Accounting Certificate (ACN)
2020-2021
Type: Career, Certificate (C1)
Open Admissions
Division: Career & Technical Education and Business
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 on to complete the degree program.
If you have questions related to program admissions or applications, please contact info@northshore.edu or call 978-762-4188.
If you have program advising related questions, please contact accounting@northshore.edu or call 781-477-2215.
First Year
Fall
| ACC101 | Basic Accounting 1 | 3 |
| BUS120 | Computer Applications for Business | 3 |
| CMP101 | Composition 1 | 3 |
| MGT102 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 12 |
Spring
| ACC102 | Basic Accounting 2 | 3 |
| ACC110 | Small Business Computerized Accounting | 1 |
| ACC103 | Computerized Accounting with QuickBooks | 1 |
| ACC201 | Intermediate Accounting 1 | 3 |
| ACC203 | Managerial Accounting | 3 |
| ACC208 | Taxation | 3 |
| BUS103 | Advanced 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
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