Accounting and Finance Specialization
Program Overview
Accounting and Finance Specialization
Overview
The Accounting and Finance Specialization is a 5-course online program designed for industry professionals who require further certification for advancement or promotion in their field. The program is particularly beneficial for those who have accumulated experience and are constrained by time and distance from attending regular classes.
Advantages
- Learn while you earn - continue to work while studying
- Learn on your own time and at your own speed
- Select the curriculum which particularly suits you
- Pay as you go - course by course
Available Courses
Supervision in the Hospitality Industry (#250)
This course teaches the skills that can help you develop effective supervision and management skills that are essential to success in the industry. Topics include how to recruit, select, and train; increase productivity; control labor costs; communicate effectively; manage conflict and change; and use time management techniques. Resources on creating a professional development plan for your hospitality career can help you set the direction for future educational and professional endeavors.
Hotel and Restaurant Accounting (#261)
This is AHLEI’s foundational, introductory accounting course. You need no prior accounting experience to take this course. This course will help you develop a solid understanding of hotel and restaurant accounting procedures, with a focus on the computerized accounting used in today’s hospitality accounting situations. You’ll learn about taxation of business income, the role of governmental agencies, and how to read and analyze financial statements. The most recent edition of this textbook incorporates several chapters from Accounting for Hospitality Managers #362.
Accounting for Hospitality Managers (#362)
Learn to understand and apply hospitality departmental accounting at the supervisory and managerial levels. This course includes information on budgeting expenses, forecasting sales, and financial decision making.
Hospitality Industry Managerial Accounting (#462)
This textbook includes everything students will need to gain a clear understanding of managerial accounting in a hospitality setting. The new edition reflects tax changes and updated operating statistics. It also has sections on revenue management and dynamic pricing, accounting for gift cards, unsecured bank loans, and profitability indexes.
Managing Technology in the Hospitality Industry (#468)
Today’s hospitality operations rely increasingly on computer technology. This course provides a solid grounding in hospitality technology and the management of information systems. Content includes applications for all functional areas, including reservations, rooms, food and beverage, sales and event management, and accounting. You’ll learn the basics of purchasing, implementing, maintaining, and managing today’s information systems. This course also explores systems security and maintenance, e-commerce, and hospitality careers in information technology.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Swiss Alpine Center offers a 5-course Accounting & Finance Specialization Online/Distance Learning program. This distance learning program is designed for working professionals who have experience, need further certification for advancement, and are limited by time and distance from attending regular classes. Enrollment can begin at any time. The program's advantages include learning while earning, studying at one's own pace, selecting a suitable curriculum, and paying per course.
Outline:
The Accounting and Finance Specialization consists of five courses:
Supervision in the Hospitality Industry (#250):
This course focuses on developing effective supervision and management skills essential for success in the hospitality industry. Topics include recruitment, selection, training, increasing productivity, controlling labor costs, effective communication, conflict and change management, time management, and creating a professional development plan.
Hotel and Restaurant Accounting (#261):
This introductory course requires no prior accounting experience. It covers hotel and restaurant accounting procedures, emphasizing computerized accounting. Topics include taxation of business income, the role of governmental agencies, and analyzing financial statements. It incorporates chapters from Accounting for Hospitality Managers (#362).
Accounting for Hospitality Managers (#362):
This course teaches understanding and applying hospitality departmental accounting at supervisory and managerial levels. Topics include budgeting expenses, forecasting sales, and financial decision-making.
Hospitality Industry Managerial Accounting (#462):
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of managerial accounting in a hospitality setting. The content reflects tax changes, updated operating statistics, and includes sections on revenue management, dynamic pricing, accounting for gift cards, unsecured bank loans, and profitability indexes. Topics include applications for all functional areas (reservations, rooms, food and beverage, sales, event management, and accounting), purchasing, implementing, maintaining, and managing information systems, systems security and maintenance, e-commerce, and hospitality careers in information technology.
Other:
The program is offered online/through distance learning. It is specifically beneficial for industry professionals.
Alpine Center, the Swiss Business School For International Hotel & Tourism Management Education
Overview:
Alpine Center is a global educational alliance specializing in hospitality, tourism, events, and culinary arts management education. It was established in Switzerland in 1986 with a mission to take Swiss hospitality education to countries where tourism was developing. Its flagship campus was established in Greece in 1987 and offers a wide range of programs, including certificates, diplomas, undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, with a focus on practical application of theory and industry placements. the school boasts a vast graduate network with alumni holding leading positions in the hospitality industry worldwide. The Online Campus in Switzerland offers a variety of hospitality management courses online.
Services Offered:
On-campus and distance learning programs:
- Students can choose to study on campus or remotely, catering to different learning preferences and schedules.
Paid industry placements:
- Integral to the curriculum, these placements provide students with practical experience in the hospitality industry, putting theory into practice.
Foundation and English courses:
- These courses prepare students for the academic demands of the programs and ensure they have the necessary language skills.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The school has two campuses: one in Greece with an operating 4-star hotel and another online campus based in Switzerland. Students can expect a diverse and international learning environment, with opportunities to meet people from all over the world. The on-campus experience in Greece includes access to the hotel facilities and the chance to gain practical experience in a real-world setting.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Pioneering leader in hospitality, tourism, and culinary education:
- The school has a long history of providing high-quality education in these fields with an extensive link to the industry, locally and globally.
Vast graduate network:
- Students benefit from the connections and opportunities provided by the school's extensive network of alumni.
Practical experience through industry placements:
- The focus on practical experience ensures students are well-prepared for the demands of the hospitality industry.
International learning environment:
- Students have the opportunity to learn from and interact with peers from diverse backgrounds. In the last 38 years, Alpine Center welcomed students from 70 different countries.
Academic Programs:
The school offers a wide range of programs, including:
Hotel Management:
- A variety of courses, including BA(Hons) International Hospitality & Tourism Management and Swiss Alpine Diploma in Hotel Management. In 2026 two new programs will be launched: MSc Luxury Hospitality & Tourism Management, and a BSc(Hons) Hospitality and Events Management.
Culinary Arts:
- Two types of programs are offered: 2-year Swiss Alpine Diploma in Culinary Arts Management and a 2-year Swiss Alpine Diploma in Culinary Arts Operations.
Distance Learning:
- A wide range of distance learning/online courses are available, including 12-course Hospitality Management Diploma Online and 5 Course of Specialization in Rooms Division, Food & Beverage Management, Accounting and Finance, Sales & Marketing, events & Conventions Management, and Spa Management.
Postgraduate Studies:
- An MSc in International Hospitality & Tourism Management, and in 2025, an MSc in Luxury Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Spa Management:
- Courses in Spa Management are offered online.
Cruise Management:
- Courses in Cruise Hotel Operations Management are offered online and on campus.
Foundation & English Courses:
- Courses to prepare students for the academic demands of the programs.
Security Management:
Courses in Hospitality Security Management Career Diploma and Advanced Certificate in Applied Security and Risk Management.
Other:
Undergraduate Programmes are open to all applicants who hold a high school diploma (or equivalent) with a minimum final grade of 60%.
Applicants must also successfully complete an interview with a member of the Senior Team for Exceptional Entry.
Throughout the span of three years, SAC not only imparted theoretical knowledge but also nurtured essential practical competencies crucial for thriving in the ever-evolving hospitality sector. The faculty’s unwavering commitment to cultivating a global outlook proved invaluable, particularly for an international student like me.
....track record of producing successful graduates in the hospitality industry. The alumni network and career support services provided by this institution are exceptional and will undoubtedly help me kick-start my career.
