Bookkeeping/Accounting

College Credit Certificate

The Bookkeeping/Accounting certificate program is designed for students who would like to work in the area of accounting as accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll or billing clerks or as bookkeepers for small businesses. All course work may later be applied to an Associate in Applied Science degree if the student desires.

Required Program of Study

See Curriculum Guide
Course Number Semester Course Title Credits
ACC105 Fall Financial Accounting 3
BUS100 Introduction to Business 3
BUS110 Business Mathematics 3
IFT110 Microcomputer Applications 3
COM121 English Composition 3
ORI102 College Success Strategies 2
ACC110 Spring Managerial Accounting 3
BUS106 Business Communications 3
ACC120 Payroll Accounting 1
ACC220 Accounting Information Systems 4
MGT100 Principles of Management 3
Total Credit Hours Required for the Certificate 31

Upon successful completion of this program, the student should be able to:

  • Utilize a personal computer to prepare documents using word processing, spreadsheets and database software and to perform basic navigation of the Internet.
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills in writing and speaking in a business environment.
  • Apply math operations to solve fundamental business problems.
  • Utilize business management principles to analyze problems and make decisions.
  • Prepare financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and evaluate the results by performing basic financial statement analysis.
  • Calculate product costs and break-even point for manufacturing companies and prepare operational budgets using both variable and absorption costing methods.
  • Perform the steps in the accounting cycle both manually and using computerized general ledger software.
  • Evaluate the internal control goals of various accounting information systems and recommend appropriate control plans to ensure the accomplishment of organizational goals.
  • Prepare payroll documents and related payroll tax returns.

Please note: These programs can be pursued on a part-time basis.
Appropriate placement test scores, or the completion of certain developmental courses, are required for all programs of study. Additional prerequisites may be necessary for some courses and can be found in the course descriptions section of the catalog.
It is recommended that students confer with their advisor when selecting electives.



Gainful Employment Information


Program Statistics
Tuition and Fees Books and Supplies *Completion Rate *Placement Rate *Title IV Loans SUB *Title IV Loans USUB
$3,999 $1,800 Not Required N/A Not Required Not Required

All Community Education Programs (all programs listed excepting the LPN program) also require a $20 Administrative fee. Some other programs have prerequisits which involve fees (such as criminal reports and physical examinations) which are also not listed.

*Completion Rates are calculated using students who were registered and owed in full for classes. Students are considered to have completed the program as long as they receive their certification or degree within 150% of the published length of time required for the program.

*Placement Rates are calculated using students who received certification and obtained "gainful employment" in their field of certification within 180 days of receiving their certification, and remained employed for at least 13 weeks.

*Title IV Loans the amounts shown are the mean average RACC students borrowed during persuit of certification in the specific program listed.

Occupations By Program
CIP and Program SOC Code Occupation Name Program Length
52.0302
BookKeeping/Accounting Diploma
13-2082.00 Tax Preparers 1 year (31 credits)
43-3031.00 Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
43-3051 Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
43-4011 Brokerage Clerks
43-9111.00 Statistical Assistants
43-9111.01 Bioinformatics Technicians