The Certificate of Completion Bookkeeping Clerical is a one-year certificate to prepare students for entry into general clerical and bookkeeping positions. This occupation is one of the largest growth occupations in the economy. The large size of this occupation ensures plentiful job openings, including many opportunities for temporary and part-time work.
Graduates of the program are qualified for entry into positions such as: General bookkeeper, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll clerk, file clerk, civil service employee, and many general and combination office positions requiring some knowledge of bookkeeping.
Click here to learn how the Certificate of Completion Bookkeeping Clerical can be a starting point for completion of the AAS Administrative Office Professional degree.
Southwestern is required by federal regulations to disclose information related to the College's educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. This information is intended to provide students the opportunity to measure employment outcomes associated with certificate programs.
Gainful Employment Disclosure
Southwestern is required by federal regulations to disclose information related to the College's educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation. This information is intended to provide students the opportunity to measure employment outcomes associated with certificate programs.
Gainful employment information for the Certificate of Completion Bookkeeping Clerical can be found online.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 46 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of ‘C’ or better. One course must be completed at Southwestern before the Certificate of Completion Bookkeeping Clerical is awarded.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Pre-Program Courses
Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIS90 | Computer Basics | 2 |
| MTH20 | Basic Mathematics | 4 |
| OA121 | Beginning Keyboarding | 3 |
| WR90R | Academic Literacy (or placement in higher writing course) | 4 |
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| BA285 | Human Relations in Organizations | 3 |
| CIS120 | Concepts of Computing | 4 |
| CIS125W | Word Processing Applications Microsoft | 3 |
| OA124 | Keyboard Skill Building | 3 |
| OA220 | Electronic Calculators | 1 |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Winter | ||
| AC2764 or BA212 |
Small Business Accounting or Principles of Accounting II |
4 |
| BA288 | Customer Service | 3 |
| CIS125S | Spreadsheet Applications | 3 |
| MTH82 | Business Mathematics 1 | 4 |
| OA240 | Filing and Records Management | 3 |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| BA177 | Payroll Records and Accounting | 3 |
| BA217 | Accounting Process | 3 |
| OA116 | Office Procedures | 3 |
| OA280A | CWE: Office Admin Certification | 3 |
| WR121 or WR121H |
English Composition 2 or English Composition w/Honors |
3 |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Total Credits | 46 | |
| 1 | MTH60 Algebra I, MTH65 Algebra II, MTH95 Intermediate Algebra or higher may be substituted for MTH82 Business Mathematics. |
| 2 | WR115 Introduction to Expository Writing may be substituted for WR121 English Composition. |
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:
- Use appropriate computer software applications to record, present, and summarize financial activities.
- Organize and store information at current workplace standards.
- Perform routine bookkeeping tasks for a variety of business entities.
- Maintain basic payroll recordkeeping.
- Diplomatically, tactfully, and respectfully interact with diverse populations.