Certificate

Bookkeeping and Accounting Certificate

Program

24 credits, 32 weeks, 8 months

The program is designed to meet the increasing industry demand for bookkeeping and payroll professionals. This certificate provides students with the tools necessary to gain employment in bookkeeping, payroll, and related accounting occupations. In this program, students acquire the needed skills in preparation for passing certified exams such as the Microsoft Excel Specialist Certification and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeeper Certification. Bryan University delivers this program through dynamic, adaptive, experiential learning that includes personalized instruction and coaching.

Following the completion of this program, students will be able to: 

  • Students will communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, or subordinates, providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Students will perform basic accounting calculations for accurate cash management, payroll, and tax reporting using business software.
  • Students will critically analyze and apply problem-solving and logical thinking skills to a variety of bookkeeping and accounting tasks. 
  • Students will demonstrate

The following is a list of occupations and organizations that one could pursue for employment: 

  • Accounts Payable Specialist
  • Accounts Receivable Specialist
  • Accounting Assistant 
  • Bank Teller
  • Billing and Posting Clerk
  • Bookkeeper
  • Brokerage Clerk
  • File Clerk
  • Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk
  • Loan Processor
  • Payroll Clerk
  • Tax Preparer

The following is a list of example organizations in which one could pursue employment:

  • Business consulting groups
  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Finance and insurance firms
  • Manufacturing and production facilities
  • Small to large businesses
  • Non-profit enterprises
  • Service industries
  • Retailers

In order to graduate and receive a Bookkeeping and Accounting Certificate, a student must earn a minimum of 24 credits for the courses in the curriculum and have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better. Students who elect to do so may also take the Microsoft Excel Specialist Certification and the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers Certification. Completion of these certifications is not required to graduate. One attempt at each certification is included in tuition costs; passing scores are not required for graduation.

 

Each semester is 16 weeks, split into two 8-week terms. The following term schedule is subject to change

Term 1

UNV-101S/BUS-130 (First 8 weeks)

BUS-145/BUS-115 (Second 8 weeks)

Term 2

BUS-120/BUS-257

BUS-260/BUS-265

Core Courses

Course Code
Title
Credits
3

This course focuses on a basic math review with an emphasis on business statistics, profit calculations, payroll, banking, interest calculations, insurance, taxes, and mathematical calculations.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

This course provides the foundation for accounting concepts which will be used throughout the students' business program. This course covers an introduction to financial accounting theory and practice and provides students with the tools needed to develop a functional knowledge of fundamental accounting principles. Students will also be introduced to the methods for summarizing, analyzing, and reporting financial data. Topics include bookkeeping cycles, basic accounting principles and procedures, financial statements, merchandising operations and inventory, and accounting for assets.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None

3

Electronic spreadsheets are a powerful tool used in business processes to store, analyze and present information. The focus of the course is to provide the student with functional skills needed to create, edit, and format Microsoft Excel worksheets for a variety of reporting needs.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

This course provides students with foundational knowledge regarding effective communication styles and strategies for the business professional. Students will learn practical skills in intra- and interpersonal communication within business-related environments, in how personal attitudes affect organizational effectiveness and productivity, and in the interactions between people both personally and professionally.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

In this course students apply accounting concepts to keep financial records for small service and merchandising companies using QuickBooks. Students learn how to expertly navigate through QuickBooks, perform day-to-day business transactions, and view reports. Topics covered include chart of accounts, accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory, payroll, and financial statements.

Credits 3

3

In-depth study of payroll accounting. Covers calculations of gross to net pay, federal and state withholdings and deductions, recording of payroll transactions into the accounting records, and filing of federal and state payroll tax forms. Includes a consideration of factors which determine employee versus independent contractor status, and  business taxes such as sales and property taxes and their filing requirements.

Credits 3

Prerequisites

None.

3

This course provides an introduction to federal income taxation of individuals and businesses, providing a broad overview of the importance of tax considerations in business and personal decisions. Topics such as financial statement analysis, income, deductions, credits, depreciations, and allowances will be explored.

Credits 3

Sub-Total Credits
24
Total Credits
24