Purpose Statement:

All students in this program are expected to meet certain essential functions/technical standards which are essential for successful completion of all phases of the program and which reflect industry requirements and standards. To verify the students’ ability to perform these essential functions, students may be required to demonstrate the following technical standards: 

Standard Definition of Standard Example(s) of Technical Standard
1. Critical Thinking Skills Use of judgment and problem-solving

Application of ethical standards

Researching tax or financial information based on client’s situation/needs.

Based on research, deciding on best plan of action for a given situation.

Using judgment to decide when a decision is unethical versus illegal and responding appropriately.

2. Mobility/Motor Skills Ability to perform office functions such as sitting for prolonged periods, navigating work stations and office setting Copying, filing client records, etc.

Readying mailings

Lifting items in an office environment

3. Tactile Skills Use of computer keyboard Data entry and software related tasks are inherent to this profession. Most daily functions are carried out using a computer.
4. Auditory Skills Listen to client needs/situation and respond accordingly.

Interact in the work environment becoming to generate group decisions and processes.

Professional meetings between team members and/or clients which use collaboration and discussion to generate decisions.
5. Visual Skills Ability to tolerate viewing a computer screen for extended lengths of time Data entry and software related tasks are inherent to this profession. Most daily functions are carried out using a computer.
6. Communication Skills Ability to communicate orally with others

Ability to communicate effectively in writing

Comprehension and understanding of spoken and written language

Discussion in both organizational and client meetings.

Email, business letters, financial reporting and other business correspondence.

7. Interpersonal Skills Ability to work with others in a variety of settings and situations.

Requires the ability to listen to others and determine their wants and needs

The office environment is a group setting where assignments are tasked to the team for completion, for example an audit team will work together to complete the steps required to audit the financial report of a client.
8. Behavioral Skills Maintaining hygiene and dress requirements for an office setting

Ability to adapt to changing environments and work related challenges

Daily dress and hygiene for business and professionalism.

Adapting to procedural changes in the work environment due to changes in processes and/or technology.

In the case of a qualified individual with a documented disability, appropriate and reasonable accommodations will be made unless to do so would fundamentally alter the essential training elements, cause undue hardship, or produce a direct threat to the safety of the patient or student.

Disability Services Statement

The College has a legal obligation to provide appropriate accommodations for students with documented disabilities. If you have a disability and are seeking accommodations, you should contact the Disability Services Office (Sink Building; 694-1813) and notify your course instructor of your disability as appropriate. Students should initiate this process as soon as possible (prior to the start of classes and/or field experience).