By studying accounting through CWI’s Business program, Beta Sigma Pi member, Alex Duran, hopes to one day establish an accounting firm and dance studio.
Read more about Inspired by Role Models, Alex Duran Aims to Pay it ForwardBookkeeping and Accounting
Prepare for High-Demand Accounting Roles with Hands-On Training
Program Overview
Aspiring to make your mark in the accounting world? College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Bookkeeping and Accounting program is designed to launch your career in the high-demand field of accounting. This two-year Associate of Applied Science degree equips you for roles such as accounting clerk, accounting technician, payroll clerk, or bookkeeper. Beyond fundamental accounting processes, the program offers a path to credentialing as a Certified Bookkeeper by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB), setting a national standard of excellence in the profession.
As a student, you will have the opportunity to gain industry-standard certifications, including the QuickBooks Certification and several Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications, showcasing your professional competency. The program emphasizes hands-on training in transaction handling, financial statement preparation, payroll operations, and understanding both cash and accrual accounting methods. Designed to advance you in the modern business landscape, this program also instills ethical decision-making and managerial skills, preparing you for a range of accounting-related roles.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Applied Science
Advanced Technical Certificate
Basic Technical Certificate
Fully Online
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
1.5 – 2 years
Primary Location
Learning Opportunities
- Comprehensive Accounting Mastery: Develop a thorough understanding of accounting practices and principles.
- Bookkeeping Certification: Be prepared for the American Institute of Professional (AIPB) Professional Bookkeeping Certification.
- QuickBooks Proficiency: Gain expertise in QuickBooks, enhancing job marketability and software skills.
- Business Ethics & Legal Knowledge: Understand business legalities and ethical decision making.
- Managerial Decision-Making Skills: Utilize accounting insights to contribute to key business decisions.
- Professional Software Skills: Master Microsoft Office applications, earning MOS certifications.
Area of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Bookkeeping and Accounting – Associate of Applied Science Degree
Bookkeeping and Accounting – Advanced Technical Certificate
Professional Bookkeeping – Basic Technical Certificate
Career Opportunities
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.
1628
Annual Openings*
$19.95
Hourly Median Wage*
$41,496
Annual Median Salary
12.83%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Tax Preparers
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
114
Annual Openings*
$23.68
Hourly Median Wage*
$49,254
Annual Median Salary
30.54%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees’ time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.
87
Annual Openings*
$20.37
Hourly Median Wage*
$42,370
Annual Median Salary
-5.18%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Brokerage Clerks
Perform duties related to the purchase, sale, or holding of securities. Duties include writing orders for stock purchases or sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, tracking stock price fluctuations, computing equity, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.
9
Annual Openings*
$27.78
Hourly Median Wage*
$57,782
Annual Median Salary
29.91%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Statistical Assistants
Compile and compute data according to statistical formulas for use in statistical studies. May perform actuarial computations and compile charts and graphs for use by actuaries. Includes actuarial clerks.
3
Annual Openings*
$21.20
Hourly Median Wage*
$44,096
Annual Median Salary
68.37%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Testimonial Carousel
“CWI empowered me by giving me a chance at a better way of life. I am so much happier than I was seven years ago! This change not only impacted me, but my family as well. They see that I am happy where I work and that transcends to being happy at home.” Read more > about Broken Water Heater Inspires Change
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Bookkeeping and Accounting as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Related Programs
Clubs
Business Professionals of America
College of Western Idaho is proud to be part of Business Professionals of America (BPA), the leading Career and Technical Student Organization for students pursuing careers in business management, office administration, information technology, and other related career fields.
Beta Sigma Pi Honor Society
Beta Sigma Pi is College of Western Idaho's chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society. As part of the Rocky Mountain Cascade Region , Beta Sigma Pi joins more than 1,300 chapters and 3.25 million PTK members worldwide with the mission to recognize the academic achievement of college students and provide opportunities for growth as scholars and leaders.
News
Congratulations to Kris Monroe, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for March 2020.
Read more about Staff of the Month—March 2020
Congratulations to Vita Mobley, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for December 2019.
Read more about Staff of the Month—December 2019
Volunteer’s in the College’s annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program completed more than 200 tax returns for the 2018 tax season.
Read more about Volunteers Wrap Up 2018 Tax Season
“Because of the training and schooling I received at CWI, I now have a great job and am no longer living paycheck to paycheck!”
Read more about Broken Water Heater Inspires Change
Career and Technical Education students nominated by instructors as Emerging Professionals for 2018/19 academic year.
Read more about Emerging Professionals Nominated for Commitment, Talent, and Potential
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance students welcome guest lecturer from the Idaho State Tax Commission to campus as they prepare for the upcoming tax season.
Read more about Accounting Students Prepare for Tax Season
College of Western Idaho (CWI) has been sharing stories of success from several of this year’s graduates as we countdown to the 2017 commencement ceremony. The road traveled by students to arrive at...
Read more about Celebrating Student Success
CWI students and faculty helped prepare 230 tax returns this year.
Read more about Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Michael will graduate from College of Western Idaho (CWI) with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Applied Accounting on May 13, 2017. Michael came to CWI in 2015 in search of “something...
Read more about A Jump Start
CWI students earned one gold medal, three runner-up finishes, and a third-place award at the Business Professionals of America National Conference.
Read more about CWI Students Rack up Awards at National Event
CWI earned 32 top-five finishes at the 2016 Idaho Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference.
Read more about CWI Students Score Big at BPA CompetitionRequest More Information
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