Professional Accounting Certificate

Strengthen your accounting credentials

Become a certified public accountant (CPA) and get promoted. If you have a bachelor’s degree (in any area), you can earn a certificate in Professional Accounting in under 2 years and qualify to take the CPA exam. Most students who complete this certificate at CLC pass the CPA exam on their first sitting—at nearly an 80% higher pass rate than the national average!

What can you do with a Professional Accounting Certificate?

Complete this certificate to switch to a career in accounting. Or level up your existing accounting career. Many students take the CPA examination after graduation to become licensed CPAs.

After becoming a licensed CPA, you can begin a career in any of the following roles:

auditor
controller
financial analyst
staff accountant
tax accountant

Highlights

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Based on need and/or achievement. Explore ways to pay for college.
Program Length: 1.5 Years

Full-time students can complete in 1.5 years.
WIOA Program

Eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.

*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 many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about 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
  
  $55,538
  
  Median
  
  $83,737
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $149,311
  
  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
  
  $26.69
  
  Median
  
  $40.25
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $71.78
  
  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
  
  $36,955
  
  Median
  
  $51,866
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $77,804
  
  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
  
  $38,869
  
  Median
  
  $63,787
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $94,518
  
  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
  
  $30.66
  
  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
  
  $64,402
  
  Median
  
  $97,092
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $144,628
  
  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
  
  $30.96
  
  Median
  
  $46.68
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $69.53
  
  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
  
  $62,932
  
  Median
  
  $90,922
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $183,138
  
  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
  
  $30.25
  
  Median
  
  $43.71
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $88.04
  
  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
  
  $65,327
  
  Median
  
  $106,280
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $205,735
  
  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
  
  $31.40
  
  Median
  
  $51.09
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $98.90
  
  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
  
  $66,141
  
  Median
  
  $107,457
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $180,794
  
  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
  
  $31.79
  
  Median
  
  $51.66
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $86.91
  
  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).

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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 inclusive list of course options and degree requirements, see the college catalog.

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ACC 212	ACC 212 Federal Taxation of Individuals Class Description This course involves the practical study of Federal Tax Law as related to the individual and sole proprietorship. Topics covered include history of Federal Income Tax, Personal and Dependency Exemptions, Cash and Accrual Methods, Gross Income inclusions and exclusions, Depreciation Methods, Property Transactions, Realization and Recognition of Gain or Loss, Deductions for and from Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), Itemized Deductions, Passive Activity rules and Tax Credits.	3
ACC 221	ACC 221 Intermediate Accounting I Class Description An intensive study of financial accounting theory and procedures involving the topical areas of accounting standards and theory development, the statements of income, retained earnings, and financial position, time value of money, cash, receivables, inventory, plant assets, depreciation, intangible assets and current liabilities. Grade of "B" or better in Financial and Managerial Accounting (ACC121 and ACC122) is recommended, grade of "C" or better is required.	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 212
Course Title	ACC 212 Federal Taxation of Individuals Class Description This course involves the practical study of Federal Tax Law as related to the individual and sole proprietorship. Topics covered include history of Federal Income Tax, Personal and Dependency Exemptions, Cash and Accrual Methods, Gross Income inclusions and exclusions, Depreciation Methods, Property Transactions, Realization and Recognition of Gain or Loss, Deductions for and from Adjusted Gross Income (AGI), Itemized Deductions, Passive Activity rules and Tax Credits.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 221
Course Title	ACC 221 Intermediate Accounting I Class Description An intensive study of financial accounting theory and procedures involving the topical areas of accounting standards and theory development, the statements of income, retained earnings, and financial position, time value of money, cash, receivables, inventory, plant assets, depreciation, intangible assets and current liabilities. Grade of "B" or better in Financial and Managerial Accounting (ACC121 and ACC122) is recommended, grade of "C" or better is required.
Credits	4

Course Code	Course Title	Credits
ACC 213	ACC 213 Federal Taxation of Entities Class Description This course is an introduction to corporate, partnership, gift, estate, and international taxation. The overall emphasis of the course is on the taxation of corporations and flow-through entities. The student will also become familiar with various related subjects including Alternative Minimum Tax, Accumulated Earnings Tax, Gift and Estate Tax, and International Taxation.	3
ACC 214	ACC 214 Cost Accounting Class Description This course is an advanced study of the information required in management planning and control systems. The emphasis is on the systematic application of cost accounting concepts as a tool for management decisions. Topical areas include product costing, operational control, cost allocation, budgeting, inventory control, analysis of cost-volume-profit relationships, and variance analysis.	3
ACC 222	ACC 222 Intermediate Accounting II Class Description An intensive continuation of the study of financial accounting theory and procedures involving the topical areas of accounting for long term liabilities, shareholder equity, investments, revenue recognition, financial analysis, preparation of the Statement of Cash Flows, accounting for income taxes, pensions, leases, changes and errors, and disclosure.	4

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 213
Course Title	ACC 213 Federal Taxation of Entities Class Description This course is an introduction to corporate, partnership, gift, estate, and international taxation. The overall emphasis of the course is on the taxation of corporations and flow-through entities. The student will also become familiar with various related subjects including Alternative Minimum Tax, Accumulated Earnings Tax, Gift and Estate Tax, and International Taxation.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 214
Course Title	ACC 214 Cost Accounting Class Description This course is an advanced study of the information required in management planning and control systems. The emphasis is on the systematic application of cost accounting concepts as a tool for management decisions. Topical areas include product costing, operational control, cost allocation, budgeting, inventory control, analysis of cost-volume-profit relationships, and variance analysis.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 222
Course Title	ACC 222 Intermediate Accounting II Class Description An intensive continuation of the study of financial accounting theory and procedures involving the topical areas of accounting for long term liabilities, shareholder equity, investments, revenue recognition, financial analysis, preparation of the Statement of Cash Flows, accounting for income taxes, pensions, leases, changes and errors, and disclosure.
Credits	4

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ACC 231	ACC 231 Federal Tax Compliance and Research Class Description This course explores the procedures and responsibilities connected to federal income taxation. The overall emphasis of the course is on the inventory of necessary tax forms, reporting and filing obligations, representing clients before the IRS, and research practices necessary to secure the most accurate outcome for taxpayers. The student will also become familiar with various related subjects, including: Alternative Minimum Tax, Exempt Organizations, and Taxation of Trusts and Estates.	2
ACC 232	ACC 232 Advanced Accounting Concepts and Research Class Description This course explores specialized financial accounting topics, including Accounting for Governmental and Not-for-Profit entities, Business Combinations, Consolidated Financial Statements, and Employee Benefit Plans. The student will also become familiar with various related subjects, including: Financial Accounting Research and the impact of AI on the accounting industry.	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 231
Course Title	ACC 231 Federal Tax Compliance and Research Class Description This course explores the procedures and responsibilities connected to federal income taxation. The overall emphasis of the course is on the inventory of necessary tax forms, reporting and filing obligations, representing clients before the IRS, and research practices necessary to secure the most accurate outcome for taxpayers. The student will also become familiar with various related subjects, including: Alternative Minimum Tax, Exempt Organizations, and Taxation of Trusts and Estates.
Credits	2

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 232
Course Title	ACC 232 Advanced Accounting Concepts and Research Class Description This course explores specialized financial accounting topics, including Accounting for Governmental and Not-for-Profit entities, Business Combinations, Consolidated Financial Statements, and Employee Benefit Plans. The student will also become familiar with various related subjects, including: Financial Accounting Research and the impact of AI on the accounting industry.
Credits	2

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ACC 271	ACC 271 Auditing Class Description An intensive study of theory and procedures applied in the performance of an audit including the topical areas of audit reporting, auditing standards and evidence, components of audit risk, and the evaluation and impact of internal control environment and information systems. The legal, ethical and regulatory dimensions will be examined with emphasis on how government affects auditing and financial reporting through Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other relevant acts.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	ACC 271
Course Title	ACC 271 Auditing Class Description An intensive study of theory and procedures applied in the performance of an audit including the topical areas of audit reporting, auditing standards and evidence, components of audit risk, and the evaluation and impact of internal control environment and information systems. The legal, ethical and regulatory dimensions will be examined with emphasis on how government affects auditing and financial reporting through Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other relevant acts.
Credits	3

Total Credit Hours

24

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

Frequently asked questions

You can complete many classes online. This lets you continue working while going to school.
Courses are offered in a variety of formats to provide flexibility and a rich learning experience. Attend class in the way that best fits your goals:
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time. Take classes taught live via Zoom.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete course work without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
The professional accounting certificate is a total of 24 credit hours. Students take 1.5 to 2 years to complete this program, on average.
Expect to develop in-demand skills for a career in accounting. You will learn to
- follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) while recording and analyzing business transactions
- prepare federal income tax returns for individuals and entities
- design external audits of accounting processes
- analyze accounting information to make effective business decisions
- communicate accounting and tax recommendations to clients
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.
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.
Yes. If you already have a bachelor's degree and want to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), this certificate is right for you!
Meet with an accounting instructor to discuss your plan of study for the CPA exam. Before you qualify to take the CPA exam in Illinois, you must satisfy all of the following requirements:
- earned a bachelor’s degree (in any field)
- completed 150 semester hours of college credit
- completed 30 semester hours of accounting credit (included in the 150 credits listed above) courses in the subjects of financial, managerial, taxation and auditing
- completed 24 semester hours in business

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Strengthen your accounting credentials

What can you do with a Professional Accounting Certificate?

Highlights

Financial Aid/Scholarships Available

Program Length: 1.5 Years

WIOA Program

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?

Recommended Pathway

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Semester 1 7 Credits

Semester 2 10 Credits

Semester 3 4 Credits

Semester 4 3 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Accounting at CLC: Get the bigger picture

Frequently asked questions

Can I complete this program online?

How long will this program take to complete?

What skills will I obtain?

What will classes be like?

Will this certificate prepare me to take the CPA exam?

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