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Begin a Rewarding Career with an Associate Degree in Accounting from NECC

A student in the Accounting program at our NECC Campus

Why Enroll in the Accounting Associate Degree Program?

Are you a detail-oriented person with a strong work ethic who enjoys analyzing numbers and talking things through? If so, earning an Associate Degree in Accounting from NECC could be the equation you need to thrive as a professional accountant.

Crunch the Numbers: NECC Degrees Really Add Up

NECC’s Accounting Associate Degree program will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in tasks ranging from basic bookkeeping to complex financial analysis, making you highly sought after in the job market. In addition to learning basic accounting principles, you’ll be able to gain real-life experience through internships at local companies and join Alpha Beta Gamma, a prestigious national business honor society.

Ready to discover how an accounting degree could be the ideal math for you?

Accounting Associate Degree Program at NECC

View video on the NECC YouTube Channel.

What You’ll Get from Our Accounting Program

Where Numbers Meet Opportunity

In the world of accounting, every number tells a story, opening doors to endless possibilities. Here, at the intersection of numbers and opportunity, your analytical skills will not only be valued but will also become the foundation of your professional success in an exciting career in business, industry, banking, government, or non-profits. 

Because there are many job opportunities for part-time auditors and bookkeepers, some NECC Accounting graduates work while earning a bachelor’s degree.

Do Cool Stuff, Not Just Homework

Forget about endless lectures. We’re talking about interactive classes and workshops where you practice what you’ve learned in real-life scenarios, as well as projects that connect you with others in the local community. You’ll have the opportunity to join Alpha Beta Gamma, a prestigious national business honor society.

Gear Up for a Great Career as an Accountant or Auditor

At NECC, we’re here to help you build a skill set that’s in demand. Whether you see yourself as a Bookkeeper, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), or anything in between, we’ve got you covered. While guiding you every step of the way, our experienced instructors will show you how to:

  • An emoji version of the NECC Knight giving a thumbs upLearn accounting theory and practice, cost methods, and financial reporting
  • Begin working immediately as a bookkeeper, accountant, or auditor
  • Thrive while working in a wide variety of industries and business settings, including your home
  • Improve your communication skills
  • Gain real-world experience through internships at local companies

Your Schedule, Your Rules

Juggling life, work, and study? No problem. With a mix of online and on-campus options, NECC makes it easy for you to fit study into your life, not the other way around. Many classes in our Associate Degree in Accounting program are offered in hybrid format and generally require attendance a few hours per week at our Lawrence or Haverhill campuses during the day or evening. 

Once you’ve completed our Accounting Associate Degree, you have the option of applying those credits toward a bachelor’s degree in a related field at a four-year institution.


Quote:

My internship was at Bradford & Bigelow, Inc. and I was hired for a full-time position a month after I completed my internship.”

FAUSTO CABA, NECC ACCOUNTING MAJOR


Where This Journey Can Take You

An illustration of support for every student - students climbing a bar graphAn accountant is well-versed in how to help businesses, individuals, and organizations make critical financial decisions by collecting, tracking, and correcting their finances. Accountants are responsible for financial audits, reconciling bank statements, and ensuring financial records are accurate throughout the year.

Imagine yourself serving in one of these accounting roles:

  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • Management Accountant
  • Auditor
  • Government Accountant
  • Project Accountant
  • Tax Examiner
  • Many more!

Why Choose NECC for Your Accounting Degree?

We Get It

At NECC, inspiring our students to succeed is our top priority. Modern, relevant, and engaging, our Accounting Associate Degree courses are designed with you in mind.

NECC’s dedicated faculty and staff help students develop the skills they need to advance in the workforce or transfer to a four-year college or university. Our small class sizes ensure personalized attention and support, empowering students to thrive academically. We also offer a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising.

With over 60 credit programs, two convenient campuses, robust student support services, and a vibrant student life, NECC is committed to providing an affordable, accessible, and high-quality education for all.

Learn from the Pros

Our instructors aren’t just teachers. They’re experienced professionals who live and breathe accounting.

Experience Beyond the Classroom

At NECC, it’s not just about earning a degree. It’s about building a network, finding your tribe, and acquiring the tools necessary to chase your dreams. Our Haverhill and Lawrence campuses are home to a diverse range of clubs and organizations and activities that help students connect with peers who share similar interests.

Whether you choose to gain leadership experience, stay healthy and fit, join a club, or participate in varsity sports, and student activities, we’ll guarantee you’ll have fond memories of your time at NECC.

We Got Your Back

From the day you start until the day you land your first big gig, our team is here to support, guide, and cheer you on. At NECC, our goal is to empower our students by equipping them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive, wherever they choose to work.

Career Services

Career Services

Career Services is here to assist you at every stage in your career development.
NECC Connect

NECC Connect

Networking and mentoring opportunities for NECC students and alumni.
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What Can I Do With This Major?

Map your NECC major to hundreds of career paths and opportunities.

Got Prior Learning or Work Experience?

With NECC’s Credit for Prior Learning, you can move through the program at a faster pace, and graduate sooner! The best part is these credits are covered free-of-charge for eligible Massachusetts learners.

Support for Every Student

NECC offers a variety of student support services, including tutoring, counseling, and academic advising, to help students thrive academically. Want to transfer to NECC? Our advisors are happy to assist you.

Accommodations at NECC

As an ADA-compliant institution, NECC is committed to serving the needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors with disabilities, including those who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We partner with multiple entities are dedicated to ensuring accessibility and inclusivity for all members of the NECC community.

Do you have a documented disability? Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? If so, the Center for Accessibility Resources & Services (CARS) can connect you to the services you need to thrive at NECC.

Career outlook for accountants in Massachusetts

Accountants across America serve a vital role by helping individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions. Due to increasing demand, job opportunities for accountants and auditors are growing approximately 4% annually. At NECC, our Accounting program graduates have an exceptional rate of employment while working in various settings within the private, public, and government sectors.

How much can I expect to make as an accountant?

The earning potential for accountants in Massachusetts varies based on several factors, including education, certification, role, experience, and employment setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage¹ for an accountant or auditor in the U.S. is around $80,000.

With an Accounting Associate Degree from NECC, you’ll be qualified to pursue or advance your career in these accounting roles:

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Perform various accounting duties, including tax preparation, auditing, and consulting. The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $297,765 as of April, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $78,733 and $516,797.¹

Management Accountant

While working in the public, private, and government sectors, duties include recording and analyzing numbers, helping to choose and manage company investments, risk management, budgeting, planning, strategizing, and decision making. The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $70,348 as of April, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $64,118 and $77,569.¹

Auditor

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data. The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $110,079 as of April, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $100,514 and $120,694.¹

Government Accountant

While working at the federal, state, or local level, manage public funds, investigate white-collar crime, perform financial statement audits for government agencies and conduct research on emerging accounting issues. The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $68,416 as of April, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $61,535 and $74,835.¹

Project Accountant

As the financial gatekeeper, a project accountant manages the expenses, billing, and budget for one or more projects. The median annual wage in Boston, MA, for this role was $86,762 as of April, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $75,351 and $99,581.¹

Tax Examiner

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or businesses according to prescribed laws and regulations. The median annual wage in Massachusetts for this role was $85,043 as of March, 2024. The wage range typically falls between $76,199 and $95,177.¹

How to get started as an accountant in the Merrimack Valley

Feeling pumped? We thought so! Get more details about how to apply for the Accounting Associate Degree program. Still unsure that it’s the right fit for you?

Program Costs

For the 2024-2025 academic year, non-health for-credit courses have a cost of $263/credit for in-state students.

Program Info

A program pathway is the most efficient semester-to-semester sequence of courses recommended for students to complete their degree.

Transfer For A Bachelor's Degree
Faculty

Department Chair

Sheila Muller

Email: smuller@necc.mass.edu
Phone: 978-556-3342

Faculty Contact Information

Pamela Donahue, AS, BS, MEd, Faculty

Office: C-304 G
Phone: 978-556-3315
Email: pdonahue@necc.mass.edu

Adjunct Faculty Contact Information

John Sabbagh, BA, MEd, CAES

Email: jsabbagh@necc.mass.edu

Lori Capra, BS, MSA

Email: lcapra@necc.mass.edu

Cheryl Dick, BS, MSA

Email: cdick@necc.mass.edu

Roland Masse

Email: rmasse@necc.mass.edu

Kristen Quinn, BA, MSA

Email: kquinn@necc.mass.edu

Michael Deldon

Email: mdeldon@necc.mass.edu

Info Sessions & Tours

Come to an upcoming information session on either the Lawrence or the Haverhill campus and get all of your questions answered.

Stop by one of our Lawrence or Haverhill campus Career Planning and Advising Centers and meet with an enrollment counselor.

FAQs

How much does an associate degree cost?

Community college is now free for eligible Massachusetts residents!

For learners living in other New England states, we offer a reduced out-of-state rate. All others, including international students, pay the full out-of-state rate, before any financial aid awards are made. 

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

What types of financial aid are available?

There are three basic types of financial aid you can receive while attending NECC: grants and scholarships, loans, and work-study. Grants and scholarships are a gift and carry no work or repayment requirements. Loans, regardless of the lending source, are funds that must be repaid. Loan repayment terms vary, while the actual loan gives you an opportunity to borrow against future earnings.

Available in on-campus and off-campus formats, all work-study jobs are part-time and filled on an as-needed basis.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I apply for financial aid?

At NECC, we understand that financial aid can make earning your college degree a reality. Many types of aid are available; funds that can be used to help pay for tuition and fees, books, and other personal costs. To qualify, you must meet certain eligibility requirements and complete the application process.

While you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at any time after October 1 to receive funds for the following academic year, we recommend you apply as early as possible since some grant funds are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. The priority deadline for the state of Massachusetts is May 1. Although applications are accepted throughout the year, some state funds are awarded only to those who meet this deadline.

Please note: You must complete a FAFSA each academic year to be eligible for financial aid.

Tuition and Financial Aid at NECC

How do I transfer credits to NECC from another school?

Tried another college but had trouble making it work? At NECC, we make it easy for students to transfer from another school to ours. Roughly one-third of all NECC students have previously been enrolled at other colleges and then found success here. We welcome you to join them so you can get your education back on track!

Transfer to NECC

How do I transfer my NECC credits to a four-year school?

At NECC, our transfer agreements help ensure you are taking the right courses and electives so you can seamlessly transfer to the four-year college or university of your choice. We offer over 100 transfer agreements with public and private institutions.

Contact the Transfer and Advising Center to learn more.

Does the school assist with job placement?

At NECC, we want you to get a career you love. Our Career Services department is here to assist you at every stage in your career development. From career exploration and internships to landing that first job or navigating career changes, we can help you get on the right path to a career you will love! Whether you are a currently enrolled student or a recent grad, contact us and we can help you.

Our job placement specialists are here to learn about your academic interests and discuss related careers. NECC welcomes you to participate in our various career events and workshops and use our free resources to help you identify the right career for you.

How does NECC support diversity and inclusion?

NECC offers a positive and supportive learning environment of cultural inclusion; one which challenges prejudice, celebrates differences, embraces all identities, and inspires all students, staff, and faculty to succeed. As a Hispanic Serving Institution, we are passionate about closing racial equity gaps and ensuring the success of Hispanic members of our college and community.

What learning options are available if I work full-time?

At NECC, our staff and faculty understand that many of our students work or have other responsibilities outside the classroom. That’s why we offer flexible traditional and nontraditional learning options, including on-campus, online, and hybrid programs. Our online programs offer the same high-quality education and support as our on-campus programs, ensuring all students have an equal opportunity to thrive academically.

Online: Whether you want to complete one online class or your entire degree or certificate online, NECC’s online associate degree and certificate programs make it easy for you to enhance your knowledge and achieve your goals. On-campus: Northern Essex Community College is easily accessible from throughout the Merrimack Valley region to either of our campus locations in Haverhill and Lawrence, MA.

What is the average class size?

At NECC, inspiring our students and graduates to succeed is our top priority. That said, we understand that smaller class sizes help ensure that each student receives the personalized attention they deserve. Presently, our average class size is 16.3 students.

Does NECC have a study abroad program?

Are you interested in other cultures? Would you like to earn a degree while studying abroad? NECC understands that increasing your global awareness can help you gain an edge in the job market when you graduate. For students interested in other cultures or who want to travel and see new places, we offer an International Studies program.

Once accepted into the program, you can take advantage of short course opportunities to visit another country, study abroad for a semester, or increase your global awareness right here on campus by participating in One Geographic Region events or becoming a Global Scholar.

International Studies at NECC

Sources and Citations: ¹Salary information provided on this page is sourced from Salary.com. The data reflects estimates based on employer surveys and job listings. Actual salaries may vary based on location, experience, and other factors.

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