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 in accordance with 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.
Accounting Paraprofessional Proficiency Certificate
Career Options
Careers
Find your path.
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.
Courses and Completion Sequence
The following courses and sequence of courses is designed for the optimal success and completion of the Accounting Paraprofessional Proficiency Certificate degree/certificate. Any alterations should be discussed with your academic advisor.
| Course Number and Name | Credits | Advisory Notes | Course Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCT 101 - Financial Accounting | 4 credits | ||
| ENGL 101 - English Composition | 3 credits | ||
| ACCT 102 - Managerial Accounting | 3 credits | Prerequisite: ACCT 101 with a grade of "C" or better | |
| ACCT 103 - Microcomputers in Accounting | 3 credits | Prerequisite: ACCT 101 with a grade of "C" or better | |
| ACCT 208 - Tax Accounting or ACCT 215 - Nonprofit Accounting |
3 credits | Prerequisites: For ACCT 215: ACCT 102 or ACCT 101 and departmental approval. |
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.
General Education Requirements:
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. To access the form, login to the MyCCP portal, and in the Student tab, under Electronic Forms, click on the Records and Registration Forms link, then choose Request For Course Substitution Of Graduation Requirement link. A more detailed explanation of the College’s general education requirements is also available.
Featured Career
Tax Preparer
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Median Salary
$63,578
For Year 2022
$63,578
For Year 2022
Number of Jobs
343
in the region
343
in the region
10 Year Job Outlook
+16%
in the region
+16%
in the region
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.
How well does it pay?
New workers generally start around $24,564. Normal pay for Tax Preparers is $50,504 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $120,471.
Program Information
Accounting Paraprofessional Proficiency Certificate
Degree Type:
Proficiency CertificateCredits Needed to Graduate:
16
Online Learning Availability:
100% Online