As National Financial Awareness Day approaches on August 14, Scottsdale Community College (SCC) is proud to spotlight its growing suite of programs designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the financial sector. From fast-track certificates to a newly launched four-year degree, SCC offers multiple on-ramps into a rapidly expanding field while providing a reliable pipeline of qualified talent for local employers.
SCC’s financial education pathway includes an industry-informed curriculum at every level, designed in partnership with major employers such as Charles Schwab, Bank of America, Vanguard, and others.
“SCC has proved to be an invaluable partner in raising the standard of financial services education in the Valley,” says Valerie Jones, Vice Chancellor of Workforce & Economic Development for the Maricopa County Community College District, who brings decades of experience in the financial services industry. “Their institutional flexibility and expert instructors have allowed us to co-create curricula that prepare students for the real-world demands of these jobs.”
SCC is launching its first four-year program, the Bachelor of Business Administration – Management, in the Fall 2025 semester. This degree combines leadership-focused coursework with real-world business applications in finance, IT, marketing, HR, and more. With tuition a fraction of the cost of most universities, SCC’s bachelor's program makes a business degree more accessible than ever before. The Associate in Applied Science in Accounting prepares students for entry-level jobs such as accounting clerk, payroll clerk, or tax preparer, and lays the groundwork for advanced certifications. This program is ideal for individuals seeking to transition into a stable, well-paying career quickly.
SCC also offers several certificates tailored to meet specific industry needs. The Financial Services and Financial Services: Prelicensure programs are designed to prepare students for the Securities Industry Essentials exam, which is required for careers in wealth management, investment, and banking. It also prepares students for the Certified Bookkeeper (CB) exam. The Certified Bookkeeping certificate – available as a fast-track option – equips students for roles in CPA firms, corporate accounting departments, or freelance bookkeeping. Those pursuing tax specialization can pursue the Enrolled Agent certificate program, which prepares students for the Special Enrollment Exam (SEE) and enables them to represent clients before the IRS. SCC also offers a more general Accounting certificate, providing foundational skills for various entry-level roles across the financial sector.
As Arizona’s economy continues to diversify and grow, SCC’s mission is to ensure that students and businesses have access to the education and training needed to succeed.
For more information, please contact Bill Wyngaard, Residential Faculty at [email protected] or (480) 425-6912. Learn more about the financial education options available at SCC.