Accounting — Paraprofessional
This program offers excellent academic options for students to enter the growing field of accounting through degree and certificate programs. Credits earned for certificates apply to the degree program. Contact the Institute for Business & Information Technology regarding changes to program requirements.
On this page:
- Paraprofessional Accounting - Associate in Applied Science-T Degree
- Paraprofessional Accounting - Associate in Arts Degree
- Accounting Assistant - Certificate of Achievement
- Bookkeeping - Certificate of Accomplishment
- Paraprofessional Accounting Preparation - Certificate of Completion
- Accounting Information Systems - Certificate of Accomplishment
- Financial Information Systems Specialist - Certificate of Accomplishment
- Professional Financial Data Report Specialist - Certificate of Accomplishment
Associate in Applied Science-T Degree Paraprofessional Accounting - AAS-T
Brief Description
The Associate in Applied Science-T Paraprofessional Accounting degree combines technical courses required for job preparation and college-level general education courses. These degrees are designed for the dual purpose of immediate employment and preparation for the junior year in a Washington state bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree program. This degree provides a strong background in accounting, preparing students for a wide range of career options in the accounting field. The degree has the option to earn two national certifications as well as several embedded program certificates, while earning a degree.
Learning Outcomes
Degree recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Correctly use accounting terminology
- Analyze and record financial transactions and properly report financial information
- Use critical thinking skills to identify and solve problems in accounting
- Analyze and record financial transactions using general ledger computerized software for a small-to medium-sized business
- Perform accounting procedures employed in a typical payroll accounting system
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this degree [PDF]
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| Core Coursework | ||
| ACCT 101* | Applied Accounting I | 5 |
| ACCT 102* | Applied Accounting II | 5 |
| ACCT 135 | Business Payroll Tax Accounting | 5 |
| ACCT 172 | Small Business Computerized Accounting | 5 |
| ACCT 234* | Manegerial Accounting | 5 |
| ACCT 245 | Accounting Information Systems | 5 |
| ACCT 250 | Intermediate Accounting | 5 |
| ACCT 260 | Accounting for Non-Profit Agencies | 5 |
| ACCT 285 | Federal Income Taxes | 5 |
| BTS 165 | Business Spreadsheet Analysis & Design | 5 | Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 |
| BA 200 | Business Law Legal Foundations (5 Cr) | |
| BUS& 201 | Business Law (5 Cr) | |
| *ACCT& 201, 202 and 203 may be substituted for ACCT 101, 102 and 234 | ||
| Communication | ||
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 | Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 |
| ENGL 201 | The Research Paper (5 Cr) | |
| ENGL& 235 | Technical Writing (5 Cr) | |
| ENGL 271 | Expository Writing (5 Cr) | |
| Quantitavive | Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 |
| MATH 130 | Introduction to Statistics (5 Cr) | |
| Any other college level math of 107 or higher (5 Cr) | ||
| Social Science, Natural Science or Humanities | Choose 10 credits from the following: | 10 |
| BUS& 101 | Introduction to Business (5 Cr) | |
| CES 241 | Multicultural Business Consulting (5 Cr) | |
| CMST 202 | Survey of Speech Communication (5 Cr) | |
| CMST& 210 | Interpersonal Communication (5 Cr) | |
| CMST& 230 | Small Group Communication (5 Cr) | |
| CMST 250 | Organizational Communication (5 Cr) | |
| CMST 280 | Intercultural Communication (5 Cr) | |
| ECON& 201 | Microeconomics (5 Cr) | |
| ECON& 202 | Macroeconomics (5 Cr) | |
|
OR choose any 10 Credits from the AAS Degree
(DTA) list of Social Science, Natural Science or Humanities electives. You must have at least 5 credits that meet the Bellevue College Cultural Diverstity Requirement (10 Cr) |
||
| Paraprofessional Accounting Electives | ||
| Choose 15 credits from the following: | 15 | |
| ACCT 240 | Computerized Accounting (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT 270 | Cost Accounting (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT 288 | Bookkeeper Certification (10 Cr) | |
| BTS 146 | 10-Key (5 Cr) | |
| BTS 265 | Business Spreadsheet Analysis & Design (5 Cr) | |
| BTS 293 | Business Technology Practicum (5 Cr) | |
| BUS 120 | Organizational Behavior (5 Cr) | |
| BUS 221 | Human Resource Management (5 Cr) | |
| EXPRL 191/2/3 | Academic Internship Experience (V 1-5 Cr) | |
| Any program approved elective (5 Cr) | ||
| Total | 95 | |
Associate in Arts Degree Paraprofessional Accounting
Brief Description
The Associate of Arts Paraprofessional Accounting degree provides a strong background in accounting and business skills for accounting positions and supervisory roles in business and government. Certificates of Achievement and Accomplishment in Accounting Assistant, Bookkeeping, Paraprofessional Accounting Preparation, Accounting Information Systems, Financial Information Systems Specialist and Professional Financial Data Report Specialist may be applied to this degree.
Learning Outcomes
Degree recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Correctly use accounting terminology
- Analyze and record financial transactions and properly report financial information
- Use critical thinking skills to identify and solve problems in accounting
- Analyze and record financial transactions using general ledger computerized software for a small-to medium-sized business
- Perform accounting procedures employed in a typical payroll accounting system
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this degree [PDF]
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 135 | Business Payroll Tax Accounting | 5 |
| ACCT 172 | Small Business Computerized Accounting | 5 |
| ACCT 245 | Accounting Information Systems | 5 |
| ACCT 250 | Intermediate Accounting | 5 |
| ACCT 285 | Federal Income Taxes | 5 |
| BTS 165 | Business Spreadsheet Analysis & Design | 5 |
| BUS 120 | Organizational Behavior | 5 |
| BUS 145 | Business Mathematics | 5 |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition I | 5 |
| ENGL& 235 | Technical Writing | 5 |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| ACCT 101 | Practical Accounting I (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT& 201 | Principles of Accounting I (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| ACCT 102 | Practical Accounting II (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT& 202 | Principles of Accounting II (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| ACCT& 203 | Principles of Accounting III (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT 234 | Managerial Accounting (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| BA 200 | Business Law Legal Foundations (5 Cr) | |
| BUS& 201 | Business Law (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 10 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| ACCT 240 | Computerized Accounting (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT 260 | Accounting for Non-Profit Agencies (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT 270 | Cost Accounting (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT 288 | Bookkeeping Certification (10 Cr) | |
| BTS 265 | Advanced Business Spreadsheet Analysis & Design (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 10 | |
| BTS 109 | Business Communications (5 Cr) | |
| BTS 168 | Business Data Management Tools (5 Cr) | |
| BTS 293 | Business Technology Practicum (5 Cr) | |
| BUS& 101 | Introduction to Business (5 Cr) | |
| BUS 241 / CES 241 |
Multicultural Business Consulting (5 Cr) | |
| ECON 100 | Introduction to Basic Economic Principles (5 Cr) | |
| EXPRL 191/2/3 | Academic Internship Experience (V 1-5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| ANTH& 204 | Archaeology (5 Cr) | |
| GEOG& 100 | Introduction to Geography (5 Cr) | |
| GEOG 207 | Economic Geography (5 Cr) | |
| HIST 115 | English History: 1603 to Present (5 Cr) | |
| HIST 120 | Global History (5 Cr) | |
| HIST 223 | History of Russia & Eastern Europe: 1533 to Present (5 Cr) | |
| HIST 250 | U.S. Military History (5 Cr) | |
| Total | 90 | |
Certificate of Achievement Accounting Assistant
Brief Description
The Associate of Arts Paraprofessional Accounting degree provides a strong background in accounting and business skills for accounting positions and supervisory roles in business and government. Certificates of Achievement and Accomplishment in Accounting Assistant, Bookkeeping, Paraprofessional Accounting Preparation, Accounting Information Systems, Financial Information Systems Specialist and Professional Financial Data Report Specialist may be applied to this degree.
Learning Outcomes
Degree recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Analyze and record transactions including general accounting transactions, payroll
- Perform fundamental accounting transactions
- Prepare financial reports using selected small business computerized accounting software, database and spreadsheet programs
- Communicate accounting results to management
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this certificate [PDF]
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 135 | Business Payroll Tax Accounting | 5 |
| ACCT 172 | Small Business Computerized Accounting | 5 |
| BTS 146 | 10-Key | 1 |
| BTS 165 | Business Spreadsheet Analysis & Design | 5 |
| BUS 145 | Business Mathematics | 5 |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| ACCT 101 | Practical Accounting I (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT& 201 | Principles of Accounting I (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| ACCT 102 | Practical Accounting II (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT& 202 | Principles of Accounting II (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| BTS 109 | Business Communications (5 Cr) | |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition I (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| BUS 120 | Organizational Behavior (5 Cr) | |
| BUS 221 | Human Resource Management (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| BTS 168 | Business Data Management Tools (5 Cr) | |
| BTS 265 | Advanced Business Spreadsheet Analysis & Design (5 Cr) | |
| BUS& 101 | Introduction to Business (5 Cr) | |
| Total | 46 | |
Certificate of Accomplishment Bookkeeping
Brief Description
The Bookkeeping certificate prepares students for employment as full-charge bookkeepers.
Learning Outcomes
Degree recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Analyze and record transactions including general accounting transactions, payroll.
- Perform fundamental accounting transactions
- Prepare financial reports using selected small business computerized accounting software and spreadsheet programs.
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this certificate [PDF]
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 135 | Business Payroll Tax Accounting | 5 |
| ACCT 172 | Small Business Computerized Accounting | 5 |
| BTS 146 | 10-Key | 1 |
| BTS 165 | Business Spreadsheet Analysis & Design | 5 |
| BUS 145 | Business Mathematics | 5 |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| ACCT 101 | Practical Accounting I (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT& 201 | Principles of Accounting I (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| ACCT 102 | Practical Accounting II (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT& 202 | Principles of Accounting II (5 Cr) | |
| Total | 31 | |
Certificate of Completion Paraprofessional Accounting Preparation
Brief Description
This 16-credit certificate is the foundation coursework for students to begin accounting studies (suggested first-quarter course of study in accounting).
Learning Outcomes
Certificate recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Demonstrate a basic understanding of accounting principles
- Use industry-standard financial tools
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this certificate [PDF]
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 101 | Practical Accounting I | 5 |
| BTS 146 | 10-Key | 1 |
| BUS 165 | Business Spreadsheet Analysis & Design | 5 |
| BUS 145 | Business Mathematics | 5 |
| Total | 16 |
Certificate of Accomplishment Accounting Information Systems
Brief Description
The Accounting Information Systems certificate emphasizes computerized accounting for mid-range organizations.
Learning Outcomes
Certificate recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Analyze a business' accounting systems needs
- Analyze and record transactions
- Evaluate security needs
- Perform extensive hands-on work using this software.
- Perform fundamental accounting transactions
- Prepare and communicate managerial accounting analysis, using selected midrange information system software program.
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this certificate [PDF]
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 245 | Accounting Information Systems | 5 |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| ACCT 101 | Practical Accounting I (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT& 201 | Principles of Accounting I (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| ACCT& 203 | Principles of Accounting III (5 Cr) | |
| ACCT 234 | Managerial Accounting (5 Cr) | |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| BTS 109 | Business Communications (5 Cr) | |
| ENGL& 101 | English Composition I (5 Cr) | |
| Total | 20 | |
Certificate of Accomplishment Financial Information Systems Specialist
Brief Description
The Financial Information Systems Specialist certificate emphasizes accounting software for small and midsize organizations. This certificate has an emphasis on data analysis tools such as spreadsheets and databases.
Learning Outcomes
Certificate recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Prepare accounting reports for decision making through data gathering and analysis using data management software tools
- Analyze a business' accounting systems needs
- Analyze and record transactions
- Evaluate security needs
- Perform extensive hands-on work using the software
- Perform fundamental accounting transactions
- Prepare and communicate managerial accounting analysis, using selected information system software
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this certificate [PDF]
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 172 | Small Business Computerized Accounting | 5 |
| ACCT 240 | Computerized Accounting | 5 |
| ACCT 245 | Accounting Information Systems | 5 |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| BTS 168 | Business Data Management Tools (5 Cr) | |
| BTS 265 | Advanced Business Spreadsheet Applications (5 Cr) | |
| BTS 268 | Advanced Business Data Management Tools (5 Cr) | |
| Total | 20 | |
Certificate of Accomplishment Professional Financial Data Report Specialist
Brief Description
Professional Financial Data Report Specialists assist and support decision making through data gathering and analysis.
Learning Outcomes
Certificate recipients should possess the skills and abilities described below:
- Use database programs for data collection and information reporting in accounting
- Support decision making through data collection and analysis in accounting
Completion Worksheet
Download the completion worksheet for this certificate [PDF]
Requirements
| Course No. | Course Name | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT 240 | Computerized Accounting | 5 |
| ACCT 245 | Accounting Information Systems | 5 |
| PROG 175 | Database Reporting | 5 |
| Choose 5 credits from the following: | 5 | |
| BTS 168 | Business Data Management Tools (5 Cr) | |
| BTS 268 | Advanced Business Data Management Tools (5 Cr) | |
| DBA 130 | Database Theory (5 Cr) | |
| PROG 140 | SQL and Relational Database Programming (5 Cr) | |
| Total | 20 | |
Professional or technical program offerings and course requirements listed in this website may be altered by the college to reflect the needs of industry, student interests and availability of resources.
