Earn Your Certification and Excel in Your Career
Prepare for success in the financial world with the Certified Professional Bookkeeper Program at Iowa Lakes Community College. You’ll gain the expertise and credentials needed to stand out in the job market in just one year. Our program will equip you with the essential skills to manage business accounts effectively while adhering to regulatory guidelines.
- Nationally Recognized Certification
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 valuable to your resume, demonstrating your professional expertise and dedication to employers. - Master Core Financial Skills
Develop proficiency in key areas like payroll, billing, and financial reporting. Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and processes, ensuring you’re ready to meet the demands of today’s businesses. - Adapt to an Evolving Industry
Learn to navigate the ever-changing landscape of business finance with confidence. This program provides the flexibility and knowledge to adapt to new financial regulations and practices.
At Iowa Lakes, you can pursue the Certified Professional Bookkeeper Certificate, the Accounting Diploma, or the Accounting Specialist, AAS degree—all designed to prepare you for success in this dynamic field.
Find Your It!
Certified Bookkeeper in One Year at Iowa Lakes!
Graduate with certification, confidence, and the skills to excel as a professional bookkeeper.
- Boost Your Resume – Earning this certification will help you stand out in the job market and increase your career opportunities.
- Master Essential Skills – Learn key payroll, billing, and financial reporting procedures, becoming a valuable asset to any business.
- Stay Current – Develop the flexibility and knowledge to adapt to the ever-changing financial landscape.
- AIPB Certification: A credential that sets you apart in the competitive job market.
- Practical Experience: Confidence in maintaining accurate financial records and supporting organizational goals.
- Career Opportunities: Prepare for roles such as Bookkeeper, Accounting Assistant, Payroll Specialist, or Billing Clerk.
Program Details
Length
2 terms
Degree
Certificate (26 credits)
Campus
Any Campus
Training
Internship/Practicum
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 360 – Accounting Spreadsheets
This course provides the student with an in-depth working knowledge of using an integrated spreadsheet program to assist in routine jobs. Writing formulas is emphasized, along with planning and creating spreadsheets
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
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.
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Certified Professional Bookkeeper Certificate program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn:1
- Apply Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in accounting for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.
- Perform all required steps in the accounting cycle, including the preparation of financial statements.
- Perform specialized payroll accounting procedures.
- Perform word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, and accounting applications.
- Apply communication strategies in written and oral business communications.
- Evaluate the ethical issues businesses confront.
- Apply critical thinking skills in solving complex accounting problems.
- Apply cost accounting procedures for manufacturing entities OR prepare federal income tax forms for individuals and businesses.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Certified Professional Bookkeeper Certificate from Iowa Lakes Community College.
Special Certifications: American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) Certification
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
0.1%
Potential Careers
Staff Accountant , Cost Accountant, Payroll Accountant, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Office Manager, Billing Specialist, Inventory Clerk
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$47,673
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$49,580
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Sheila Drenkow Accounting Professor/Coordinator 712-362-8399 | sdrenkow@iowalakes.edu |