Carl Sandburg College offers two accounting programs: 1) an Associate in Applied Science degree program that provides skills for accounting assistant positions through a two-year course of study, and 2) an Accounting Certificate program that takes nine months and prepares students for entry-level positions in an accounting office by providing an appropriate background. Accountants help businesses run efficiently through financial services like preparing financial documents, analyzing data, and ensuring tax compliance. They typically work in offices, though some self-employed accountants work from home, and demand for accountants with certifications or specialized skills is high.