Accounting

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College has an open-door admissions policy. High school graduation or equivalent is normally required for admission to any curriculum. The College begins accepting applications on September 15. If a student is in need of financial assistance, they should contact the Financial Aid Office. A-B Tech is committed to the philosophy that no eligible student should be denied access to higher education because of a lack of financial resources.

For more information about A-B Tech's Accounting program, please contact:

Kelly Randolph, Instructor

• Phone: (828) 298-7245
• Email: kellycrandolph@abtech.edu

Carol Hughes, Instructor

• Phone: (828) 398-7242
• Email: carolynbhughes@abtech.edu

The Accounting curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and the skills necessary for employment and growth in the accounting profession. Using the “language of business” and technology resources, accountants assemble, analyze, process, and communicate information about financial operations.

In addition to coursework in accounting principles, theories, and practice, students will study business law, finance, management, and economics. Related skills are developed through the study of communications, computer applications, financial analysis, critical thinking skills, and ethics.

Graduates should qualify for entry-level accounting positions in many types of organizations including accounting firms, small businesses, manufacturing firms, banks, hospitals, school systems, and governmental agencies. With work experience and additional education, an individual may advance in the accounting profession.

• Accounting Course Descriptions

For more information about A-B Tech's Accounting program, contact:

Kelly Randolph
Accounting Instructor

• Phone: (828) 398-7245
• Email: KRandolph@abtech.edu

Marlene Frisbee
Chair, Business Administration

• Phone: (828) 398-7247
• Email: dorismfrisbee@abtech.edu

Marlene Frisbee

Business Administration Department, Chair

Carol Hughes

Business Administration Instructor

• B.S. Accounting, University of North Carolina at Asheville.
• M.B.A. (specialization in accounting), Clemson University.
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the American Accounting Association, the Institute of Internal Auditors, Teachers of Accounting at Two Year Colleges, and the Sigma Beta Delta and Beta Alpha Psi Honor Societies.
• Volunteer coordinator for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, co-sponsor of the IMA student chapter, and guest speaker for the Small Business Administration’s SCORE program.
• Teaches courses in Principles of Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Individual and Corporate Income Taxes, and Auditing.

Kelly Randolph

Business Administration Instructor

• B.S. Accounting, Appalachian State University.
• M.S. Accounting, Appalachian State University.
• Holds North Carolina Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A) licensure.
• Member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants, and the Institute of Management Accountants.
• Co-sponsor of the IMA student chapter.
• Teaches courses in Principles of Accounting, Intermediate Accounting, Cost Accounting, Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting, and Auditing.

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)

The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) is the leading national professional organization devoted exclusively to management accounting and financial management. Its goals are to help members develop both personally and professionally, by means of education, certification, and association with other business professionals.

Our student chapter is sponsored by the Western North Carolina IMA professional group. This sponsorship gives our students an opportunity to network with local accounting professionals and interact with other students from UNC-Asheville and Western Carolina University. The student chapter also develops programs of interest to A-B Tech membership. We sponsor underprivileged children at the SGA Christmas Party, provide volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Program (VITA), hold seminars and talks by financial professionals, take plant tours, and gather for social activities. We invite all interested students to join us!

For additional information contact Carol Hughes at carolynbhughes@abtech.edu or Kelly Randolph at kellycrandolph@abtech.edu, Birch Building, room 117.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), involves volunteers who provide free tax help at community locations to individuals who need tax help with basic tax return preparation. VITA is aimed at those for whom paid tax help may be out of reach, those who are non-English speaking, persons with disabilities, those with a low income, the elderly, and other individuals with special needs.

The Accounting Department at A-B Tech is completing its 20th year of sponsoring VITA volunteer assistance. Volunteers are usually members of the IMA student chapter or enrolled in one of the tax classes offered by the department. Volunteers enthusiastically praise the VITA program for giving them “real life” experience in tax preparation, electronic filing, interviewing, and communication. As one participant said, “This program gives me the opportunity to interact with others and polish my tax skills in a way that no textbook can. It has deepened my understanding of the whole process.”

VITA efforts are underwritten by the Internal Revenue Service which provides training materials, software, and computers for use at community sites. The Accounting Department and the IMA Student Chapter provide additional sponsorship on the A-B Tech Asheville Campus.