Maximize Your Career Potential with a Degree in Accounting

San José City College students wait at the Commencement Ceremony in 2019.
San José City College students at the Commencement Ceremony in 2019.

Are you looking for a steady career with dynamic opportunities, economic stability, and room for growth?

The accounting programs at San José City College can provide you with all of that and more. They are designed to suit your needs whether you’re hoping to break into accounting right away, or if you’d like to pursue further education in the field.

Our programs provide the supportive community and top-notch education you’ll need to succeed. Whether you’d like to be a small business bookkeeper or a corporate finance expert, SJCC’s accounting programs can serve as a first step on a path to a long and fulfilling career. 

Now let’s consider the benefits of pursuing a degree in accounting — and why SJCC is the best place to start.

5 Reasons to Get a Degree in Accounting

There are tons of advantages to getting your associate degree in accounting, especially if you’re planning to transfer to a four-year university. Here are five of them.

Diverse Accounting Careers

If you go on to complete a bachelor’s degree in accounting after getting your associate degree, you’ll have access to a wide range of jobs. These are some of the most common.

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Bookkeeper 
  • Auditor
  • Corporate Accountant
  • Small Business Accountant
  • Financial Analyst

Job Security

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — job outlooks for accountants and auditors are quite stable. Employment for this group is expected to grow by 4% in the upcoming decade — with about 125,000 openings each year.

Accounting careers are some of the most recession-proof jobs. And we’re all familiar with the timeless Benjamin Franklin quote — “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” You can be just as certain, that there’s always going to be demand for accountants.

Financially Rewarding

In 2019, the BLS also reported that the median annual salary for accountants and auditors is $71,550, and that the highest 10% earned $124,450. Choose accounting, and your financial future is sure to be bright.

Versatility — Accounting is Everywhere

One of the most exciting aspects of accounting is its universality. Every business needs accounting services.

So once you get some experience under your belt, you can choose the industry you’d like to work in. Whether it’s entertainment or government, environment or beauty — numbers always matter.

Great for Making a Career Shift and for Entrepreneurs

Accounting is a fantastic “second career” choice — especially for those who have struggled in unreliable industries. It’s also a great option for small-business owners, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Why hire an accountant for your small business when you can do it yourself?

SJCC Offers Flexible Opportunities for Your Distinct Path

San José City College’s accounting programs provide flexible options for folks in all walks of life. SJCC meets students where they are — and caters to their specific needs and goals. Here are our current program offerings.

As you can see, there’s not just one path to choose from. 

Accounting at SJCC Will Help You Achieve Your Career Goals

SJCC accounting instructor Linda Ferrell said, “The accounting program at San José City College will give the students a good foundation.”

This is what makes our program great. It provides students with the groundwork for excellence in their field, no matter what their path.

Our offerings are diverse and accommodating, so we can provide students with the support to succeed. Now let’s explore how an associate degree in accounting at SJCC will help you reach your career goals.

Major in Accounting and Transfer to a Four-Year University

The AS degree in accounting will open doors to a bachelor of science in accounting at a four-year university. And once students complete that, they are qualified to sit for the CPA Exam to become a Certified Public Accountant.

But if you’re not so certain about your long-term goals, you can try another route. 

Prepare for an Entry Level Job or Career Shift

In a video interview, Ferrell emphasized that a certificate will qualify students for entry-level jobs in accounting. But any of our program offerings can help solopreneurs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners with their enterprising dreams.

Former student, Khanh Le said,“SJCC is the best choice for everyone who wants to learn and be successful […] I am applying what I learned in my current business.” Le graduated in 2020 with an AS Degree in Accounting and an AA Degree in Business Administration.

SJCC students can even combine related degrees to further advance their goals.

Get Industry Experience From Qualified Faculty

At San José City College, we’re determined to help you unleash your brilliance. And we know that an encouraging community and qualified instructors are essential.

That’s why all accounting faculty at SJCC are experienced accountants. They give students real-life insight and industry knowledge.

Accounting student David Konaka said, “The faculty is pretty amazing. They always provide study guides or notes that follow really well with the books.” 

And Trang Xuan Do said — “Graduating from SJCC with an AS Degree in Accounting prepared me with skills and confidence. It improved my knowledge of making strategic recommendations for the business, solving problems and numbers.”

At SJCC, our expert faculty is here to support you no matter what your path. 

San José City College students celebrate at the Santa Clara Convention Center in 2019.
SJCC students celebrate at the Santa Clara Convention Center in 2019.

Find Your Career Path and Achieve Your Goals with an Accounting Degree

At SJCC, we know that “accounting is the language of business.” Which makes accounting a stable yet dynamic career choice. And it might just be your ticket to success. 

Our accounting programs allow you to customize your education experience. You can explore your interests with online courses, study for the CPA exam, or discover your second career. The choice is yours! 

Our incredible faculty and supportive community will help you succeed at every step of the way. So check out our accounting programs today.

And while you’re at it, take a look at some of our other incredible programs, including Mathematics, Dental Assisting, and Medical Assisting.

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