PHX Reporter

Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is addressing the national shortage of accountants by launching a new Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. The program, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission in Fall 2024, will start in Fall 2025. It offers students an affordable path to a career in accounting without transferring to a four-year university.

“This new program reflects PVCC’s commitment to providing high-quality, accessible education that directly meets workforce demands,” stated Dr. Jana Schwartz, President of PVCC. “By offering a bachelor’s degree in accounting, we are equipping students with the skills and credentials they need to succeed in a vital industry while strengthening our local economy.”

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a six percent growth in employment for accountants and auditors through 2033, creating approximately 130,800 job openings annually due to retirements and career transitions.

PVCC's BBA builds on its Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting. This allows students to transition seamlessly from an associate degree into the bachelor's program at PVCC. The AAS program prepares students for entry-level roles and offers tracks in tax or accounting.

The bachelor’s program extends this foundation with knowledge areas like financial reporting and auditing. It focuses on core business principles and prepares students for careers across public accounting firms, government agencies, nonprofits, and corporate settings.

"We've developed the program with workforce in mind," explained Lynn F. Clark, division chair and accounting faculty. "There are so many paths students can take in accounting to find what they are truly passionate about."

Graduates will be prepared for various roles including auditing, tax planning, forensic accounting, management consulting across different industries globally.

For more information about enrollment details visit PVCC’s website.