Accounting
Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
The Associates of Applied Science in Accounting program provides training for entry into the accounting field by preparing students to enter the workforce as bookkeepers, and accounting or auditing clerks and technicians. The core courses in general education combined with computer applications provide the necessary skills for success in today’s changing business world.
Students will become proficient in basic accounting principles: manual and computerized journals; posting; adjustments; monthly statements; payroll; bank reconciliations; cash flow reports; invoices; and the basics of taxes. Some, but not all, of the required courses will transfer to a BBA program at UNM Albuquerque Campus. The Associates of Applied Science in Accounting is a 60-credit hour program designed as a standalone academic credential for entry into the workforce. Students planning to seek a four-year degree in accounting, or another business field should pursue an Associate of Arts in Pre-Business Administration.
Experiential Learning Outcomes
After completing financial and managerial accounting courses, students are trained to use QuickBooks accounting software, one of the most widely used financial management and accounting software programs in the business world. Students are also trained in the Microsoft office products, including Microsoft Excel.
Faculty Expertise
Dr. Sharon Hurley
Dr. Sharon K Hurley earned a doctorate in Accounting with an Economics minor from Texas A&M University. She earned a Masters of Accountancy from the University of North Florida, and Bachelors of Science from Brigham Young University. Dr. Hurley is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in three states. Additionally, Dr. Hurley has many years of accounting experience including owning her own CPA practice/small business in Los Alamos for twenty-four years. Dr. Hurley has more than 27 years of teaching experience in higher education, and has been with UNM-LA since 2003. During those years, she has been a department chair, budget advisor to the Dean, Associate Dean, Dean of Instruction, and is currently the Program Coordinator for Business and Social Sciences. Dr. Hurley is tenured faculty at UNM-LA.
Cheryl Bernier
Cheryl Bernier earned an MBA from the University of Massachusetts. She has more than 20 years teaching experience in both face to face and online classrooms. Her areas of expertise are primarily in the business, management, and marketing fields. Recently, she added teaching financial literacy to dual credit high school students in New Mexico.
Montana Walsh
Montana Walsh earned a Global Leadership MBA from the University of Texas, Dallas. She has many years teaching experience and has taught in New Mexico for more than a decade. She has created textbooks, recorded cassettes, CDs and DVDs for learning and teaching. She is bilingual, with an expertise in Spanish.
Career Opportunities and Outcomes
Career Opportunities for individuals with an Associates of Applied Science in accounting include working in offices as bookkeepers, accounting and auditing clerks and technicians. Job duties include recording financial transactions and producing financial records for organizations and businesses. Bookkeepers, clerks, and technicians also verify accuracy of financial transactions and records, and often conduct reconciliations of banking and financial records. The entry level median pay is $47,440* annually.
*employment and salary data taken from: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks,
at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/bookkeeping-accounting-and-auditing-clerks.htm (visited October 5, 2024)
Program Highlights & Special Features
Complete the training for a new career in only four semesters. Build workforce skills to be successful in a variety of bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerk, and technician positions. Most graduates work in offices or from home. Students completing the Accounting certificate at UNM-LA may transfer all credit hours to the AAS Accounting degree.
Program Details
More information on the Associates of Applied Science program may be found at:
Program Cost
Information on tuition and fees can be found here:
Textbooks are an additional cost.
Contact Information
Coordinator, Department of Business & Social Science
Dr. Sharon Hurley
Associate Professor of Business
shurley1@unm.edu
"My degree helped me get the full-time job with a higher wage. I love how dedicated the professors are at UNM-LA are. That along with the smaller classes made my experience a great one. I'm excited to complete my next degree."
Ivette Jimenez, Admin Assistant to the Dean, UNM-LA