Accounting is a basic language of business. 
Leeward’s accounting program prepares you for entry-level accounting positions in companies ranging from small businesses to large multinational corporations. Today’s accountant is an advisor, consultant, and planner…someone who helps others understand information.
You'll improve your analytical knowledge and communication and computer applications skills.
Degree and Certificate Requirements
- Associate in Science, Accounting
- Certificate of Achievement, Accounting
- Certificate of Competence, Small Business Accounting
- Academic Subject Certificate
About the Program
- Associate in Science, Accounting (60 credits) is designed to prepare the student for entry-level accounting positions in accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, inventory, bookkeeping, and other related fields.
- Certificate of Achievement, Accounting (31 credits) is designed to prepare the student for entry-level accounting positions in accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, inventory, bookkeeping, and other related fields.
- Certificate of Competence, Small Business Accounting (12-15 credits) enables you to quickly acquire accounting knowledge for small business. You can earn this certificate by attending live or online classes.
- Academic Subject Certificate (15 credits) is designed to provide workforce skills as you earn your AA degree. It's a great way to explore accounting as a possible major at a four-year institution while earning your AA degree.
The time to complete the certificates or the degree varies from one to four semesters. To obtain the associate degree in two years, you have to take an average of 15 credits/semester.
Costs: tuition and fees
To obtain an accounting certificate or degree, you must pass all required accounting (ACC) courses with a grade of C or better.
Associate in Science Accounting Program Outcomes
In addition to acquiring the competencies required for Associate in Science degrees, upon successful completion of this program graduates will be able to:
- Perform basic accounting tasks and maintain accurate accounting systems including the preparation of financial statements.
- Use appropriate software to complete accounting/bookkeeping tasks.
- Access, analyze, and interpret information to make judgments and to solve business problems.
- Practice within the legal and ethical parameters of the profession.
- Interact with customers, vendors, and co-workers in ways that effectively support the work to be accomplished and customer satisfaction.
- Organize, prioritize, and perform work tasks to meet deadlines and schedules.
- Compose clear and accurate business documents.
- Demonstrate knowledge of wage/hour, payroll taxes and Hawai‘i General Excise Tax laws.
- Demonstrate knowledge of income tax laws and prepare income tax returns.
- Utilize resources needed to find a job.
- Perform duties at a worksite according to industry standards.
Academic Subject Certificate in Accounting Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Perform basic accounting tasks and maintain accurate accounting systems including the preparation of financial statements
- Access, analyze, and interpret information to make judgments and to solve basic business problems
- Use appropriate software to complete accounting/bookkeeping tasks
- Interact with customers, vendors, and co-workers in ways that effectively support the work to be accomplished and customer satisfaction
Certificate of Achievement in Accounting Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Perform basic accounting tasks and maintain accurate accounting systems including the preparation of financial statements.
- Access, analyze, and interpret information to make judgments and to solve basic business problems.
- Interact with customers, vendors, and co-workers in ways that effectively support the work to be accomplished and customer satisfaction.
- Organize, prioritize, and perform work tasks to meet deadlines and schedules.
- Demonstrate knowledge of wage/hour, payroll taxes and Hawaiʻi General Excise Tax laws.
- Use appropriate software to complete accounting/bookkeeping tasks.
- Utilize resources needed to find a job.
Certificate of Competence in Small Business Accounting Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Perform basic accounting tasks and maintain accurate accounting systems including the preparation of financial statements.
- Use appropriate software to complete accounting/bookkeeping tasks.
- Access, analyze, and interpret information to make judgments and to solve business problems.
- Associate in Science Degree
- Academic Subject Certificate
- Certificate of Achievement
- Certificate of Competence
Gainful Employment Disclosure(s):
Accounting degree and certificates require primarily Accounting (ACC), Business (BUS), Business Technology (BUSN), and Management (MGT) courses with some general education courses.
Course Descriptions for
Tina Lee, Assistant Professor CC, Accounting, B.B.A, M.Acc., University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Mellissa Moody, Instructor CC, Accounting; B.B.A., (Accounting/Speech), University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa; M.Acc., University of Scranton
Shelley S. Ota, Professor CC, Accounting; B.A., University of Washington; M.Acc., University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa
Evelyn Wong, Instructor CC, Accounting; CPA (inactive); B.B.A., Temple University
Audra Furukawa, Carr, Gouveia + Matsumoto, CPAs, Inc.
Abigail Jacinto, Accountemps
Paul Kobayashi, Jr., University of Hawai‘i
Frank Kudo, University of Hawai‘i at West O‘ahu
Michael Lam, Administrative Solutions, Inc.
Adele H. O. Lum, Standard Capital Group
Katie Landgraf, University of Hawai‘i—West Oahu
James Oshiro, Oshiro & Chun CPAs, Inc.
Kim Sato, Farmers’ Insurance Hawai‘i
Marino Takara, Doi & Matsuo CPAs LLC
Dean Yamamoto, Castle Resorts & Hotels
Lisa Yoza, TRUSTA, An Accountancy Corporation
