGRAM STATISTICS

  • Number of students completing this certificate
  • program in most recent fiscal year: <10
  • Number completed within normal time: N/A
  • On-time completion rate: N/A
  • Job Placement Rate: N/A
  • Median loan debt for program completers: N/A
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