Office Specialist Certification

The Foundations of Bookkeeping and Financial Accounting course is a 14-day intensive designed for:

• Aspiring Bookkeepers or Accounting Professionals
• Small Business Owners wanting to manage finances effectively
• Career Changers looking to break into accounting or finance
• Students interested in building foundational accounting skills

Key Topics Include

1. Bookkeeping Fundamentals
   • Terminology (assets, liabilities, equity, revenue, expenses)
   • Importance of accurate recordkeeping
2. The Accounting Equation
   • Balancing Assets = Liabilities + Equity in real-world scenarios
3. Double-Entry Bookkeeping
   • Debits, credits, and journal entries using T-accounts
4. Financial Statement Preparation
   • Constructing and interpreting the Balance Sheet, Income Statement, and Cash Flow Statement
5. Bank Reconciliation & Internal Controls
   • Discrepancy resolution, fraud prevention, and data integrity
6. Bookkeeping Software & Digital Tools
   • Introduction to QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, and FreshBooks
7. Advanced Intro Topics
   • Basic tax considerations, payroll accounting, and financial forecasting

By the end of this two-week program, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate Bookkeeping Proficiency
   Confidently record transactions, maintain ledgers, and manage a Chart of Accounts.
2. Prepare Accurate Financial Statements
   Build Balance Sheets, Income Statements, and Cash Flow Statements that reflect the true financial health of a business.
3. Use Technology to Streamline Workflows
   Harness user-friendly accounting software to automate tasks, generate reports, and maintain real-time financial data.
4. Implement Effective Internal Controls
   Understand how to perform regular bank reconciliations, avoid errors, and uphold ethical standards in financial reporting.
5. Leverage Data for Strategic Decisions
   Interpret financial data to inform business strategy, from budgeting to investment and beyond.

Week 1

1. Day 1: Introduction to Bookkeeping & Financial Accounting
   • Role of bookkeeping vs. accounting
   • Ethical and professional standards
2. Day 2: The Accounting Equation
   • Breakdown of assets, liabilities, and equity
   • Practical examples and exercises
3. Day 3: Double-Entry System – Debits & Credits
   • How debits and credits affect different accounts
   • T-account exercises and case scenarios
4. Day 4: Designing & Understanding the Chart of Accounts
   • Categorizing and organizing accounts effectively
   • Customizing COA for various industries
5. Day 5: Recording Transactions & Journal Entries
   • Source documents, invoices, and receipts
   • Hands-on workshop with multiple scenarios
6. Day 6: The General Ledger & Subsidiary Ledgers
   • Posting and updating ledger accounts
   • Accounts receivable/payable management
7. Day 7: The Trial Balance & Adjusting Entries
   • Preparing and verifying trial balances
   • Introduction to accruals, deferrals, and other adjustments

Week 2

8. Day 8: Overview of Financial Statements
   • Relationship among key financial reports
   • GAAP, IFRS basics, and regulatory compliance
9. Day 9: Constructing the Income Statement
   • Revenue recognition and expense matching
   • Calculating and interpreting net income
10. Day 10: Building the Balance Sheet
    • Short/long-term assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity
    • Assessing financial stability
11. Day 11: The Cash Flow Statement
    • Operating, investing, and financing activities
    • Analyzing liquidity and solvency
12. Day 12: Bookkeeping Software & Digital Tools
    • Setting up accounts in QuickBooks, Xero, or Wave
    • Automation features and integrations
13. Day 13: Reconciliation, Internal Controls & Ethics
    • Bank reconciliation processes
    • Fraud prevention best practices
14. Day 14: Comprehensive Review & Final Assessment
    • Summative examination or capstone project
    • Q&A, next steps for advanced learning

Course Duration

• Two Weeks (14 Days), Intensive Format
  • Focused curriculum for swift skill acquisition.

Delivery Method

• On-Campus or Hybrid
  • Attend in Riverside, Victorville, or San Bernardino.
  • Hybrid option combines online modules with in-person sessions.

Tuition and Payment

1. Standard Tuition: $1,295
   • Includes all course materials, templates, and software trial licenses (where applicable).
2. Early-Bird Discount: $1,095
   • Register at least 30 days before the start date to save $200.
3. Installment Plans
   • Flexible monthly payment options (e.g., $300/month over 4–5 months).
4. Financial Aid & Funding
   • Potential WIA/WIOA Grants for eligible participants.
   • Federal Financial Aid (Pell Grants, if applicable—check eligibility).
   • Mission Career College Payment Plan with low- or no-interest options for qualified students.

Contact our admissions team to determine the best financial aid or payment plan for you.

What’s Included

• All Course Materials & Templates
  • Printed and digital resources for each module
  • Quick-reference guides for bookkeeping fundamentals
• Software Trial Licenses (QuickBooks, Xero, etc.)
• Hands-On Exercises & Real-World Case Studies
  • Immediate, practical application of new skills
• Certificate of Completion
  • Ideal for resume enhancement and career growth
• Job Placement Assistance
  • Resume reviews, mock interviews, and potential employer connections in Riverside, Victorville, San Bernardino, and beyond

• Certificate of Completion
  • Awarded upon successful completion of coursework and final assessments.
  • Demonstrates your newly acquired competencies to potential employers.

Job Placement Assistance

• Career Services Support
  • Dedicated team to help refine your resume, practice interview skills, and identify job opportunities.
  • Networking events and career fairs hosted regularly by Mission Career College.
• Industry Connections
  • Partnerships with local businesses, staffing agencies, and finance departments seeking qualified bookkeeping professionals.

Our mission is to ensure you have both the skills and the professional support to thrive after graduation.