Accounting Program
Table of Contents
Program Overview
The Accounting program at Kapi‘olani Community College (Kapi‘olani CC) prepares students for paraprofessional accounting positions in small business, public accounting, private industry, nonprofits, and governmental organizations. Students get practical, hands-on experience practicing workplace-relevant skills and techniques.
As a capstone to the accounting degree, Kapiʻolani Community College offers a specially designed class that allows students to gain actual job experience while earning credits towards graduation. Alternative courses provide students with hands-on experience with workplace-relevant simulations that accurately model the demands of the workplace.
The Associate in Science, Accounting degree articulates to the University of Hawai‘i-West Oʻahu towards the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration, Accounting
Contact Information
- Counselors/Advisors: Flo Abara, (808) 734-9107
- Accounting Program Coordinator: Duane Seabolt (808) 734-9209
Degree & Certificates
Associate in Science – Accounting (60-65 credits)
The Associate in Science, Accounting (AS ACC) degree program at Kapi‘olani Community College prepares students for paraprofessional accounting positions. Students seeking their first degree or first job, a skills upgrade or a job change, or those on track for their CPA license, Enrolled Agent, other professional certifications get the skills they need. The program gives students hands-on experience with current industry standard accounting information systems hardware, software, web resources, and business practices to make them job-ready for a variety of entry-level opportunities. A concentration in communication, teamwork and professional networking skills is built into all program courses. This emphasis, along with close ties to a broad base of local industry partners means that internship opportunities are available at a wide array of businesses, CPA firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Courses are taught by dedicated faculty and industry professionals, and are offered in the daytime, evening, and online to accommodate all students. The program is a member of the American Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and most courses are transferable to member schools. Articulation agreements with area universities let students transition seamlessly to the University of Hawai‘i-West Oʻahu’s Bachelor of Arts (BABA) in Business Administration – Concentration in Accounting degree, or gives students transferable credit towards baccalaureate degrees at other area public and private universities.
Certificate of Achievement – Accounting (30-34 credits)
The Certificate of Achievement in Accounting at Kapi‘olani Community College prepares students for entry-level advanced clerical, junior paraprofessional, or professional accounting positions in small business, public accounting, private industry, nonprofits and governmental organizations. Students get practical, hands-on experience practicing workplace-relevant skills and techniques.
Certificate of Competence – Payroll Preparer (15 credits)
The Certificate of Competence, Payroll Preparer trains graduates with a set of hands-on workplace skills that employers demand. These skills qualify graduates for entry-level positions as payroll preparers, payroll clerks, and related clerical/accounting jobs at CPA and bookkeeping firms, payroll service bureaus, or in business or government.
Certificate of Competence – Tax Preparer (15-18 credits)
The Certificate of Competence, Tax Preparer, trains students with a set of hands-on workplace skills that employers demand. These skills qualify graduates for entry-level positions as tax preparers, payroll clerks/payroll administrators, and related clerical/accounting jobs at CPA and bookkeeping firms, payroll service bureaus, or in business or government.
Program Information
Potential Career & Employers
- Careers: Accounts Clerk, Accountant, Bookkeeper, Payroll Administrator, Payroll Clerk, and Tax Preparers
- Employers: The United States Department of Labor publishes the Occupational Outlook Handbook with additional information about careers in accounting.
Program Outcomes
Associate in Science – Accounting
Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Associate in Science degree in Accounting, the student should have met the following Student Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate the ability to identify key issues, research relevant data, and propose possible solutions for accounting and taxation issues encountered.
- Compile and prepare accurate and timely financial information for analysis, tax compliance, and informed business decisions.
- Perform accounting and reporting functions using an accounting information system.
- Gather, manage, track and query data using traditional and emerging technologies.
- Practice within the professional, ethical, and legal parameters of the accounting profession.
- Demonstrate interpersonal and professional communication skills in person and online; work collaboratively to achieve organizational goals.
- Take advantage of independent learning opportunities to maximize personal and professional growth within the business environment.
- Recognize and adapt to the local/global organization and culture.
- Practice communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills through the use of appropriate technology and with an understanding of the business environment.
Certificate of Achievement – Accounting
Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Achievement in Accounting the student should have met the following Student Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate the ability to identify key issues, research relevant data, and propose possible solutions for accounting and taxation issues encountered.
- Compile and prepare accurate and timely financial information for analysis, tax compliance, and informed business decisions.
- Perform accounting and reporting functions using an accounting information system.
- Gather, manage, track and query data using traditional and emerging technologies.
- Practice within the professional, ethical, and legal parameters of the accounting profession.
- Demonstrate interpersonal and professional communication skills in person and online; work collaboratively to achieve organizational goals.
- Take advantage of independent learning opportunities to maximize personal and professional growth within the business environment.
Certificate of Competence – Payroll Preparer
Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Competence, Payroll Preparer, the student should have met the following Student Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate the ability to identify key issues, research relevant data, and propose possible solutions for accounting and taxation issues encountered.
- Compile and prepare accurate and timely financial information for analysis, tax compliance, and informed business decisions.
- Perform accounting and reporting functions using an accounting information system.
- Gather, manage, track and query data using traditional and emerging technologies.
- Practice within the professional, ethical, and legal parameters of the accounting profession.
Certificate of Competence – Tax Preparer
Program Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the Certificate of Competence, Tax Preparer, the student should have met the following Student Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate the ability to identify key issues, research relevant data, and propose possible solutions for accounting and taxation issues encountered.
- Compile and prepare accurate and timely financial information for analysis, tax compliance, and informed business decisions.
- Gather, manage, track and query data using traditional and emerging technologies.
- Practice within the professional, ethical, and legal parameters of the accounting profession.
ACBSP Accreditation
The Business, Legal, and Technology Education Department was awarded accreditation of its Accounting program by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) on April 16, 2015.
Founded in 1988, ACBSP now accredits quality business programs across the globe, at more than 1,000 campuses. ACBSP offers accreditation to business programs that demonstrate excellence in teaching to all levels of collegiate business education degree programs from associate to doctoral.
“Being able to work in the accounting field while I was going to school really helped me to integrate my accounting knowledge. I was also able to learn other types of accounting software and skills that I am using at my present job.”
Cheryl Lum, Alumna, Kapi‘olani Community College
