The Bookkeeping Specialist program is a comprehensive 72-hour hybrid course designed to equip students with essential accounting and bookkeeping skills for entry-level positions in a range of business settings. This course provides foundational knowledge in accounting principles, billing, payroll, inventory, and financial reporting, as well as hands-on training in QuickBooks and other industry-standard accounting software. In addition to learning to prepare key financial documents such as income statements and balance sheets, students gain familiarity with general office equipment and technology, essential for modern bookkeeping tasks. This program prepares graduates for roles such as accounting clerks, billing clerks, collection workers, and bookkeeping clerks.
Certified Bookkeeper
Upon successful completion of the Bookkeeping program, students will be able to:
• Apply core accounting principles and techniques to analyze and resolve standard accounting challenges.
• Communicate financial information effectively and accurately in various formats.
• Perform and manage essential tasks in the accounting cycle, from initial data entry to generating financial reports.
• Utilize QuickBooks software to create, manage, and evaluate business reports related to billing, payroll, and financial performance.
• Assess and understand business risks in relation to internal controls, financial reporting, and audit processes.
Certified Bookkeeper 10-Week Course (72 Total hours)
Week 1: Introduction to Bookkeeping and Accounting Principles (6 hours)
• Overview of bookkeeping roles and responsibilities
• Fundamental accounting concepts and the accounting cycle
Week 2: Adjusting Entries (6 hours)
• Understanding accruals and deferrals
• Preparing and recording adjusting entries
Week 3: Correction of Accounting Errors (6 hours)
• Identifying common accounting errors
• Techniques for correcting errors in financial records
Week 4: Payroll Fundamentals (6 hours)
• Payroll laws and regulations
• Calculating wages, taxes, and deductions
Week 5: Depreciation Methods (6 hours)
• Understanding asset depreciation
• Applying various depreciation methods (e.g., straight-line, declining balance)
Week 6: Inventory Management (6 hours)
• Inventory valuation methods (FIFO, LIFO, weighted average)
• Recording and tracking inventory transactions
Week 7: Internal Controls and Fraud Prevention (6 hours)
• Establishing internal controls to safeguard assets
• Recognizing and preventing fraudulent activities
Week 8: Financial Statements and Reporting (6 hours)
• Preparing income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements
• Analyzing financial statements for decision-making
Week 9: Ethics and Professional Standards (6 hours)
• Understanding the AIPB Code of Ethics
• Maintaining professionalism in bookkeeping practices
Week 10: Certification Exam Preparation (6 hours)
• Review of key concepts and practice exams
• Test-taking strategies and addressing areas needing improvement
This syllabus ensures comprehensive coverage of essential bookkeeping topics within the 72-hour timeframe, preparing students effectively for the AIPB Certified Bookkeeper exam.
