Professional Bookkeeper Certificate

School: Business and Professional Careers
Academic Dept: Accounting
HEGIS: 5003

Important Note about Program Requirements

The requirements listed below are for students entering into this program in Spring 2019. Students who entered the program during a prior semester will find their specific requirements listed in the Catalog under which they entered. Archived Catalogs are accessible through the dropdown menu above.

Certificates Defined

Certificate programs are designed to provide a mix of theory and practical training leading to immediate employment upon completion. People who pursue certificates might have an advanced degree and typically want to learn new skills and acquire knowledge. Others might enroll in a certificate program to “test the waters,” with an eye toward pursuing an associate’s degree. Credits earned now in a credit-bearing certificate will apply later toward an associate’s degree at Westchester Community College. Click to learn more about the differences among the award types.

Program Description

This certificate is designed for individuals seeking clerical positions in accounting firms, corporations, banks and small businesses. It balances accounting and office technology theory with practical studies in federal income taxation, computerized accounting and fundamental financial and banking transactions. Students also study various software programs necessary for working in a modern office. Coursework in business communication and general management add to the student’s professional development. Full-time students complete the entire program in one academic year. Courses are available in the fall and spring semesters.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, a student will:

Demonstrate the ability to prepare manually a complete set of accounting records from transaction to financial statements for a small business.
Demonstrate the ability to use QuickBooks to prepare a complete set of accounting records from transaction to financial statements for a small business.
Demonstrate the ability to prepare the necessary state and federal payroll tax returns for a small business.
Demonstrate the ability to prepare a 1040 tax return including all supporting schedules.

Upon completion of this certificate, students will be qualified to begin working in a bookkeeper position.

Program of Study

Minimum Total Credits - 26

Gainful Employment Disclosure

For information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who have completed this program, and other important information please visit Professional Bookkeeper Certificate - GE Disclosure. For an overview of all gainful employment disclosures at Westchester Community College, visit www.sunywcc.edu/gainfulemployment.

Career Path Opportunities

Are you wondering what careers you can explore with a degree or certificate? Perhaps you are not sure what people do or how much money they make in certain careers that pique your interest? Would you like to know how many jobs are predicted to be available in a particular industry? Or maybe you are unsure whether receiving a degree or certificate would be right for you? Go to https://sunywcc.emsicareercoach.com to explore career paths, their associated job descriptions, salary trends, and jobs trends. Complete a career assessment for additional guidance. Still not sure? Visit www.sunywcc.edu/career for more career resources and contacts.

Getting Started

Are you a prospective Westchester Community College graduate? We look forward to seeing you soon! Apply today, then see the College’s Admissions and Enrollment Checklist.