ACCOUNTANT DIPLOMA
Program Course Requirements

Fall Semester (16 credits)
ACCT 2011 Accounting Principles I, 4 cr
ACCT 2114 Payroll Accounting, 3 cr
BUSN 1131 Business Math, 3 cr
BUSN 2130 Legal Environment of Business, 3 cr
COMP 1120 Intro to Computer Applications, 3 cr

Spring Semester (16 credits)
ACCT 2012* Accounting Principles II, 4 cr
ACCT 2138* Computerized Accounting Software, 3 cr
ACCT 2140 Accounting Applications, 3 cr
BUSN 1166 Business Communications, 3 cr
Additional Accounting course, 3 cr

GRADUATION REQUIREMENT - 32 CREDITS
*Denotes Prerequisites

Click here to download Accountant Diploma Diploma Program Planning Form (PDF)

Career Description: Many accountants and accounting technicians work in certified public accounting firms that perform tax and auditing services, but the majority work as management or “private” accountants. Many accountants operate their own businesses. The role of the accounting department has expanded greatly. Accountants and accounting technicians help organizations make informed decisions by preparing and analyzing a variety of financial and non-financial information. They help management safeguard and control the assets of the business and ensure the records of the business comply with applicable laws. Accounting staff are critical in the fight to cut waste and fraud, and “forensic accountants” work directly with law enforcement to keep financial systems clean. Accountants use special accounting and finance software, and in small businesses, the accountant is often the computer expert. An accounting degree is versatile and allows graduates to pursue many different career paths.

Program Information: Central Lakes College offers a 60-credit, two-year Accounting Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree. The A.A.S. degree prepares students by teaching the analytical and technical skills needed for an accounting or financial management career. Students gain experience recording transactions, preparing and analyzing financial reports, and doing realistic simulations on the most popular accounting computer systems. CLC also offers a one-year Accounting Diploma (32 credits) that includes most courses from the first year of the A.A.S. degree. Graduates of this program will have the background to perform entry-level accounting duties such as accounts payable, accounts receivable or payroll.

Program Outcomes:
Graduates will be able to:

• Complete the accounting cycle, and prepare classified general purpose financial statements in good form;
• Possess the tools needed to analyze financial and business information that support planning and decision making;
• Apply accounting principles to business transactions in both a manual and a computerized environment;
• Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of employment laws, earnings calculations, payroll tax compliance, and records maintenance;
• Prepare federal and state individual tax forms with accompanying schedules in proper form;
• Measure and prepare financial and non-financial information used to support strategic managment and internal decision making;
• Apply ethical principles in decision making;
• Demonstrate effective communication skills.

Special Program Requirements:

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: Cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
2. College Technical Core GPA Requirement: Cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0;
3. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.
4. Accounting courses in the program must be completed within seven (7) years.

Certification: Certified Bookkeeper: A Certified Bookkeeper exam is offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. This exam covers normal accounting practices of the typical business. This exam can be taken after a 2-year Accounting Degree. Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) and Certified Payroll Professional (CPP): The FPC and CPP are two payroll certifications that 2-year degree accounting students can pursue. The FPC has no experience requirement. The CPP exam’s minimum employment requirement ranges from 18 months to 3 years depending on which eligibility criteria option is chosen. Graduates achieving these certifications often gain an edge over other applicants during the hiring process and advance more quickly along their career paths. The State of Minnesota offers 2 levels of licensure for Accountants. The Registered Accounting Practitioner (RAP) certification requires a 2-year Accounting Degree and authorizes the licensee to perform but not supervise all accounting services on a formal audit. The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license requires 5 years of college education (130 semester credits). CPAs are authorized to perform all accounting services and can supervise audits.

Transfer Opportunities: All students planning to pursue a bachelor's degree in accounting are strongly encouraged to consult with the Accounting Faculty about transfer opportunities and with the Advising Department about transfer information for specific four-year colleges. The A.A.S. two-year degree in accounting is not intended for transfer. Our graduates often go directly to work.