Accounting Certificates

By earning an Accounting Certificate, you will gain technical skills while developing problem-solving and communication skills, all of which are valued in any job. San Juan College offers four certificate programs that will put you on track for a career! Become an enrolled agent or a bookkeeper in just three semesters. A Payroll Accounting Certificate can be earned in just one year! Each certificate is fully transferable to the AAS program.

Why earn a Certificate in Accounting?

The skills that students learn in the Accounting program (QuickBooks, Excel, etc.) are Hot Technologies. Knowledge of these software programs will make your resume stand out! The future is bright for those entering this field, with expected growth and expanding job opportunities.

Why earn an Accounting Certificate at San Juan College?

At SJC you’ll receive a quality education in accounting that will prepare you for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and beyond! We offer a variety of classes that are transferable to an AAS in Accounting, which also can set you on the path to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Four Specializations

Choose the Accounting certificate program that fits your career goals. Each certificate can be completed within one year to three semesters.

Bookkeeping Certificate

Organize and manage your company’s financial transactions on a daily basis. Learn how to keep a record of and track important business transactions. When you complete the program, you will have detailed information regarding the National Certified Bookkeeper Examination offered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.

Payroll Accounting Certificate

Process expenses related to employees, including salaries and wages, payroll taxes and paid time off. You’ll gain background knowledge to pass the Certified Payroll Specialist exam, administered by the National Association of Certified Payroll Specialists.

Enrolled Agent Certificate

Represent clients with tax issues such as audits, collections and appeals before the Internal Revenue Service. You’ll gain the necessary practical skills needed to study and pass the IRS Enrollment Examination. By earning this elite status, you will achieve the highest credential the IRS awards.

Energy Accounting Certificate

Ensure the accuracy of financial documents, prepare and maintain important financial reports, and evaluate financial operations for energy companies. You’ll gain an understanding of the oil and gas industry and a working knowledge of accounting in the energy sector.

Unique Course Options

San Juan College is proud to offer a variety of accounting courses not found at many community colleges. We provide courses such as Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting to give you extra knowledge and skills that set you apart in your job search. They'll also boost your educational journey so you can be better prepared for a four-year degree, a master's degree, and the CPA exam.

Affordable Accounting Certificate Programs

Because of SJC's low tuition rates, our Accounting Certificate programs are an excellent investment for your career. Not only can you complete the program quickly, we also provide scholarship opportunities to lower the cost of your degree. Discover if you can get your certificate tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.

What You’ll Learn

SJC’s certificate programs will prepare you for the real-world skills you need to become a bookkeeper, payroll accountant, and enrolled agent. You’ll learn the basics of Excel, QuickBooks, tax return preparation, customer service, and time management, to name a few.

You’ll learn skills that will prepare you to maintain and monitor financial records for a variety of businesses. Upon completion, you’ll have the information you need to take the National Certified Bookkeeper Examination. Some of the courses you’ll study include:

Principles of Accounting
Federal Income Tax
Business Microcomputer Applications
Business Communications

Bookkeeping Certificate Curriculum

In this two-semester program, you’ll get the training you need to prepare employee salary statements and process paychecks. You’ll also gain the skills to test for the Certified Payroll Specialist exam. Study important topics, including:

Accounting Information Systems
Payroll Accounting
Spreadsheeting
Fundamentals of Information Literacy & Systems

Payroll Accounting Certificate Curriculum

SJC’s Enrolled Agent Certificate prepares you with the real-world skills you’ll need to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service. You’ll gain the necessary skills to study for and pass the IRS Special Enrollment Examination. You’ll study and practice concepts in:

Principals of Accounting (Financial and Managerial)
Federal Income Tax Preparation
Volunteer Income Tax Internship
Enrolled Agent Exam Review

Enrolled Agent Certificate Curriculum

The Energy Accounting Certificate at SJC prepares you to work in entry-level accounting positions in the oil and gas industry and in other industries in the energy sector. Topics you’ll study include:

Principles of Accounting
Accounting Information Systems
Corporate Financial Reporting
Introduction to the Oil and Gas Industry
Oil, Gas, and Energy Accounting

Energy Accounting Certificate Curriculum

Transfer Options

The Payroll Accounting Certificate Program is fully transferable to SJC's Associate of Applied Science degree in Accounting, so you can continue to build on your skills. Learn more by speaking to your advisor.

Contact an Academic Advisor

Careers and Outcomes

With an accounting certificate from San Juan College, you’ll have the skills you need for a job as an Enrolled Agent, Paid Tax Return Preparer as well as a Certified Payroll professional.

Recent employers of our graduates include: