Description
2. Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will be able to:
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Understand and apply the fundamental principles of accounting (GAAP).
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Analyze and record business transactions using double-entry bookkeeping.
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Prepare the three key financial statements: Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Statement of Cash Flows.
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Execute the accounting cycle from journal entry to post-closing trial balance.
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Perform reconciliations for bank accounts and key ledgers.
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Process basic payroll and understand related compliance requirements.
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Utilize accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks Online) for common tasks.
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Develop a foundational understanding of ethics in accounting.
3. Target Audience
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Individuals with no prior accounting experience seeking a new career path.
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Small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to manage their finances effectively.
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Administrative professionals, managers, and others who need to understand financial reports.
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Bookkeeping staff aiming to upgrade their skills and credentials.
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Students looking to supplement their education with a practical skill set.
4. Course Modules/Curriculum
The certificate is typically comprised of the following core modules:
Module 1: Introduction to Accounting & the Financial Environment
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The role of accounting in business
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Understanding GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles)
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The accounting equation: Assets = Liabilities + Equity
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Key financial statements and their purpose
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Ethics in accounting
Module 2: The Accounting Cycle
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Analyzing and recording transactions in journals
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Posting to the general ledger
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Preparing an unadjusted trial balance
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Adjusting entries (accruals, deferrals, depreciation)
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Preparing an adjusted trial balance
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Closing the books at the end of a period
Module 3: Financial Statement Preparation
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Detailed construction of the Income Statement
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Detailed construction of the Balance Sheet
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Introduction to the Statement of Cash Flows
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Analyzing financial statements through basic ratios (liquidity, profitability)
Module 4: Key Accounting Processes
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Accounts Receivable: Invoicing, recording payments, managing customer accounts.
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Accounts Payable: Processing invoices, making payments, managing vendor accounts.
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Payroll Accounting: Calculating gross pay, deductions (taxes, benefits), and net pay. Introduction to payroll compliance.
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Inventory Accounting: Basic methods (FIFO, LIFO, Weighted Average).
Module 5: Practical Accounting Software (e.g., QuickBooks Online)
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Setting up a company file
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Managing customers and vendors
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Recording income and expenses
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Processing bank feeds and reconciliations
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Generating key financial reports
5. Program Duration and Format
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Duration: 3 – 6 months (part-time)
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Total Hours: 120 – 150 instructional hours
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Format Options:
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In-Person: Evening or weekend classes.
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Online (Synchronous): Live, instructor-led virtual classes.
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Online (Asynchronous): Self-paced learning with pre-recorded lectures and instructor support.
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Hybrid: A combination of online and in-person sessions.
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6. Assessment and Certification
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Assessment: Students will be evaluated through a combination of:
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Quizzes and module tests
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Practical assignments (e.g., completing accounting cycles)
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Software-based projects (e.g., reconciling accounts in QuickBooks)
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A final capstone project or comprehensive exam
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Certification: A Certificate in Accounting will be awarded to students who successfully complete all modules and achieve a passing grade (e.g., 70% or higher).
7. Admission Requirements
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High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
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Proficiency in basic mathematics and English.
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No prior accounting knowledge is required. Access to a computer and the internet is essential for software training and online components.
8. Instructors
Courses are taught by industry professionals (CPAs, CMAs, or experienced accountants) and/or academics with extensive teaching experience, ensuring a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
9. Career Pathways and Further Education
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Entry-Level Jobs: Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk, Payroll Assistant, Bookkeeper, Accounting Assistant, Administrative Assistant.
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Further Education: This certificate provides a solid foundation for pursuing more advanced credentials such as:
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Diploma in Accounting
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Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting
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Professional designations like Certified Bookkeeper (CB) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) (Note: CPA requires a full degree).
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10. Why Enroll in This Program?
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High Demand: Accounting skills are consistently in demand across all industries.
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Career Flexibility: Opportunities exist in corporations, non-profits, government, and small businesses.
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Foundation for Growth: Serves as the first step toward a lucrative and stable career in finance.
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Practical Skills: Gain immediately applicable skills that add value to any organization.
Sample Program Cost: [$X,XXX] (Typically includes instruction, access to online software for the duration of the course, and learning materials).
Next Start Date: [Month, Day, Year]




