Professional Accounting - Track 2

Career Certificate
Cost
$8,457*

Strengthen your accounting credentials

Become a certified public accountant (CPA) and get promoted. With a bachelor’s degree (in any area), you can earn a certificate in Professional Accounting within 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 advance your career in accounting. Many students take the Certified Public Accountant (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

Becoming a CPA: The exam and what else you need to know

After completing the certificate, you’re eligible to take the uniform CPA exam. This exam protects the public by ensuring that only qualified individuals become CPAs. There are four parts to the exam:

  • Financial Accounting and Reporting
  • Auditing and Attestation
  • Taxation and Regulation
  • Choice of one of the following exams:
    • Business Analysis and Reporting
    • Information Systems and Controls
    • Tax Compliance and Planning

Before you embark on a career as a CPA, you also need to pass an ethics exam and work under the mentorship of a CPA for one year. Learn more about the CPA exam and requirements in Illinois.

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.

Career Outlook

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Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps 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 inclusive list of course options, see the college 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
    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
    • 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
      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
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ACC 122

    ACC 122 Managerial Accounting

    Class Description

    This introductory course in managerial accounting focuses on internal planning and control. Emphasis is on identifying and applying relevant accounting and financial information for management decisions. Topical areas include product costing, operational control, cost allocation, capital budgeting, profit planning, performance reporting, and variance analysis.
         		4
    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
    BUS 221

    BUS 221 Business Law I

    Class Description

    This course introduces principles of American law governing business and personal transactions. Areas covered include contracts, torts, agency, employment, and business structures. The course also introduces the American legal environment: the court system, the lawmaking process, and government regulation. Note: BUS 221 and LGL 221 are cross-listed
         		3
    • Course Code ACC 122
      Course Title

      ACC 122 Managerial Accounting

      Class Description

      This introductory course in managerial accounting focuses on internal planning and control. Emphasis is on identifying and applying relevant accounting and financial information for management decisions. Topical areas include product costing, operational control, cost allocation, capital budgeting, profit planning, performance reporting, and variance analysis.
      Credits 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 Highlights
    • Course Code BUS 221
      Course Title

      BUS 221 Business Law I

      Class Description

      This course introduces principles of American law governing business and personal transactions. Areas covered include contracts, torts, agency, employment, and business structures. The course also introduces the American legal environment: the court system, the lawmaking process, and government regulation. Note: BUS 221 and LGL 221 are cross-listed
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    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
    ACC 252

    ACC 252 Research Topics in Taxation

    Class Description

    This course summarizes the art of navigating the federal income tax laws, as well as other authoritative literature, and developing a supportable conclusion to tax issues that do not possess definitive answers. This course will expose students to a variety of tax authoritative documents, as well as their citations. Students will be trained to use tax research software and will ultimately be assessed on their ability to create and communicate defensible tax positions.
         		1
    BUS 132

    BUS 132 Business Ethics

    Class Description

    This course introduces students to the principal ethical theories and concepts of human conduct and character and will provide a critical evaluation of these theories and concepts as they apply to particular moral problems and business decision making and policy. The class will evaluate the principles, values and standards that guide behavior in the business world. Students will study and analyze various business scenarios to determine ethical and non-ethical behavior. This course will include a large amount of case study work to aid students in identifying ethical behavior in the current business environment and provide opportunities to practice sound ethical decision making.
         		3
    • 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 Highlights
    • Course Code ACC 252
      Course Title

      ACC 252 Research Topics in Taxation

      Class Description

      This course summarizes the art of navigating the federal income tax laws, as well as other authoritative literature, and developing a supportable conclusion to tax issues that do not possess definitive answers. This course will expose students to a variety of tax authoritative documents, as well as their citations. Students will be trained to use tax research software and will ultimately be assessed on their ability to create and communicate defensible tax positions.
      Credits 1
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BUS 132
      Course Title

      BUS 132 Business Ethics

      Class Description

      This course introduces students to the principal ethical theories and concepts of human conduct and character and will provide a critical evaluation of these theories and concepts as they apply to particular moral problems and business decision making and policy. The class will evaluate the principles, values and standards that guide behavior in the business world. Students will study and analyze various business scenarios to determine ethical and non-ethical behavior. This course will include a large amount of case study work to aid students in identifying ethical behavior in the current business environment and provide opportunities to practice sound ethical decision making.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ACC 251

    ACC 251 Financial Accounting Research

    Class Description

    This course is an introduction to the research process as it applies to financial accounting. The primary focus will be on the use of an Internet based research system to obtain authoritative evidence to support answers to accounting questions.
         		1
    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
    BUS 237

    BUS 237 Managerial Communication

    Class Description

    This course will guide students in developing the communication skills needed to be successful as a manager. The course is organized in a workshop format, in which students develop, refine and practice communication skills used by successful managers. The course includes a focus on both oral and written skills used in business at a management level. The content of the course will also include a focus on organization, non-verbal (both delivery and listening) and presentation skills. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to prepare written business documents such as proposals, memos, and emails; organize and conduct meetings and write meeting minutes; and make formal and informal business presentations. Students will have developed communication skills that effectively inform and persuade their audience in addition to enhancing their credibility as managers. AMT 237 and BUS 237 are cross-listed.
         		3
    • Course Code ACC 251
      Course Title

      ACC 251 Financial Accounting Research

      Class Description

      This course is an introduction to the research process as it applies to financial accounting. The primary focus will be on the use of an Internet based research system to obtain authoritative evidence to support answers to accounting questions.
      Credits 1
      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
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code BUS 237
      Course Title

      BUS 237 Managerial Communication

      Class Description

      This course will guide students in developing the communication skills needed to be successful as a manager. The course is organized in a workshop format, in which students develop, refine and practice communication skills used by successful managers. The course includes a focus on both oral and written skills used in business at a management level. The content of the course will also include a focus on organization, non-verbal (both delivery and listening) and presentation skills. At the conclusion of the course, students will be able to prepare written business documents such as proposals, memos, and emails; organize and conduct meetings and write meeting minutes; and make formal and informal business presentations. Students will have developed communication skills that effectively inform and persuade their audience in addition to enhancing their credibility as managers. AMT 237 and BUS 237 are cross-listed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights

Total Credit Hours

41

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.



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Accounting at CLC: Get the bigger picture

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