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Certificate of Achievement
Finance

The Finance Certificate of Achievement is designed for students who desire to complete a course of study in financial services to gain skills and knowledge and to obtain entry-level finance positions in small and medium-sized businesses. It will provide students with basic accounting skills combined with training in financial planning and will serve as an excellent foundation for those choosing to take the National Association of Securities Dealers series 6 or 7 examinations. It consists of 17 units and can be completed in 2 semesters if a student is attending full time.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

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Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2023-2024 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
FIN 101 - Introduction to Financial PlanningM3.0
FIN 101 - Introduction to Financial Planning (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an elementary algebra course.
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course provides an overview of the fundamentals of financial planning, and is designed to provide students with tools needed to achieve their personal financial goals. Students will learn to make informed decisions related to spending, saving, borrowing, and investing by applying quantitative reasoning concepts. Course topics include the financial planning process, budgeting, cash flow, debt consolidation, investing, and retirement planning.

ACCT 105 - Income Tax AccountingM4.0
ACCT 105 - Income Tax Accounting (4.0 units)

Advisory:ACCT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course covers federal and California State income tax laws and preparation as they relate to individuals and small business entities. Emphasis is placed upon income inclusion, exclusion, exemptions, capital gains and losses, and business and individual deductions. Students who successfully complete the course with at least a “C” grade will be certified by the California Tax Education Council as fulfilling the state’s 60-hour qualifying education requirement (45 federal hours and 15 California hours) to become a registered tax preparer.

Select one: ACCT 101 / ACCT 101H M4.0
ACCT 101 - Financial Accounting (4.0 units)

Advisory:ACCT 100; It is advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (credit limit*) CSU (*students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ACCT 101 or ACCT 101H)

This course is an introduction to the theory, principles, and practice of accounting and financial reporting for corporations. Topics include analysis and recording of financial transactions; preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements; and accounting for assets, liabilities, and equities. Computer applications are integrated into the homework. This course is required for all accounting and business administration majors.

ACCT 101H - Financial Accounting Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101Advisory:ACCT 100; It is advised that students have a knowledge of elementary algebra concepts and be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to:UC (credit limit*), CSU (Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ACCT 101 or ACCT 101H)

This course is an introduction to the theory, principles, and practice of accounting and financial reporting for corporations. Topics include analysis and recording of financial transactions; preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements; and accounting for assets, liabilities, and equities. Computer applications are integrated into the homework. This course is required for all accounting and business administration majors. This course is intended for students eligible for the Honors Program. .

Total Semester Units:11.0 
2nd Semester
FIN 102 - Fundamentals of Financial Management and InvestingM3.0
FIN 102 - Fundamentals of Financial Management and Investing (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: FIN 101
Transfers to:UC,CSU

This course will provide an introduction to financial management and investment decision making involving stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government securities, options, and real estate. Topics include asset allocation principles, modern portfolio theory, investment tools and strategies, diversification, and tax implications of investments. This course is designed for students interested in pursuing a finance certificate or entry-level position in financial planning.

Select one: BUSL 110 / MGMT 108 M3.0
BUSL 110 - Legal Environment of Business (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC,CSU

This course examines the legal regulatory, and international environment of business. Included are the topics of alternative dispute resolution, the forms of business organization, regulations affecting employment, and current environmental statutes. Case studies are used to discuss torts, crimes, contracts and sales, warranty and product liability, labor law, employment discrimination, and environmental law.

MGMT 108 - Business Writing (3.0 units)

Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college level-texts.
Transfers to: CSU

The course covers the principles of effective writing in business. Extensive experience is provided using the different forms of business writing-memorandums, letters, reports, and resumes. Cultural differences and their impact on communicating in business will be studied. This course is designed for students pursuing careers in business.

ACCT 106 - Computerized AccountingM3.0
ACCT 106 - Computerized Accounting (3.0 units)

Advisory:ACCT 100(Formerly ACCT 090); ACCT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed to provide students with a sound basic knowledge of how computerized integrated accounting systems function. Students will be processing accounting data using receivables, payables, inventory, payroll and project modules. This course is designed for accounting majors, those interested in starting a small business, and those interested in pursuing entry-level positions in the field of accounting.

ACCT 110 - Excel for Business and AccountingM1.0
ACCT 110 - Excel for Business and Accounting (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: ACCT 101
Advisory: CIT 107
Transfers to: CSU

This course is designed for individuals seeking to enhance entry level Microsoft Excel spreadsheet skills in a business and accounting environment. Students will learn how and why Excel is used for analyzing data, managing budgets, forecasting and modeling financial performance in business.

Total Semester Units:10.0 
Total Units for Finance COA program 21.0 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
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