Bookkeeping
Certificate of Achievement Business · Laney College · 2026-2027 Catalog
The Bookkeeping Certificate is designed to add the skills needed to enter the accounting profession within a short period of time. The program covers theoretical, analytical, and computer application skills required to apply for jobs as bookkeepers, or as clerks in the following positions: general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and income tax. Graduates of the program will have knowledge of double-entry accounting, preparation of journals, adjustments, payroll documents, tax forms, and bank reconciliation, as well as proficiency in Excel, Computerized Accounting and QuickBooks.
Career Opportunities
The successful completion of this program will allow students to apply for positions in bookkeeping, and clerical positions such as general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and income tax.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Computational Skills: Input financial transactions and prepare financial statements.
- Design and create a business spreadsheet using Microsoft Excel application to summarize business transactions.
- Ethics and Personal Responsibility: Apply legal, accounting and ethical principles when preparing business reports.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required core courses (5.5 units) | 5.5 | |
| BUS 206 | Certified Bookkeeper Exam Review | 4 |
| BUS 239 | QuickBooks | 1.5 |
| Electives (select a min of 11 units): | 11 | |
| BUS 1A | Financial Accounting | 4 |
| BUS 24 | Computerized Accounting Principles | 3 |
| BUS 43B | Introduction to Microsoft Excel for Business Applications | 4 |
| BUS 209 | Fundamentals of Income Tax | 4 |
| Total Units: | 16.5 | |
| Recommended but not required | ||
| BUS 1B | Managerial Accounting | 4 |
| BUS 4 | Cost Accounting | 3 |
| BUS 20 | General Accounting | 3 |
| BUS 21 | Payroll Accounting | 2 |