BS in Accounting Technology in the

Philippines
The BS in Accounting Technology program centers on the basic accounting skills,
as well as business and finance skills that will help students pursue careers in
bookkeeping, auditing, tax preparation, and business analysis. This program is
designed to equip students with knowledge, skills and values that will make them
competent professionals in the field of accounting.
Some of the subjects taught in this course are:
Fundamentals of Accounting
Cost Accounting & Cost Management
Management Accounting
Auditing
Basic Finance
Income Taxation
Microeconomic Theory and Practice
Macroeconomic Theory and Practice
Business and Transfer Taxes
Principles of Management and Organization
Principles of Marketing
Business Statistics
Technical Writing: Business
Computer Application for Accountants
Accounting Information Systems

This program is taught through classroom-based frontal instructions, case studies,

projects, group activities, as well as other ways (e.g., hands-on training on
accounting software; exercises on situational problems) to simulate actual work
situations.

Is Accounting Technology a profession?

Yes, Accounting Technology is a profession. A graduate of BS in Accounting

Technology who passed the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Exam can work
as an accounting technician whose job involves valuable accounting-related jobs
such as assisting with the preparation of accounts, bookkeeping, monitoring
company expenses, and managing staff payroll. Graduates can also work as
bookkeepers, audit staff, accounting clerks, or financial controllers.

What are the admission requirements for

BSAT?
Requirements at each school may differ, but these are the common requirements:
Must be a high school graduate.
Those who did not complete high school education may opt to first attend
Alternative Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educational Placement
Test (PEPT) to qualify for college. However, some universities only offer selected
courses for PEPT passers admission.
Must pass the college entrance examination
Must pass the qualifying test implemented by the Accountancy Department of
the school
Must pass the interview conducted by the college / university admission officer
Medical laboratory results and health certificate
Good Moral certificate from the previous school (sometimes from enrollees
Barangay)
Some schools require a particular rating in the National Secondary Assessment
Test (NSAT)

What skills will help you succeed in this

course?
Being comfortable with numbers accounting is all about numbers. You will
be working with numbers all the time so being comfortable with that is a must.

 Being organized and punctual in bookkeeping and accounting everything

needs to be just right, all the numbers need to be correct and being organized
and orderly is a big plus.

Basic mathematical skills you just need to have basic computational skills
and be equipped with a strong foundation of basic mathematical concepts in
order for you to solve problems.

Problem solving the ability to discern the nature of the problem, link the
different information and data at hand in order to arrive at the best solution, as
well as the ability to evaluate the different applicable solutions available.

The ability to quickly learn how to operate software most tasks related to
accounting are done with the use of specialized software.

English skills the ability to read, write, and communicate well in English is
necessary because most of the technical literature and required reading
materials are in this language.

Interpersonal skills the ability to communicate and interact harmoniously

with other people will definitely help you work on group projects and activities
with your classmates.

How difficult is this course?

This course is of average difficulty. Although this course is a bit technical, it is still
not as difficult as BS in Accountancy or business administration courses.

How long does it take to complete BS in

Accounting Technology in the Philippines?
Normally, the BSAT program takes 4 years to complete. Some schools who apply
the trimestral school calendar system do the program within a shorter period of
time.

BS in Accounting Technology vs. BS in

Accountancy

 Length
The BS in Accounting Technology program takes 4 years, while the BS in
Accountancy program takes 5 years to complete and requires an additional 5-6
months for the review classes for the CPA board exam.

Difficulty Level
The subjects taught in BS in Accountancy are more difficult and cover a broader
scope compared to those taught in Accounting Technology. Furthermore, what
makes BS in Accountancy more difficult is the need to take the Certified Public
Accountant (CPA) Board Exam wherein more than 50% fail.

Career opportunities
Graduates of BS in Accountancy who passed the licensure exam, are qualified for
jobs that require a CPA degree, and are more qualified for advanced positions in
the accounting departments of a private and government organizations.
Moreover, accountants earn higher salaries levels compared to accounting
technicians.

On The Job Training / Internship

The minimum number of hours for internship as required by the Commission on
Higher Education is 160 hours. Some schools help the students find companies
where they can work as an intern, while others let their students find their own.
Some companies provide travel or food allowance for their interns, while others do
not. (source)

Is there a board examination for BSAT?

Graduates of BS in Accounting Technology can take the CAT (Certified Accounting
Technician) exam and become a certified accounmting technician. The CAT Exam
can be taken at three levels, wherein the first level involves Practical Accounting,
the second level centers on Cost Accounting, while the third one is about Taxation
and Payroll Accounting. By passing these exams, you can become a registered
accounting technician in the UK as well.
If you plan on working in the government sector, you can take the competency
examination called the Civil Service Examination. Those who pass the civil service

examination are conferred a civil service eligibility, a basic requirement for

entrance to government service.

Career opportunities for BSAT graduates

Entry Level jobs
Jobs requiring no prior to minimal level of experience:

Bookkeeper this job involves recording the financial transactions of a

company. A bookkeeper is in charge of recording transactions such as
purchases, sales, receipts, as well as other payments by and to the
organization.

Tax Accounting Staf this job includes tasks such as completing the
monthly submissions of all sales tax reporting and payments, managing all
sales tax and business licenses, as well as developing and documenting tax
return procedures.

Management Accounting Staf this job involves aiding in managerial

planning, developing and managing financial systems, negotiating and
acquiring finance for projects, as well as controlling income and expenditure.

Budget Analyst this job entails developing expenditures and revenue

forecasts, consulting the management on final budget preparation, making
recommendations on budget matters, and preparing statistical reports with
alternative approaches for solving issues.

Credit Analyst this job involves duties such as assessing and interpreting
financial information, conducting risk assessment analysis, aiding in the
enhancement of the quality of credit applications, as well as making
recommendations on important policy changes.

Internal Audit Staf this job involves evaluating and ensuring that the risk
management system of the company is functioning as intended, reporting
risk management issues, evaluating a regulatory compliance program with
consultation from legal counsel, maintaining open communication with the
management and the audit committee, as well as supporting the companys
anti-fraud programs and policies.

Managerial Positions

Comptroller this managerial position involves being in charge of

supervising the quality of accounting and financial reporting in a company.
This job involves duties such as monitoring the financial system, ensuring

accurate records of financial transactions, and managing the payroll.

Financial Services Manager this job involves being responsible for the
management and administration of the Accounting Departments financial
services, as well as planning and implementing activities related to the

payroll, fixed asset accounting, and accounts payable/receivable.

Accounting Manager this senior position entails developing and
implementing company systems and policies for obtaining, verifying, and
reporting financial information, managing accounting staff, and maintaining

the organizations financial security by establishing internal controls.

Senior Fraud Examiner this job involves investigating money laundering
schemes, facilitating surveillance work, and advising companies on how to

improve fraud detection.

Senior Forensic Internal Auditor this job involves undertaking business
process audit mandates and provide expertise in occasional forensics
mandates when required, conducting forensic audits, and analyzing complex

business, legal, and financial processes.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) this advanced position involves supervising
the finance unit of the company and serving as the chief financial
spokesperson. Some of the duties include monitoring the performance and
training the finance unit, providing the Chief Operating Officer with an
operating budget for projects, overseeing payroll and purchasing activity,
monitoring banking activities of the organization, and overseeing the

production of accurate monthly reports.

Vice President of Corporate Finance this job involves duties such as
being a key member of the decision-making team in the company,
developing financial operating reports, annual plans, preparing financial
materials for boards of directors, as well as overseeing cash, investments,
and insurance programs.

Jobs not related to accounting that graduates

can apply to

Call center agent answers phone calls and inquiries of clients and
provides customer support, usually to people from other countries
Administrative Staf personnel responsible for the organization and
management of office duties and tasks; positions that include office

secretary, personal assistant and office clerk

Freelancer working online doing online jobs for clients abroad, such as
data entry, article writing, SEO, customer support, administrative support
etc., which mainly depends on your skills

Career Opportunities Abroad

There are very few job opportunities abroad for Filipino graduates of BS in
Accounting Technology, mainly in middle eastern countries. (source)

Salary Levels
Graduates of BS in Accounting Technology can pursue careers in the fields of
accounting, finance, and in business which is why salary levels can vary greatly.
However, if you decided to work as an Accounting Staff, you can earn PhP 8,500PhP 12,000 per month as a fresh graduate, PhP 10,000- PhP 15,000 if you already
have a 1-4 years experience, and PhP 13,000-PhP 18,000 for more advanced
positions. (source)

Is Accounting Technology a profession?

Yes, Accounting Technology is a profession. A graduate of BS in Accounting
Technology who passed the Certified Accounting Technician (CAT) Exam can work
as an accounting technician whose job involves valuable accounting-related jobs
such as assisting with the preparation of accounts, bookkeeping, monitoring
company expenses, and managing staff payroll. Graduates can also work as
bookkeepers, audit staff, accounting clerks, or financial controllers.

What are the admission requirements for

BSAT?
Requirements at each school may differ, but these are the common requirements:
Must be a high school graduate.
Those who did not complete high school education may opt to first attend
Alternative Learning System (ALS) and pass the Philippine Educational Placement
Test (PEPT) to qualify for college. However, some universities only offer selected
courses for PEPT passers admission.
Must pass the college entrance examination
Must pass the qualifying test implemented by the Accountancy Department of
the school
Must pass the interview conducted by the college / university admission officer
Medical laboratory results and health certificate
Good Moral certificate from the previous school (sometimes from enrollees
Barangay)
Some schools require a particular rating in the National Secondary Assessment
Test (NSAT)

What skills will help you succeed in this

course?
Being comfortable with numbers accounting is all about numbers. You will
be working with numbers all the time so being comfortable with that is a must.

Being organized and punctual in bookkeeping and accounting everything

needs to be just right, all the numbers need to be correct and being organized
and orderly is a big plus.

Basic mathematical skills you just need to have basic computational skills
and be equipped with a strong foundation of basic mathematical concepts in
order for you to solve problems.

Problem solving the ability to discern the nature of the problem, link the
different information and data at hand in order to arrive at the best solution, as
well as the ability to evaluate the different applicable solutions available.

 The ability to quickly learn how to operate software most tasks related to
accounting are done with the use of specialized software.

English skills the ability to read, write, and communicate well in English is
necessary because most of the technical literature and required reading
materials are in this language.

Interpersonal skills the ability to communicate and interact harmoniously

with other people will definitely help you work on group projects and activities
with your classmates.

How difficult is this course?

This course is of average difficulty. Although this course is a bit technical, it is still
not as difficult as BS in Accountancy or business administration courses.

How long does it take to complete BS in

Accounting Technology in the Philippines?
Normally, the BSAT program takes 4 years to complete. Some schools who apply
the trimestral school calendar system do the program within a shorter period of
time.

BS in Accounting Technology vs. BS in

Accountancy
Length
The BS in Accounting Technology program takes 4 years, while the BS in
Accountancy program takes 5 years to complete and requires an additional 5-6
months for the review classes for the CPA board exam.

Difficulty Level
The subjects taught in BS in Accountancy are more difficult and cover a broader
scope compared to those taught in Accounting Technology. Furthermore, what
makes BS in Accountancy more difficult is the need to take the Certified Public
Accountant (CPA) Board Exam wherein more than 50% fail.

 Career opportunities
Graduates of BS in Accountancy who passed the licensure exam, are qualified for
jobs that require a CPA degree, and are more qualified for advanced positions in
the accounting departments of a private and government organizations.
Moreover, accountants earn higher salaries levels compared to accounting
technicians.

On The Job Training / Internship

The minimum number of hours for internship as required by the Commission on
Higher Education is 160 hours. Some schools help the students find companies
where they can work as an intern, while others let their students find their own.
Some companies provide travel or food allowance for their interns, while others do
not. (source)

Is there a board examination for BSAT?

Graduates of BS in Accounting Technology can take the CAT (Certified Accounting
Technician) exam and become a certified accounmting technician. The CAT Exam
can be taken at three levels, wherein the first level involves Practical Accounting,
the second level centers on Cost Accounting, while the third one is about Taxation
and Payroll Accounting. By passing these exams, you can become a registered
accounting technician in the UK as well.
If you plan on working in the government sector, you can take the competency
examination called the Civil Service Examination. Those who pass the civil service
examination are conferred a civil service eligibility, a basic requirement for
entrance to government service.

Career opportunities for BSAT graduates

Entry Level jobs
Jobs requiring no prior to minimal level of experience:

Bookkeeper this job involves recording the financial transactions of a

company. A bookkeeper is in charge of recording transactions such as

purchases, sales, receipts, as well as other payments by and to the

organization.

Tax Accounting Staf this job includes tasks such as completing the
monthly submissions of all sales tax reporting and payments, managing all
sales tax and business licenses, as well as developing and documenting tax
return procedures.

Management Accounting Staf this job involves aiding in managerial

planning, developing and managing financial systems, negotiating and
acquiring finance for projects, as well as controlling income and expenditure.

Budget Analyst this job entails developing expenditures and revenue

forecasts, consulting the management on final budget preparation, making
recommendations on budget matters, and preparing statistical reports with
alternative approaches for solving issues.

Credit Analyst this job involves duties such as assessing and interpreting
financial information, conducting risk assessment analysis, aiding in the
enhancement of the quality of credit applications, as well as making
recommendations on important policy changes.

Internal Audit Staf this job involves evaluating and ensuring that the risk
management system of the company is functioning as intended, reporting
risk management issues, evaluating a regulatory compliance program with
consultation from legal counsel, maintaining open communication with the
management and the audit committee, as well as supporting the companys
anti-fraud programs and policies.

Managerial Positions

Comptroller this managerial position involves being in charge of

supervising the quality of accounting and financial reporting in a company.
This job involves duties such as monitoring the financial system, ensuring
accurate records of financial transactions, and managing the payroll.

Financial Services Manager this job involves being responsible for the
management and administration of the Accounting Departments financial
services, as well as planning and implementing activities related to the
payroll, fixed asset accounting, and accounts payable/receivable.

Accounting Manager this senior position entails developing and

implementing company systems and policies for obtaining, verifying, and
reporting financial information, managing accounting staff, and maintaining
the organizations financial security by establishing internal controls.

Senior Fraud Examiner this job involves investigating money laundering

schemes, facilitating surveillance work, and advising companies on how to
improve fraud detection.

Senior Forensic Internal Auditor this job involves undertaking business

process audit mandates and provide expertise in occasional forensics
mandates when required, conducting forensic audits, and analyzing complex
business, legal, and financial processes.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) this advanced position involves supervising

the finance unit of the company and serving as the chief financial
spokesperson. Some of the duties include monitoring the performance and
training the finance unit, providing the Chief Operating Officer with an
operating budget for projects, overseeing payroll and purchasing activity,
monitoring banking activities of the organization, and overseeing the
production of accurate monthly reports.

Vice President of Corporate Finance this job involves duties such as

being a key member of the decision-making team in the company,
developing financial operating reports, annual plans, preparing financial
materials for boards of directors, as well as overseeing cash, investments,
and insurance programs.

Jobs not related to accounting that graduates

can apply to

Call center agent answers phone calls and inquiries of clients and
provides customer support, usually to people from other countries

Administrative Staf personnel responsible for the organization and

management of office duties and tasks; positions that include office
secretary, personal assistant and office clerk

Freelancer working online doing online jobs for clients abroad, such as
data entry, article writing, SEO, customer support, administrative support
etc., which mainly depends on your skills

Career Opportunities Abroad

There are very few job opportunities abroad for Filipino graduates of BS in
Accounting Technology, mainly in middle eastern countries. (source)

Salary Levels
Graduates of BS in Accounting Technology can pursue careers in the fields of
accounting, finance, and in business which is why salary levels can vary greatly.
However, if you decided to work as an Accounting Staff, you can earn PhP 8,500PhP 12,000 per month as a fresh graduate, PhP 10,000- PhP 15,000 if you already
have a 1-4 years experience, and PhP 13,000-PhP 18,000 for more advanced
positions. (source)

http://www.finduniversity.ph/majors/bs-in-accounting-technology-philippines/ april23

Bachelor of Science in Accounting Technology

The BSAcT is a program that prepares students for a career in the accounting and finance divisions of organizations in the private
and public sectors. The accounting courses in the BSAcT program, combined with business management courses, equip students
with the needed skills, proficiency, and intellectual abilities to lead successful careers. All four major sectors of accountancy, namely
public practice, commerce and industry, government, and education, need support staff who will work as bookkeepers, financial
analysts, audit staff, inventory control accountants, general ledger accountants, receivables accountants, payables accountants, and
other functions where the CPA credential is not required. The BSAcT graduate could adequately respond to this need.
The BSAcT program of the University of the Cordilleras has a curriculum spread over nine terms or three calendar years. This
feature enables the student to obtain the BSAcT degree one year earlier than in most schools, and allows the student to save
precious time and financial resources.
The program's strong finance element also opens up career opportunities in non-accounting related aspects of commerce, banking
and other financial institutions. In addition, the BSAcT graduate can be employed in the highly lucrative Business Process
Outsourcing industry, rendering financial and accounting services.
BSAcT is a non-Board program. The BSAcT student if qualified, may pursue the 4-year Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program
and be eligible to take the licensure examination for Certified Public Accountant.

http://www.uc-bcf.edu.ph/Programs/Department?College=coa&Course=BSAT

The accounting industry, like the law and other professional services, took some
serious blows during the recession. But now the number-crunchers have something
to be happy about. The market for accounting jobs has begun to pick up.

Weve seen a broad-based increase in both temp-to-hire and full-time jobs, says

Brett Good, a district president at the staffing firm Robert Half International. The
increase is cutting across industry sectors and regions. Its not just in health care.
The job Web site Indeed.com currently has 124,637 job postings in the accounting
industry, 10% more than in February 2009. The jobs are spread throughout the
U.S., but theyre especially concentrated in New York, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago
and Dallas.
In Pictures: Where The Accounting Jobs Are
Good says the opportunities are especially strong for tax professionals, financial
analysts and compliance officers and in industries such as manufacturing and food
services. Many accounting firms are riding the green wave and hiring more people
who can help companies navigate climate change regulation.
Michael Baron, a recruiting executive at PricewaterhouseCoopers, says that since
the beginning of November, PWC has hired 500 new employees who had a year or
more of experience. Candidates at the manager level or above and with six or more
years of experience are in the highest demand, because they bring in the most
revenue for the firm.
Weve seen some needs pick up on the tax side in Texas, especially in international

tax, Baron says. He adds that PWC has been hiring all over the East Coast,
especially in New York, because of the financial services there.
The starting salary for jobs in bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable and
payroll tends to be between $25,000 and $35,000, depending on location. Certified
public accountants generally start at around $55,000 and can earn much more in
certain specialties. They can work for corporations, private clients, nonprofits or
government offices, handling matters such as taxes, financial analysis and
employee health care benefits.
Good says salaries were going down in 2009, but now theyre rising again,
especially for job candidates with experience dealing with public companies or the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
Job growth is strong in Dallas and Houston, where the oil and health care

industries and the smaller businesses that support them need plenty of
accountants. A search on Indeed.com can turn up hundreds of accounting jobs
Texas.
In Houston, energy firms like Occidental Petroleum , Horizon Wind Energy and
Direct Energy are hiring. In Dallas there are positions open at Bank of America ,
Santander Consumer and Energy Future Holdings, among other businesses.
In New York, home to many companies that accepted Troubled Asset Relief
Program funds, increasing government scrutiny of business means increasing
opportunity for accountants. Not only financial services firms but
alsoSiemens , Coach , McGraw-Hill and Aon have all recently posted job openings.
Inexperienced recent college graduates are in the least demand. Many
organizations laid off entry-level staffers when the economy soured, and they often
take them back only as temps.
http://www.forbes.com/2010/03/19/accounting-jobs-employment-leadership-careers-hiring.html
http://census.gov.ph/search/node/accounting%20industry