Accounting and Finance
The Accounting and Finance curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and the skills necessary for employment and growth in the accounting and finance profession. Accountants and finance professionals assemble and analyze, process, and communicate essential information about financial operations.
Course work may include accounting, finance, ethics, business law, computer applications, financial planning, insurance, marketing, real estate, selling, and taxation. Related skills are developed through the study of communications, computer applications, financial analysis, critical thinking skills, and ethics.
Graduates should qualify for entry-level accounting and finance positions in many types of organizations including accounting firms, small businesses, manufacturing firms, banks, hospitals, school systems, and governmental agencies.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply appropriate financial accounting principles and concepts to identify, record, and communicate financial results.
- Apply appropriate cost accounting principles and concepts to identify, record, and communicate managerial accounting results.
- Prepare a basic individual income tax return in compliance with current federal laws and regulations.
Contact Information


Pathways
Course Requirements
First Year - Fall Semester
- ACA 115 Success & Study Skills
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.
- ACC 120 Prin of Financial Accounting
This course introduces business decision-making using accounting information systems. Emphasis is placed on analyzing, summarizing, reporting, and interpreting financial information. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare financial statements, understand the role of financial information in decision-making and address ethical considerations.
- BUS 115 Business Law I
This course introduces the student to the legal and ethical framework of business. Contracts, negotiable instruments, the law of sales, torts, crimes, constitutional law, the Uniform Commercial Code, and the court systems are examined. Upon completion the student should be able to identify legal and ethical issues that arise in business decisions and the laws that apply to them.
- ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.
- BUS 110 or BUS 137
Prin of Managerial Accounting or Prin of Managerial Accounting
- CIS 110 or CIS 111
Prin of Managerial Accounting or Prin of Managerial Accounting
First Year - Spring Semester
- ACC 121 Prin of Managerial Accounting
This course includes a greater emphasis on managerial and cost accounting skills. Emphasis is placed on managerial accounting concepts for external and internal analysis, reporting and decision-making. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze and interpret transactions relating to managerial concepts including product-costing systems.
- ACC 129 Individual Income Taxes
This course introduces the relevant laws governing individual income taxation. Topics include tax law, electronic research and methodologies, and the use of technology for preparation of individual income tax returns. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze basic tax scenarios, research applicable tax law, and complete various individual tax forms.
- ACC 150 Accounting Software Appl
This course introduces microcomputer applications related to accounting systems. Topics include general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, payroll, and correcting, adjusting, and closing entries. Upon completion, students should be able to use a computer accounting package to accurately solve accounting problems.
- CTS 130 Spreadsheet
This course introduces basic spreadsheet design and development. Topics include writing formulas, using functions, enhancing spreadsheets, creating charts, and printing. Upon completion, students should be able to design and print basic spreadsheets and charts.
- ENG 112 Writing/Research in the Disc
This course, the second in a series of two, introduces research techniques, documentation styles, and writing strategies. Emphasis is placed on analyzing information and ideas and incorporating research findings into documented writing and research projects. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate and synthesize information from primary and secondary sources using documentation appropriate to various disciplines.
- MAT 110 or MAT 143
Second Year - Fall Semester
- ACC 140 Payroll Accounting
This course covers federal and state laws pertaining to wages, payroll taxes, payroll tax forms, and journal and general ledger transactions. Emphasis is placed on computing wages; calculating social security, income, and unemployment taxes; preparing appropriate payroll tax forms; and journalizing/posting transactions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze data, make appropriate computations, complete forms, and prepare accounting entries using appropriate technology.
- ACC 220 Intermediate Accounting I
This course is a continuation of the study of accounting principles with in-depth coverage of theoretical concepts and financial statements. Topics include generally accepted accounting principles and extensive analysis of balance sheet components. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate competence in the conceptual framework underlying financial accounting, including the application of financial standards.
- ACC 225 Cost Accounting
This course introduces the nature and purposes of cost accounting as an information system for planning and control. Topics include direct materials, direct labor, factory overhead, process, job order, and standard cost systems. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles involved and display an analytical problem-solving ability for the topics covered.
- BUS 225 Business Finance
This course provides an overview of business financial management. Emphasis is placed on financial statement analysis, time value of money, management of cash flow, risk and return, and sources of financing. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret and apply the principles of financial management.
- ECO 251 Prin of Microeconomics
This course introduces economic analysis of individual, business, and industry in the market economy. Topics include the price mechanism, supply and demand, optimizing economic behavior, costs and revenue, market structures, factor markets, income distribution, market failure, and government intervention. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and evaluate consumer and business alternatives in order to efficiently achieve economic objectives.
- Humanities and Fine Arts Elective
Following are humanities and fine arts elective courses that are recommended for fulfilling humanities and fine arts elective requirements. All of the courses listed earn a minimum of three semester hours of credit. Other courses with humanities and fine arts elective prefixes may be suitable for these requirements as well. Students should discuss all course selections with their advisor before registration. ART 111, ART 114, ART 115, ART 121, ART 131, ART 132, ART 240, ART 241, ART 283, ART 284, DRA 111, ENG 125, ENG 126, ENG 231, ENG 232, ENG 241, ENG 242, ENG 261, ENG 262, HUM 110, HUM 115, HUM 120, HUM 121, HUM 122, HUM 123, HUM 130, HUM 150, HUM 160, HUM 161, HUM 170, HUM 180, HUM 220, MUS 110, MUS 112, MUS 114, MUS 210, PHI 240, REL 110, REL 211, REL 212
Second Year - Spring Semester
- ACC 221 Intermediate Acct II
This course is a continuation of ACC 220. Emphasis is placed on special problems which may include leases, bonds, investments, ratio analyses, present value applications, accounting changes, and corrections. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the principles involved and display an analytical problem-solving ability for the topics covered.
- ACC 267 Fraud Examination
This course is an introduction to the investigation techniques used to discover fraudulent activities. Emphasis is placed on the techniques for the detection, deterrence and prevention of the major types of occupational and management frauds. Upon completion, students should be able to examine relevant fraud cases and apply critical thinking and technology skills used in fraud examination.
- BUS 260 Business Communication
This course is designed to develop skills in writing business communications. Emphasis is placed on business reports, correspondence, and professional presentations. Upon completion, students should be able to communicate effectively in the work place.
- DBA 110 Database Concepts
This course introduces database design and creation using a DBMS product. Emphasis is placed on data dictionaries, normalization, data integrity, data modeling, and creation of simple tables, queries, reports, and forms. Upon completion, students should be able to design and implement normalized database structures by creating simple database tables, queries, reports, and forms.
- ECO 252 Prin of Macroeconomics
This course introduces economic analysis of aggregate employment, income, and prices. Topics include major schools of economic thought; aggregate supply and demand; economic measures, fluctuations, and growth; money and banking; stabilization techniques; and international trade. Upon completion, students should be able to evaluate national economic components, conditions, and alternatives for achieving socioeconomic goals.
Course Requirements
Fall Semester
- ACA 115 Success & Study Skills
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.
- ACC 120 Prin of Financial Accounting
This course introduces business decision-making using accounting information systems. Emphasis is placed on analyzing, summarizing, reporting, and interpreting financial information. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare financial statements, understand the role of financial information in decision-making and address ethical considerations.
- BUS 115 Business Law I
This course introduces the student to the legal and ethical framework of business. Contracts, negotiable instruments, the law of sales, torts, crimes, constitutional law, the Uniform Commercial Code, and the court systems are examined. Upon completion the student should be able to identify legal and ethical issues that arise in business decisions and the laws that apply to them.
- ECO 251 Prin of Microeconomics
This course introduces economic analysis of individual, business, and industry in the market economy. Topics include the price mechanism, supply and demand, optimizing economic behavior, costs and revenue, market structures, factor markets, income distribution, market failure, and government intervention. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and evaluate consumer and business alternatives in order to efficiently achieve economic objectives.
- ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.
- CIS 110 or CIS 111
Prin of Managerial Accounting or Prin of Managerial Accounting
- MAT 110 or MAT 143
Prin of Managerial Accounting or Prin of Managerial Accounting
Spring Semester
- ACC 121 Prin of Managerial Accounting
This course includes a greater emphasis on managerial and cost accounting skills. Emphasis is placed on managerial accounting concepts for external and internal analysis, reporting and decision-making. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze and interpret transactions relating to managerial concepts including product-costing systems.
- ACC 129 Individual Income Taxes
This course introduces the relevant laws governing individual income taxation. Topics include tax law, electronic research and methodologies, and the use of technology for preparation of individual income tax returns. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze basic tax scenarios, research applicable tax law, and complete various individual tax forms.
- ACC 140 Payroll Accounting
This course covers federal and state laws pertaining to wages, payroll taxes, payroll tax forms, and journal and general ledger transactions. Emphasis is placed on computing wages; calculating social security, income, and unemployment taxes; preparing appropriate payroll tax forms; and journalizing/posting transactions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze data, make appropriate computations, complete forms, and prepare accounting entries using appropriate technology.
- ACC 150 Accounting Software Appl
This course introduces microcomputer applications related to accounting systems. Topics include general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, payroll, and correcting, adjusting, and closing entries. Upon completion, students should be able to use a computer accounting package to accurately solve accounting problems.
- CTS 130 Spreadsheet
This course introduces basic spreadsheet design and development. Topics include writing formulas, using functions, enhancing spreadsheets, creating charts, and printing. Upon completion, students should be able to design and print basic spreadsheets and charts.
- DBA 110 Database Concepts
This course introduces database design and creation using a DBMS product. Emphasis is placed on data dictionaries, normalization, data integrity, data modeling, and creation of simple tables, queries, reports, and forms. Upon completion, students should be able to design and implement normalized database structures by creating simple database tables, queries, reports, and forms.
Course Requirements
- ACC 120 Prin of Financial Accounting
This course introduces business decision-making using accounting information systems. Emphasis is placed on analyzing, summarizing, reporting, and interpreting financial information. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare financial statements, understand the role of financial information in decision-making and address ethical considerations.
- ACC 121 Prin of Managerial Accounting
This course includes a greater emphasis on managerial and cost accounting skills. Emphasis is placed on managerial accounting concepts for external and internal analysis, reporting and decision-making. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze and interpret transactions relating to managerial concepts including product-costing systems.
- ACC 140 Payroll Accounting
This course covers federal and state laws pertaining to wages, payroll taxes, payroll tax forms, and journal and general ledger transactions. Emphasis is placed on computing wages; calculating social security, income, and unemployment taxes; preparing appropriate payroll tax forms; and journalizing/posting transactions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze data, make appropriate computations, complete forms, and prepare accounting entries using appropriate technology.
- CTS 130 Spreadsheet
This course introduces basic spreadsheet design and development. Topics include writing formulas, using functions, enhancing spreadsheets, creating charts, and printing. Upon completion, students should be able to design and print basic spreadsheets and charts.
- CIS 110 or CIS 111
Course Requirements
- ACC 120 Prin of Financial Accounting
This course introduces business decision-making using accounting information systems. Emphasis is placed on analyzing, summarizing, reporting, and interpreting financial information. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare financial statements, understand the role of financial information in decision-making and address ethical considerations.
- ACC 140 Payroll Accounting
This course covers federal and state laws pertaining to wages, payroll taxes, payroll tax forms, and journal and general ledger transactions. Emphasis is placed on computing wages; calculating social security, income, and unemployment taxes; preparing appropriate payroll tax forms; and journalizing/posting transactions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze data, make appropriate computations, complete forms, and prepare accounting entries using appropriate technology.
- ACC 150 Accounting Software Appl
This course introduces microcomputer applications related to accounting systems. Topics include general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, payroll, and correcting, adjusting, and closing entries. Upon completion, students should be able to use a computer accounting package to accurately solve accounting problems.
- CTS 130 Spreadsheet
This course introduces basic spreadsheet design and development. Topics include writing formulas, using functions, enhancing spreadsheets, creating charts, and printing. Upon completion, students should be able to design and print basic spreadsheets and charts.
- DBA 110 Database Concepts
This course introduces database design and creation using a DBMS product. Emphasis is placed on data dictionaries, normalization, data integrity, data modeling, and creation of simple tables, queries, reports, and forms. Upon completion, students should be able to design and implement normalized database structures by creating simple database tables, queries, reports, and forms.
- CIS 110 or CIS 111
Course Requirements
- ACA 115 Success & Study Skills
This course provides an orientation to the campus resources and academic skills necessary to achieve educational objectives. Emphasis is placed on an exploration of facilities and services, study skills, library skills, self-assessment, wellness, goal-setting, and critical thinking. Upon completion, students should be able to manage their learning experiences to successfully meet educational goals.
- ACC 120 Prin of Financial Accounting
This course introduces business decision-making using accounting information systems. Emphasis is placed on analyzing, summarizing, reporting, and interpreting financial information. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare financial statements, understand the role of financial information in decision-making and address ethical considerations.
- ACC 121 Prin of Managerial Accounting
This course includes a greater emphasis on managerial and cost accounting skills. Emphasis is placed on managerial accounting concepts for external and internal analysis, reporting and decision-making. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze and interpret transactions relating to managerial concepts including product-costing systems.
- ACC 129 Individual Income Taxes
This course introduces the relevant laws governing individual income taxation. Topics include tax law, electronic research and methodologies, and the use of technology for preparation of individual income tax returns. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze basic tax scenarios, research applicable tax law, and complete various individual tax forms.
- ACC 140 Payroll Accounting
This course covers federal and state laws pertaining to wages, payroll taxes, payroll tax forms, and journal and general ledger transactions. Emphasis is placed on computing wages; calculating social security, income, and unemployment taxes; preparing appropriate payroll tax forms; and journalizing/posting transactions. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze data, make appropriate computations, complete forms, and prepare accounting entries using appropriate technology.
- ACC 150 Accounting Software Appl
This course introduces microcomputer applications related to accounting systems. Topics include general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, payroll, and correcting, adjusting, and closing entries. Upon completion, students should be able to use a computer accounting package to accurately solve accounting problems.
- BUS 115 Business Law I
This course introduces the student to the legal and ethical framework of business. Contracts, negotiable instruments, the law of sales, torts, crimes, constitutional law, the Uniform Commercial Code, and the court systems are examined. Upon completion the student should be able to identify legal and ethical issues that arise in business decisions and the laws that apply to them.
- CIS 110 Introduction to Computers
This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.
- CTS 130 Spreadsheet
This course introduces basic spreadsheet design and development. Topics include writing formulas, using functions, enhancing spreadsheets, creating charts, and printing. Upon completion, students should be able to design and print basic spreadsheets and charts.
- DBA 110 Database Concepts
This course introduces database design and creation using a DBMS product. Emphasis is placed on data dictionaries, normalization, data integrity, data modeling, and creation of simple tables, queries, reports, and forms. Upon completion, students should be able to design and implement normalized database structures by creating simple database tables, queries, reports, and forms.
- ECO 251 Prin of Microeconomics
This course introduces economic analysis of individual, business, and industry in the market economy. Topics include the price mechanism, supply and demand, optimizing economic behavior, costs and revenue, market structures, factor markets, income distribution, market failure, and government intervention. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and evaluate consumer and business alternatives in order to efficiently achieve economic objectives.
- ENG 111 Writing and Inquiry
This course is designed to develop the ability to produce clear writing in a variety of genres and formats using a recursive process. Emphasis includes inquiry, analysis, effective use of rhetorical strategies, thesis development, audience awareness, and revision. Upon completion, students should be able to produce unified, coherent, well-developed essays using standard written English.
- HUM 110 Technology and Society
This course considers technological change from historical, artistic, and philosophical perspectives and its effect on human needs and concerns. Emphasis is placed on the causes and consequences of technological change. Upon completion, students should be able to critically evaluate the implications of technology.
Course Requirements
- ACC 120 Prin of Financial Accounting
This course introduces business decision-making using accounting information systems. Emphasis is placed on analyzing, summarizing, reporting, and interpreting financial information. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare financial statements, understand the role of financial information in decision-making and address ethical considerations.
- ACC 121 Prin of Managerial Accounting
This course includes a greater emphasis on managerial and cost accounting skills. Emphasis is placed on managerial accounting concepts for external and internal analysis, reporting and decision-making. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze and interpret transactions relating to managerial concepts including product-costing systems.
- BUS 115 Business Law I
This course introduces the student to the legal and ethical framework of business. Contracts, negotiable instruments, the law of sales, torts, crimes, constitutional law, the Uniform Commercial Code, and the court systems are examined. Upon completion the student should be able to identify legal and ethical issues that arise in business decisions and the laws that apply to them.
- CIS 110 Introduction to Computers
This course introduces computer concepts, including fundamental functions and operations of the computer. Topics include identification of hardware components, basic computer operations, security issues, and use of software applications. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the role and function of computers and use the computer to solve problems.
BUS 110 Prin of Managerial Accounting
BUS 137 Prin of Managerial Accounting
CIS 110 Prin of Managerial Accounting
CIS 111 Prin of Managerial Accounting
MAT 110 Payroll Accounting
MAT 143 Payroll Accounting
ART 111 Art Appreciation
ART 114 Art History Survey I
ART 115 Art History Survey II
ART 121 Design I
ART 131 Drawing I
ART 132 Drawing II
ART 240 Painting I
ART 241 Painting II
ART 283 Ceramics I
ART 284 Ceramics II
DRA 111 Theatre Appreciation
ENG 125 Creative Writing I
ENG 126 Creative Writing II
ENG 231 American Literature I
ENG 232 American Literature II
ENG 241 British Literature I
ENG 242 British Literature II
ENG 261 World Literature I
ENG 262 World Literature II
HUM 110 Technology and Society
HUM 115 Critical Thinking
HUM 120 Cultural Studies
HUM 121 The Nature of America
HUM 122 Southern Culture
HUM 123 Appalachian Culture
HUM 130 Myth in Human Culture
HUM 150 American Women's Studies
HUM 160 Introduction to Film
HUM 161 Advanced Film Studies
HUM 170 The Holocaust
HUM 180 Internat Cultural Explor
HUM 220 Human Values and Meaning
MUS 110 Music Appreciation
MUS 112 Introduction to Jazz
MUS 114 Non-Western Music
MUS 210 History of Rock Music
PHI 240 Introduction to Ethics
REL 110 World Religions
REL 211 Intro to Old Testament
REL 212 Intro to New Testament
2+2 Information
A 2+2* agreement is an opportunity for students to complete their Associate's degree at Wilkes Community College and then transfer into a specified program at a partnering four-year institution for their Bachelor's degree. Wilkes Community College has the following 2+2 agreements for our Accounting and Finance graduates:
* The 2+2 model is the proposed timeframe, but may be subject to change.