About The Program

Accounting develops the skills and abilities that are in demand and necessary to be successful in a highly competitive business environment. The program focuses on emerging technologies, critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing students to make an immediate contribution in an entry-level position. Job opportunities include accounting trainees, accounting technicians, junior accountants, and accountants.

Program Degrees and Certificates

Program Details

The Accounting program currently offers four pathways for students to pursue;

  1. Bookkeeping Certificate
    • Provides students with sufficient knowledge to keep a simple set of accounting books and to qualify for entry-level positions in bookkeeping and accounting
  2. Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Accounting Information Security with Data Analytics
    • Prepares students for the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) exam and prepares registered CPAs for the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) exam.
  3. Career Studies Certificate (CSC) in Accounting
    • Meets the requirements of the Virginia Board for Accountancy to sit for the CPA examination.
  4. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting

Upon completion of the program, students can take an additional three courses for the Accounting Career Studies certificate and then are eligible to proceed to the Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) exam (if other education requirements are satisfied).

  • Transfer Opportunities

    Transfer is not the primary purpose of this credential; however, NOVA may have agreements that facilitate the transfer of this and other career-oriented programs to selected senior institutions. In order to learn more about possible transfer opportunities please visit: https://www.nvcc.edu/transfer/. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to discuss their options and plans.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Northern Virginia Community College accepts industry-standard certifications, credentials and/or professional courses for credit. Broadly, licenses, credentials and/or certifications must be current and valid for consideration. For more information regarding the status of the certification and its eligibility for credit, please see an advisor or faculty members in the discipline area that awards CPL credit.

  • Career Prospects

    Accounting in general develops the skills and abilities that are in demand and necessary to be successful in a highly competitive business environment. Focusing on emerging technologies, critical thinking and analytical skills students will be prepared to make an immediate contribution in an entry level position. Job opportunities include accounting trainee, accounting technician, junior accountant, and accountant.

  • Scholarships

    Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA)

    The District of Columbia Chapter of the Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance (AFWA) offers three undergraduate or graduate scholarship opportunities for eligible candidates.

    American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)

    The AICPA provides detailed information about a variety of scholarships directed towards students.

    Northern Virginia Community College (NVCC)

    Explore NOVA scholarships offered to students.

    Teachers of Accounting of Two-Year Colleges (TACTYC)

    Learn about student scholarships at TACTYC.

    Virginia Society of CPAs Educational Foundation (VSCPA)

    View all available VSCPA scholarships.

  • Career Resources

    Accounting.com

    Our team at Accounting.com wants to connect with you at Northern Virginia Community College to provide students in your community easy access to a resource that shares tips on how to begin a career as a tax preparer. We have crafted a guide that overviews ways to get hired, accounting organizations, and frequently asked questions.

    AccountingJobs.com

    View currently posted jobs at AccountingJobs.com.

    American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and VSCPA

    Join FREE with a student membership to both the AICPA and VSCPA

    NVCC Career Connection

    Career Connection provides NOVA students with information about current jobs and internships available by local businesses and organizations.

    NVCC Guaranteed Interview Program

    Guaranteed Interviews are intended to pair students in targeted applied degree, C.S.C., and non-credit programs here at the College—that is, those students who are looking to enter the workforce immediately after their journey with NOVA, as opposed to transferring to a four-year institution—with area employers, who agree to conduct screening interviews for our students. These interviews can be intended as a true hiring screen, if the employer has an open position for which they are actively hiring and for which a NOVA student could be considered a candidate. But they can also be exploratory/informational, which serves the dual purpose of providing practical interview experience to our students and increasing awareness of a particular company and its opportunities among a large pool of workforce-ready talent. 

    For more information contact Lucy Williams at lywilliams@nvcc.edu. 

    Virgina Society of CPAs (VSCPA)

    VSCPA Career Center posts jobs and internships.

     

    The Wall Street Journal

    How to activate your complimentary Wall Street Journal membership: Students, faculty and staff at Northern Virginia Community College can activate the complimentary memberships by visiting WSJ.com/NVCC Links to an external site and entering their MyNOVA credentials to authenticate access. Those who currently pay for an existing WSJ membership may call 1-800-JOURNAL and mention they are switching to the school-sponsored membership. Partial refunds will be dispersed.

  • CPA Review Materials

    Gleim Exam Prep

    Explore CPA review materials from Gleim, and get a FREE CPA review guide!

    Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA) & Surgent CPA Review

    VSCPA and Surgent are offering a discount for VSCPA members including students.

  • Certifications

    Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) & NOVA

    Have an advanced degree but need accounting credits to take the CPA exam? Learn more with ACCA and NOVA.

    Certiport

    Get certified in Excel, Microsoft, QuickBooks Online and more with Certiport!

    Certified Financial Analyst (CFA)

    Having a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) designation verifies a financial professional's knowledge and abilities regarding portfolio management, economics, professional and ethical standards, and investment analysis. The certification is sponsored by the CFA Institute.

    Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

    With fraud ever evolving - and on the rise - organizations worldwide rely upon Certified Fraud Examiners (CFE's) to safeguard their businesses from fraud's devastating impact.

    Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

    As the Institute of Internal Auditors' (IIA) premier designation for more than 40 years, the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) sets the standard for excellence within the profession. Earning the CIA is an important step toward demonstrating your core internal audit skills and knowledge.

    Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

    For 50 years, the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification has been the global benchmark for management accountants and financial professionals. Why? Because CMAs can explain the "why" behind numbers, not just the "what". That can give you greater credibility, higher earning potential, and ultimately a seat at the leadership table.

    Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)

    Businesses operate in an increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world. Chartered Global Management Accountants (CGMA) are trusted finance professionals with the skills needed to meet global business needs. They help businesses by identifying opportunities to preserve and create value for shareholders and wider stakeholders, while proactively managing costs and risks. Ultimately, they are trusted to guide critical business decisions and drive strong business performance.

    Enrolled Agent (EA)

    An Enrolled Agent (EA) credential recognizes professionals, including CPAs, licensed by the government to represent taxpayers. They advise clients, prepare personal and business taxes, and deal with the Internal Revenue Service on matters related to business or personal tax audits. The certification is awarded by the IRS.

    Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional

    The Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional certification can help open doors for individuals looking to build a career in bookkeeping.

  • Inspiring Stories

    Appolinaire Abo

    Appolinaire Abo was the 2019 Teachers of Accounting at Two-Year Colleges (TACTYC) Scholarship Award Winner. Read the story.

    Black CPAs Who Paved the Way

    There once was a time when Black American men and women had to break through racial barriers to pursue careers as certified public accountants. Learn more about these heroes.

  • CPA License Information

    Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA)

    The Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA) provides all the information you need to know about qualifying for the CPA exam and licensure in the state of Virginia.

    Virginia Society of CPAs (VSCPA)

  • Faculty
    NOVA Accounting Department Faculty
    Campus Name Email FT/Adjunct
    AN Thomas Marsh tmarsh@nvcc.edu FT
    AN Erica Thompson FT
    AN Isabel Morrison FT
    AL Raymond Cook FT
    AL Pamela Parker FT
    LO Kush Jenkins FT
    LO Rujuta Panchal FT
    MA Gary Brooks FT
    MA Stephen Fritsche FT
    WO Nauri Ahmed FT
  • Support and Contribute

    Northern Virginia Community College Foundation

    GIVE to support NOVA Accounting: When contributing, indicate OTHER designation and enter: FUND 300123 - Accounting Endowment.

  • Additional Resources

Career Coach

Resources

Contact

Alexandria Campus
Steve Ward

Annandale Campus
Richard Fiesel

Loudoun Campus
Mitra Jahangeri

Manassas Campus
Cathleen Cogdill

Woodbridge Campus
Edward Zuniga