Accounting Assistant

The Accounting Assistant program at Lewis-Clark State College provides students with foundational knowledge and skills necessary for supporting accounting professionals in various business settings. Designed as a comprehensive curriculum, this program equips students with essential accounting principles, including bookkeeping, financial reporting, and payroll management. Through a combination of classroom instruction and practical hands-on experience, students learn to prepare financial statements, maintain accurate financial records, and utilize industry-standard accounting software. The coursework emphasizes attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills, preparing graduates to efficiently support accountants and accounting departments. Students will also explore topics such as ethics in accounting, regulatory compliance, and the fundamentals of business law, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the financial environment in which they will operate. The program aims to develop competent, reliable, and proactive accounting assistants who can adapt to the evolving needs of businesses and organizations. As an instrumental role within financial teams, graduates of the Accounting Assistant program can pursue entry-level positions in accounting departments, bookkeeping firms, and small to medium-sized enterprises. The program may include opportunities for internships and real-world projects, fostering professional development and networking within the industry. Upon completion, students will be prepared to support financial operations efficiently, contributing to the accuracy and integrity of organizational financial data. This program serves as an excellent pathway for individuals seeking a career in accounting support services or as a stepping stone towards further educational advancement in the field of accounting or finance.

General Education Core

• Written Communication
• Oral Communication
• Mathematical Ways of Knowing
• Humanistic & Artistic Ways of Knowing
• Scientific Ways of Knowing
• Social & Behavioral Ways of Knowing
• Diversity
• Integrative Seminar: Ethics & Values

Program Requirements

• BASIC ACCOUNTING I
• BASIC ACCOUNTING II
• PAYROLL ACCOUNTING
• COMPUTERIZED ACCOUNTING
• INTEGRATED ACCOUNTING
• INCOME TAX PREPARATION
• PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING I
• PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTING II
• COMPUTERIZED TEN-KEY
• BUSINESS COMPUTER SKILLS
• SPREADSHEETS AND DATATBASES IN BUSINESS
• BUSINESS ENGLISH
• FINANCIAL BUSINESS APPLICATIONS
• PROOFREADING
• BUSINESS WRITING
• COOPERATIVE EDUCATION IN GENERAL BUSINESS
• BUSINESS LAW I
• OFFICE PROCEDURES
• WORD PROCESSING
• COOPERATIVE EDUCATION IN GENERAL BUSINESS

Program Requirements

1. Online application
2. Send official school transcripts/records: an official transcript is usually sent directly from the high school or university. If the transcript is hand carried to LCSC, make sure that it is still in a sealed envelope.
3. Students must show evidence of secondary (high school) school completion or the equivalent.
4. Students must show at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale from a secondary (high school) or post-secondary (college or university) institution.  Students with more than 14 transferable post-secondary credits do not need to show secondary transcripts.   
5. Some applicants will be required to submit their original transcripts to an outside evaluation agency such as World Education Services (WES). This determination will be made by the admissions team at their discretion. Students will be responsible to pay for the transcript evaluation.  
6. Send a bank statement showing funds available for study.Send Certificate of Financial Responsibility, (CFR) if applying online. CFR included in paper application.
7. Send a passport copy. 
8. Meet our English proficiency requirements by submitting an official test score. (Not required of IIE applicants). Note that it is an option to be tested upon arrival through conditional admission.No TOEFL or IELTS required. 
9. Obtain LCSC-approved health insurance.

The Financing of the Accounting Assistant program at Lewis-Clark State College primarily involves a combination of federal, state, institutional, and private sources of aid designed to support students in their educational pursuits. Students are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid programs such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which may provide grants, work-study options, and loans based on demonstrated financial need. The college also offers institutional scholarships and grants specifically for students enrolled in relevant programs, which can significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance. State-funded aid programs are available through the Idaho State Board of Education, including need-based grants and scholarships aimed at residents of Idaho pursuing higher education. Additionally, students often seek employment opportunities on campus or in the local community to supplement their income, with the college providing employment resources and job placement assistance. Many students also explore private funding options, including scholarships offered by local businesses and organizations, as well as private loans from financial institutions. The college provides comprehensive financial aid counseling to guide students through application processes and to help them understand repayment obligations, budget effectively, and make informed financial decisions during their studies. Cost of attendance varies depending on residency status, housing arrangements, and individual circumstances, but the college maintains transparent tuition and fee structures on its website. Overall, the financing options aim to make the Accounting Assistant program accessible to students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder educational attainment.

The Accounting Assistant program at Lewis-Clark State College is designed to provide students with foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for supporting accounting and finance operations in various organizations. This program typically covers key areas such as basic accounting principles, bookkeeping, payroll processing, financial statement preparation, and the use of accounting software. Students will learn how to assist with daily financial transactions, maintain accurate records, and support senior accounting staff with administrative tasks. The curriculum aims to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in accounting departments, bookkeeping firms, small businesses, or to serve as a stepping stone for those considering further education in accounting or finance.

Throughout the program, students are encouraged to develop attention to detail, analytical skills, and familiarity with financial regulations and ethical standards. Practical experience is often incorporated through labs, internships, or hands-on projects, which enable students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios. The program may also include courses on business communication, customer service, and basic computer skills, making graduates well-rounded for diverse roles in the financial sector.

Lewis-Clark State College’s focus on small class sizes and personalized instruction helps ensure students receive tailored support and mentoring from faculty members, many of whom have extensive professional experience in accounting. Graduates of the Accounting Assistant program can pursue certifications such as the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or the QuickBooks Certification, which can enhance employment prospects. The program also provides a solid foundation for continuing education in accounting or related fields, offering transfer pathways to bachelor’s degree programs.

In addition to technical skills, the program emphasizes the development of soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making, all of which are critical in the workplace. Students learn to operate accounting software tools commonly used in the industry, such as QuickBooks and Excel, ensuring they are job-ready upon graduation. The institution’s career services support students in job placement and internship opportunities, facilitating a smooth transition into the workforce.

Overall, the Accounting Assistant program at Lewis-Clark State College is an excellent choice for individuals seeking to enter the accounting field with a comprehensive, practical education that prepares them for immediate employment or further academic pursuits in finance and accounting.