Small Business Accounting

This certificate prepares students for basic entry-level bookkeeping and other support positions in small and medium-sized businesses.Courses offer exposure to relevant computer applications. All of these courses may be used to apply toward the fulfillment of the Associate inArts Degree in Business Administration - Accounting, and most areUC:CSU transferable.

60-70

The goal of the Small Business Accounting Certificate of Achievement is to provide students with the practical, technical, and foundational skills necessary to secure basic entry-level bookkeeping and accounting support positions specifically tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The program emphasizes not only traditional accounting theory but also hands-on proficiency with modern computerized accounting systems.

To earn the Small Business Accounting Certificate of Achievement, students must successfully complete 5 required core courses for a total of [19.0] units, with a grade of C (or P) or better. The course sequence is designed to establish a strong foundation in general business environments and financial accounting before advancing into managerial accounting, specialized payroll processes, and microcomputer accounting applications. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical software exposure. This streamlined program is designed to be completed in two semesters, offering students immediate, entry-level bookkeeping employability while consisting of highly transferable coursework that applies toward an Associate Degree in Business Administration - Accounting.

This certificate does not require the creation of any new courses. It smartly packages an existing inventory of robust business, accounting, and CAOT classes into a cohesive, workforce-ready credential. It fits naturally within the Business Administration department and functions as a stackable credential that supports the existing AA in Business Administration - Accounting. It provides an "exit point" for students who need immediate employment, while keeping the door open for continued education.

While general Accounting certificates are standard across the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) and the broader LARC region, a certificate explicitly branded and designed for Small Business Accounting provides a competitive advantage. The specific inclusion of CAOT 078 (Microcomputer Accounting Applications) ensures that Pierce College graduates aren't just trained in accounting theory; they possess the exact, hands-on software skills (such as QuickBooks or similar programs) that local small business owners urgently require, minimizing on-the-job training time.

150-180

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