Accounting Program

College of San Mateo

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  california
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Presentation

How were the certificates developed?
The Accounting faculty at CSM built a partnership with local employers. We asked, “What jobs would be a good match for our students?” They told us: Accounting Assistants and Tax Preparers. We worked with accounting managers and tax managers to select the classes students need. We rewrote the content of each course to teach the skills students will use on the job.

What are the skills required to be an Accounting Assistant?
Strong command of accounting fundamentals, accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll; experience with accounting software, especially QuickBooks and Peachtree; excellent Excel skills, knowledge of Word and Windows; ten-key speed and accuracy.

There are three certificates. Which certificate should I pick?
The certificates are part of a sequence. Make the Accounting Certificate, the highest level certificate, your goal. Complete as many certificates in the sequence as possible. Start with the Accounting Assistant I certificate. Complete two more courses and earn the Accounting Assistant II certificate. Then complete three more courses to earn the Accounting certificate. If you need to get a job as soon as possible, the Accounting Assistant I certificate will give you the skills to start your job search and succeed on the job. Come back and complete the remaining certificates as soon as you can.

Is each certificate one big class?
No. Each certificate is a combination of five to nine different classes. For each class in your certificate check the class schedule and select the day and time best for you.

How long can I take to finish my certificate?
The certificates can be completed in one or two semester if you attend school full-time. Some students take one or two classes each semester for several semesters. Your certificate can be completed at your pace. There is no time limit.

I plan to complete my certificate over several semesters. How should I plan my courses?
Enroll in Accounting Procedures, Ten-Key Skills, and Job Search Skills first. Complete Excel I as soon as you can. Wait to enroll in QuickBooks until you have completed Accounting Procedures. The two QuickBooks classes (ACTG 144 and 145) may be taken in either order – ACTG 144 is not a prerequisite for ACTG 145. See your academic advisor to develop a multi-semester plan.

Can I complete a certificate by taking evening or Saturday classes?
Yes. All of the classes are offered evenings or Saturdays.

When should I apply for my Certificate?
Apply for your certificate by the sixth week of the semester in which you will complete your certificate. Your academic advisor or the Drop-In Counseling Center [Building 1 Room 130] (650)574-6400 can help.

Ten-Key Skills (ACTG 103) is a self-paced class. How does it work?
There are no class meetings -- you set your pace and your hours. You may complete your work at home, your office or in a computer lab on campus. Students with strong ten-key skills may receive credit-by-exam. Visit Professor Maule's web site for complete information.

What will I learn in Job Search Skills (CRER 135)?
Job Search Skills will help you make the transition from the classroom to the workplace. You will prepare a resume, sharpen your interviewing skills, and learn how to search for your new job. You will select a combination of workshops and individual counseling to meet your needs. Go to the Career Center (Building 5 Room 128) during the first week of classes to arrange your hours.

After I complete my certificate, how do I get a job?
Job listings and job placement help are available in the Career Center [Building 5 Room 128 (650)574-6571] and the Student Employment Office [Building 5 Room 108 (650)574-6151].

Can I have a career in accounting without a bachelor's degree?
Yes. Most entry-level accounting jobs require only the skills taught in the Accounting Certificates. Based upon job performance you can advance from Accounting Assistant to Supervisor, Full-Charge Bookkeeper and Manager.

I already have a bachelor's degree, but not in accounting. Will it help me?
Yes. There are more accounting managers with a bachelor's degree in English than accounting. Your degree, combined with the skills you will learn in our certificates, will open doors to the highest level of advancement. Also, employers usually consider a degree earned outside the United States as equivalent to a degree earned in the U.S.

How can I improve my writing and speaking skills?
On your job you will be working with customers, vendors, co-workers and managers. To succeed on your job you must have strong written and verbal communication skills. CSM offers many courses to help you improve your skills. As a minimum we recommend ESL students complete the ESL sequence up through ESL 848, ESL 891, and SPCH 855. We encourage all students to complete ENGL 100, SPCH 100 and READ 400. Meet with your academic advisor to plan your program.

How do I register for classes?
Visit the college web site, www.collegeofsanmateo.edu. Also, in the printed class schedule you will find a section called “How to Register”. You may pick up a printed class schedule at the Counseling Center in Building 1 Room 130 or outside the Bookstore in Building 5. If you are a new student you must first apply for admission and then register for classes.

You may select your classes and register at any time. You are not required to meet with an advisor or attend an Information Meeting before you register. Classes start in January, March, June, August and October.

How do I find out about financial aid?
Call the CSM Financial Aid office at 574-6147 or visit them in Building 1 Room 221.

Who do I call if I have a question?
Call (650)378-7229 to make an appointment to talk with Rick Ambrose, the advisor for Accounting and Tax programs. You may also call the Drop-In Counseling Center [Building 1 Room 130] (650)574-6400 at any time. You can get information online by going to Student Services Online.

Accounting Salary SurveyJob Title YearsBachelor degree requiredAnnual salaryHourly rateAssistant0 – 2No$24,000 - $36,000$12 - $18Senior2 – 3No$32,000 - $52,000$16 - $26Supervisor3 - 5No$36,000 - $60,000$18 - $30Bookkeeper5+No$32,000 - $64,000$16 - $32A/R or A/P Manager5+ Sometimes$40,000 - $80,000$20 - $40Department Manager8+Usually$50,000 - $90,000 $25 - $45

 

Join our award-winning program!
Our Accounting program has won three awards for excellenceExemplary Program Award Our program was recognized by the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges as one of the best programs in California.Program Excellence Award The Peninsula Chapter of the California Society of Certified Public Accountants gave our program its first award for excellence.Partnership for Excellence Based upon our success the Chancellor’s Office of our District gave our program a $200,000 grant to update all computers in the Business Computer Labs.

 

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