This program prepares students for positions in Business Administration with a specialty in Accounting.

Nature of Work
Accounting workers maintain financial data in computer and paper files. They are an organization's financial record keepers. They post account payments and charges directly into computer spreadsheets and databases. They may organize financial data in standard or special formats for analysis. They record debits and credits, compare current and past balance sheets, and prepare reports for supervisors and managers. In small offices, accounting workers handle all aspects of financial transactions. In larger offices and accounting departments, their duties may be more specialized and their title may reflect the type of accounting they do.

Jobs
Accounting clerks, accounts payable or receivable clerks, bookkeepers, administrative services managers and office managers, accounting clerk supervisors, income tax and auditing clerks.

Employers
Wholesale and retail businesses, governmental organizations, organizations providing business, health, educational, and social services.

Outlook
Employment of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is expected to decline through 2006, partially due to the spread of office automation. Many organizations of all sizes continue to consolidate various record keeping functions, thus reducing demand. However, the large size of the occupation ensures plentiful job openings.

Earnings
Salaries vary considerable, depending on region of the country, size of establishment, and level of expertise required. Nationally, median earnings of full-time payroll clerks is $23,000/yr; bookkeeping and accounting clerks - $20,700/yr. In Illinois, the median wage was $22,173/yr. Locally, the wage average is $7.57 - $8.10/hr for entry level positions and up to $13.04 for higher level positions.

Tech Prep
The Accounting program is currently designed for Tech Prep. Students in High School should contact their High School Counselor.

Earnings vary greatly according to location, experience, and individual.