Program Outline
Here's how it works
Your program consists of courses designed to take you step-by-step through the essential elements of Accounting. Your first course will be sent to you as soon as your enrollment has been accepted.
The first course, Basic Skills Assessment, is available online only, which allows you to start studying right away. You will not receive hardcopy program materials for these lessons. You can access your first course as soon as your tuition payment has been received. Other courses will follow as you complete your exams.
Computer Specifications
As you know this is an online academic program. This means you will need access to high-speed internet to begin your program. In addition, you will need access to a Microsoft® Windows® based computer running Windows 10® or later or an Apple® Mac® computer running macOS® or later, Microsoft® Office 2019 or Microsoft 365®, and an email account to complete this program.
Note: Graduates of this program earn 31 college credits toward an A.S. degree in Accounting at Penn Foster College.
This program includes instructor support, all required textbooks, and each of the following online courses:
PROGRAM GOAL AND OUTCOMES |
Program Goal: The Accounting Undergraduate Certificate program provides students with the skills to expand existing accounting knowledge for a current or future job, or prepare for further education at the undergraduate level.
Program Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the basic theories, principles and processes involved in various functional areas.
- Complete the accounting cycle and create and analyze financial statements to ensure that they are accurate and comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures.
- Explain the key issues of internal control of cash in balance and cash flow statements and external financial reporting
- Create, organize, and maintain financial records
- Demonstrate how to assess financial operations and make best-practices recommendations to management
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Basic Skills Assessment
All degree applicants are required to complete two Basic Skills Assessments, one in reading and one in math, to determine the level of readiness for beginning their selected program. Additional studies may be required.
BUS100 – Business Orientation (1 credit)
Introduction to distance learning; study skills and techniques; reading textbooks and study guides; reviewing for examinations. Four basic life goals; individual life goals and steps needed to fulfill them; similarities between personal financial goals and business goals; determining personal financial goals; setting up a budget; researching, planning, starting up, and maintaining a business.
BUS101 – Introduction to Business (3 credits)
This course outlines the elements of business and the challenges businesses face in a global environment, such as competition and economic factors. You'll learn why accounting, technology and information systems, marketing, and management are essential to starting and growing a business. You'll also learn the basics of managing financial and human resources and the ethical and social responsibilities required of a successful manager.
MAT106 – Math for Business and Finance (3 credits)
This course will provide the student with a foundation in basic mathematical operations. Topics covered include percentages; discounts; interest; present worth; sinking funds; installment buying; pricing; depreciation; investments; insurance; use of symbols and their applications, equations and formulas; importance of statistics.
ACC111 – Financial Accounting (3 credits)
This course will provide students with a basic understanding of the principles of Financial Accounting. Topics covered include analyzing transactions; completing the accounting cycle; merchandising businesses; inventories, assets, and liabilities; and corporations, stocks, bonds, and cash flow.
ACC112 – Managerial Accounting (3 credits)
Introduction to managerial accounting; analyses: C-V-P and management; budgeting and performance evaluation; decentralized operations; differential analysis and product pricing; and capital investment analysis, and cost activities.
FIN101 – Financial Management (3 credits)
This course will introduce students to the world of finance including financial concepts, instruments, and financial decision making. Topics covered include financial assets, investing in long-term assets, capital structure and dividend policy, financial planning, and working capital management.
ACC201 – Intermediate Accounting I (3 credits)
This course will provide students with the knowledge to apply accounting theory, concepts, and procedures to financial problems. Topics covered include: computing earnings per share; lease transactions; income tax accounting; cash flow information; pension and benefit information; financial statement analysis.
ACC202 – Intermediate Accounting II (3 credits)
This course will provide students with an expansion on materials presented in Intermediate Accounting 1. Topics examined and discussed include: inventories; investments; intangible assets; current, contingent, and estimated liabilities; premium and discount on longterm debt; stockholder's equity.
ACC210 – Cost Accounting (3 credits)
Students will be able to use cost data in budgeting and capital planning for various types of manufacturing operations and use a personal computer to perform various accounting functions. Topics covered include timekeeping and payroll procedures; setting overhead rates; accounting for spoiled and defective goods; development of cost analysis; process cost accounting; job-order cost accounting.
ACC211 – Computer Applications for Accounting (3 credits)
Computer Applications in Accounting builds on concepts learned in Financial and Managerial Accounting and covers Sage 50® Accounting. Combines real-world accounting systems and examples with computer-based solutions. The course is a blend of problem solving, reading, case projects, and computer applications to problems encountered in today’s accounting environment.
BUS213 – Business Law I (3 credits)
This course is an introduction to the legal environment of business. Topics covered include American court practice and procedure, torts, employment law, international law, environmental law, and contract law.
Proctored Final Exam
Online Library and Librarian
Students at Penn Foster College have
access to an online library during
their college studies. Students can
use the library to do the required
course research or for general reference
and links to valuable resources. The
library contains helpful research assistance,
articles, databases, books, and Web
links. A librarian is available to
answer questions on general research-related
topics via email and will assist students
in research activities.
We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
Microsoft and Windows are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.
Apple, Mac, and macOS are trademarks of Apple, Inc. registered in the United States of America and/or other jurisdictions.