What is a Business and Accounting Certified?

A Business and Accounting Certified program is a specialized educational track that provides comprehensive training in the core principles and practices of business and accounting. These programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in various accounting-related roles, such as financial analysis, tax preparation, auditing, and more.

What does an accountant do?

Accountants play a crucial role in the financial management of businesses and organizations. Their primary responsibilities include preparing and analyzing financial statements, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with tax regulations, and providing strategic financial advice to decision-makers. Accountants also play a vital role in the financial planning and decision-making processes of their clients or employers.

Training requirements

To become a certified accountant, individuals typically need to complete a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, such as finance or business administration. Many programs also require students to complete a certain number of credit hours in specific accounting and business-related courses. Additionally, most states have additional licensing requirements, such as passing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, to practice as a professional accountant.

What's the fastest someone can become an Accountant in Wichita?

In Wichita, the fastest path to becoming an accountant typically involves completing a two-year associate's degree program in accounting or a related field. These programs, offered at local community colleges and technical schools, provide a solid foundation in accounting principles, financial reporting, and tax preparation. Upon completion of an associate's degree, students may be eligible to sit for the Certified Public Bookkeeper (CPB) exam, which can open up entry-level accounting positions.

For those seeking a more comprehensive education, Wichita also offers four-year bachelor's degree programs in accounting at institutions like Wichita State University and Friends University. These programs typically take four years to complete and provide a deeper dive into advanced accounting concepts, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making.

Business and Accounting Certified classes in Wichita

Wichita is home to several institutions that offer business and accounting certified classes, including:

1. Wichita Area Technical College (WATC): WATC offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Accounting, which can be completed in two years. The program covers topics such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, tax preparation, and auditing. Tuition for the AAS in Accounting program is approximately $5,000 per year, and students must have a high school diploma or GED to enroll.

2. Wichita State University (WSU): WSU's W. Frank Barton School of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a major in Accounting. The program takes four years to complete and prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and government accounting. Tuition for the BBA in Accounting program is around $8,000 per year for in-state students and $20,000 per year for out-of-state students. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, and the program has specific course prerequisites.

3. Friends University: Friends University, a private liberal arts institution, offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting. The program covers financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing, and can be completed in four years. Tuition for the BS in Accounting program is approximately $35,000 per year. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and meet the university's admission requirements.

Exploring a Career in Business and Accounting Certified Outside Wichita

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Online and free options in Wichita

In addition to the in-person business and accounting certified classes available in Wichita, there are also online and free options for those interested in becoming an accountant.

Online options: Wichita residents can access online accounting and business courses through platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy. These platforms offer a wide range of self-paced classes, from introductory accounting principles to advanced topics in financial analysis and tax preparation. Tuition for these online courses can vary, with some offering free or low-cost options.

Free options: Wichita also has several free resources for individuals interested in pursuing a career in accounting. The Wichita Public Library, for example, offers a variety of free financial literacy workshops and seminars, including sessions on basic accounting concepts and tax preparation. Additionally, the Kansas Society of CPAs provides free resources and networking opportunities for aspiring and practicing accountants in the Wichita area.

The certification process

The certification process for becoming an accountant in Wichita typically involves completing a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, passing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, and obtaining the necessary state-level licensing. The CPA exam is a rigorous, four-part test that covers topics such as auditing, taxation, business environment, and financial accounting and reporting. Once an individual has passed the CPA exam and met the state's education and experience requirements, they can apply for a CPA license, which allows them to practice as a certified public accountant.

Job environment in Wichita

Wichita's job market for accountants is robust, with a wide range of potential employers, including:

• Public accounting firms: Wichita is home to several large, national accounting firms, such as BKD, LLP and Grant Thornton, LLP, as well as smaller, regional firms.
• Corporate accounting departments: Many of Wichita's major industries, including aviation, manufacturing, and healthcare, employ in-house accountants to manage their financial operations.
• Government agencies: The city and state governments, as well as federal agencies with a presence in Wichita, offer accounting and financial management roles.
• Non-profit organizations: Wichita's thriving non-profit sector, including organizations in the arts, education, and social services, often require the expertise of accountants.

The demand for skilled accountants in Wichita is expected to remain strong, driven by the city's growing economy and the need for financial professionals to support businesses and organizations of all sizes.

Final Thoughts

Wichita, Kansas, presents an excellent opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career in accounting. With a variety of business and accounting certified classes available, both in-person and online, as well as free resources to support aspiring accountants, Wichita offers a diverse range of options to help individuals become certified and secure a rewarding career in the field. Whether you're looking to earn a competitive accountant salary or contribute to the financial success of Wichita's thriving businesses and organizations, the city's robust job market and educational resources make it an ideal destination to become an accountant.

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