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.

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

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:

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.

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

Associate of Applied Science

Business Technology / Evening After Hours

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.

Business Technology and Business Technology / Evening After Hours

Business Technology Advising Options

Choose one of the following Business Technology Advising Options:

Certificate of Applied Science Bookkeeping

Gainful Employment

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

PROGRAM COSTS:

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

Gainful Employment

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

PROGRAM COSTS:

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