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Certificate of Achievement
Accounting

The certificate curriculum in Accounting prepares students for employment and advancement opportunities in business and industry such as financial institutions, hospitals, manufacturing and construction companies, wholesale and retail companies, transportation, utilities, educational institutions, all levels of government and the military.  Entry-level employment opportunities include positions in general bookkeeping, accounts receivable/payable, payroll, income tax preparation, cost accounting and auditing.

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 2024-2025 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
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. .

MGMT 101 - Introduction to BusinessM3.0
MGMT 101 - Introduction to Business (3.0 units)

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

This course is designed for the student who has an interest in a career in business. Topics cover business operations, strategies for both, domestic and international markets, economic factor, legal regulations, management, leadership, marketing, financial operations, accounting controls, and e-commerce. This course will count toward a business certificate or degree in business and will transfer to a four-year school.

Total Semester Units:7.0 
2nd Semester
Select one: ACCT 102 / ACCT 102H M4.0
ACCT 102 - Managerial Accounting (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: ACCT 101 or ACCT 101H
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of managerial accounting for decision making. Topics include manufacturing cost accounting, cost allocation, cost-volume-profit analysis, absorption and variable costing, differential analysis for decision making, capital investment analysis, budgeting, standard costing, responsibility accounting centers, activity-costing, just-in-time environments, and financial statement analysis. Computer applications are integrated into the homework. This course is required for all accounting and business administration majors.

ACCT 102H - Managerial Accounting Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: ACCT 101 or ACCT 101H, ENGL 101
Transfers to:UC,CSU

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of managerial accounting for decision making. Topics include manufacturing cost accounting, cost allocation, cost-volume-profit analysis, absorption and variable costing, differential analysis for decision making, capital investment analysis, budgeting, standard costing, responsibility accounting centers, activity-costing, just-in-time environments, and financial statement analysis. 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.

BUSL 110 - Legal Environment of BusinessM3.0
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.

ACCT 103 - Payroll AccountingM3.0
ACCT 103 - Payroll Accounting (3.0 units)

Advisory: ACCT 100 or 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course combines basic accounting skills with specialized training in payroll accounting to prepare students for entry-level positions within the payroll segment of accounting. The course is designed for accounting majors and students interested in pursuing an entry-level position within the payroll segment of accounting: it provides a comprehensive overview of federal and state payroll laws and these laws’ effects on payroll records and required government reports.

Total Semester Units:10.0 
3rd Semester
ACCT 106 - Computerized AccountingM3.0
ACCT 106 - Computerized Accounting (3.0 units)

Advisory:ACCT 100, 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 process accounting data using receivables, payables, inventory, payroll, and project modules. This course is designed for accounting majors, students interested in starting a small business, and students interested in pursuing entry-level positions in the field of accounting.

Select one: ACCT 103 / ACCT 104 / ACCT 105 / ACCT 107 / ACCT 108 / ACCT 109 / ACCT 110 / ACCT 203 / ACCT 290 / FIN 101 M1.0†
Notes:
Must complete a minimum of 3 units. ACCT 108 is offered in the winter session.

ACCT 103 - Payroll Accounting (3.0 units)

Advisory: ACCT 100 or 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course combines basic accounting skills with specialized training in payroll accounting to prepare students for entry-level positions within the payroll segment of accounting. The course is designed for accounting majors and students interested in pursuing an entry-level position within the payroll segment of accounting: it provides a comprehensive overview of federal and state payroll laws and these laws’ effects on payroll records and required government reports.

ACCT 104 - Introduction to Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ACCT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of government and not-for-profit accounting. The emphasis of the course will be placed on accounting for various fund types and restrictions relevant to government and not-for-profit agencies, with both theoretical and practical aspects explored. Topics include budgets, revenues, expenditures, tax levies, appropriations, general fund, special fund, and financial statements for government and not-for-profit entities. This course is designed for students interested in furthering their educational requirements for the CPA exam and/or pursuing an entry-level position in government and not-for-profit accounting.

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.

ACCT 107 - Accounting Ethics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ACCT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is an introduction to professional ethics in accounting and business environments. The course covers principles and core philosophies of ethics by examining accountants’ roles in different aspects of the accounting profession such as auditing, management, and taxation. It prepares students to develop their framework for making ethical decisions in the profession by learning how to ask questions and analyze ethical issues encountered in the accounting field. This course is designed for students pursuing an accounting certificate or degree, and for students looking to satisfy the accounting ethics requirement for the CPA exams.

ACCT 108 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program I (2.0 units)

Advisory:ACCT 105
Transfers to:CSU

This is the first course in a sequence of two courses designed for students who want to be a part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Río Hondo College. The course covers federal and California tax theories and laws appropriate for the current tax year, and students apply their knowledge by taking the I.R.S. exams for VITA volunteers. Upon successful completion of the I.R.S. VITA Basic and Intermediate exams, students are able to assist low-income individuals and families with tax return preparation through the VITA program for the current year.

ACCT 109 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program II (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: ACCT 108
Transfers to:CSU

This is the second course in a sequence of two courses designed for students who want to volunteer in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Río Hondo College. This course allows students who have successfully passed ACCT108 to apply their tax knowledge by assisting low income individuals and families with tax return preparation through the VITA program for the current year. Students learn to use the tax software (e.g., TaxWise) to file individual federal and state income tax returns accurately within the scope of the VITA program. Students learn how to develop a system of quality control for actual taxpayer returns, and develop communication skills through interviews with taxpayers and in explaining tax return results. This course is offered on a pass/no pass basis.

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.

ACCT 203 - Introduction to Cost Accounting (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ACCT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course applies a logical approach to the fundamentals of cost accounting as applied to a manufacturing business, as well as the use of cost data in management decisions. Principles and procedures of cost systems are presented first in an overview, then discussed and illustrated in detail. The course provides thorough coverage of job order costing, process costing, and standard costs. Analysis of cost data is integrated with discussions of cost accounting systems and procedures. Students also evaluate quantitative and qualitative data to assist management with strategic decision-making, planning, and controlling. This course is designed for accounting majors and those interested in furthering their knowledge and understanding of managerial accounting.

ACCT 290 - Work Experience Education/Internship for Accounting-Related Fields (1.0 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

This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under supervision of a college instructor. Training is informed by learning objectives. The student will be working in a skilled or professional level assignment in their area of vocational interest and will meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the field of accounting and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. This course may be taken once and repeated for a maximum of 16 units. Contact the Work Experience Education Office regarding re-enrollment procedures.

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 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.

Select one: ENGL 101 / MGMT 108 M3.0†
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

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

This course, designed for students pursuing careers in business, covers the principles of effective writing in a business context, and provides students with extensive experience in using the different forms of business writing (e.g., memoranda, letters, reports, and resumes). Among other topics related to effective written communication, cultural differences and their impacts on communicating in a business context are studied.

Select one: ECON 101 / ECON 101H M3.0
ECON 101 - Principles of Macroeconomics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an elementary algebra course.
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 (*credit limit), CSU(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ECON 101 or ECON 101H)

This introductory course has students learn to analyze and describe the performance and policies of national economic systems, with particular emphasis on the U.S. economy. The course is intended for economics or business majors and also satisfies General Education (GE) requirements. Topics include production possibilities and tradeoffs; comparative economic systems; the functions of government; national income and employment; business cycles; money and banking; monetary and fiscal policy; comparative advantage and trade policy; economic growth and stability; and income distribution and poverty.

ECON 101H - Principles of Macroeconomics Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101; Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ECON 101 or ECON 101H)

This introductory course has students learn to analyze and describe the performance and policies of national economic systems, with particular emphasis on the U.S. economy. The course is intended for economics or business majors and also satisfies General Education (GE) requirements. Topics include production possibilities and tradeoffs; comparative economic systems; the functions of government; national income and employment; business cycles; money and banking; monetary and fiscal policy; comparative advantage and trade policy; economic growth and stability; and income distribution and poverty. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

Total Semester Units:10.0† 
4th Semester
Select one: ACCT 103 / ACCT 104 / ACCT 105 / ACCT 107 / ACCT 108 / ACCT 109 / ACCT 110 / ACCT 203 / ACCT 290 / FIN 101 M1.0†
Notes:
Must complete a minimum of 3 units. ACCT 108 is offered in the winter session.

ACCT 103 - Payroll Accounting (3.0 units)

Advisory: ACCT 100 or 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course combines basic accounting skills with specialized training in payroll accounting to prepare students for entry-level positions within the payroll segment of accounting. The course is designed for accounting majors and students interested in pursuing an entry-level position within the payroll segment of accounting: it provides a comprehensive overview of federal and state payroll laws and these laws’ effects on payroll records and required government reports.

ACCT 104 - Introduction to Governmental and Not-For-Profit Accounting (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ACCT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is an introduction to the fundamentals of government and not-for-profit accounting. The emphasis of the course will be placed on accounting for various fund types and restrictions relevant to government and not-for-profit agencies, with both theoretical and practical aspects explored. Topics include budgets, revenues, expenditures, tax levies, appropriations, general fund, special fund, and financial statements for government and not-for-profit entities. This course is designed for students interested in furthering their educational requirements for the CPA exam and/or pursuing an entry-level position in government and not-for-profit accounting.

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.

ACCT 107 - Accounting Ethics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ACCT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course is an introduction to professional ethics in accounting and business environments. The course covers principles and core philosophies of ethics by examining accountants’ roles in different aspects of the accounting profession such as auditing, management, and taxation. It prepares students to develop their framework for making ethical decisions in the profession by learning how to ask questions and analyze ethical issues encountered in the accounting field. This course is designed for students pursuing an accounting certificate or degree, and for students looking to satisfy the accounting ethics requirement for the CPA exams.

ACCT 108 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program I (2.0 units)

Advisory:ACCT 105
Transfers to:CSU

This is the first course in a sequence of two courses designed for students who want to be a part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Río Hondo College. The course covers federal and California tax theories and laws appropriate for the current tax year, and students apply their knowledge by taking the I.R.S. exams for VITA volunteers. Upon successful completion of the I.R.S. VITA Basic and Intermediate exams, students are able to assist low-income individuals and families with tax return preparation through the VITA program for the current year.

ACCT 109 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program II (1.0 units)

Prerequisite: ACCT 108
Transfers to:CSU

This is the second course in a sequence of two courses designed for students who want to volunteer in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at Río Hondo College. This course allows students who have successfully passed ACCT108 to apply their tax knowledge by assisting low income individuals and families with tax return preparation through the VITA program for the current year. Students learn to use the tax software (e.g., TaxWise) to file individual federal and state income tax returns accurately within the scope of the VITA program. Students learn how to develop a system of quality control for actual taxpayer returns, and develop communication skills through interviews with taxpayers and in explaining tax return results. This course is offered on a pass/no pass basis.

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.

ACCT 203 - Introduction to Cost Accounting (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ACCT 101
Transfers to: CSU

This course applies a logical approach to the fundamentals of cost accounting as applied to a manufacturing business, as well as the use of cost data in management decisions. Principles and procedures of cost systems are presented first in an overview, then discussed and illustrated in detail. The course provides thorough coverage of job order costing, process costing, and standard costs. Analysis of cost data is integrated with discussions of cost accounting systems and procedures. Students also evaluate quantitative and qualitative data to assist management with strategic decision-making, planning, and controlling. This course is designed for accounting majors and those interested in furthering their knowledge and understanding of managerial accounting.

ACCT 290 - Work Experience Education/Internship for Accounting-Related Fields (1.0 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

This course supports and reinforces on-the-job training in business and industrial establishments under supervision of a college instructor. Training is informed by learning objectives. The student will be working in a skilled or professional level assignment in their area of vocational interest and will meet performance objectives related to instruction that are above and beyond the conditions of regular employment. This course is intended for students whose job is related to the field of accounting and have completed or enrolled in the appropriate coursework. This course may be taken once and repeated for a maximum of 16 units. Contact the Work Experience Education Office regarding re-enrollment procedures.

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 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.

CIT 117 - Microsoft ExcelM3.0
CIT 117 - Microsoft Excel (3.0 units)

Advisory: CIT 101
Transfers to:CSU

This is a comprehensive spreadsheet application course that provides instruction in the use of the latest version of spreadsheet software for business applications. Students learn to create and format a workbook, work with formulas and functions, and produce charts, tables, and PivotTables. Students also learn advanced functions and develop Excel applications. The course is intended for students or working professionals who want a comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft® Excel®.

Select one: ECON 102 / ECON 102H M3.0
ECON 102 - Principles of Microeconomics (3.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an elementary algebra course.
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 (*credit limit), CSU(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ECON 102 or ECON 102H)

This introductory course in economic analysis of markets has students learn how markets work to coordinate consumers and producers, the various causes of the failure of free markets, and policies used to correct or regulate market behavior. The course is intended for economics and business majors as well as to satisfy General Education (GE) requirements, and may be taken prior to ECON 101.

ECON 102H - Principles of Microeconomics Honors (3.0 units)

Prerequisite: ENGL 101; Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to read college-level texts.

Transfers to: UC (*credit limit), CSU(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: ECON 102 or ECON 102H)

This introductory course in economic analysis of markets has students learn how markets work to coordinate consumers and producers, the various causes of the failure of free markets, and policies used to correct or regulate market behavior. Students complete a research project on an actual economic policy or a theoretical view. The course is intended for economics and business majors as well as to satisfy General Education (GE) requirements, and may be taken prior to ECON 101 by any student who has completed ENGL 101 with a “C” or better. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

Total Semester Units:7.0† 
Total Units for Accounting COA program 34.0† 
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:
Some classes may have higher units
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

1

Students will demonstrate an understanding of basic accounting principles and procedures, as well as the role of accounting and bookkeeping within various business organizations.


2

Students will apply critical thinking skills derived from knowledge of accounting theory to financial analysis and management decision making.


3

Students will recognize and understand the importance of ethics and social responsibility in the accounting profession.


4

Students will analyze, process, and report financial information in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles within established normal and computerized protocols.


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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