About The Accounting Academy

Finance & Administrative Job Skills You Need to Take the Next Step

The founders of The Accounting Academy recognized that going to college after high school isn’t an option everyone wants to pursue.

You may have taken a different path and now want to develop additional finance fundamentals or office administration skills.
You might have a plan to attend college but need a well-paying role to help pay for tuition.
Or you may want to start an accounting or bookkeeping business.

The Accounting Academy designed educational programs and training materials to help you successfully reach your career goals. Our proprietary curriculum focuses on practical applications and real-world challenges, so you’re prepared to be effective and valuable in your role from the first day on the job. Your classroom experience will include the tasks and activities you’ll need to execute to meet employers’ and customers’ expectations.

Our CPA owner, operator, and instructor William Setterlund brings over 50 years of industry expertise to The Accounting Academy. Under his leadership, you'll get relevant, targeted training and first-hand knowledge about working in an office environment.

Through careful guidance, hands-on learning, and job placement support from The Accounting Academy, you’ll gain the competitive edge and confidence to succeed in accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation, or office administration.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Dr. Chitpasong Vazquez
President & Chief Academic Officer
The Accounting Academy

Dr. Chitpasong Vazquez is a seasoned senior executive with more than a decade of experience in education and academic leadership. She has held leadership roles across vocational, technical, and career-focused institutions, including serving as Associate Dean of the School of Business and Computer Science and as Dean of Education, where she oversaw programs in Business, Medical, and Computer Science disciplines.

With a strong background in education management, curriculum development, student relations, and compliance, Dr. Vazquez has successfully led the development and expansion of degree and certification programs. Under her leadership, over 1,500 students have earned industry-recognized certifications, resulting in strong job placement outcomes.

Dr. Vazquez holds a Ph.D. in Leadership, along with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In addition to her academic expertise, she brings over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience in business management, including leadership consulting, data analysis, event planning, and strategic partnership development.

Passionate about student success, Dr. Vazquez is deeply committed to building meaningful relationships with students, guiding them toward their academic and career goals, and creating pathways for a brighter future.

Myra Smith
Chief Operations Officer
The Accounting Academy

Myra Smith is a seasoned higher education executive with over 20 years of experience leading student-centered initiatives in both the for-profit and nonprofit education sectors.

Ms. Smith previously served in senior leadership roles at various higher educational institutions. She supported accreditation, strategic relations, and institutional growth for business and computer science programs serving a diverse international student population. Her role directed operations, led compliance for initial accreditation, and drove successful expansion in Business, Computer Science, and Healthcare Administration programs. A passionate advocate for student success, she also spearheaded support programs for veterans and underserved communities.

Myra is deeply engaged in professional and civic organizations. She is a member of the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), the Western Association of Veterans Education Specialists (WAVES), and the San Diego Navy League. She also serves as a board member for Supporting the Enlisted Project (STEP). Committed to mentoring and community service.

As a former student representative for the State of California in Washington, D.C., she successfully petitioned for expanded student and financial services, underscoring her lifelong dedication to educational equity and student advocacy.

MISSION STATEMENT

The Accounting Academy's mission is to prepare students for entry-level employment. We meet various employment needs, from full-time, part-time, temporary agency placement, or self-employment, to enhancing current job skills in accounting, bookkeeping, and related fields. The Accounting Academy provides a hands-on, real-world, practical education and training program in a positive, professional, and supportive environment.

Goals and Objectives

To provide a program of study and training that is educationally sound, current, high quality, and real-world focused.
To offer a clear and consistent admissions process that accurately represents the program and the institution while producing sufficient enrollments to sustain and maintain the program.
To provide student services that recognize individual differences and ensure successful student retention, graduation, and employability where applicable.

To establish and maintain employer relationships that connect students to the industry contacts necessary for their success.
To demonstrate the effectiveness of private educational training, thereby providing essential skills to support a productive workforce.
To execute proper and ethical administration of all operational and financial aspects of the institution.

Do you have an affinity for numbers? Do you enjoy working independently and digging into detailed activities? The Accounting Academy can help you build on your interests and develop the technical and communication skills you need to work in accounting, bookkeeping, or office administration confidently.

Opening Doors to Successful Careers Since 2006

Opening Doors to Successful Careers Since 2006

Finance & Administrative Job Skills You Need to Take the Next Step

Meet Our Leadership Team

MISSION STATEMENT

Goals and Objectives

Let Us Help You Jump-Start Your Career