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Business Accounting
The Business Accounting program at Lake Area Tech prepares you for work where accuracy isn’t optional. You’ll build the skills to track, analyze, and report financial information that businesses rely on every day.
Coursework includes cost, tax, payroll, and computerized accounting, along with financial analysis and wealth management. You’ll learn how to work through real financial scenarios and understand what the numbers are actually saying.
The program also includes a part-time or summer internship, giving you the chance to apply your skills in a professional setting and gain experience before graduation.
If you plan to continue your education, tools like Transferology can help you understand how your coursework applies toward a four-year degree and explore your next steps.
Articulation AGREEMENTS:
E-Degree Option
Lake Area Tech offers hybrid E-degree programs for students who need flexibility without sacrificing quality. These programs combine online coursework with required on-campus experiences, giving you the ability to learn on your schedule while still completing hands-on training when it matters.
Is online learning right for you? Learn what it means to be a hybrid learner, how it works and what you can expect.
Business Accounting Careers
Below are several careers you could pursue with an Business Accounting degree. Visit our job board to see job opportunities in the Business Accounting sector.
Bookkeeper
Graduates of the Business Accounting program can pursue careers as Bookkeepers, helping organizations maintain accurate financial records and manage day-to-day accounting activities. In this role, you'll record transactions, reconcile accounts, process invoices, and support financial reporting. It's an excellent career path for individuals who are detail-oriented and enjoy working with numbers and business operations.
Where you might work:
• Small and mid-sized businesses
• Accounting firms
• Nonprofit organizations
• Government agencies
• Corporate finance departments
Business Banking Associate
As a Business Banking Associate, you'll help business clients manage their financial operations and banking needs. Graduates can expect to assist with business accounts, treasury services, lending support, and customer relationships while gaining valuable experience in commercial banking. This role combines financial knowledge with communication and problem-solving skills.
Where you might work:
• Community banks
• Commercial banking institutions
• Credit unions
• Financial service organizations
• Business lending departments
Insurance Agent
Insurance Agents help individuals and businesses manage risk through insurance products and coverage solutions. In this role, you'll evaluate client needs, explain policy options, prepare quotes, and build long-term customer relationships. This career is ideal for graduates who enjoy working with people while helping clients protect their financial future.
Where you might work:
• Insurance agencies
• Employee benefits firms
• Financial planning organizations
• Property and casualty insurers
• Risk management companies
Mortgage Loan Assistant
As a Mortgage Loan Assistant, you'll support the loan process by helping borrowers and lenders navigate the steps required to secure financing. Graduates can expect to gather documentation, review loan files, communicate with clients, and assist with processing activities. This role offers valuable experience in lending, financial documentation, and customer service.
Where you might work:
• Mortgage companies
• Banks
• Credit unions
• Real estate lending firms
• Financial institutions
Universal Banker
Universal Bankers provide a wide range of financial services while serving as a trusted resource for customers. Responsibilities often include opening accounts, processing transactions, assisting with lending products, and helping customers identify financial solutions that meet their needs. This role offers a strong foundation in banking, customer service, and financial operations.
Where you might work:
• Community banks
• Regional and national banks
• Credit unions
• Retail banking centers
• Financial service organizations
Accounting Professional
Graduates pursuing careers in Accounting help organizations track, analyze, and report financial information that supports business success. You'll prepare financial statements, manage budgets, assist with tax reporting, analyze business performance, and help leaders make informed financial decisions. This career path offers opportunities across nearly every industry and is ideal for individuals who enjoy analytical thinking and financial problem-solving.
Where you might work:
• Public accounting firms
• Private businesses
• Government agencies
• Nonprofit organizations
• Corporate accounting departments
Every class, every semester. Find the right pathway to achieve your degree on your timing.
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"I chose Lake Area Tech because it had the leading Cosmetology program and instructors in South Dakota."
Estimated Cost
At Lake Area Tech, there are no surprises. View expected expenses below, so you can plan ahead for a successful year.
| Tuition | $9,983 |
| State Fees | $3,353 |
| Departmental Fee | $2,826 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,310 |
| Books | $1,350 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $21,012 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
| Tuition | $9,983 |
| State Fees | $3,353 |
| Departmental Fee | $3,765 |
| Campus Support Fee | $2,310 |
| Books | $1,350 |
| Laptop (What laptop should I get?) | $1,190 |
| Total Estimated Program Cost: | $21,951 |
We know that college is a large financial undertaking, and our main priority is that there are no surprises as you navigate this journey. Our goal is to offer you the most transparent look at potential costs associated with your degree.
Note that other indirect costs, such as housing, food, transportation, personal and other miscellaneous costs will vary for each student’s situation, and are not included in this estimate.
We strive to offer a variety of financial aid options, as well as helpful resources regarding outside financial aid options.
Business Accounting FAQs
Get the details you need to decide if this program is the right fit for you.
What accounting skills are covered in the business accounting specialty track?
Students in the Business Accounting specialty track develop a strong, practical foundation in accounting and financial analysis. In addition to general education coursework, students study basic to intermediate financial accounting, payroll, cost accounting, and federal individual taxation, gaining both technical and analytical skills used in business decision-making.
The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through computerized accounting using QuickBooks Online, as well as financial management and financial statement analysis. Students learn how to prepare, interpret, and use financial information to evaluate performance and support organizational planning.
Students further strengthen their skills through two semesters of individual taxation, which include an IRS certification course and real-world tax preparation experience at the Lake Area Technical College IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. During this capstone experience, students help prepare more than 550 free tax returns for the public, reinforcing technical knowledge while building customer service and professional communication skills.
Does the accounting specialty include hands-on training with real accounting software?
Yes. The Business Accounting specialty includes extensive hands-on training with industry-standard accounting and business software, ensuring students graduate with job-ready technology skills. Students learn and use:
- Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access)
- Email and online learning platforms
- Cloud-based file sharing and collaboration tools
- QuickBooks Online for computerized accounting
- Tax preparation software (TaxSlayer) for individual income tax returns
Throughout the program, students actively use these tools to complete assignments and real-world accounting tasks, mirroring what they will encounter in professional settings.
What types of accounting jobs are graduates prepared for?
Graduates of the Financial Services – Business Accounting option are prepared for a wide range of accounting, finance, and business support roles across many industries. Common job titles include Accounting Assistant, Junior Accountant, Staff Accountant, Bookkeeper, Payroll Specialist, Accounts Payable Clerk, Accounts Receivable Clerk, Tax Accountant, and Tax Preparer.
Graduates also move into broader business and operational roles such as Office Manager, Business Manager, Project Coordinator, Production Planner, Materials Coordinator, and Property Manager, where accounting knowledge supports budgeting, planning, and efficiency.
Some alumni pursue client-focused roles such as Customer Service Representative, Account Manager, or Client Relations Manager, while others apply their skills in public service, data processing, or entrepreneurial roles as business owners. The program’s broad skill set allows graduates to work in small businesses, corporations, financial institutions, and public organizations.
Is this program a good fit for students new to accounting or bookkeeping?
Yes. The Business Accounting specialty is intentionally designed for students with no prior accounting, bookkeeping, or business experience. Courses begin with foundational concepts and build skills step by step.
While numbers are involved, the program focuses on collecting, organizing, analyzing, and reporting information, rather than advanced math. Students also develop transferable skills such as problem solving, teamwork, attention to detail, and analytical thinking—making the program an excellent fit for career changers, first-time students, and working professionals seeking advancement.
What courses are part of the Business Accounting curriculum?
All Financial Services students complete a shared core of accounting and finance courses that provide a strong foundation in business principles. These include:
- Farm/Ranch Records
- Accounting I and II
- Wealth Management
- Business Law
- Personal Finance
- Tax Accounting I
- Financial Statement Analysis
Students in the Business Accounting option take additional specialized coursework, including Accounting III and IV, Computer Accounting Applications, Cost Accounting, Payroll Accounting, Tax Accounting II, and Applied Federal Income Tax, preparing them for advanced accounting and bookkeeping roles.
What business or office skills will I gain in addition to accounting training?
In addition to technical accounting skills, students develop essential business and office competencies employers value, including:
- Professional customer service and communication
- Problem solving and decision-making
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Information organization and records management
- Documentation and reporting
- Analytical thinking and evaluation
- Attention to detail and compliance
- Time management and professional accountability
These skills prepare graduates to succeed in modern office environments and advance into leadership or supervisory roles.
How long does it take to complete the Business Accounting option?
The associate degree can be completed in as little as 20 months when taken full time. Courses are offered on campus and online, allowing students to choose full-time, part-time, or hybrid schedules that fit their lifestyle.
Many students adjust their pace to balance work or family responsibilities while still working toward the same high-quality degree.
Are there any support services, such as advising or job placement, are available for accounting students?
Yes. Financial Services students receive personalized advising and ongoing support from acceptance through graduation and beyond. Instructors also serve as faculty advisors, providing consistent guidance and individualized support.
Students have access to free tutoring, academic support services, and career guidance, including assistance securing internships aligned with their goals. Faculty continue to share job leads and professional opportunities after graduation.
The program also maintains articulation agreements with multiple colleges and universities, making it easy for students to transfer credits and continue toward a bachelor’s degree.
Do I need previous business or accounting experience to enroll in this specialty?
No prior experience is required. The Business Accounting option is designed to support students who are new to the field while also serving those already working in finance or business who want to earn a degree or advance professionally.
The program’s step-by-step curriculum, hands-on learning, and personalized support make it accessible, practical, and career-focused for learners at all levels.
