Certificate of Proficiency (Untranscripted): Accounting and Financial Planning

Below is a sample academic plan that shows you how you can complete your Certificate in a timely manner. Your path may look different depending on your circumstances?for example, if you attend part-time, choose to take Intersession or Summer courses, or have earned prior credit (Credit for Prior Learning, Dual Enrollment, Transfer Credit). You are required to meet with a counselor to set up a comprehensive education plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals.

A certificate in accounting prepares students for entry-level positions and promotional opportunities in accounting, taxation, and administrative departments of businesses in public and private sector areas such as manufacturing, merchandising, financial service, wholesale trades, and government. Specialized training in accounting and finance principles and practices enables students to maintain accounting records and develop financial reports and make effective use of financial information for analysis and decision-making. Entry-level employment opportunities include positions in accounts receivable/payable, payroll, income tax preparation, cost accounting, and a number of trainee positions. Promotional opportunities include higher-level responsibilities in these areas and the areas of general ledger, financial statement preparation, and financial statement analysis.

Students will acquire adequate general knowledge of accounting and personal finance to establish a foundation for future employment or for advanced studies in the accounting or finance field.

Program Map

GE General Education Course
M Major Course
E Elective Course
SI Summer/Intersession Course *
* Course is appropriate for Summer and Intersession, which are accelerated terms.

Getting Started

Comprehensive Education Plan: You are required to meet with a counselor for a comprehensive educational plan that is tailored to your individual circumstances and goals. Please schedule an appointment with a counselor in your first semester.

First Semester

17 units
ACCT 101
Financial Accounting
The study of accounting as an information system, examining why it is important, and how it is used by investors and creditors to make decisions. Coverage includes the accounting information system and the recording and reporting of business transactions with a focus on the accounting cycle, the application of generally accepted accounting principles, the classified financial statements, and statement analysis. It also includes issues relating to asset, liability, and equity valuation, revenue and expense recognition, cash flow, internal controls and ethics.
    ACCT 104
    Federal and California Taxes
    Learn how to prepare federal and California state income tax returns for the individual. Learn tax theory and rules behind the Form 1040 and the most common IRS Schedules, such as Schedules A, B, C, D, E, and common income adjustments and tax credits. This course is CTEC qualified. This course may be repeatable as continuing education for professional certification.
      BUS 130
      Personal Finance
      This course is designed to empower individuals with various tools to manage their money and make sound lifelong financial decisions. Topics include financial planning, income and expense management, investment analysis, retirement planning, consumerism, insurance, estate planning, home ownership and credit management. This course uses financial, tax, and mathematical calculations. Students will take a hands-on approach to such learning and skill development with problem-solving assignments and projects that require them to explain information presented in tax forms and financial statements. They will also obtain the knowledge and skills required to convert financial information into portrayals that contribute to an understanding of present and future personal and family financial needs. Students will also be provided with opportunities to analyze and synthesize on documents and reports. They will develop the logical reasoning skills needed by informed and productive citizens. Moreover, instructors will (a) provide student-centered activity-based instruction, (b) emphasize the conceptual understanding and skills of mathematics and quantitative reasoning, and (c) facilitate the development of competence and confidence in problem-solving abilities.
      • Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Intermediate algebra or equivalent, or a qualifying profile based on multiple measures.
      Plan 1: 2. Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning
      BUS 160
      Introduction to Stock and Bond Investments
      An introductory course in investment decision-making. Topics covered are types of securities, securities markets, stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, value analysis, international investing, portfolio management, and financial planning.
        BUS 140
        Principles of Finance
        An introduction to corporate financial management and the functioning of global financial markets. Includes financial planning and analysis, working capital management, capital budgeting, time value of money, risk analysis, capital markets, and long term financing.