Accounting
Accounting
At a Glance
Degree Plans
Associate of Applied Science Certificate
Earning Potential
Build a rewarding career in Accounting without leaving Southeast Texas. LSCPA's program helps you understand the financial world through ledgers, financial statements, and budgets, with hands-on coursework in computerized accounting, managerial accounting, and spreadsheet development that local employers recognize and respect. You'll gain practical skills that translate directly into better job prospects and stronger earning potential. Start your path toward a stable, fulfilling future in accounting and finance.
Top Careers in Accounting
A career in accounting can lead to roles like Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerk, Payroll Clerk, Tax Examiner, Billing Clerk, or Administrative Assistant. Most professionals build their experience from entry-level positions before advancing into higher-paying work. Starting as an Accounting Clerk or Bookkeeper opens the door to roles in auditing and financial recordkeeping, while payroll and billing positions can lead to supervisory work. With a bachelor's degree, you can grow into roles like Accountant or Auditor. Your training in ledgers, financial statements, budgets, computerized accounting, managerial accounting, and spreadsheet development gives you the hands-on foundation to grow into a rewarding career in the field.
LSCPA's hands-on training builds the exact skills Southeast Texas employers want, opening the door to better-paying work. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks earn a median of $47,270, while payroll and timekeeping clerks earn a median of $50,450. Entry-level positions provide a solid foundation, while experienced professionals can earn considerably more depending on their role, experience, and employer. It's a clear, practical route to a stable and rewarding future in the field.
Schedule a Meeting
Kellie Buckner
Program Coordinator
Student Center 411
Phone: 409-984-6378
Email: bucknerkc@lamarpa.edu
Program Information
Students are required to take the Texas Success Initiative Exam for this Program of Study.
The Business and Industrial Technology Department recommends that you apply for your certificate as soon as it is available, even if you intend to continue studying for your degree. Follow the application instructions on the Graduation page to receive your certificate.
| Course | Title | SCH |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ||
| ACNT 1303 | Intro to Accounting | 3 |
| ACNT 1331 | Federal Income Tax: Individual | 3 |
| POFI 1349 | Spreadsheets | 3 |
| POFT 1309 | Administrative Office Procedures I | 3 |
| POFT 1313 | Professional Workforce Preparation | 3 |
| Second Semester | ||
| ACCT 2301 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ACNT 1329 | Payroll and Business Tax Accounting | 3 |
| ITSW 1301 | Introduction to Word Processing | 3 |
| POFT 1321 | Business Math | 3 |
| POFT 2312 | Business Correspondence & Communication | 3 |
| Third Semester | ||
| ACNT 1311 | Introduction to Computerized Accounting | 3 |
| ACCT 2302 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| ECON 2301/ECON 2302 | Principles of Macroeconomics or Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| MATH 1324 | Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences | 3 |
| SPCH 1315 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| XXXX x3xx | Humanities | 3 |
| ENGL 1301 | Composition I | 3 |
| ACNT 1335 | Accounting Ethics | 3 |
| ACNT 2302/ACNT 2386 | Accounting Capstone or Internship-Accounting Technology/Technician & Bookkeeping | 3 |
| POFI 2350 | Databases | 3 |
| Total | 60 | |
Students are required to take the Texas Success Initiative Exam for this Program of Study.
| course | title | sch |
|---|---|---|
| First Semester | ||
| ACNT 1303 | Intro to Accounting | 3 |
| ACNT 1331 | Federal Income Tax: Individual | 3 |
| POFI 1349 | Spreadsheets | 3 |
| POFT 1309 | Administrative Office Procedures I | 3 |
| POFT 1313 | Professional Workforce Preparation | 3 |
| Second Semester | ||
| ACCT 2301 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 3 |
| ACNT 1329 | Payroll & Business Tax Accounting | 3 |
| ITSW 1301 | Introduction to Word Processing | 3 |
| POFT 1321 | Business Math | 3 |
| POFT 2312 | Business Correspondence & Communication | 3 |
| Total | 30 | |
An LSCPA Accounting credential opens the door to a long career in bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, and financial recordkeeping. After finishing the program, graduates can:
- Step into the workforce ready to contribute. Graduates often begin as Bookkeeping Clerks, Accounting Clerks, Payroll Clerks, Billing Clerks, or Administrative Assistants — roles in steady demand at businesses, government offices, and accounting firms across Southeast Texas and beyond.
- Keep building on your credits. Coursework from the program may count toward additional credentials or related degrees, depending on the college and degree plan. With an Accounting Assistant Certificate and a full Associate of Applied Science, LSCPA lets you advance at the pace that fits your life.
- Continue toward a four-year degree. Once you finish the Associate of Applied Science, you can transfer to a university and pursue a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field, where available.
- Grow into leadership roles. As you gain experience and earn industry credentials in bookkeeping, QuickBooks, or payroll accounting, doors open to positions like Accountant, Auditor, Payroll Manager, or Office Manager — careers that reward both precision and ambition with strong earning potential.
With these stackable credentials, you can earn a focused accounting qualification, enter the workforce, and continue advancing your skills and career on a timeline that fits your goals.
What is the Accounting program at LSCPA?
The Accounting program at LSCPA trains you for work in offices, businesses, government agencies, and accounting firms throughout the region. The curriculum covers computerized accounting, federal income tax, payroll and business tax accounting, spreadsheets, and managerial accounting, along with business communication and office procedures. Built around the skills employers actually use, it gives you the practical, job-ready knowledge that Southeast Texas businesses value.
What certifications or credentials can I earn through the Accounting program?
Once you complete the Accounting program, you can earn an Accounting Assistant Certificate or a full Associate of Applied Science degree. Beyond your degree, you can pursue industry certifications in bookkeeping, QuickBooks, or payroll accounting — credentials that expand your career options and boost your earning potential.
What kind of jobs can I get with this training?
This training opens doors at businesses, government offices, accounting firms, and corporate finance departments throughout the region. Graduates step into roles such as Bookkeeping Clerk, Accounting Clerk, Payroll Clerk, Tax Examiner, Billing Clerk, or Administrative Assistant.
Is this program flexible for working adults?
Absolutely. The Accounting program offers flexible scheduling built around the demands of work and family, so commuters and working adults can pursue their training without putting life on hold. An advisor can help you map out a schedule that fits your goals.
How long does it take to complete the program?
You can finish the Accounting program on a timeline that suits you. The full Associate of Applied Science takes two years, while the Accounting Assistant Certificate takes about a year. Enrolling in summer terms or earning advanced placement can shorten that path. An advisor will help you choose the schedule that fits your goals.
What is the salary potential for an Accounting professional?
Pay in accounting reflects both your role and your experience. Drawing on O*NET Online and Texas Workforce Commission data, bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks in Southeast Texas earn a median of $36,994–$45,714 a year, while payroll and timekeeping clerks earn $40,104–$49,676. Entry-level clerks usually start near the lower end of these ranges, though experienced professionals command considerably higher pay. With a bachelor's degree, accountants and auditors can earn $62,109–$78,899. Your earnings will depend on where you work, how much experience you bring, and the position you hold. Because demand stays strong, added experience and credentials can move you into well-paid leadership roles down the road.
The LSCPA Advantage
Why choose LSCPA for your accounting education? Our Accounting program connects you to in-demand careers across Southeast Texas. You'll work hands-on with ledgers, financial statements, and budgets, sharpen your computerized and managerial accounting abilities, and master what matters to local employers — accurate recordkeeping, confident spreadsheet development, and a firm grasp of generally accepted accounting principles. Small class sizes, experienced instructors, and deep roots in the regional business community come together to launch your career, all at a price that won't hold you back.
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At a Glance
Degree Plans
Associate of Applied Science Certificate