This certificate is designed for students working toward their Certified Public Accountant (CPA)license. A CPA license is a specialized and highly regarded credential in the field of accounting. Obtaining a CPA license enables individuals work in public accounting, corporate accounting, business, government, not-for-profit, and education fields.[1] The CPA Exam consists of four segments (1)Auditing and Attestation, (2) Business Environment & Concepts, (3)Financial Accounting & Reporting, and (4)Regulation. The CPA Exam Preparation 1 Certificate prepares students for the Auditing and Attestation section of the CPA Exam.
The classes included in this certificate meet the 150-semester hour requirement for licensure in California.
Upon successful completion of this certificate, students will
Understand the concepts, computations, and reporting requirements needed to pass the Auditing & Attestation part of the CPA exam.
Demonstrate an understanding of the ethical standards established by related professional organizations.
Certificate Program:
For students preparing for the CPA exam, Mission projects 15 graduates a year.
Estimates of the number of sections of core courses to be offered annually:
• 15-16sections of ACC 001A courses offered at Mission.
• 8-9sections of ACC 001B courses offered at Mission.
• 2-6sections of ACC 070 course offered at Mission.
• 1section of ACC 051A, 051B, 057A, 058A, 058B, 059A, 066, 067, 075, 77 course offered at Mission.
Our department proposes a suite of certificates that mirror the sections of the CPA Exam. These certificates would be designed to prepare students for that part of the exam. The proposed certificates are:
1. CPA Exam Preparation1: Auditing & Attestation (AUD)
2. CPA Exam Preparation2: Business Environment & Concepts (BEC)
3. CPA Exam Preparation3: Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)
4. CPA Exam Preparation4: Regulation (REG)
The new certificates are based mainly on the same core curriculum as our current Accounting A.S. degree, therefore, few new classes need to be submitted for the creation of this certification. Also, the classes can be taught by existing faculty and utilize existing facilities on campus.
Other benefits of these new certificates include:
· Preparing student for specialized certification in the industry.
· Providing students with a credential option for those not wishing to complete an associate’s degree.
· Providing students with an affordable alternative to other programs. Similar certificates in our area can reach as much as $14,850 in cost.[5]
· Increasing the marketability of the college. Many of the surrounding community colleges, offer a similar certificate.[6] Not having this as an option for our students places us at a competitive disadvantage and may negatively impact our enrollment in the long-term.
[1] “Article2. Comprehensive Mission Statement [66010.4.]” California LegislativeEducation Code leginfo.legislature.ca.gov. Web. 26. Feb. 2020.
[2] Franklin,Mitchell, et. al. “Principles of Accounting, Volume 2:ManagerialAccounting”. RiceUniversity. OpenStax.org. 2019, pp.36-37.
[3] “Accountingand Auditors.” Occupational Outlook,bls.gov. U.S. Bureau ofLaborStatistics. Web. 27. Feb. 2020.
[4] “Whatis the Uniform CPA Examination?” NASBA, nasba.org. NationalAssociation of State Boards ofAccountancy. Web. 26. Feb. 2020.
[5] “Tuitionand Financial Aid.” Leavey School of Business,scu.edu. Santa ClaraUniversity. Web. 4. March. 2020.
[6] “Certificate of Achievement in CPAExaminationPreparation.” Accounting,Foothill.edu. FoothillCollege. Web. 9. March. 2020.
The goal of the California Community College system is to “offer academic and vocational instruction at the lower division level for both younger and older students, including those persons returning to school.”[1] This mirrors the Accounting Department’s objective, stated in our Program of Study summary (approved by the state3/7/2018), which is to prepare students for entry level accounting positions, career advancement and to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. The focus of these new certificates is to assist in reaching the latter program goal of preparing students to take the CPA exam.
The Certified Public Accountant(CPA) designation is considered the top tier in accounting certifications and is highly regarded around the world.[2] Those individuals possessing this certification find work in all areas of accounting for companies of all sizes and formations. According to the bureau of labor statistics, the job outlook for accountants over the next ten years is anticipated to grow at 6% (as fast as the national average) with a median annual income of $70,500.[3] Therefore, we believe preparing students for this technical professional certification falls in line with our program’s goal.
In order to become a Certified Public Accountant, candidates must take the uniform Certified Public Accountant(CPA) exam, developed by the AICPA and assisted by NASBA and state boards of accountancy[4]. The CPA exam consists of four separate sections. They are (1) Auditing and Attestation, (2)Business Environment & Concepts, (3) Financial Accounting & Reporting, and (4) Regulation. Our new certificates would prepare students by offering certificates that focus on each these individual sections.
Course | Title | Units | Year/Semester (Y1 or S1) |
---|---|---|---|
ACC 001A ACC 058A ACC 058B ACC 059A ACC 070 | Financial Accounting Intermediate I Intermediate II Auditing Accounting Ethics | 4 4 4 4 3 | Year 1, Fall Year 2, Fall Year 2, Spring Year 2, Fall Year 1, Spring |
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