Accounting and Finance
The Accounting and Finance curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and growth in the accounting or the finance profession. Accountants and finance professionals assemble, analyze, record, investigate, interpret and communicate essential information about financial operations.
Course work may include accounting, finance, fraud examination, forensic and cybersecurity, ethics, business law, computer applications, financial planning, insurance, marketing, real estate, selling, and taxation providing the student a comprehensive understanding of the industry. Related skills are developed through the study of communications, computer applications, financial analysis, fraud investigations, critical thinking skills, and ethics.
Graduates should qualify for entry-level accounting and finance positions in many types of organizations including accounting firms, small businesses, manufacturing firms, banks, hospitals, school systems, and governmental agencies.
Advancement in the accounting and finance profession is realized with work experience and additional education. For more information, call the Business and Accounting Division office at 704.330.4865.
For specific information about potential positions and wages in accounting and finance employment, visit the Central Piedmont Career Coach website.
Accounting and Finance (A25800)
Degree Awarded
The Associate in Applied Science Degree – Accounting and Finance is awarded by the college upon completion of this program. Two tracks are available:
Admissions
- A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
- Complete the general application to Central Piedmont.
- Submit high school transcripts and any college transcripts to Admissions, Records, and Registration.
- Request that all former college transcripts be evaluated for transfer credit.
- College-level courses in accounting, business, and economics completed more than ten years ago may be recommended for retake to ensure current knowledge and relevance.
- Courses may have prerequisites or co-requisites. Check the Courses section for details.
Transferring to Senior Institution
To transfer courses more effectively, students intending to transfer to a senior institution should check with that college for its general education, program and GPA requirements.
Students enrolled in the Accounting and Finance program who are considering transferring to a senior institution are encouraged to complete MAT 143 or a higher-level mathematics course to meet potential transfer requirements.
Contact Information
The Accounting and Finance program is in the Business and Accounting Division. For more information, call the Business and Accounting Division at 704.330.4865.
| General Education Requirements | ||
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Writing and Research in the Disciplines | ||
| Professional Research & Reporting | ||
| Introduction to Communication | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Quantitative Literacy | ||
| Statistical Methods I | ||
| Precalculus Algebra | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Art Appreciation | ||
| Art History Survey I | ||
| Art History Survey II | ||
| Theatre Appreciation | ||
| Cultural Studies | ||
| Myth in Human Culture | ||
| Music Appreciation | ||
| Introduction to Jazz | ||
| Philosophical Issues | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| World Religions | ||
| Select one of the following: | 3.0 | |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| American Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| World Civilizations I | ||
| World Civilizations II | ||
| American History I | ||
| American History II | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACC 120 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 4.0 |
| ACC 121 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 4.0 |
| ACC 129 | Individual Income Taxes | 3.0 |
| ACC 149 | Introduction to Accounting Spreadsheets | 2.0 |
| ACC 220 | Intermediate Accounting I | 4.0 |
| ACC 269 | Auditing & Assurance Services | 3.0 |
| Technical Electives | ||
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| BUS 115 | Business Law I | 3.0 |
| BUS 125 | Personal Finance | 3.0 |
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
| ECO 251 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3.0 |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| ACC 140 | Payroll Accounting | 2.0 |
| or ACC 150 | Accounting Software Applications | |
| Select one of the following: | ||
| BAF 143 | Financial Planning | 3.0 |
| or BUS 225 | Business Finance | |
| Select 12 hours from the following: | 12.0 | |
| Business Income Taxes | ||
| Payroll Accounting | ||
| Accounting Software Applications | ||
| Practices in Bookkeeping | ||
| Enterprise Risk Management | ||
| Intermediate Accounting II | ||
| Cost Accounting | ||
| Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting | ||
| Forensic Accounting & Cybersecurity | ||
| Advanced Accounting | ||
| Fraud Examination | ||
| International Accounting | ||
| Principles of Banking | ||
| Economics for Bankers | ||
| Financial Planning | ||
| Introduction to Analytics | ||
| Data Visualization | ||
| Introduction to Business | ||
| Business Insurance | ||
| Business Finance | ||
| Training and Development | ||
| Business Ethics | ||
| Leadership and Management Skills | ||
| Public Speaking | ||
| Computer Crime Investigation | ||
| International Business | ||
| Introduction to Logistics | ||
| Transportation Logistics | ||
| Principles of Marketing | ||
| Social Media Marketing | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning I | ||
| Work-Based Learning II | ||
| Work-Based Learning III | ||
| Elementary French I | ||
| French Lab 1 | ||
| Elementary French II | ||
| French Lab 2 | ||
| Elementary German I | ||
| German Lab 1 | ||
| Elementary German II | ||
| German Lab 2 | ||
| Elementary Spanish I | ||
| Spanish Lab 1 | ||
| Elementary Spanish II | ||
| Spanish Lab 2 | ||
| Total Credits | 65 | |
Accounting and Finance Certificates (C25800)
- Accounting and Finance Certificate Specialization in Accounting Technology (C25800-10)
- Accounting and Finance Certificate Specialization in Income Tax Preparer (C25800-11)
- Accounting and Finance Certificate Specialization in Professional Accounting (C25800-12)
- Accounting and Finance Certificate Specialization in Professional Accounting II (C25800-C4)
- Accounting and Finance Certificate Specialization in Personal Finance (C25800-13)
- Accounting and Finance Certificate Specialization in Financial Services (C25800-14)
- Accounting and Finance Certificate Specialization in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination (C25800-15)
- Accounting and Finance Certificate Specialization in Accounting and Business Analytics (C25800-16)
- Accounting and Finance Certificate Specialization in Bookkeeping (C25800-C9)
Accounting and Finance Certificate with a Specialization in Accounting Technology (C25800-10)
The certificate is designed to provide the student with a concentrated course of study in the field of accounting and the use of accounting technology for applied work skills. Upon completion, a certificate is awarded by the college. Courses for the certificate may be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science Degree - Accounting and Finance. For more information, call the Business and Accounting Division at 704.330.4865.
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
| ACC 120 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 4.0 |
| ACC 121 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 4.0 |
| ACC 149 | Introduction to Accounting Spreadsheets | 2.0 |
| ACC 150 | Accounting Software Applications | 2.0 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Accounting and Finance Certificate with a Specialization in Income Tax Preparer (C25800-11)
The certificate is designed to provide the student with a concentrated course of study in the field of taxation. Upon completion of the six courses, a certificate is awarded by the college. Courses for the certificate may be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science Degree – Accounting and Finance. For more information, call the Business and Accounting Division at 704.330.4865.
| ACC 120 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 4.0 |
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
| ACC 129 | Individual Income Taxes | 3.0 |
| ACC 130 | Business Income Taxes | 3.0 |
| ACC 140 | Payroll Accounting | 2.0 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |
Accounting and Finance Certificate with a Specialization in Professional Accounting (C25800-12)
Professional Accounting Certificate I and Professional Accounting Certificate II are specifically geared toward post-baccalaureate students seeking hours to sit for the CPA exam. This certificate is designed to provide the student with a concentrated course of study in the field of accounting with an emphasis on taxation and ethics. The courses included in this certificate helps prepare students for the Regulation portion of the CPA Exam. Upon completion of the six courses, 17 credit hours, a certificate is awarded by the College. The courses for the certificate may be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science Degree - Accounting and Finance. This certificate is an ideal path towards the 30 hours of accounting courses needed (along with a total of 150 hours) to sit for the CPA Exam. For more information, call the Business and Accounting Division at 704.330.4865.
| ACC 120 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 4.0 |
| ACC 121 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 4.0 |
| ACC 129 | Individual Income Taxes | 3.0 |
| ACC 130 | Business Income Taxes | 3.0 |
| BUS 240 | Business Ethics | 3.0 |
| or BUS 115 | Business Law I | |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
Accounting and Finance Certificate with a Specialization in Professional Accounting II (C25800-C4)
Professional Accounting Certificate I and Professional Accounting Certificate II are specifically geared toward post-baccalaureate students seeking hours to sit for the CPA exam. This certificate is designed to provide students with a concentrated course of study in the field of accounting, with an emphasis on corporate accounting, as well as governmental accounting and auditing. The courses included in this certificate helps prepare students for the Auditing and Attestation, as well as the Financial Accounting and Report portions of the CPA Exam. Upon completion of the six-course, 17 credit hours, a certificate is awarded by the College. The courses for the certificate may be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science Degree - Accounting and Finance. This certificate is an ideal path toward the 30 hours of accounting courses needed (along with a total of 150 hours) to sit for the CPA Exam. For more information, call the Business and Accounting Division at 704.330.4865.
| Major Requirements | ||
| ACC 220 | Intermediate Accounting I | 4.0 |
| ACC 221 | Intermediate Accounting II | 4.0 |
| ACC 225 | Cost Accounting | 3.0 |
| ACC 240 | Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting | 3.0 |
| or ACC 250 | Advanced Accounting | |
| ACC 269 | Auditing & Assurance Services | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
Accounting and Finance Certificate with a Specialization in Personal Finance (C25800-13)
The certificate is designed to provide the student with a concentrated course of study in the field of individual finance. Upon completion of the courses, a certificate is awarded by the college. Courses for the certificate may be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science Degree – Accounting and Finance. For more information, call the Business and Accounting Division at 704.330.4865.
| ACC 120 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 4.0 |
| ECO 251 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3.0 |
| BAF 121 | Economics for Bankers | 3.0 |
| BUS 125 | Personal Finance | 3.0 |
| BAF 143 | Financial Planning | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Accounting and Finance Certificate with a Specialization in Financial Services (C25800-14)
The certificate is designed to provide the student with a concentrated course of study in business financial services. Upon completion of the courses, a certificate is awarded by the college. Courses for the certificate may be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science Degree – Accounting and Finance. For more information, call the Business and Accounting Division at 704.330.4865.
| ACC 120 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 4.0 |
| ACC 210 | Enterprise Risk Management | 3.0 |
| ECO 251 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3.0 |
| BAF 121 | Economics for Bankers | 3.0 |
| BUS 225 | Business Finance | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Accounting and Finance Certificate with a Specialization in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination (C25800-15)
This certificate is designed to provide students with a concentrated study in the field of fraud examination. Upon completion of the courses, students will understand the concepts and skills needed for entry level fraud investigation and forensic accounting positions. The certificate prepares students to understand fraud as a business problem; prevention and detection of financial fraud and the use of technology to detect fraud; elements of fraud investigation, interview techniques, and the various fraud types including employee, management, investment, vendor and customer schemes; laws governing the prosecution of fraud cases and the role of fraud examiners and forensic accountants.
| ACC 220 | Intermediate Accounting I | 4.0 |
| ACC 249 | Forensic Accounting & Cybersecurity | 3.0 |
| ACC 267 | Fraud Examination | 3.0 |
| ACC 269 | Auditing & Assurance Services | 3.0 |
| CCT 121 | Computer Crime Investigation | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
Accounting and Finance Certificate with a Specialization in Accounting and Business Analytics (C25800-16)
The Accounting and Finance Certificate with a Specialization in Business Analytics is designed to provide the student with contemporary skills in business analytics, data-driven decision-making, visualization, and reporting. Students will learn how to understand analytics for business and how to translate the findings, use them to predict trends, and effectively communicate their insights. The program teaches the use of data analytics skills through a host of delivery methods, including in-person instruction, online lectures, self-directed coursework, and case studies that simulate the challenges that business analysts encounter in the real world.
| ACC 120 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 4.0 |
| BAS 120 | Introduction to Analytics | 3.0 |
| BAS 121 | Data Visualization | 3.0 |
| ACC 249 | Forensic Accounting & Cybersecurity | 3.0 |
| MAT 152 | Statistical Methods I | 4.0 |
| Total Credits | 17 | |
Accounting and Finance Certificate with a Specialization in Bookkeeping (C25800-C9)
This Certificate is designed to prepare students for job opportunities in small business accounting, and exposes students to skills acquisitions in software packages that include QuickBooks and Excel. The certificate will enhance students' general business knowledge and record-keeping skills to include fraud prevention. Students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue entry level career opportunities in accounting for accounting firms, small businesses, non-profit organizations, manufacturing firms, banks, hospitals, school systems, governmental agencies, and other small to medium sized businesses.
Upon completion of the required courses, a certificate is awarded by the college. This certificate may be applied toward the Associate in Applied Science degree in Accounting and Finance with a concentration in Bookkeeping.
| ACC 120 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 4.0 |
| ACC 140 | Payroll Accounting | 2.0 |
| ACC 149 | Introduction to Accounting Spreadsheets | 2.0 |
| ACC 150 | Accounting Software Applications | 2.0 |
| ACC 180 | Practices in Bookkeeping | 3.0 |
| ACC 267 | Fraud Examination | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
Accounting and Finance Suggested Course Sequence
The following is the suggested plan for when to take each course to complete the Associate in Applied Science degree, based on the program requirements of the 2025-2026 catalog. This is only a recommendation — you may take courses in another order upon consultation with your advisor. This plan is based on you starting with college-level math and English courses, starting your program in the fall, and attending full-time. You can also follow this sequence if you attend part-time. Speak with your academic advisor about the plan and any questions. This program might also offer diplomas or certificates; visit the catalog or contact the program for details. Visit the Academic Advising page for instructions on locating your assigned advisor: https://www.cpcc.edu/academics/academic-advising
| Term I | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| ACA 122 | College Transfer Success | 1.0 |
| ACC 120 | Principles of Financial Accounting | 4.0 |
| CIS 110 | Introduction to Computers | 3.0 |
| ENG 111 | Writing and Inquiry | 3.0 |
| MAT 143 | Quantitative Literacy or Statistical Methods I or Precalculus Algebra | 3.0 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term II | ||
| ACC 121 | Principles of Managerial Accounting | 4.0 |
| ACC 149 | Introduction to Accounting Spreadsheets | 2.0 |
| ACC 140 or ACC 150 | Payroll Accounting or Accounting Software Applications | 2.0 |
| BUS 115 | Business Law I | 3.0 |
| ACC 240 | Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting or Forensic Accounting & Cybersecurity or Fraud Examination | 3.0 |
| You may have completed program certificate C25800-10. Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 14 | |
| Term III | ||
| Technical Elective | 3.0 | |
| ECO 251 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3.0 |
| Behavioral/Social Science | 3.0 | |
| Credits | 9 | |
| Term IV | ||
| ACC 129 | Individual Income Taxes | 3.0 |
| ACC 220 | Intermediate Accounting I | 4.0 |
| ACC 225 or ACC 210 | Cost Accounting or Enterprise Risk Management | 3.0 |
| BUS 125 | Personal Finance | 3.0 |
| COM 110 or COM 231 | Introduction to Communication or Public Speaking | 3.0 |
| You may have completed a program certificate(s). Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 16 | |
| Term V | ||
| Humanities/Fine Arts | 3.0 | |
| BAF 143 or BUS 225 | Financial Planning or Business Finance | 3.0 |
| Technical Elective | 3.0 | |
| ACC 269 | Auditing & Assurance Services | 3.0 |
| You may have completed a program certificate(s). Confirm eligibility with your academic advisor. | ||
| Credits | 12 | |
| Total Credits | 65 | |