Certified Professional Bookkeeper
Prepare for the national bookkeeper certification exam through our one-year program. Designed to help you become certified as a bookkeeper, this program will allow you to develop the financial expertise needed to keep businesses on top of their accounts while following regulatory guidelines.
At the end of the program, you’ll be ready to take the Certified Professional Bookkeeper exam administered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB). This certification is gold for your resume, helping you stand out in the job market and secure a position as a bookkeeper.
Learn procedures and guidelines around duties such as payroll, billing and financial reports to become an asset to your employer. Develop the flexibility and variety of skills necessary to keep up with the changing rules and needs of business finances. Enter the workforce with not only a certification but the confidence in your ability to keep the organization’s financial records in order.
Faculty Contact
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Erin Latona Executive Dean of the Estherville Campus 712-362-7913 | elatona@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
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Curriculum
Term 1
ACC 131 – Principles of Accounting I
The course examines the accounting methods, principles and terminology needed in the preparation and analysis of financial statements. Included is a study of partnership accounting.
ACC 310 – Computer Accounting
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the accounting cycle on microcomputers. Topics include general ledgers, accounts receivable and payable, payroll, inventory and depreciation.
ACC 311 – Computer Accounting
This course is designed to provide hands-on approach to learning how modern computerized accounting systems function. This application includes the following: general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivable, bank reconciliation, budgeting, purchase order processing and inventory, sales order processing and inventory, fixed assets, and payroll.
ACC 929 – Individual Projects
Provides experience in the application of accounting principles to a simulated retail business.
Grading: P/Q
BUS 115 – Business Correspondence
The course emphasizes correct grammar, punctuation, spelling and tone as applicable to written business communications, letters and memos. Included are techniques for writing informational, persuasive, sales, and good and bad news messages.
BUS 121 – Business Communications
Communication skills necessary in the business world, including use of the telephone, interviews, job applications, listening skills and letter writing.
BUS 175 – Business Seminar I
Introduces business and accounting students to career opportunities in the business world. The course includes methods of networking and the processes needed to successfully begin a career.
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
Choose either ACC 310 or ACC 311
Choose either BUS 115 or BUS 121
Term 2
ACC 132 – Principles of Accounting II
Continuation of ACC 131, covering corporate accounting, long-term debts, financial analysis, managerial accounting and budgeting concepts.
Prerequisites: ACC 131 – Principles of Accounting I
ACC 161 – Payroll Accounting
This introductory course covers the processes of completing payroll records and implementing payroll procedures. Topics include methods of computing compensation, state and federal laws affecting payroll, mandatory and voluntary payroll deductions, methods of keeping records, and preparation of internal and governmental reports.
Prerequisites: ACC 131 – Principles of Accounting I
ACC 221 – Cost Accounting
This course develops an understanding of accounting methods for manufacturing and service enterprises. Included are analysis techniques for management’s use of accounting data to aid in product costing, performance measuring, budgeting and other operating decision.
Prerequisites: ACC 132 – Principles of Accounting II
ACC 261 – Income Tax Accounting
Introduces the general theory and procedures pertaining to state and federal taxation. Studies application of laws as they pertain to income of individuals and sole proprietorships, gifts, estates and Social Security.
ACC 702 – Certified Bookkeeper Review
The course is designed to prepare students for successful completion of the Certified Bookkeeper National Certification Examination. Included in the course is a review of adjusting entries, correction of accounting errors, payroll accounting, depreciation, inventory, and internal controls and fraud prevention.
Prerequisites: ACC 131 – Principles of Accounting I
Choose either ACC 221 or ACC 261
