Accounting Career Q&A
October 6, 2005
A Q&A session with Dennis Tapia, an accountant, who owns and operates Legal & Tax Services in Vista, CA. Dennis has been in this field for the last 20 years.
Q: Describe your average daily routine. What types of tasks are you expected to complete as part of your job?
A: As a tax preparer I gather data from my clients and input this data into the proper IRS form. I also teach my clients what they can and cannot use as a deduction, make sure they pay the proper tax to the IRS and FTB. As a bookkeeper, I input my clients' data to show them where they are spending their money, and make sure that their business is producing a positive cash flow. I also balance their checkbooks and provide my clients with financial reports.
Q: What do you like the most about being an accountant?
A: I enjoy helping my clients with their taxes and books. I teach them what to look for and keep in contact with them throughout the year. Most tax preparers only see or talk with clients once a year, I encourage my clients to contact me anytime with there questions or concerns.
Q: What do you dislike, if anything, about being an accountant?
A: So far nothing, I enjoy my job and my clients.
Q: What is your work environment like?
A: Well during tax season from January to April 15 it is very busy and at time stressful. After tax season it dies down a lot and everything is back to normal.
Q: What is your work schedule like?
A: During tax season I have worked 10 up to 15 hours a day. But once tax season is over I normally take a week or two off to relax.
Q: Where did you get the training necessary for your job?
A: I went to Jackson Hewitt where I was trained as a tax preparer. The program took 3 months on a part-time schedule. I learned basic tax preparation for both personal and business taxes and was awarded a certificate at the end of the program. Once you earn your certificate, you must maintain a $5,000.00 bond and take a renewal test each year.
Q: Would you recommend your job as an accountant to another person?
A: I would recommend this to indivuals who like working with numbers, have good math skills and don't mind filling out lots of forms.
Q: What is the next step in your career?
A: To further my education and become an EA (Enrolled Agent).
Accounting Schools
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Advanced College
Locations:
South Gate, CA
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C
California College
Request More Information Locations:
San Diego, CA
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Accounting (Bachelor's Degree)
The objectives of the major are to provide the graduate with an understanding of business and financial concepts and how they relate to professional accounting — including the principles of federal taxation, auditing, and accounting for small business and corporations.
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E-Business Management & Accounting (Associate's Degree)
Carter Vocational Schools
Center for Employment Training
Central Coast College
Request More Information Locations:
Salinas, CA
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Computer Specialist Accounting (Diploma)
In less than a year at Central Coast College you will acquire skills in: Accounting Systems, Accounting Theories with hands-on Practice, Computerized Spreadsheets, Word Processing and Computerized Accounting.
CompuMatics.com
Locations:
Los Angeles, CA
D
DeVry University
Request More Information Locations:
Fremont, CA
/ Irvine, CA
/ Long Beach, CA
/ Pomona, CA
/ Elk Grove (Sacramento), CA
/ San Diego, CA
/ San Francisco, CA
/ West Hills, CA
/ Sherman Oaks, CA
/ Bakersfield, CA
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Business Administration (Bachelor's Degree)
Students may select from eleven concentrations, including: Accounting, Business Information Systems, E-Commerce, Health Services Management, Hospitality Management, Human Resource Management, Operations Management, Project Management, Sales and Marketing, Security Management, Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship.
E
Empire College
Request More Information Locations:
Santa Rosa, CA
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Accounting (Associate's Degree)
Having an accounting degree can help you expand your potential for advancement into supervisory or management positions within a company. Students enrolled in one of our California accounting degree programs learn managerial accounting along with statistics, economics and computer applications.
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Accounting Essentials (Diploma)
Our short-term, entry-level California bookkeeping courses are designed to prepare graduates for employment as bookkeeping assistants, account clerks, payroll clerks, accounts receivable/accounts payable clerks or data entry clerks. Empire College graduates have a variety of bookkeeping, computer and general office skills to meet the needs of employers in Sonoma County and beyond.
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Accounting with Computer Applications (Diploma)
The Accounting with Computer Applications program is designed to prepare Empire College graduates for entry-level positions as account clerks or as full-charge bookkeepers. Accounting systems, cycles, theories and concepts are studied with a strong emphasis on computerized spreadsheets, word processing and computerized accounting to meet the demands of employers in California.
Everest College
Request More Information Locations:
City of Industry, CA
/ Ontario, CA
/ West Los Angeles, CA
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Business Management/Administrative Assistant (Diploma)
You will gain knowledge of business structures and laws, computerized procedures, basic accounting principles, and up-to-date office technologies.
F
H
Heald College
Request More Information Locations:
Concord, CA
/ Fresno, CA
/ Hayward, CA
/ Rancho Cordova, CA
/ Roseville, CA
/ Salinas, CA
/ San Francisco, CA
/ San Jose, CA
/ Stockton, CA
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Business Accounting (Certificate)
You will learn accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, income tax, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). You will also learn computer software and spreadsheets for accounting applications.
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Business Accounting (Associate's Degree)
You will learn accounts payable, accounts receivable, general ledger, payroll, income tax, and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). You will also learn computer software and spreadsheets for accounting applications.
-
Business Administration (Associate's Degree)
The program teaches basic concepts related to business management, accounting, human resources, Internet marketing, and other areas relevant to the business world. Students explore ways to manage human, financial, and material resources, which are key components of the global economy.
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Business Administration (Diploma)
The program teaches basic concepts related to business management, accounting, human resources, Internet marketing, and other areas relevant to the business world. Students explore ways to manage human, financial, and material resources, which are key components of the global economy.
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Business Administration - Accounting (Associate's Degree)
Heald's program will introduce you to financial accounting, tax preparation, business and Internet law, communications, and computerized systems.
After completing the Accounting program, your qualifications will assist you in pursuing a variety of positions, including Accounting Specialist, Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist, and Payroll Processor.
I
ICT College
Request More Information Locations:
Los Angeles, CA
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Business Management (Bachelor's Degree)
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management is a comprehensive 18-month (beyond the AA) program that builds on the foundation in business management acquired in the Associate Degree program. The curriculum incorporates previous coursework in basic computer operations (Microsoft Office), management and accounting, and expands to include classes that are critical in today's global economy and international business climate.
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Business Management (Associate's Degree)
The Associate of Arts Degree in Business Management is a comprehensive 18-month program that teaches business fundamentals and offers students a general introduction to a wide array of business disciplines. The curriculum includes basic computer operations emphasizing Microsoft Office (Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access). Extensive course work in accounting; Computerized Accounting, business law, taxation, financial planning and management.
Institute of Technology
Request More Information Locations:
Clovis, CA
/ Modesto, CA
/ Roseville, CA
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Computerized Accounting (Diploma)
Graduates from this program will learn QuickBooks Pro, accounting skills for bank reconciliation, payroll, and management of accounts payables and receivables to satisfy entry-level bookkeeping requirements. Beginning word processing and spreadsheet skills are taught in preparation for the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification.
InterCoast College
Locations:
Burbank, CA
/ Carson, CA
/ Orange, CA
/ Riverside, CA
/ West Covina, CA
K
M
Milan Institute
Request More Information Locations:
Visalia, CA
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Full Charge Bookkeeper (Diploma)
A Full Charge Bookkeeper's duties vary from office to office, but normally include recording debits and credits, balance sheets, bank reconciliations, ledgers, bank deposits, and other tasks. This course prepares students to manage the bookkeeping functions of a business. Students learn to prepare financial statements.
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Office Administration (Diploma)
The Office Administration program teaches students how to use computers in a business-like environment, it teaches students how to use a computer for accounting purposes, payroll, desktop publishing, and how to use other types of software such as Windows, Office 97, Excel and others.
MTI College
Locations:
Sacramento, CA
N
Newbridge College
Request More Information Locations:
Monterey Park, CA
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Computerized Accounting (Diploma)
This program introduces you to the work of integrated computerized accounting. Upon completion, you will be able to establish company records; maintain daily transactions using the general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, inventory, account reconciliation and payroll features; and create financial statements.
R
Remington College
Request More Information Locations:
San Diego, CA
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Business Information Systems (Associate's Degree)
The student's course work includes subjects that are fundamental to the operation of an office, such as accounting, spreadsheets, databases, word processing, communications and more.
S
San Joaquin Valley College
Request More Information Locations:
Fresno, CA
/ Modesto, CA
/ Rancho Cucamonga, CA
/ Visalia, CA
/ Rancho Cordova, CA
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Health Care Administration (Associate's Degree)
SJVC's Health Care Administration program gives you the expert training you need to perform front office duties in a health care setting. Course studies include office management, medical terminology, patient record keeping, bookkeeping, accounting, insurance claims preparation, professional communication and general operation of a health care facility. Computer training using Microsoft Office and Medical Manager.
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Medical Office Administration (Associate's Degree)
SJVC's Medical Office Administration program provides in-depth training for the front office position of a busy medical practice or facility. Hands-on experience and classroom instruction include the study of office management, patient record-keeping, bookkeeping and accounting, and professional communication.
Santa Barbara Business College
Request More Information Locations:
Santa Barbara, CA
/ Ventura, CA
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Business Administration (Associate's Degree)
This program provides a solid background in accounting principles using integrated software for a full range of computer skills. In addition to the accounting principles background, the program includes studies in management skills that will prepare the graduate for entry-level positions in bookkeeping and management careers.
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Business Administration (Diploma)
This program provides a solid background in accounting principles using integrated software for a full range of computer skills. In addition to the accounting principles background, the program includes studies in management skills that will prepare the graduate for entry-level positions in bookkeeping and management careers.
U
University of Phoenix
Request More Information Locations:
Bakersfield, CA
/ Gardena, CA
/ Lancaster, CA
/ Ontario, CA
/ Oxnard, CA
/ Pasadena, CA
/ Sacramento, CA
/ San Bernardino, CA
/ San Diego, CA
/ San Francisco, CA
/ Woodland Hills, CA
/ Diamond Bar, CA
/ La Mirada, CA
/ Costa Mesa, CA
/ Murrieta, CA
/ Laguna Hills, CA
/ Culver City, CA
/ Chula Vista, CA
/ Imperial, CA
/ Palm Desert, CA
/ San Diego, CA
/ San Marcos, CA
/ San Diego, CA
/ Beale AFB, CA
/ Elk Grove, CA
/ Fairfield, CA
/ Lathrop, CA
/ Modesto, CA
/ Chico, CA
/ Rancho Cordova, CA
/ Roseville, CA
/ Sacramento, CA
/ Fresno, CA
/ Fresno, CA
/ Visalia, CA
/ Pleasanton, CA
/ Concord, CA
/ Fremont, CA
/ Livermore, CA
/ Novato, CA
/ Oakland, CA
/ San Jose, CA
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Business Administration/Accounting (Master's Degree)
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Business/Accounting (Bachelor's Degree)
V
W
Westwood College
Request More Information Locations:
Anaheim, CA
/ Inland Empire (Upland), CA
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Business Administration - Accounting (Bachelor's Degree)
This degree prepares students for entry-level positions in the field such as accounts payable manager, cost estimator, payroll administrator, or loan and credit counselor.
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