Accounting Careers
DELIVERY
Day or Evening, Traditional, Blended, and Online Classes
START
Fall, Spring, or Summer Semester
CAMPUS
Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie
OVERVIEW
Accountants process the financial information for businesses, government, and non-profit entities. The study of accounting will familarize students with the "language of business." It is a vital part of virtually every business organization.
At HTC, you willl learn how to design financial record systems, record information, and interpret financial reports. From income tax preparation and data processing to cost accounting and payroll, you will develop skills to launch or advance your career.
LABS AND CLASSROOMS
The Accounting classrooms use computers and industry standard software.
Accounting student enrolled in the program can use the below link to access files and other document:
Accounting Student Files
SUPPLIES/TOOLS
Accounting textbooks can be found in the HTC Bookstore. Other than a few books, a home computer with online access is suggested. Students are encouraged to have the current version of Word, Excel and Powerpoint software on a laptop or home computer for assignments.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Depending on the type of accounting you want to do, you can study for two to five years. Two year programs prepare you for entry-level accounting clerk positions. These programs are available at community colleges and private business schools. A bachelors degree in accounting prepares you for entry-level accounting or auditing jobs. In your four years of study, you take one year of accounting courses and one year of general business courses. You also take two years of liberal arts courses. These programs are available at many colleges and universities. If you want to be a CPA, you need to complete an additional 30 hours of study in accounting. The extra courses prepare you to take the Uniform CPA Exam and to work independently as a public accountant.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Accountants work in an office environment, usually with computers and calculators.
JOB OUTLOOK
In Minnesota, about 25,833 accountants and auditors work in this large occupation. Most accountants and auditors work in urban areas where accounting firms and central or regional offices of businesses are concentrated. Major employers are: accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll firms, federal, state, and local government agencies, and business management companies. Accountants and auditors are expected to have good job prospects. A CPA will enjoy the widest range of job opportunities. Common titles for accountants are Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Public Accountant (PA), Registered Public Accountant (RPA), or Accounting Practitioner (AP).
GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT
Gainful Employment Information
POTENTIAL JOB TITLES Accountant, Bookkeeper, Accounting Clerk, Payroll Specialist, Tax Preparer, Staff Accountant, Controller
SALARY Average in 2009: U S $33,000, Minnesota $29,890
INSTRUCTORS
Jerry Hoogers BS, MS
Christine Reineke BS, M.B.A., C.P.A.
Craig Anderson BS, MA, C.M.A.
Erin Mrkonich BS, M.B.A., C.P.A.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE/PARTNERSHIPS
The Accounting Careers Department at HTC relies on an advisory committee for advice, guidance, and approval for major department decisions. Members of the committee consist of upper level accounting professionals currently working in the accounting profession.
ACCREDITATION/AFFILIATIONS
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
ARTICULATIONS
Students can earn a 2-year accounting degree at HTC, and then transfer the degree, with all credits, to earn a 4-year accounting degree. We have articulation agreements with the following colleges.
Metro State University - Bachelor's in Accounting
Concordia College - Bachelor's in Accounting
St. Mary's University - Bachelor's in Accounting
Contact Craig Anderson canderson@hennepintech.edu, or an HTC counselor for more information.
The Accounting classrooms use computers and industry standard software.
Accounting student enrolled in the program can use the below link to access files and other document:
Accounting Student Files
SUPPLIES/TOOLS
Accounting textbooks can be found in the HTC Bookstore. Other than a few books, a home computer with online access is suggested. Students are encouraged to have the current version of Word, Excel and Powerpoint software on a laptop or home computer for assignments.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Depending on the type of accounting you want to do, you can study for two to five years. Two year programs prepare you for entry-level accounting clerk positions. These programs are available at community colleges and private business schools. A bachelors degree in accounting prepares you for entry-level accounting or auditing jobs. In your four years of study, you take one year of accounting courses and one year of general business courses. You also take two years of liberal arts courses. These programs are available at many colleges and universities. If you want to be a CPA, you need to complete an additional 30 hours of study in accounting. The extra courses prepare you to take the Uniform CPA Exam and to work independently as a public accountant.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Accountants work in an office environment, usually with computers and calculators.
JOB OUTLOOK
In Minnesota, about 25,833 accountants and auditors work in this large occupation. Most accountants and auditors work in urban areas where accounting firms and central or regional offices of businesses are concentrated. Major employers are: accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll firms, federal, state, and local government agencies, and business management companies. Accountants and auditors are expected to have good job prospects. A CPA will enjoy the widest range of job opportunities. Common titles for accountants are Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Public Accountant (PA), Registered Public Accountant (RPA), or Accounting Practitioner (AP).
GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT
Gainful Employment Information
POTENTIAL JOB TITLES Accountant, Bookkeeper, Accounting Clerk, Payroll Specialist, Tax Preparer, Staff Accountant, Controller
SALARY Average in 2009: U S $33,000, Minnesota $29,890
INSTRUCTORS
Jerry Hoogers BS, MS
Christine Reineke BS, M.B.A., C.P.A.
Craig Anderson BS, MA, C.M.A.
Erin Mrkonich BS, M.B.A., C.P.A.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE/PARTNERSHIPS
The Accounting Careers Department at HTC relies on an advisory committee for advice, guidance, and approval for major department decisions. Members of the committee consist of upper level accounting professionals currently working in the accounting profession.
ACCREDITATION/AFFILIATIONS
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
ARTICULATIONS
Students can earn a 2-year accounting degree at HTC, and then transfer the degree, with all credits, to earn a 4-year accounting degree. We have articulation agreements with the following colleges.
Metro State University - Bachelor's in Accounting
Concordia College - Bachelor's in Accounting
St. Mary's University - Bachelor's in Accounting
Contact Craig Anderson canderson@hennepintech.edu, or an HTC counselor for more information.

