The basic accounting certificate provides students with a variety of skills in the accounting field, including critical thinking, decision making, and cost assignment and responsibility accounting.

This certificate is offered by Ensign College, with support and resources from BYU-Pathway Worldwide.

Taking notes on paper with two laptops open

Why choose this certificate?

The basic accounting certificate will give you experience in programs and applications such as Excel and QuickBooks, in addition to skills in budgeting and asset management. There is a focus on accuracy and effective strategic planning, asset management and financial analysis, making you more qualified and capable in the realm of accounting.

BYU-Pathway has found that certain combinations of certificates lead to better job opportunities. Most degrees have a recommended plan of certificates that will help students increase their income and improve their employment possibilities.

Looking Ahead

Potential Employment

Bookkeeper for small businesses
Accounts payable/receivable for corporations or non-profits

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Outcomes

Students completing this accounting certificate will be able to:

Prepare financial statements pursuant to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) using the accounting cycle.
Evaluate financial statements.
Conduct computerized accounting for a small business.
Perform reconciliations on general ledger accounts.

Certificate of Basic Accounting

Program Requirements

This certificate builds into the Applied Business Management degree.

This is an introductory certificate.

Certificate

15 CREDITS

Associate

60 CREDITS

Bachelor's

90–96 CREDITS

Certificate of Basic Accounting

Course Code

Course Name

# of Credits

BUS115

Business Applications

BUS115 — 3 credits

Business Applications

Students will acquire, develop and apply intermediate spreadsheet analysis skills in a business context as well as demonstrate basic database use. After individually completing spreadsheet tutorials and assignments, students will then develop and apply their skills in business projects and exams. The projects and exams, which are designed to be realistic and representative of business activities students might encounter in the workplace.

ACC101

Financial Accounting I

ACC101 — 3 credits

Financial Accounting I

Introduces the basics of accounting: accounting equation, transaction analysis and recording journal entries, accounting cycle, financial statements, matching concept, adjusting entries, closing entries, worksheets and statement of cash flows. Examines accounting concepts and procedures: cash, bank reconciliations, receivables, allowance method, estimation and costing methods for inventories, internal controls, plant assets and methods of depreciation, sole proprietorship, partnership and corporate forms of business organization including differences in presentation of equity sections for each: distributions and dividends.

COMM122

Interpersonal Communications

COMM122 — 3 credits

Interpersonal Communications

Interpersonal Communications fulfills the Humanities General Education requirement. This course is designed to introduce learners to the many facets of interpersonal communication. Interactive learning environments provide real experience to demonstrate communication styles, listening, emotional intelligence, goal setting, and constructive management of stress and conflict. Learning includes the recognition of the effects of personal attitudes on organizational effectiveness and productivity. Learners will experience real opportunities to demonstrate effectiveness in working with people personally and professionally.

FIN102

Personal Finance

FIN102 — 3 credits

Personal Finance

Introduces self-reliance and basic financial principles. Focuses primarily on math computations, using personal financial topics to learn how to make decisions as a result of an analysis of the numbers involved. These personal financial concepts include goal setting, budgeting, major purchase decision making, credit, risk analysis, investments and retirement. Critical and creative thinking skills are demonstrated by solving practical everyday personal financial story problems. Also introduces basic business principles.

ACC208

Quickbooks Online

ACC208 — 3 credits

Quickbooks Online

Expands upon previously learned computerized general ledger accounting. Focuses on taking accounting principles and procedures previously learned and developing skills for their application through the use of accounting software, including sales / receivables, expenses / accounts payable, payroll, journal entries, chart of accounts, and automated general ledger. Various projects will be used to guide students through an accounting cycle including the preparation of computer-generated financial statements and various special reports. Additional payroll accounting principles are practiced to allow a student more payroll experience.

For questions about this program, contact BYU-Pathway Support