Accounting Paraprofessional Proficiency Certificate

Embark on a career in accounting! Gain hands-on experience for entry-level success or further studies.

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  • Calendar
    Program Duration: Short-term
  • Graduation Cap
    Degree Type: Proficiency Certificate
  • Monitor
    Online Learning Availability: %100
  • Clock
    Total Credit Hours: 16
A busy accountant works at his desk

About This Certificate

These courses are for those interested in a career as an accounting paraprofessional in a wide variety of industries. Students will learn to use computer ledger software to record and analyze financial transactions, as well as a broad knowledge of financial statement preparation the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Knowledgeable instructors provide hands-on experience to prepare students for an entry-level job in the workforce or to continue their Accounting studies.

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Course Sequence

All general education requirements necessary for graduation are met through the courses in the program as indicated above. Students who wish to take courses that differ from the general education courses indicated above must complete a course substitution request form. 

Course Number and NameCreditsAdvisory NotesCourse Type
ACCT 101 - Financial Accounting4 credits  
ENGL 101 - English Composition or
ENGL 101H - English Composition I (Honors)
3 credits  
ACCT 102 - Managerial Accounting3 creditsPrerequisite: ACCT 101 with a grade of "C" or better 
ACCT 103 - Microcomputers in Accounting3 creditsPrerequisite: ACCT 101 with a grade of "C" or better 
ACCT 208 - Tax Accounting  or
ACCT 215 - Nonprofit Accounting
3 creditsPrerequisites: For ACCT 215: ACCT 102 or ACCT 101 and departmental approval. 
A young accountant listens to a client as they review tax information

Launch Your Career with an Accounting Paraprofessional Proficiency Certificate

  • Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks – est. salary $50,407
  • Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerk – est. salary $47,910
  • Tax Preparer – est. salary $63,578*
**EMSI Data, 2022; The greater Philadelphia region; a percentage of people in these jobs may have a bachelor's degree or higher.

Career Outlook

$63,578

Median Salary of an ASL/English Interpreter

343

Number of Jobs in the Region

+16%

10-year Job Outlook in the Region for ASL/English Interpreters

Featured Career

Accounting Paraprofessional Proficiency Certificate

Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.

Starting Pay: $24,564

An accountant reviews financial records on a dense spreadsheet on a computer screen

Typical Tasks

  • Use all appropriate adjustments, deductions, and credits to keep clients' taxes to a minimum.
  • Interview clients to obtain additional information on taxable income and deductible expenses and allowances.
  • Compute taxes owed or overpaid, using adding machines or personal computers, and complete entries on forms, following tax form instructions and tax tables.
  • Prepare or assist in preparing simple to complex tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
  • Furnish taxpayers with sufficient information and advice to ensure correct tax form completion.