Technical Standards – Accounting and Finance

Purpose Statement

All students in Accounting and Financial Services are expected to meet certain technical standards which are essential for the successful completion of all phases of the program, and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the student’s ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the technical standards below.

Meeting these technical standards does not guarantee employment in this field upon graduation. The ability to meet the program’s technical standards does not guarantee a student’s eligibility for any certification exams or successful completion of the program.

Technical Standard	Definition of Standards	Examples
Critical Thinking/Problem- Solving Skills	Utilize critical thinking skills to assemble, analyze, process, and communicate essential information about financial operations.	Perform bookkeeping functions in a simulated case environment. Complete the accounting cycle. Calculate and report payroll and payroll-related liabilities. Generate financial statements utilizing a computerized accounting software program. Analyze and prepare the individual and business income tax returns.
Interpersonal Skills	Work collaboratively and effectively with a diverse population in a variety of settings and situations. Possess personal qualities of integrity, concern for others, compassion, interpersonal skill, and motivation.	Work cooperatively with partners and individuals. Work diligently and devote the necessary time to complete tasks. Exhibit behavioral and ethical skills appropriate to professional interactions. Exercise good judgment. Respect and care for others whose appearance, condition, beliefs, and values may conflict with your own. Demonstrate sufficient emotional health to perform under stress, exercise good judgment, and promptly complete all academic work and work-based learning responsibilities.
Communication Skills	Effectively communicate (verbal and non- verbal) in the classroom and in a simulated business environment.	Use effective listening skills when communicating. Express information coherently and sensitively. Receive, organize, prioritize, and transmit information.
Coping Skills	Possess coping skills sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations.	Solve personal and interpersonal problems. Multitask in stressful environments and meet deadlines.
Mobility/Motor Skills	Perform office functions such as sitting, standing, and working in small spaces/cubicles for long periods of time. Possess good dexterity (eye and hand coordination).	Demonstrate mobility, strength, and dexterity to participate in classroom and out-of-classroom assignments and activities. Perform duties on a computer related to accounting and data entry with accuracy. Use office equipment effectively.
Auditory Skills	Comprehension and understanding of spoken language.	Articulate necessary information in an understandable form. Respond to verbal and written instructions. Place and receive telephone or video calls for conducting business.
Visual Skills	Sufficient vision to perform accounting and finance analysis, data entry, preparation of reports, and usage of appropriate technology.	Work with columns of numbers with precision. Demonstrate the ability to read and interpret financial documents and reports.
Tactile Skills	Use a computer keyboard, number keypad, and mouse repetitively. Operate and utilize office materials and office equipment/software daily.	Perform duties on a computer-related to financial management and data entry with accuracy. Use various software programs required in the accounting field, including Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and various tax-related programs.
Environmental	Ability to tolerate reasonable levels of light, sound, and temperature	Work in areas that may be close, crowded, and/or noisy. Prioritize requests and meet deadlines. Multitask using different operating systems.
Emotional/Behavioral	Possess emotional stability sufficient to maintain composure in stressful situations and assume responsibility/accountability for actions. Demonstrate respect for self and others. Project an image of professionalism and a strong work ethic.	Maintain a professional appearance and actions. Exercise independent judgment to effectively solve problems and make decisions. Adapt to changing environments and/or stress. Demonstrate honesty and integrity beyond reproach. Work independently with minimal supervision.

In the case of an otherwise qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless doing so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the patient or student.