The bookkeeping certificate is a one-year program that builds a strong foundation in accounting principles, financial reporting, and record-keeping, preparing students for entry-level roles in bookkeeping, payroll, and accounting across public and private sectors. With flexible online and evening options, stackable coursework toward an associate degree, and eligibility for the Certified Bookkeeper exam, the program offers a convenient, career-focused pathway to advancement in accounting.
Major code: 2004 Business, Engineering, and Information Technologies Division Accounting and Finance Department
The catalog in force is assigned to students based on the academic year they first applied to the college, and changes only when students change their major or request the change in writing. Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-28.
2026-27 Catalog
Effective Summer 2026
Some courses listed within the program may require a prerequisite or co-requisite.
Pre/Co-requisites will be listed within each course hyperlink below.
Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-04 and 3357:15-13-05
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | ||
| ACC131 | Taxation I | 4 |
| ACC132 | Financial Accounting 1 | 4 |
| ACC133 | Managerial Accounting | 4 |
| ACC227 | Payroll Accounting | 3 |
| ACC229 | Accounting Software and Analytics 2 | 3 |
| Non-technical | ||
| SSC101 | Student Success Seminar | 1 |
| ACC130 | Business Law and Ethics | 3 |
| AOT226 | Spreadsheet - Microsoft Excel | 3 |
| BUS124 | Business Analysis | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Effective Speaking | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Business Communication | ||
| ENG124 | College Composition | 3 |
| Total Hours | 34 | |
- 1
Students may elect to take ACC121 Introduction to Accounting prior to taking this course.
- 2
Students can earn QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor certificates upon successful completion of the course.
Students completing this certificate may be eligible to also receive a QuickBooks/Payroll Career Enhancement Certificate (2018). The classes in this certificate also apply toward the completion of an Accounting – Corporate Major Degree (2001) and an Accounting – Tax Major Degree (2007).
To become a Certified Bookkeeper, students must pass an exam administered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers or by the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers.
To become a Certified Payroll Professional or achieve the Fundamental Payroll Certification, students must pass an exam administered by PayrollOrg (PAYO).
To become a QuickBooks Certified User, students must pass an exam administered by Certiport.
Full-Time Student Advising Notes
Academic Advising
Students should make an appointment to see their advisor before registering for classes each semester. They should have prepared a completed registration form, including courses they wish to take, prior to this meeting.
Course Sequence
The semester-by-semester listing below provides the normal scheduling option for students seeking a one-year certificate.
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| SSC101 | Student Success Seminar | 1 |
| BUS124 | Business Analysis | 3 |
| ACC132 | Financial Accounting 1 | 4 |
| ACC227 | Payroll Accounting | 3 |
| AOT226 | Spreadsheet - Microsoft Excel | 3 |
| ENG124 | College Composition | 3 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ACC130 | Business Law and Ethics | 3 |
| ACC133 | Managerial Accounting | 4 |
| ACC229 | Accounting Software and Analytics 2 | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Effective Speaking | ||
| Interpersonal Communication | ||
| Business Communication | ||
| ACC131 | Taxation I | 4 |
| Hours | 17 | |
| Total Hours | 34 | |
Program Learning Outcomes
This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- Prepare and analyze the various types of financial information essential for internal and external recordkeeping, reporting and decision making.
- Identify and implement recording and reporting regulations applicable to payroll processing and compliance with payroll-related laws and regulations.
- Interpret and apply applicable laws and regulations for the purpose of various types of tax reporting, compliance and planning.
- Interpret and apply laws and regulations in business settings and understand the ethical implications of business decision making.
- Apply appropriate mathematical concepts to business decisions.