About Accounting
Invest in your future - get a degree or certificate in Accounting. Our programs deliver skills-focused curriculum, excellent instruction, affordable tuition, convenient locations, and flexible scheduling.
Learn the practical skills accounting industry ermployers need today:
- Technical skills: Microsoft Excel®, QuickBooks®, payroll accounting, taxation, computation, and accounting principles and practices for recording transactions, preparing financial statements, and making management decisions. The BAS in Accounting also includes data and business analytics experience, cost accounting, finance, auditing, and accounting information systems and controls.
- Soft skills: communication, critical thinking, work readiness, and techniques to help foster diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams and organizations.
Earnings for accounting occupations that require a bachelor's degree are significantly higher than those requiring an associate degree. Determine your career goals and we will help you chart your educational path to achieve them!
Scroll down to explore sample pathways, full degree details, and career outlook information.
Are you looking for the old website? Visit the previous Accounting website.
Contact Us
Got a question? Let's talk!
Nicole Wetter
Program Director and Faculty, Accounting
nicole.wetter@greenriver.edu
Pat Carter, CPA
Faculty, Accounting
pcarter@greenriver.edu
Jeanette Fohn, CPA
Faculty, Accounting
jfohn@greenriver.edu
Have Questions About Registration?
Accounting, BAS
Prepares students for employment in a variety of accounting and auditing positions. Explore the three most common Sample Pathways:
- Accounting, BAS w/Accounting AAA
- Accounting, BAS w/Business Management AAA
- Accounting, BAS w/Associate in Business DTA/MRP Page Products
Average Salary: $82,135
Location: Main Campus, Kent Campus, In-person, Hybrid, Online
Accounting, AAA
Focuses on developing practical accounting knowledge and skills. Prepares individuals
for entry-level employment in the accounting industry. Graduates of this program may
enroll in Green River’s Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Accounting program. Students
should meet with an advisor early in their associate degree program and take the specific
courses recommended.
Length of Program: 90 Credits
Average Salary: $57,727
Location: Main Campus, Kent Campus, In-person, Hybrid, Online
Accounting Certificate
Focuses on foundational accounting skills for persons seeking entry-level employment
in the accounting / bookkeeping industry or those who wish to add specialty credentials
to a previous degree. Core skills include basic bookkeeping procedures, QuickBooks, Excel, and payroll accounting procedures. Credits earned in this certificate can be applied
to the Accounting, AAA degree.
Length of Program: 35-40 Credits
Average Salary: $55,590
Location: Main Campus, Kent Campus, In-person, Hybrid, Online
Accounting Clerk Certificate
Students will learn the basic of accounting, business math, and computer technologies to start their way toward a job as an accounting clerk. Students must complete all required Accounting classes with a grade of 2.0 or higher. Students must earn a cumulative G.P.A. of
2.0 or higher.
Length of Program: 15 Credits
Location: Main Campus, Kent Campus, In-person, Hybrid, Online
Career Outlook
The Accounting Certificate program is designed to prepare individuals for entry-level employment in the accounting industry in positions such as: bookkeeping / accounting / auditing clerk, and payroll and timekeeping clerk. The certificate may also benefit individuals who already possess a college degree by providing them with an accounting-specific specialty credential.
The Accounting, AAA program prepares individuals for entry-level employment in the accounting industry in positions such as: bookkeeping/accounting/auditing clerk; payroll and timekeeping clerk, and tax preparer.
The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Accounting program is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of accounting and auditing positions, such as: accountant, cost accountant, tax accountant, managerial accountant, forensic accountant, auditor, financial auditor, internal auditor, and management advisory services consultant.
Explore accounting and auditing careers:
- Accountants and Auditors Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Washington Career Bridge Accounting and Auditing Occupation Outlook
- CareerOneStop Accountants and Auditors
Interested in Becoming a CPA or CMA?
The Accounting, BAS degree puts you on the right track! You will be prepared for employment in the accounting field and for entry into a master’s degree program if you wish to continue your studies. Graduates of this program may be eligible to take the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) Exam and/or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) Exam in Washington State.
To qualify for the CPA or CMA licensure you must meet the requirements in the following three areas: education, exam, experience.
Some program graduates will be eligible to take the CPA and/or CMA exam upon graduation. Students may need additional college credits and work experience hours in the field before they are eligible to apply for the CPA or CMA license or take the exams.
- For information on becoming a CPA, visit the Washington State Board of Accountancy website.
- For information on becoming a CMA, visit the Institute of Management Accountants website.
Use the Career and Program Explorer below to explore more details about the occupations.