Accounting

Accounting

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Accounting Assistant - Certificate

Employment Information

Data are provided on a program (not credential) level

81% BTC graduate placement rate1

$49,651 starting annual wage2
$58,113 average annual wage2
$64,511 potential annual wage2

  • Employment and Wage Data Sources

    1Employment data come from the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) and reflect three-year averages among BTC students employed in either Washington or Oregon. Students are included in the employment rate if they left with a credential. Rates are not shown for programs with fewer than 10 students meeting the above criteria.

    2Whatcom County and WA State wage data come from Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. Wage data represent occupations that BTC faculty have identified as the most relevant career paths for program graduates. Note that these wages reflect employees with varying educational levels/credentials. For cases in which multiple occupations have been identified by faculty, a weighted percentile is calculated using each occupation’s percentile wage and employment size estimate. Wages are not shown for programs for which occupations do not meet the ESD’s minimum thresholds for publishing. If the program has wage data that involves shift work, these ESD wages reflect the same number of hours used in the annual wage calculation. Starting wage = 25th percentile, median wage = 50th percentile, wage potential = 75th percentile.

  • Estimated Program Costs

Tuition Fees and Rates overview page

Entry Information

When Can I Start?

The program typically starts in Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer Quarters on a space available basis.

What are the Minimum Entry Requirements?

A completed college admissions application and placement in English and math. BTC uses a Guided Self-Placement process to help you choose the best starting point for your English and math courses. Your selections will determine whether you begin with program coursework or complete prerequisites classes first.

To get started or for help determining your English and math placement, contact the Outreach department at Outreach@btc.edu.

What are My Next Steps?

1. Apply to BTC and Financial Aid
2. Assess Your Starting Point
3. Advising & Registration
4. Prepare to Attend

 

Classes

Total Program Credits: 47

  • Current Students: Learn how to use this page to register for classes

  • General Education Core Courses

  • AENGL 100Applied English5 CR
  • OR
  • BUS 188Business English5 CR
  • OR
  • ENGL& 101English Composition I5 CR
  • BUS 150Math for Business5 CR
  • OR
  • MATH& 107Math In Society5 CR
  • Or higher
  • CMST& 210Interpersonal Communication5 CR

  • Program Core

  • ACCT& 201Principles of Accounting I5 CR
  • ACCT& 202Principles of Accounting II5 CR
  • ACCT 245Payroll Procedures5 CR
  • ACCT 246QuickBooks5 CR
  • BIT 100Survey of Business and Information Technology2 CR
  • CAP 101Microsoft Computer Applications5 CR
  • CAP 142Microsoft Excel5 CR

Program Outcomes

  • Analyze and record business transactions; prepare and evaluate financial statements using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.
  • Use and integrated accounting software program (QuickBooks) to record transactions and create financial reports and statements.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply payroll laws, compute payroll, record payroll entries and prepare federal and state forms that pertain to payroll
  • Solve business problems in Excel using formulas, functions, lists, and charts.

Employment Outlook

The large size of the occupation ensures plentiful job openings, including many opportunities for temporary and part-time work. Virtually all job openings will stem from replacement needs as clerks and assistants transfer to different occupations or leave the labor force.

Accounting graduates are in high demand. The average annual income in this field is $43,638, with an earning potential of about $52,291 per year.*

Potential positions include accounts receivable/accounts payable clerk, general ledger clerk and payroll clerk. Nationally, about 25% of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks are employed in wholesale or retail trade and 34% are employed in organizations providing business, health, educational, and social services.

Faculty & Support

Contacts

If you have questions about this program or want help with the admissions steps to Bellingham Technical College, please email outreach@btc.edu.

Current students wanting academic planning and support, can connect with the program Instructor(s) or email BusinessITNav@btc.edu