Accounting Technician - Career Certificate

Get your start in accounting

Use your love of numbers to help organizations make informed decisions. Track income and expenditures. Manage ledgers, invoices and payroll. Process bills, reconcile bank statements and calculate tax payments. Your role is vital to a company’s daily operations and long-term survival.

What can you do with an Accounting Technician Certificate?

This certificate prepares you for entry level jobs in accounting and finance, including

Bookkeeping clerk
Accounts receivable / payable clerk
Accounting clerk
Budget analyst

Why study accounting at CLC?

You’ll learn accounting principles and develop computer and communication skills. Class sizes are small. Faculty know you by name and have real-world accounting experience. You gain practical skills you can apply with confidence in the workplace. After you complete this certificate, we help you get a job.

Highlights

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Program Length: 1 Year

Finish in 1 year as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $55,545
  
  Median
  
  $83,747
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $149,327
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $26.70
  
  Median
  
  $40.26
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.79
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  39.48%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  14.08%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  43.6%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  2.84%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $36,953
  
  Median
  
  $51,863
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $77,800
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $17.76
  
  Median
  
  $24.93
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $37.40
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  47.24%
  
  Certificate
  
  20.79%
  
  Some college
  
  4.72%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  8.54%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  12.19%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  6.52%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Perform duties related to the purchase, sale, or holding of securities. Duties include writing orders for stock purchases or sales, computing transfer taxes, verifying stock transactions, accepting and delivering securities, tracking stock price fluctuations, computing equity, distributing dividends, and keeping records of daily transactions and holdings.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $38,871
  
  Median
  
  $63,790
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $94,522
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $18.68
  
  Median
  
  $30.67
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $45.44
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  29.13%
  
  Some college
  
  19.95%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  12.69%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  38.23%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $64,417
  
  Median
  
  $97,114
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $144,661
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30.97
  
  Median
  
  $46.69
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $69.54
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  12.57%
  
  Some college
  
  2.37%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  77.48%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  7.59%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $62,974
  
  Median
  
  $90,983
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $183,261
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30.27
  
  Median
  
  $43.74
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $88.10
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  95%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  5%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $65,334
  
  Median
  
  $106,292
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $205,761
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31.41
  
  Median
  
  $51.09
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $98.92
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  2.42%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  62.17%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  35.41%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $66,179
  
  Median
  
  $107,519
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $180,898
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31.81
  
  Median
  
  $51.69
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $86.97
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  95.66%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  4.35%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

View more careers

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

complete the admission process
choose an academic program
enroll in first-semester classes
get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

View program in catalog

Icon Key

Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ACC 110	ACC 110 Accounting in Business Class Description This course is an overall introduction to the discipline of accounting. Emphasis is on understanding processes used to collect, analyze, and report financial information in business organizations. Topics include the accounting equation, generally accepted accounting principles, financial reporting, financial statement analysis, budgeting, and cost control.	2	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 110
Course Title	ACC 110 Accounting in Business Class Description This course is an overall introduction to the discipline of accounting. Emphasis is on understanding processes used to collect, analyze, and report financial information in business organizations. Topics include the accounting equation, generally accepted accounting principles, financial reporting, financial statement analysis, budgeting, and cost control.
Credits	2
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ACC 121	ACC 121 Financial Accounting Class Description This is an introductory course focusing on financial reporting for external users. Course coverage includes basic accounting principles, the accounting cycle with an emphasis on transaction analysis, and financial statements. Specific course topics include the valuation and reporting of cash, receivables, inventory, long-term assets, current and long-term liabilities and stockholders' equity.	4	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
AMT 111	AMT 111 Business Communication Class Description This course is designed to improve communication skills and prepare students for success in a team environment. Students will learn how to write clearly and concisely. Topics include a review of punctuation, document formatting and techniques in composing effective business letters, memoranda, reports, employment letters, resumes, and working with electronic messages and digital media.	3	Online/Virtual options available
MTH 114	MTH 114 Applied Mathematics Class Description This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
CIT 119	CIT 119 Introduction to Office Software Class Description This course is a hands-on course for students wanting to learn the basics of productivity software including: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. Basic operating system tasks will also be presented. Software used for this class includes a current version of Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. NOTE: This course is not intended for CIT majors and does not apply towards any CIT degree or certificate.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 121
Course Title	ACC 121 Financial Accounting Class Description This is an introductory course focusing on financial reporting for external users. Course coverage includes basic accounting principles, the accounting cycle with an emphasis on transaction analysis, and financial statements. Specific course topics include the valuation and reporting of cash, receivables, inventory, long-term assets, current and long-term liabilities and stockholders' equity.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	AMT 111
Course Title	AMT 111 Business Communication Class Description This course is designed to improve communication skills and prepare students for success in a team environment. Students will learn how to write clearly and concisely. Topics include a review of punctuation, document formatting and techniques in composing effective business letters, memoranda, reports, employment letters, resumes, and working with electronic messages and digital media.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 114
Course Title	MTH 114 Applied Mathematics Class Description This course explores the basic principles of mathematics with an emphasis on career technical applications. Operations of signed numbers including integers fractions and decimals are studied. Further areas of study include ratios, proportions, percentages, measuring systems, unit conversions, precision, accuracy, scientific notation introductory algebra and practical geometry.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 119
Course Title	CIT 119 Introduction to Office Software Class Description This course is a hands-on course for students wanting to learn the basics of productivity software including: word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and presentation software. Basic operating system tasks will also be presented. Software used for this class includes a current version of Windows, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. NOTE: This course is not intended for CIT majors and does not apply towards any CIT degree or certificate.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
BUS 121	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
CIT 111	CIT 111 Comprehensive Spreadsheets Class Description Covers the advanced features of spreadsheet use and design. File building techniques, the creation of high-quality graphics, database features including query and table handling are also covered. Use of financial, date, and time functions will be included. Use of macros will cover automating operations, building and customizing spreadsheets with interactive macros, and improving macro performance including Visual Basic macros.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
ACC 171	ACC 171 Introduction to QuickBooks Class Description This course provides an introduction to QuickBooks. Topics covered include company set up, processing transactions through the accounting cycle, merchandising transactions, banking and payroll.	2	Online/Virtual options available
ACC 172	ACC 172 Accounting Capstone Experience Class Description Students in this course will complete a capstone project consisting of a comprehensive accounting practice set and end of project evaluation. Completing and reporting on this practice set will give students the opportunity to synthesize and put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired in all other courses in the Accounting Technician Certificate program.	1	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BUS 121
Course Title	BUS 121 Introduction to Business Class Description This course provides a broad overview of the principles, functions and careers in business. Topics included are: economics, global business, ethics, business structures, entrepreneurship, management, marketing, accounting, finance and operations management.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CIT 111
Course Title	CIT 111 Comprehensive Spreadsheets Class Description Covers the advanced features of spreadsheet use and design. File building techniques, the creation of high-quality graphics, database features including query and table handling are also covered. Use of financial, date, and time functions will be included. Use of macros will cover automating operations, building and customizing spreadsheets with interactive macros, and improving macro performance including Visual Basic macros.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 171
Course Title	ACC 171 Introduction to QuickBooks Class Description This course provides an introduction to QuickBooks. Topics covered include company set up, processing transactions through the accounting cycle, merchandising transactions, banking and payroll.
Credits	2
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 172
Course Title	ACC 172 Accounting Capstone Experience Class Description Students in this course will complete a capstone project consisting of a comprehensive accounting practice set and end of project evaluation. Completing and reporting on this practice set will give students the opportunity to synthesize and put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired in all other courses in the Accounting Technician Certificate program.
Credits	1
Online/Virtual options available

Total Credit Hours

26

Accounting at CLC: Get the bigger picture

A certificate is just one possible way to study accounting. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Accounting Program Overview

Apply now: It's easy and free

Complete the application form to begin your program.

Then a Career and College Navigator (CCN) will reach out to answer your questions and get you onboarded. Explore steps to apply at CLC.

Apply to CLC

Frequently asked questions

Yes! Most courses are available online for this program.
In-person classes are flexible to fit your schedule. Daytime and evening options are available for most of the core accounting and business-related courses. Evening classes are a popular option for working adults.
Classes blend active and instructor-led learning—whether they are face-to-face or online. You learn through lectures, discussions and exercises. Solve real-world problems and discuss real-life career successes and challenges with other students.
In this program, you take accounting and general business courses. You learn how to communicate effectively in the workplace. Classes prepare you for success in a challenging and exciting field.
CLC accounting faculty have relevant industry experience in tax accounting and reporting, auditing and compliance, financial analysis, planning and budgeting, financial modeling and capital investment.
You receive a high-quality education because of the extensive experience and educational accomplishments of CLC instructors.

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

Send me info

Visit us

Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!

Take a tour

Get started

Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Start today!

Accounting Technician Certificate

Get your start in accounting

What can you do with an Accounting Technician Certificate?

Why study accounting at CLC?

Highlights

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Program Length: 1 Year

Career Outlook

Accountants and Auditors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Brokerage Clerks

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Budget Analysts

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Credit Analysts

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Financial and Investment Analysts

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Financial Examiners

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Need help getting started?

Recommended Pathway

Icon Key

Semester 1 4 Credits

Semester 2 13 Credits

Semester 3 9 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Accounting at CLC: Get the bigger picture

Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

Can I take classes online?

What are classes like?

Who will teach me?

Take the next step...

Be debt-free at CLC

Request info

Visit us

Get started