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Accounting Certificate (ACN)

2018-2019

Type: Career, Certificate (C1)

Open Admissions

Division: Career & Tech Education & Bus


The Accounting Certificate, a one-year program, prepares students for a variety of entry-level accounting positions in small to medium-sized businesses, partnerships, and corporations.  Students learn how to analyze, calculate, record transactions, maintain financial records, and prepare financial reports.  Other topics include managerial accounting and taxation, as well as budgeting and accounting for payroll, accounts receivables and accounts payables.

In addition, communication and business technology are emphasized throughout the program.  Both oral and written communication skills are integrated into the course work.  Students also gain hands-on computer experience: specialized training is provided in Excel, Quickbooks, and individual tax preparation software.

Because all the courses in this certificate program are also required in the Accounting Degree (ACD) program, students may continue onto to complete the degree program.

For more information email us at: Accounting@northshore.edu or call 978-739-5522

First Year

Fall

ACC101Basic Accounting 1

3
BUS120Computer Applications for Business

3
CMP101Composition 1

3
MGT102Principles of Management

3
Total Credit Hours:12

Spring

ACC102Basic Accounting 2

3
ACC103Computerized Accounting with QuickBooks

1
ACC110Small Business Computerized Accounting

1
ACC201Intermediate Accounting 1

3
ACC203Managerial Accounting

3
ACC208Taxation

3
BUS103Advanced Excel

1
Total Credit Hours:15

Requirement Notes

ACC101: For students wishing to complete the certificate program within one year must complete ACC102 prior to enrolling in ACC201 and ACC203:

  • Students starting in September must take ACC102 during the winter intersession to complete the program by the following May. (Note: ACC102 runs only if there is a minimum number of students enrolled)
  • Students starting in January must take ACC102 in the summer to complete the program requirements by December.
  • Students who complete ACC101 in the summer will be able to complete the remaining program requirements by the following May.

Program Note

Communication and Mathematics proficiency required to graduate.

See guided pathway sheets for advising information specific to your area of focus.

Total Credit Hours: 27


Program Student Learner Outcomes
  • Comprehend the importance of accounting, and apply accounting principles and methods to help achieve the organizational goals.
  • Utilize industry-used business software, including specialized accounting and tax platforms, to process financial information, prepare reports, analyze data, and make sound decisions.
  • Demonstrate professionalism in the workplace through the appropriate use of interpersonal communication, resource management, and the ability to work in teams.
  • Evaluate ethical dilemmas in the business environment and apply appropriate ethical decision making as it relates to accounting.
  • Examine subjects such as business law, management, marketing skills, as well as receive exposure to a broad-based liberal arts education.

Occupational Skills Required
  • active listening
  • mathematical reasoning
  • oral and written comprehension
  • deductive reasoning
  • critical thinking

Experiential Learning Required in Program

Experiential Learning Optional in Program
  • COP202 - Cooperative Education/Internship
  • ACC208 - Taxation

Most Common Linked Occupation Title – All Education Levels
  • Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
  • Most Common Linked Occupation Title – Associate’s or Less
  • Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Average Annual Growth (10-Year Projection)
  • US - - 0.1%
  • Boston MSA – -0.1%
  • Essex County – -0.2%
  • Boston MSA Average Entry-Level Wages (2016) – $31,600
  • Boston MSA Median Wages (2016) – $45,900