Accounting and Finance Program Technical Standards

Purpose Statement

All students in the Accounting and Finance program are expected to meet certain technical standards which are essential for the successful completion of all phases of the program, and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the student’s ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the technical standards below.

Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. The ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any certification exams or successful completion of the program.

 

Technical Standard Definition of Standards Examples
Critical Thinking/Problem-Solving Skills Utilize critical thinking skills to assemble, analyze, process, and communicate essential information about financial operations.
  • Perform bookkeeping functions in a simulated case environment.
  • Complete the accounting cycle.
  • Calculate and report payroll and payroll-related liabilities.
  • Generate financial statements utilizing a computerized accounting software program.
  • Analyze and prepare the individual and business income tax returns.
Interpersonal Skills Work collaboratively and effectively with a diverse population in a variety of settings and situations. Possess personal qualities of integrity, concern for others, compassion, interpersonal skill, and motivation.
  • Work cooperatively with partners and individuals.
  • Work diligently and devote the necessary time to complete tasks.
  • Exhibit behavioral and ethical skills appropriate to professional interactions.
  • Exercise good judgment.
  • Respect and care for others whose appearance, condition, beliefs, and values may conflict with your own.
  • Demonstrate sufficient emotional health to perform under stress, exercise good judgment, and promptly complete all academic work, and work-based learning responsibilities.
Communication Skills Effectively communicate (verbal and non-verbal) in the classroom and in a simulated business environment.
  • Understand and respond to written and oral communications.
  • Use effective listening skills when communicating.
  • Express information coherently and sensitively.
  • Receive, organize, prioritize, and transmit information.
Coping Skills Possess coping skills sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations.
  • Solve personal and interpersonal problems.
  • Multitask in stressful environments and meet deadlines.
Mobility/Motor Skills Perform office functions such as sitting, standing, and working in small spaces/cubicles for long periods of time. Possess good dexterity (eye and hand coordination).
  • Demonstrate mobility, strength, and dexterity to participate in classroom and out-of-classroom assignments and activities.
  • Perform duties on a computer-related to accounting and data entry with accuracy.
  • Use office equipment effectively.
Auditory Skills Comprehension and understanding of spoken language.
  • Articulate necessary information in an understandable form.
  • Respond to verbal and written instructions.
  • Place and receive telephone or video calls for conducting business.
Visual Skills Sufficient vision to perform accounting data analysis, data entry, preparation of reports, and usage of appropriate technology.
  • Work with columns of numbers with precision.
  • Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret financial documents and reports.
Tactile Skills Use a computer keyboard, number keypad, and mouse repetitively. Operate and utilize office materials and office equipment/software daily.
  • Perform duties on a computer-related to financial management and data entry with accuracy.
  • Use various software programs required in the accounting field, including Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and various tax-related programs.
Environmental Ability to tolerate reasonable levels of light, sound, and temperature.
  • Work in areas that may be close, crowded, and/or noisy.
  • Prioritize requests and meet deadlines.
  • Multitask using different operating systems.
Emotional/Behavioral Possess emotional stability sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations and assume responsibility/accountability for actions. Demonstrate respect for self and others. Project an image of professionalism and a strong work ethic.
  • Maintain a professional appearance and actions.
  • Exercise independent judgment to effectively solve problems and make decisions.
  • Adapt to changing environments and/or stress.
  • Demonstrate honesty and integrity beyond reproach.
  • Work independently with minimal supervision.

 

In the case of an otherwise qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless doing so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the patient or student.

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College is invested in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Support Services is part of Student Services and is located in the K. Ray Bailey Student Services Center. For detailed information or to request accommodations visit Support Services. An appointment is recommended prior to enrollment in order to discuss any special concerns.