Government/Nonprofit Accounting Certificate of Achievement

Government and nonprofit accountants manage the financial resources in their organizations,

ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with laws and regulations. They ensure

resources are used in accordance with the organization’s adopted budget and mission, maintain

accurate financial records, comply with regulations, and provide transparency to the public and

other stakeholders.

This certificate prepares students to work in entry level accounting positions in the public and

nonprofit sectors.

Career Options

Some of the career options in the field of Government and Nonprofit Accounting include:

• Accounting Clerk

• Auditor

• Budget Analyst

• Government Accountant

• Nonprofit Accountant

• Grants Coordinator

• Payroll Assistant

Some accounting-related career fields require study beyond the associate degree level.

We expect to enroll 40 students per year in the new accounting course (ACCT 125) and to

graduate 20 students per year with the new certificate. Some students are expected to complete

the new course as part of their CPA preparation training without earning the full certificate itself.

The proposed Certificate of Achievement in Government/Nonprofit Accounting prepares

students for entry level employment in accounting positions in the government and nonprofit

sectors. It also provides additional course options for students pursuing a CPA license.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Certificate of Achievement in Government/Nonprofit Accounting will

be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of basic accounting terminology and the process by

which transactions are analyzed, evaluated, and communicated into the financial

statements.

• Demonstrate the ability to compute, record, and verify quantitative and qualitative

information in order to maintain financial records.

• Create accurate, reliable, and relevant accounting documents and reports for decision

makers.

• Solve basic accounting-related problems applicable to government and nonprofit

organizations.

• Describe and compare basic concepts, principles, and terms used in the public and

nonprofit sectors.

• Demonstrate effective use of business software commonly used in government and

nonprofit organizations.

• Understand and practice high ethical standards with internal and external stakeholders.

Courses Required for the Major: Units

ACCT 116A Financial Accounting 4.0

ACCT 116B Managerial Accounting 4.0

ACCT 125 Government & Not-for-Profit Accounting 3.0

PADM 200 Introduction to Public Administration 3.0

Select one of the following Computer Business Technology courses: 2.0-3.0

CBTE 140 Beginning Microsoft Excel

CBTE 143 Intermediate Microsoft Excel

CBTE 180 Microsoft Office

Total Units: 16-17

Course sequence by semester:

● Year 1 Fall Semester

o ACCT 116A (4 units)

o PADM 200 (3 units)

o Computer Business Technology Elective (2-3 units)

Year 1 Spring Semester

o ACCT 116B (4 units)

o ACCT 125 (3 units)

TOTAL UNITS: 16-17

General Education Calculations:

Required Major Total 16-17 units

[No general education is required for certificates of achievement] 0 units

Total required for certificate 16-17 units