34 Credits DIP3242/DIP2229, Academic Catalog 2025-2026
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An accounting assistant performs any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. In addition, the accounting assistant prepares daily bank deposits, writes checks and maintains a cash disbursement system. All Accounting Assistant diploma courses can be applied toward an A.A.S. degree in Accounting
NOTE: In addition to classes listed, College Readiness classes may be required of some students. See your program advisor.
Campuses: Faribault and North Mankato
Program Start Semesters: Fall and Spring
Base estimate for 34 credit program
Tuition is paid on a semester by semester basis and will vary depending on the courses and total credits you take.
Tuition and Fees: $7,291
Tools and Equipment: $ n/a
Total Estimated Cost: $7,291 *
Compare the costs and you'll see that tuition at South Central College is much more affordable than other institutions.
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees rates. Does not include extra expenses for online delivery, course fees, or course differential. Books, transportation, and living expenses also not included.
The course requirements listed below are specific to the current school year (noted above). If you need to view the program from previous years view our Catalog Archive.
Required Technical Courses (8 Courses)
Complete the following courses:
ACCT1800 Business Law (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the principles of law as they apply to citizens and businesses. Topics include ethics, the court system, the legal system, contracts, negotiable instruments, agency and employment, bailments, business organizations, sales and insurance. (Prerequisites: None)
ACCT1810 Financial Accounting (4 credits)
This course covers the fundamental accounting concepts and principles which are used in a business environment. Topics include an introduction to accounting and business, completing the accounting cycle, inventories, internal controls, receivables, cash flow statements and financial analysis. (Prerequisites: None)
ACCT1811 Managerial Accounting (4 credits)
This course focuses on current and long-term liabilities, partnerships, corporations, long-term investments, managerial accounting concepts, job costing, process costing, cost-volume-profit analysis, and capital budgeting. (Prerequisite: ACCT1810 with a grade of C or higher)
ACCT1814 Payroll Accounting (3 credits)
This course covers various state and federal laws pertaining to the computation and payment of salaries and wages. Topics include preparation of employment records, payroll registers, time cards, employee earnings records, and state and federal reports. In addition, we will explore setting up and maintaining a payroll system using Quickbooks. (Prerequisite: None)
ACCT1834 Computerized Accounting I (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the use of computers and related software used in the accounting function of the business environment. Topics include, but are not limited to, general ledger accounting, payroll procedures, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. The student will also be introduced to spreadsheet software and its interrelationship with a fully integrated accounting software program. Software for this course includes a general ledger accounting program and a spreadsheet software program. (Prerequisite: Completion of ACCT 1810 or simultaneous enrollment in ACCT 1810 and ACCT 1834 or permission from the instructor.)
ACCT1835 Computerized Accounting II (3 credits)
This is the second of the two computerized accounting application series. Topics include, but are not limited to, general ledger accounting, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll accounting, cash receipts and cash payments, adjusting journal entries and financial reporting. Students will continue to learn intermediate and advanced functions of spreadsheet software. The student is also introduced to business analytics - the scientific process of transforming data into insight for making better business decisions. Software for this program includes spreadsheet software and general ledger software. (Prerequisite: ACCT 1834)
ACCT1870 Professional Accounting Careers (1 credits)
This course covers specific topics relating to applying for accounting positions. Topics covered in this course are your appearance, networking tips, exploring different accounting careers, meeting your job's expectations, preparing resumes, and interviewing techniques. Each student is required to have one employment interview as part of this course. (Prerequisites: None)
ACCT2847 Fraud, Auditing and Internal Controls (4 credits)
In this course students will learn about occupational fraud, basic auditing techniques and evaluation of internal controls. Covered topics include how and why fraud is committed, fraud detection, establishing and evaluating internal controls, and using internal auditing techniques to verify account balances. (Prerequisites: ACCT 1810)
Required Arts and Sciences (1 Course)
Complete the following course:
ENGL100 Composition (4 credits)
Composition is concerned with developing, through theory and practice, the ability to communicate in written form for personal and professional reasons. Students will develop writing skills, analytic skills, and critical thinking skills. Students will complete readings, papers, grammar exercises, and in-class activities. Students will complete research and write a research paper. Students will learn methods of writing informatively and persuasively. (Prerequisites: Must have one of the following: (MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher) OR (READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) OR (completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) AND (completion of either ENGL 0090 or EAP 0095 with a grade of C [2.0] or higher) (MNTC 1: Communication)
Elective Credits (5 Credits)
Choose 5 credits from any of the following Technical and/or Arts and Sciences courses:
ACCT2827 Principles of Finance (3 credits)
This course introduces the student to finance concepts for small to medium size businesses. Concepts covered in this course include financial markets, implication of interest rates to business, understanding of financial statements, risk versus return, use of debt financing, use of equity financing, capital budgeting concepts, cost of capital, determining the appropriate financing mix, forecasting techniques, working capital management, and liquid asset management. (Prerequisites: ACCT 1810)
ACCT2850 Accounting Internship (1 - 8 credits)
This course provides students with actual experiences in accounting careers. A competency-based internship plan will be developed for each student. The student can receive internship credit for participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at SCC in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service, Minnesota Department of Revenue, and Minnesota Valley Action Council. (Prerequisite: Instructor approval)
ACCT2863 Fund/NonProfit Accounting (3 credits)
The purpose of this course is to assist students in gaining a knowledge of accounting and financial reporting currently recommended for state and local governmental entities, school districts, and other not-for-profit organizations. The course will assist the student in developing a knowledge of the accounting differences between governmental and not-for-profit entities and business enterprises. (Prerequisites: ACCT 1810)
ACCT2864 Income Tax I (4 credits)
The purpose of this course is to expose students to an explanation of Federal and Minnesota individual income tax as it relates to the preparation of the required tax returns. Tax research is also examined in this course. Students will have hands-on experience in preparing Federal and Minnesota income tax returns. (Prerequisites: None)
COMM110 Public Speaking (3 credits)
Learners in this class develop (or improve) skills in creating, organizing, supporting, and delivering both informative and persuasive messages to peer audiences. Through this course, students will develop arguments and practice academic research skills in order to adequately support their messages and develop credibility and professionalism. Learners will practice critical thinking and listening skills, support fellow students while delivering impromptu and extemporaneous speeches, and provide peer feedback to ideas and speech development. This course stresses building confidence as public communicators so students may speak effectively at work, in their communities, and as citizens in a democracy. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher) (MNTC: Goal areas 1 and 9).
OR
COMM120 Small Group Communication (3 credits)
This course helps students develop or improve their participation in small groups and teams using effective communication and critical thinking. Content of the course includes both knowledge and skills components. Students can develop an understanding of communication and group theory while applying their knowledge in small group discussions, cooperative projects, and other activities. The course curriculum emphasizes reflection and growth. (Prerequisites: Must have a Next-Generation Accuplacer Reading score of 250 or higher, or Classic Accuplacer Reading score of 78 or higher, or completion of either READ 0090 or EAP 0090 or READ 0095 with a grade of C (2.0) or higher, or ACT Reading score of 21 or higher or MCA Reading score of 1047 or higher.) (MNTC: Goals 1 and 2).
PLEASE NOTE: All program plans are preliminary and curriculum may change without notice. Your catalog of record may have different requirements.
