2019-2020 Catalog

Bookkeeping and Payroll Certificate of Completion

45 Credits

Program Description

The Bookkeeping and Payroll Certificate of Completion prepares students for office positions that specifically require bookkeeping or payroll skills.  Students will be introduced to terminology related to bookkeeping, payroll, and accounting, along with an introduction to employment law.  Students will develop skills in general ledger, double entry, debits, credits, income statements, payroll systems, fringe benefits, voluntary deductions, electronic spreadsheets, and word processing.  At the end of the program, students complete a practicum in a bookkeeping or payroll office.

Career Opportunities

Students who complete the Bookkeeping and Payroll Certificate of Completion will be prepared for employment in entry-level payroll, accounting, and/or bookkeeping positions.

According to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, the current average annual salary in Montana is $35,640 for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks.  The current average annual salary in Montana for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks is $39,860. 

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Certificate of Completion in Bookkeeping and Payroll, graduates will be able to:

  • Define terms related to accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical and legal aspects of employment law.
  • Create general ledger entries and basic accounting reports.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of payroll practices and applications. 
  • Create business documents and demonstrate knowledge of office procedures.

Curriculum

Fall

BUMG160Personal Finance

3

CAPP105Computers for College Success

1

ENGL101English Composition I

3

GNSD150Career Preparation I

1

OFED130Office Essentials

3

OFED170Accounting Basics

3

Total Credit Hours:14

Winter

CAPP140Word Processing

3

CAPP162Data Management Systems

3

NASD101History of Indians in the United States

3

OFED121Human Relations

3

OFED132Payroll Accounting

3

OFED140Employment Law

2

Total Credit Hours:17

Spring

CAPP161Electronic Spreadsheets

3

CAPP170Electronic Presentations

2

GNSD151Career Preparation II

1

OFED115Bookkeeping

3

OFED261Office Communication and Procedures

3

OFED290Office Practicum

2

Total Credit Hours:14
The Bookkeeping and Payroll Program has designated the following courses as embedding the "4 Cs" competencies:  Communication: OFED 261 and OFED 121.  Critical Thinking: OFED 130. Cultural Understanding: CAPP 140 and CAPP 170. Citizenship: OFED 121.

Total Credit Hours: 45