Accounting Foundations Certificate

Certificate | SC Program: CT. 3463

This certificate is designed to meet industry demands for foundational accounting skills while preparing students for the IMA's FMAA certification. It serves as a stackable pathway within our existing accounting programs, with the next step being the Accounting Specialist Certificate. It addresses the evolving needs of the accounting profession, enhances student employability, and provides a strong foundation for further academic and professional growth in the field of accounting.

Choose your path

Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below. Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.

A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.

Fall Semester, First Year

3 Units Total

ACCT 101

M 3

Basic Accounting I

ACCT 101

Units 3

This is an introductory accounting course covering the entire accounting cycle including transaction analysis, journalizing, posting, and preparation of financial statements. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

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Spring Semester, First Year

6 Units Total

ACCT 103

M 2

Quickbooks Online

ACCT 103

Units 2

This course instructs students on using QuickBooks Online software in the business environment for the preparation of accounting information. The course will cover accounting theory and practical knowledge of QuickBooks Online on topics that include company file setup, customizing QuickBooks, recording customer and vendor transactions, bank reconciliations, creation of accounting reports, inventory management, and adjustments. This course may be taught in a Distance Education format.

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ACCT 2

M 4

Financial Accounting

ACCT 2

Units 4

Note: To be successful in this course, it is recommended that students are proficient in reading and basic math skills. These basic math skills include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and finding "x" within a mathematical equation. It is also recommended that students are proficient in the use of a computer and calculator. Proficiency in and/or familiarity with creating, editing, and formatting spreadsheets using Excel is also recommended.

This course is the study of accounting as an information system, examining why it is important and how it is used by investors, creditors, and others to make decisions. The course covers the accounting information system, including recording and reporting of business transactions with a focus on the accounting cycle, the application of generally accepted accounting principles, the financial statements, and financial statement analysis. It also includes issues related to asset, liability, and equity valuation, revenue and expense recognition, cash flow, internal controls, and ethics. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

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Fall Semester, Second Year

4 Units Total

ACCT 4

M 4

Managerial Accounting

ACCT 4

Units 4

Note: To be successful in this course, it is recommended that students are proficient in reading and basic math skills. These basic math skills include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and finding "x" within a mathematical equation. It is also recommended that students are proficient in the use of a computer and calculator. Proficiency in and/or familiarity with creating, editing, and formatting spreadsheets using Excel is also recommended.

This course is the study of how managers use accounting information in decision-making, planning, directing operations, and controlling. It focuses on cost terms and concepts, cost behavior, cost structure, and cost-volume-profit analysis. Topics include issues relating to cost systems, cost control, profit planning, and performance analysis in manufacturing and service environments. This course may be offered in a distance education format.

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Total Units

Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.

*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements: