Accounting and Business Technology

The Accounting and Business Technology program area prepares students to enter the business world – as bookkeepers, as accountants, or as entrepreneurs. Graduates of the Accounting track learn skills readying them to be accounting technicians with private, government, or not for profit agencies. Graduates of the Business track gain knowledge as associates in business or entrepreneurs of their own ventures. Students choosing either option may transfer their A.A.S. degree toward earning a Bachelor of Applied Science in business through other Montana higher education institutions.

Requirements for all Accounting and Business certificates and degrees: Students must fufill their math requirements in at least M108T Business Math or M121 College Algebra and their English requirements in at least WRIT121T Introduction to Technical Writing or WRIT101 College Writing I. Students who do not place into these classes will be required to take additional English and mathematics courses at the beginning of their program.

Computer Competence: Students must have a computer competency equal to CAPP131 (basic Windows, Internet, Word and Excel) to be determined through placement testing at enrollment. Students who do not meet these requirements will be required to take CAPP131 at the beginning of their program, and the credits may be used to meet the elective requirements in later semesters.

Faculty Advisors: George Sonnenberg and Barbara Yahvah

BOOKKEEPING

The Accounting track emphasizes accounting procedures with other business, communication, and computer courses to complement the needs of today’s employers. Students successfully completing the Certificate of Applied Science – Bookkeeping program will be able to maintain accounting records in journals, ledgers, and other accounting forms, both manual and computerized. In addition to those skills, students completing the Associate of Applied Science – Accounting Technology program will have a general knowledge of financial statement presentation, non-profit accounting, managerial accounting, payroll procedures, and income tax preparation. The Associate of Applied Science – Accounting Technology further emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for students with instruction in business law, economics, ethics, finance, and a capstone experience.

Accounting

The Accounting track emphasizes accounting procedures with other business, communication, and computer courses to complement the needs of today’s employers. Students successfully completing the Certificate of Applied Science – Bookkeeping program will be able to maintain accounting records in journals, ledgers, and other accounting forms, both manual and computerized. In addition to those skills, students completing the Associate of Applied Science – Accounting Technology program will have a general knowledge of financial statement presentation, non-profit accounting, managerial accounting, payroll procedures, and income tax preparation. The Associate of Applied Science – Accounting Technology further emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for students with instruction in business law, economics, ethics, finance, and a capstone experience.

Small Business Entrepreneurship

The Business track emphasizes general business courses to provide students with a broad background for the business environment. The Small Business Entrepreneurship Certificate of Applied Science features courses in entrepreneurship, accounting, computer applications, and general education. The Associate of Applied Science – Small Business Management Technology degree further offers management, marketing, ethics, and finance courses. The two options will provide educational opportunities for students to develop the necessary skills to manage their own businesses.

Small Business Management

The Business track emphasizes general business courses to provide students with a broad background for the business environment. The Small Business Entrepreneurship Certificate of Applied Science features courses in entrepreneurship, accounting, computer applications, and general education. The Associate of Applied Science – Small Business Management Technology degree further offers management, marketing, ethics, and finance courses. The two options will provide educational opportunities for students to develop the necessary skills to manage their own businesses.

Evening – After Hours Degree Program Small Business Management

The Evening – After Hours Degree Program Small Business Management option emphasizes general business courses to provide students with a broad background for the business environment while completing courses at the student’s own pace. The Associate of Applied Science – Small Business Management Technology degree further offers management, marketing, ethics, and finance courses. The option will provide educational opportunities for students to develop the necessary skills to manage their own businesses. Evening - After Hours Degree program courses are offered beginning at 4:00 p.m., weekends beginning at 9:00 a.m. or online. Students build their futures at UM-Helena through individualized instruction developing practical problem-solving skills, strengthening their positions in the job market and for educational advancement toward earning a bachelor degree.

Bookkeeping Specialist

Bookkeeping Specialist is designed for a student who has an earned degree or work experience in communications, business, or a related field. Upon successful completion of the course requirements for the Bookkeeping Specialist, the student receives a focus of study that is preparation for the national certification exam to become a Certified Bookkeeper (CB):

Human Resource Specialist

The Human Resource Specialist is designed for a student who has an earned degree or work experience in communications, business, or a related field. Upon successful completion of the course requirements for the Human Resource Specialist, the student receives a focus of study in human resource management.