Associate Degree in Accounting

Our Associate of Applied Science degree curriculum* with an Accounting concentration prepares you for a variety of accounting career opportunities in private, government, and not-for-profit organizations with an education for working professionals with a bilingual education program. You will graduate with a solid academic foundation and a dual language education in accounting principles as well as business problem-solving and business communication skills. Our program offers an online accounting associates degree option, making it flexible for nontraditional students who need to balance work, life, and education.

Associate Degree in Accounting Overview 

Our associates in accounting gives you a solid foundation in skills that can be applied to jobs in and out of accounting, following our academic catalog’s use of the bilingual methodology in higher education.

Besides a well-rounded liberal arts education that is accommodating for those who are getting a degree while working full-time, these courses focus on the fundamentals of accounting. Principles of accounting, financial accounting, and managerial accounting are all major requirements for receiving an accounting associate degree, making sure you are prepared for accounting in business, government, and private practice with classes that bring in elements of a bilingual degree program.

Accounting Certification at St. Augustine College

Start your accounting career today with a 1-year accounting certificate

The 1-year associates degree accounting program at St. Augustine College prepares students for entry-level positions and to gain real-world experience in their desired accounting field. The Accounting Certificate will prepare individuals to provide high-tech administrative support to professional accountants, financial managers, and business owners as clerks, accounting assistants, accounting associates, and more. This 1-year program can get you an accounting job with a promising career behind it.

Requirements

Prior to beginning the accounting certification curriculum layout below, students must complete St. Augustine College’s developmental English program, designed for students who must learn English as a second language. Students must achieve a proficiency level 8 as it will allow students to articulate into ENG 160 for further communication in the English language.

Why St. Augustine College:

  • Our one-year minimum career specialization program is ideal for those wishing to pursue an associates in accounting degree while working full-time and can help bypass jobs that require an accounting degree
  • Prepares you quickly for an entry-level position in the accounting field
  • Opens the door to real-world experiences
  • Earn college credits towards an associate accounting degree, and from there a bachelor’s in accounting
  • Small class sizes where students know each other by name
  • Dedicated student support service that understands the needs of adult learners and will help the students go through the program
  • Friendly and highly qualified faculty
  • The learning environment and campus life are community-oriented
  • Hy-Flex teaching modality that allows us to offer students the option to earn their associates in accounting online (students choose whether to attend on campus or online)
  • Financial Aid is available to those who qualify

Empowered to Succeed

As a graduate of the AAS Accounting program*, you will be prepared to:

  1. Identify the accounting standards principles and be able to prepare basic financial statements.
  2. Identify business organization concepts and theories and be able to write a basic Business Plan.
  3. Describe the basic concepts of economic theories and market structures relative to their implications for government, business, and individuals.
  4. Define the fundamental tax laws and principles and be able to prepare individual tax returns.
  5. Demonstrate effective written and oral business communication within a professional setting. 

*The general education core for this degree complies with the guidelines of the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI).

Curriculum layout: Full time

Term One (Full time)

  • ENG 160 – Composition I * 4 credit hours
  • MAT 112- Intermediate Algebra ** 4 credit hours

Term Two (Full Time)

  • ENG 162 – Composition II 4 credit hours
  • ACC 101- Principles of Accounting 4 credit hours

Term Three (Full Time)

  • CIS 115 Spreadsheets for Business 4 credit hours
  • ACC 200 Quick Books Certified User 3 credit hours

Term Four (Full Time)

  • ACC 161 Financial Accounting 4 credit hours
  • ACC 162 Managerial Accounting 4 credit hours

Term Five (Full Time)

  • ACC 260 – Tax Accounting 4 credit hours

Total: 35 credit hours

This 1-year accounting associates degree program gives students the immediate requirements employers are looking for in a qualified accounting professional.

 

Associate of Applied Science

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Associate Degree in Accounting Jobs

Graduates of our AAS accounting program have opportunities to work in and out of accounting. The skills you learn in this accounting program will help you succeed in a career that has potential for growth and long-term success. AA accounting jobs are found in a variety of work environments, such as public accounting firms, small businesses, corporations, non-profits, and government agencies.

Financial Analyst

What Does a Financial Analyst Do? A financial analyst helps businesses and individuals make financial decisions, this can range from investing in a new product to setting up a retirement plan, and more. Financial analysts are highly valued professionals and highly respected in their field, helping others find long-term success and financial gains. What is the Work Environment of a Financial Analyst? A financial analyst can work in a variety of offices or industries, such as in banks, pension funds, insurance companies, and other buisnesses that can be found in office spaces. What is the Average Salary of a Financial Analyst? On average, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay of a a financial analyst in 2024 is $101,910 per year, with the typical entry-level education required being a Bachelor’s degree, with a AA accounting job being a great stepping stone. What is the Job Outlook of a Financial Analyst? The job outlook has it growing at a much faster rate than average from 2023-33, at about a rate of 9%.

Audit Associate

What Does an Audit Associate Do? An associate’s degree in accounting gives you the skills to be an audit associate, who checks the work of an accountant for accuracy and compliance with any legal regulations. Audit associates are specialists who aid the accounting department when it comes to drafting and administering assignments. What is the Work Environment of an Audit Associate? Typical, an audit associate works in a traditional corporate environment, but they can frequently work on-site where a client is located, especially during busier seasons. What is the Average Salary of an Audit Associate? As reported by GlassDoor, the median total pay of an Audit Associate is about $84k, as reported in April, 2025. While more advanced roles might need a certified public accountant (CPA) license and a master’s degree, an audit associate typically requires only a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. What is the Job Outlook of an Audit Associate? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the job outlook of an Audit Associate is generally positive, predicted to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033.

Payroll Clerk

What Does a Payroll Clerk Do? A vital member of every organization that has employees, a payroll clerk is responsible for processing employee checks by examining their timesheets. Managing income invoices means you are responsible for the happiness and satisfaction of your company. What is the Work Environment of a Payroll Clerk? A payroll clerk often works within the finance or HR department of an organization, traditionally in an office environment. What is the Average Salary of a Payroll Clerk? According to GlassDoor, the median total pay of a payroll clerk is $55K a year. A payroll clerk is one of those AA accounting jobs requiring only your associates in order to entry the workforce.

Bookkeeping Clerk

What Does a Bookkeeping Clerk Do? Bookkeepers are responsible for a company’s accounts. A bookkeeper makes sure that all ledgers are up to date. Along these lines, they also enter firms’ transactions into the ledger. This keeps them on top of all transactions, accounts, and interest charges. What is the Work Environment of a Bookkeeping Clerk? Bookkeeping usually works in a standard office environment, usually spent at a desk. While they traditionally work independently, some bookkeepers have the opportunity to collaborate with other teams, such as accounting and with finance clerks. What is the Average Salary of a Bookkeeping Clerk? According to ZipRecruiter, the median hourly wage for a bookkeeping clerk is around 20$, as reported in 2024.

Administrative Assistant

What Does an Administrative Assistant Do? An administrative assistant deals with the day-to-day operations of an office. The responsibilities can be varied but may include filing paperwork, answering phone calls, and managing projects to help keep a proper flow of communication between all involved parties. What is the Work Environment of an Administrative Assistant? Like many other AA accounting jobs, an administrative assistant usually works in a traditional office setting, typically sharing office space with other administrative staff, interacting and collaborating with both internal and external parties. What is the Average Salary of an Administrative Assistant? As reported by GlassDoor, the median annual salary for an administrative assistant is around $47K a year. A bachelor’s Accounting degree is not always required for the role of an Administrative Assistant, and for some careers an Associate degree is the only requirement. What is the Job Outlook of an Administrative Assistant? As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the administrative assistant field is expected to grow by around 1% from 2023-2024.

A.A.S Accounting Course List

List of Classes and Credit Hours for AAS Accounting

Accounting Faculty

Meet our Accounting faculty members below.

Business Professor, Dr. Asif Ashiqali
Dr. Asif Ashiqali is a seasoned academic leader and business professional with over 20 years of experience spanning academia, business…
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FAQs for Accounting Associates Degree

What can I do with an Associate’s Degree in Accounting?

An Associate’s Degree in Accounting prepares you for entry-level roles such as accounting assistant, bookkeeper, or payroll clerk, and lays the groundwork for further study or advancement in the accounting field.

How long does it take to earn a 2-year accounting degree?

Most students complete the program in two years of full-time study, making it a fast and affordable pathway to start a career in accounting.

Are there accounting jobs available with just an AA degree?

Yes, many employers hire graduates with an AA in Accounting for roles like accounts payable/receivable clerk, tax preparer, or audit assistant, especially when combined with strong software skills.

What’s the difference between a 2-year accounting degree and a bachelor's degree?

A 2-year associate degree focuses on core accounting and business principles, while a bachelor’s program goes deeper into specialized areas such as auditing or financial analysis and is often required for CPA eligibility.

Can I transfer my associate degree credits to a four-year college?

Absolutely. St. Augustine College’s program is designed to support transfer to a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, helping you continue your education with a strong academic foundation.

Does this program include online options for bookkeeping or accounting?

Yes, St. Augustine College offers flexible course formats, including online options, to support students pursuing an associate’s degree in bookkeeping or accounting remotely.

Is an accountant associate degree worth it for job opportunities?

For many students, earning an associate degree in accounting opens the door to stable, in-demand careers in finance and business — and it’s a cost-effective alternative to a four-year degree.

Additional Resources

Success Stories

As the number one school in Illinois in raising students’ income, and second higher graduation rate than comparable institutions in Chicago, we are proud to present a few of our outstanding nontraditional students below who have stood out and demonstrated St. Augustine’s dedication to success. Learn more here.

Student Success Center

St. Augustine is not just a college, it’s a launchpad for you and your career. Contact our staff to receive assistance related to jobs, interviews, or internships. Learn more here.

Community

Our community is built on inclusivity and diversity. Regardless of someone’s background, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Learn more here.

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