Virginia's Accounting pathway develops expertise in financial record-keeping, accounting principles, financial analysis, and auditing—preparing students for careers as accountants, bookkeepers, and financial professionals. This pathway combines mathematics with financial principles.
Students study accounting principles, bookkeeping, financial statement analysis, tax basics, auditing concepts, and accounting software. They maintain accounting records, prepare financial statements, and analyze financial information through hands-on practice and simulations.
Graduates work as bookkeepers, junior accountants, accounting clerks, tax preparers, or accounting specialists. Every Virginia business requires accounting. Advanced students pursue accounting at Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, and other universities.
Accounting at a Glance
4
Courses
6
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Virginia's accounting standards address accounting principles, financial reporting, tax concepts, and accounting ethics. Standards align with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Students demonstrate competency through accounting projects, financial analysis, and accounting software proficiency. The state integrates QuickBooks and Excel skills.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Accounting Fundamentals and Bookkeeping |
| Financial Accounting |
| Accounting Software and Applications |
| Financial Analysis and Tax Concepts |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓W!SE Financial Literacy Certification
- ✓QuickBooks Certified User
- ✓Intuit Certified Bookkeeping Professional
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist - Excel
- ✓Microsoft Office Specialist Expert - Excel
- ✓National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Bookkeeper
Entry LevelSalary range: $40,540 - $58,960
Accounting Clerk
Entry LevelSalary range: $40,540 - $58,960
Junior Accountant
ExperiencedSalary range: $66,560 - $109,670
Accounting Manager
ExperiencedSalary range: $66,560 - $109,670
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern in accounting departments of corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, and accounting firms throughout Virginia.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in DECA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Virginia CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Virginia Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Virginia's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Virginia standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Virginia
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