Bookkeeping, Certificate

The Bookkeeping Certificate is designed for students interested in entering the field of bookkeeping or as an additional credential for practicing accountants. This program is designed to be completed  in one year of full-time study.

The Bookkeeping Certificate program will provide the academic foundation necessary  for a position as a full-charge bookkeeper. In addition to the required accounting courses, the program includes courses in business, communications, and computer technology. Credits earned in this program  can be applied towards the 2-year A.A.S. Accounting  degree program at the college. While some of the coursework  required for the bookkeeping certificate degree program may be transferable  to a four-year college or university, this program is not intended for transfer. Students who wish to transfer and pursue a career in professional accountancy  through the attainment of a bachelor’s degree should enroll in the A.S. Business Administration  program. Individuals must hold a bachelor’s degree in order to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam.

The Bookkeeping Certificate program offers three opportunities  to attain professional  certifications  while enrolled in the program. These are Certified Bookkeeper, Fundamental Payroll Certification,  and the Certified QuickBooks User designations.

1. The Certified Bookkeeper exam is administered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). The AIPB certification is a high professional standard and the only national standard for bookkeepers. Becoming a Certified Bookkeeper  (CB) can increase earning potential, enhance professional status, and offer a decisive edge in any job market. Students have the opportunity  to schedule the exam through the AIPB as they work through the semester in the ACCT 250 Advanced Bookkeeping  Practice course, so that by the end of the semester they will have completed the national exam.
2. The Fundamental Payroll (FPC) Certification  designation is administered through the American Payroll Association  (APA). To pass the FPC exam, one must have knowledge of a number of payroll profession basics including  compliance  with government  regulations, paycheck calculation and accounting knowledge. The ACCT 229 Payroll Accounting course will provide the foundation to take this exam either during or after completing  the course.
3. The ACCT 225 Accounting  Systems and Software course teaches students the basic principles  of using the QuickBooks  computerized  accounting software. Quick Books is a practical skill for student job seekers. The ACCT 225 Accounting  Systems and Software course will provide the foundation to take the Certified QuickBooks  User exam either during or after completing the course.

Graduates  are able to:

• apply accrual accounting to transactions  that span fiscal periods
• distinguish  between the effects of accrual and deferral transactions  on financial statements
• identify and correct errors, using accounting concepts and basic tools of financial analysis
• reconcile  bank accounts, using accounting  principles
• prepare payroll transactions, from paying wages to depositing and reporting taxes
• calculate depreciation,  selecting the appropriate  method for book and tax purposes
• value inventory,  recording  costs, making entries, and reporting inventory on financial statements
• assess the use of basic internal controls to prevent theft, embezzlement or check and credit card fraud by employees, customers,  and/or vendors

This certificate is offered through the Business and Public Service Department,  whose mission is to provide challenging, career-oriented undergraduate  programs  to business  and public service students, educating them to the level of competency  needed for successful transfer to four-year institutions  or immediate career path entry into the global market.