2021-2022 Catalog

Bookkeeping and Payroll Certificate of Completion

45 Credits

The Bookkeeping and Payroll Certificate of Completion is provided by the Office Professions Department.

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 practical experience 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 $36,310 for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks.  The current average annual salary in Montana for Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks is $39,560. 

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.
  • Discuss considerations for Native American/Alaska Native populations in the workplace.

 

Curriculum

Fall

BUMG160Personal Finance

3

CAPP105Computers for College Success

1

CAPP161Electronic Spreadsheets

3

ENGL101English Composition I

3

OFED130Office Essentials

3

OFED170Accounting Basics

3

Total Credit Hours:16

Winter

CAPP140Word Processing

3

CAPP162Data Management Systems

3

OFED132Payroll Accounting

3

OFED140Employment Law

2

OFED142Professional Relationships in the Workplace

3

Total Credit Hours:14

Spring

CAPP170Electronic Presentations

2

NASD101History of Indians in the United States

3

OFED115Bookkeeping

3

OFED171Customer Service

2

OFED261Office Communication and Procedures

3

OFED290Office Practicum

2

Total Credit Hours:15
The Bookkeeping and Payroll Program has designated the following courses as embedding the "4 Cs" competencies:  Communication: OFED 261 and OFED 142. Critical Thinking: OFED 130 and CAPP 105. Cultural Understanding: CAPP 140 and CAPP 170. Citizenship: OFED 142. Information Literacy is taught in CAPP 105.

Total Credit Hours: 45