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Bookkeeper

  • Diploma
  • 31 credits
  • 1 Year
  • Delivery Method: Hybrid

Why Study Bookkeeper at LSC?

The Bookkeeper Diploma is a one-year program designed to prepare students for a career in bookkeeping and accounting fields. This 31-credit diploma emphasizes the double entry accounting system, federal income taxation, payroll taxation, computerized accounting systems, and other computerized business applications. Upon completion of the Bookkeeper Diploma, the student should be well prepared to sit for the Certified Bookkeeper Exam: a comprehensive examination administered by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers. Sitting for this professional exam is highly recommended, but not a requirement of the LSC program.

The Bookkeeper Diploma transfers seamlessly into LSC's Accountant AAS Degree. Many of the courses in the Bookkeeper Diploma are offered on-site and all of the courses are offered online.

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Career Information

Below you will find the Career Field and Career Cluster that this program is related to. Learn more about if this career area fits your interests!

Business, Management, and Administration Business, Management, and Administration

Is Business Administration and Management right for you?

Business, management, and administrative workers give the support needed to make a business run. You might check employee time records or train new employees. Or, you might work as a top executive and provide the overall direction for a company or department.

Business, Management, and Administration Business, Management, and Administration

Is Finance right for you?

Finance workers keep track of money. You might work in financial planning, banking, or insurance. For example, you might provide financial services to a business or individual. Or, you could maintain financial records or give advice to business executives on how to operate their business.

Human Services Human Services

Is Government and Public Administration right for you?

Government and public administration workers help pass and enforce the law. You could work in national, state, or local government. You will find almost every type of occupation within the government, including some jobs that are only found within government.

$52K

$25/hr

Median annual salary/wage for
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
in Minnesota

Details

1.6M

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks are currently employed

Details

This data is delivered by an API from CareerOneStop, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. www.careeronestop.org Find more information including data update schedules at CareerOneStop's Data Sources (https://www.careeronestop.org/Help/data-sources.aspx). Full list of datasources.

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Median Annual Salary/Wage Earnings for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

the United States

$49K
$23/hr

$35K - $73K

$16/hr - $34/hr

Minnesota

$52K
$25/hr

$37K - $73K

$17/hr - $34/hr

Duluth, MN Area

$48K
$23/hr

$34K - $65K

$16/hr - $31/hr

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas; national occupational estimates for specific industries are also available.

Salary data are from U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program (www.bls.gov/oes/). Current as of May 2024.

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Employment Numbers for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

the United States

Estimated Employment:

1,613,400

Minnesota

Estimated Employment:

30,790

My Next Move provides career outlook designations that include Bright, Average, or Below Average. Bright Outlook occupations are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years, will have large numbers of job openings, or are new and emerging occupations.

Occupation outlook data come from O*NET Bright Outlook occupations (www.onetonline.org/find/bright) and My Next Move career outlook designations (www.onetcenter.org/bright/current/mnm_outlook.html). Note this information is only available at a national level, so even if you selected a state, you’ll see this information for the whole country. Current as of November 2024.

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Alternative Job Titles for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

  • Account Clerk
  • Accounting Assistant
  • Accounting Associate
  • Accounting Clerk
  • Accounting Specialist
  • Accounting Technician
  • Accounts Payable Clerk
  • Accounts Payable Specialist
  • Accounts Payables Clerk
  • Accounts Receivable Clerk

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Job Tasks and Activities for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

  • Access computerized financial information to answer general questions as well as those related to specific accounts.
  • Answer telephones to direct calls or provide information.
  • Calculate and prepare checks for utilities, taxes, and other payments.
  • Calculate costs of goods or services.
  • Calculate costs of materials, overhead, and other expenses, based on estimates, quotations and price lists.
  • Calculate financial data.
  • Calculate, prepare, and issue bills, invoices, account statements, and other financial statements according to established procedures.
  • Check figures, postings, and documents for correct entry, mathematical accuracy, and proper codes.
  • Classify, record, and summarize numerical and financial data to compile and keep financial records, using journals and ledgers or computers.
  • Code data or other information.
  • Code documents according to company procedures.
  • Collect deposits, payments or fees.
  • Compare computer printouts to manually maintained journals to determine if they match.
  • Compile budget data and documents, based on estimated revenues and expenses and previous budgets.
  • Compile data or documentation.
  • Compile statistical, financial, accounting, or auditing reports and tables pertaining to such matters as cash receipts, expenditures, accounts payable and receivable, and profits and losses.
  • Complete and submit tax forms and returns, workers' compensation forms, pension contribution forms, and other government documents.
  • Comply with federal, state, and company policies, procedures, and regulations.
  • Convert data among multiple digital or analog formats.
  • Debit, credit, and total accounts on computer spreadsheets and databases, using specialized accounting software.
  • Execute sales or other financial transactions.
  • File documents or records.
  • Maintain financial or account records.
  • Maintain inventory records.
  • Match order forms with invoices, and record the necessary information.
  • Monitor financial information.
  • Monitor organizational compliance with regulations.
  • Monitor status of loans and accounts to ensure that payments are up to date.
  • Operate 10-key calculators, typewriters, and copy machines to perform calculations and produce documents.
  • Operate computers or computerized equipment.
  • Operate computers programmed with accounting software to record, store, and analyze information.
  • Operate office equipment.
  • Perform financial calculations, such as amounts due, interest charges, balances, discounts, equity, and principal.
  • Perform general office duties, such as filing, answering telephones, and handling routine correspondence.
  • Prepare and process payroll information.
  • Prepare bank deposits by compiling data from cashiers, verifying and balancing receipts, and sending cash, checks, or other forms of payment to banks.
  • Prepare cash for deposit or disbursement.
  • Prepare documentation for contracts, transactions, or regulatory compliance.
  • Prepare purchase orders and expense reports.
  • Prepare trial balances of books.
  • Receive, record, and bank cash, checks, and vouchers.
  • Reconcile or note and report discrepancies found in records.
  • Reconcile records of bank transactions.
  • Reconcile records of sales or other financial transactions.
  • Search files, databases or reference materials to obtain needed information.
  • Transfer details from separate journals to general ledgers or data processing sheets.
  • Verify accuracy of financial or transactional data.

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Interests for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

  • Conventional
    Following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting.
  • Enterprising
    Managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations.

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Skills for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

In order of importance

  • Mathematics
    Using math to solve problems.
    Importance: 60/100
  • Critical Thinking
    Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Active Listening
    Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Reading Comprehension
    Reading work-related information.
    Importance: 56/100
  • Writing
    Writing things for co-workers or customers.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Speaking
    Talking to others.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Monitoring
    Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Time Management
    Managing your time and the time of other people.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Coordination
    Changing what is done based on other people's actions.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Service Orientation
    Looking for ways to help people.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Complex Problem Solving
    Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Judgment and Decision Making
    Thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Social Perceptiveness
    Understanding people's reactions.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Active Learning
    Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Persuasion
    Talking people into changing their minds or their behavior.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Negotiation
    Bringing people together to solve differences.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Systems Evaluation
    Measuring how well a system is working and how to improve it.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Systems Analysis
    Figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Instructing
    Teaching people how to do something.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Management of Personnel Resources
    Selecting and managing the best workers for a job.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Management of Financial Resources
    Making spending decisions and keeping track of what is spent.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Learning Strategies
    Using the best training or teaching strategies for learning new things.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Management of Material Resources
    Managing equipment and materials.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Operations Monitoring
    Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Programming
    Writing computer programs.
    Importance: 10/100
  • Operations Analysis
    Figuring out what a product or service needs to be able to do.
    Importance: 10/100
  • Operation and Control
    Using equipment or systems.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Technology Design
    Making equipment and technology useful for customers.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Science
    Using scientific rules and strategies to solve problems.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Quality Control Analysis
    Testing how well a product or service works.
    Importance: 3/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Knowledge for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

In order of importance

  • Customer and Personal Service
    Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
    Importance: 80/100
  • Administrative
    Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
    Importance: 72/100
  • Mathematics
    Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
    Importance: 71/100
  • English Language
    Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
    Importance: 59/100
  • Economics and Accounting
    Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
    Importance: 59/100
  • Computers and Electronics
    Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
    Importance: 54/100
  • Administration and Management
    Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Education and Training
    Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
    Importance: 42/100
  • Personnel and Human Resources
    Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
    Importance: 29/100
  • Law and Government
    Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
    Importance: 26/100
  • Telecommunications
    Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Sales and Marketing
    Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
    Importance: 21/100
  • Psychology
    Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
    Importance: 20/100
  • Communications and Media
    Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Public Safety and Security
    Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
    Importance: 18/100
  • Production and Processing
    Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
    Importance: 17/100
  • Geography
    Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
    Importance: 14/100
  • Mechanical
    Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
    Importance: 12/100
  • Sociology and Anthropology
    Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
    Importance: 10/100
  • Transportation
    Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
    Importance: 7/100
  • Therapy and Counseling
    Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
    Importance: 6/100
  • Food Production
    Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
    Importance: 5/100
  • Medicine and Dentistry
    Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
    Importance: 5/100
  • Foreign Language
    Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
    Importance: 4/100
  • Philosophy and Theology
    Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
    Importance: 4/100
  • Physics
    Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Engineering and Technology
    Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Chemistry
    Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Design
    Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
    Importance: 3/100
  • Building and Construction
    Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
    Importance: 3/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Physical Abilities for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

In order of importance

  • Oral Comprehension
    Listening and understanding what people say.
    Importance: 75/100
  • Written Comprehension
    Reading and understanding what is written.
    Importance: 72/100
  • Near Vision
    Seeing details up close.
    Importance: 72/100
  • Mathematical Reasoning
    Choosing the right type of math to solve a problem.
    Importance: 72/100
  • Written Expression
    Communicating by writing.
    Importance: 66/100
  • Oral Expression
    Communicating by speaking.
    Importance: 63/100
  • Problem Sensitivity
    Noticing when problems happen.
    Importance: 63/100
  • Number Facility
    Adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing.
    Importance: 63/100
  • Information Ordering
    Ordering or arranging things.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Speech Recognition
    Recognizing spoken words.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Inductive Reasoning
    Making general rules or coming up with answers from lots of detailed information.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Category Flexibility
    Grouping things in different ways.
    Importance: 53/100
  • Deductive Reasoning
    Using rules to solve problems.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Selective Attention
    Paying attention to something without being distracted.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Speech Clarity
    Speaking clearly.
    Importance: 50/100
  • Perceptual Speed
    Quickly comparing groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
    Importance: 47/100
  • Flexibility of Closure
    Seeing hidden patterns.
    Importance: 44/100
  • Far Vision
    Seeing details that are far away.
    Importance: 41/100
  • Finger Dexterity
    Putting together small parts with your fingers.
    Importance: 38/100
  • Memorization
    Remembering words, numbers, pictures, or steps.
    Importance: 35/100
  • Speed of Closure
    Quickly knowing what you are looking at.
    Importance: 31/100
  • Fluency of Ideas
    Coming up with lots of ideas.
    Importance: 28/100
  • Time Sharing
    Doing two or more things at the same time.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Control Precision
    Quickly changing the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Manual Dexterity
    Holding or moving items with your hands.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness
    Keeping your arm or hand steady.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Visualization
    Imagining how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
    Importance: 25/100
  • Auditory Attention
    Paying attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Originality
    Creating new and original ideas.
    Importance: 22/100
  • Hearing Sensitivity
    Telling the difference between sounds.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Trunk Strength
    Using your lower back and stomach.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Visual Color Discrimination
    Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
    Importance: 19/100
  • Wrist-Finger Speed
    Making fast, simple, repeated movements of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
    Importance: 16/100
  • Dynamic Strength
    Exercising for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
    Importance: 10/100

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Tools and Technology used by Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

  • Scanners
  • Desktop computers
  • Receipts or receipt books
  • Ledger paper
  • Scientific calculator
  • Notebook computers
  • Desktop calculator
  • Accounting software
    • ACS Technologies ACS Financial Suite
    • ATX Total Accounting Office
    • ATX Total Engagement Office
    • Accounting software
    • Accounts payable software
    • Accounts receivable software
    • Accurate NXG
    • Activant Solutions Activant Prophet 21
    • AdaptaSoft CyberPay
    • American HealthTech Financial
    • Asset management software
    • Automation Counselors municiPAL
    • BLS Software Invoice!
    • Best MIP Fund Accounting
    • Blackbaud The Financial Edge
    • CCIS AccountAbility
    • CYMA IV Accounting for Windows
    • ComputerEase construction accounting software
    • Cost accounting software
    • Fifth Walk BillingTracker
    • Financial reporting software
    • Financial statement software
    • FlexiFinancials FlexiLedger
    • Fund accounting software
    • General ledger software
    • Heron CrossTie General Ledger
    • Infor Global Solutions Starbuilder
    • Intuit QuickBooks
    • New Millennium Communications Genesis Accounting
    • PROPHIX Enterprise
    • Quicken
    • Roundtable Software Advantage Accounting System
    • SAP Concur
    • Sage 50 Accounting
    • Softrax Revenue Management
    • Tax software
    • UA Business Software Professional Edition
  • Cloud-based data access and sharing software
    • Dropbox
    • Google Drive
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
    • AMS Services AMS Sagitta
    • AcornSystems Corporate Performance Management
    • Advanced Management Systems Software for Wineries
    • Business performance management BPM software
    • Cartesis ES Magnitude
    • Microsoft Dynamics
    • Microsoft Dynamics GP
    • NetSuite ERP
    • Oracle Fusion Applications
    • Oracle Hyperion
    • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
    • Oracle PeopleSoft
    • Oracle PeopleSoft Financials
    • SAP Business Objects
    • SAP software
    • Sage 100 ERP
  • Financial analysis software
    • AuditWare financial reporting and auditing software
    • Auditing software
    • Delphi Technology
    • MethodWare ProAudit Advisor
    • Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
    • Paisley AutoAudit
    • Paisley IssueTrack
    • Pentana audit work system PAWS
    • RSM McGladrey Advanced Practice Solutions Paperless Audit
    • RSM McGladrey Auditor Assistant
  • Data base user interface and query software
    • Data entry software
    • Database software
    • FileMaker Pro
    • Microsoft Access
    • Oracle Database
    • Sage 100 Contractor
    • Yardi software
  • Compliance software
    • Corporate Responsibility System Technologies Limited CRSTL Compliance Positioning System
    • Financial compliance software
    • Intrax ProcedureNet
    • Paisley Cardmap
    • Paisley Focus Control Assurance
    • Paisley RiskNavigator
    • Sage EDP Payroll Tax
  • Document management software
    • Adobe Acrobat
    • Document management system software
    • Iron Mountain Accutrac records management software
    • Microsoft SharePoint
    • OmniRIM Records Management Suite
    • Records management software
  • Medical software
    • Epic Systems
    • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
    • MEDITECH software
    • Medical condition coding software
    • Medical procedure coding software
  • Time accounting software
    • ADP Pay eXpert
    • HMS
    • Payroll software
  • Project management software
    • HCSS HeavyBid
    • HCSS HeavyJob
    • Microsoft Project
  • Electronic mail software
    • IBM Notes
    • Microsoft Exchange
    • Microsoft Outlook
  • Customer relationship management CRM software
    • Act!
    • Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
  • Transaction server software
    • Customer information control system CICS
    • Tumbleweed SecureTransport
  • Word processing software
    • Google Docs
    • Microsoft Word
    • Word processing software
  • Human resources software
    • ADP Workforce Now
    • Human resource management software HRMS
  • Spreadsheet software
    • Microsoft Excel
    • Spreadsheet software
  • Video conferencing software
    • FaceTime
  • Desktop communications software
    • Skype
  • Desktop publishing software
    • Microsoft Publisher
  • Enterprise application integration software
    • SAP BusinessObjects Data Integrator
  • Office suite software
    • Microsoft Office software
  • Operating system software
    • Microsoft Windows
  • Business intelligence and data analysis software
    • IBM Cognos Impromptu
  • Data base reporting software
    • SAP Crystal Reports
  • Internet browser software
    • Microsoft Internet Explorer
  • Presentation software
    • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Information retrieval or search software
    • LexisNexis

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Employment Industries for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

  • Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services
    108,700 employed
  • Management of companies and enterprises
    72,600 employed
  • Local government, excluding education and hospitals
    67,500 employed
  • Real estate
    54,400 employed
  • Elementary and secondary schools; local
    33,600 employed
  • Merchant wholesalers, durable goods (4232,3,5,6,7,9)
    32,100 employed

The O*NET database contains a rich set of variables that describe work and worker characteristics, including skill requirements.

Occupation data (titles, sample titles, descriptions, daily work activities, knowledge, skills, abilities, tasks, related occupations, technologies and tools, and work values) come from the O*NET 29.0 Database (www.onetcenter.org/database.html) by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Current as of October 2024.

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Career Information Datasources for Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Plan Your Education

The Bookkeeper Program Guide is a tool to help you map out how to successfully get your degree at Lake Superior College.

View approximate total tuition and fees for MN residents to complete this degree.

This program may be completed in 1 year if prerequisites are complete.

Educational Pathway

After this certificate you can continue directly into the Accountant AAS degree at Lake Superior College.

Paying for College

Lake Superior College$5,931LSC IceHawks Logo 
Minnesota State Colleges$6,444 
Minnesota State Universities$10,643 
University of Minnesota$14,928 
Minnesota Private Colleges and Universities$44,928
*Based on average 2025-26 tuition and fees. For the exact costs, contact the institution that interests you. Does not include room and board.

Program Participation Requirements

Required Courses

Course Title Credits
Semester 1
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ACCT 1400 Business Math

This course is a basic study of the essential mathematical concepts and practical business applications of pricing, discounts, basic payroll calculations, simple interest, compound interest, lump sum and annuity calculations, time value of money, credit c

ACCT 1400
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ACCT 1400 Business Math

This course is a basic study of the essential mathematical concepts and practical business applications of pricing, discounts, basic payroll calculations, simple interest, compound interest, lump sum and annuity calculations, time value of money, credit c

Business Math		 2
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ACCT 1410 Financial Accounting Principles I

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles which are used in the business environment to analyze and record transactions incorporating the accrual method of accounting. The focus will be on the analysis of the fundamental a

ACCT 1410
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ACCT 1410 Financial Accounting Principles I

This course is an introduction to the fundamental concepts and principles which are used in the business environment to analyze and record transactions incorporating the accrual method of accounting. The focus will be on the analysis of the fundamental a

Financial Accounting Principles I		 3
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ACCT 1500 Personal Finance

This course is an introduction to personal financial management and planning designed to help the student plan for a successful financial future. Topics covered in this course include key factors that affect personal income, budgeting, cash-flow managemen

ACCT 1500
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ACCT 1500 Personal Finance

This course is an introduction to personal financial management and planning designed to help the student plan for a successful financial future. Topics covered in this course include key factors that affect personal income, budgeting, cash-flow managemen

Personal Finance		 3
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ACCT 1530 Payroll Accounting

This course covers various federal and state laws pertaining to the computation of salaries, wages, and related taxes. Topics include the preparation of employment records, payroll registers, time cards, employee earnings records, and state and federal r

ACCT 1530*
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ACCT 1530 Payroll Accounting

This course covers various federal and state laws pertaining to the computation of salaries, wages, and related taxes. Topics include the preparation of employment records, payroll registers, time cards, employee earnings records, and state and federal r

Payroll Accounting		 2
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ADSC 1430 Business Computers/Microsoft Office

This course introduces computer terminology, hardware, and software related to the business environment. The focus of this course is on business productivity, software applications, and professional behavior in computing, including word processing, sprea

ADSC 1430*
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ADSC 1430 Business Computers/Microsoft Office

This course introduces computer terminology, hardware, and software related to the business environment. The focus of this course is on business productivity, software applications, and professional behavior in computing, including word processing, sprea

Business Computers/Microsoft Office		 3
Semester 2
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ACCT 1510 Financial Accounting Principles II

This course is the second course in a series of two courses. This course continues the study of fundamental concepts and principles which are used in the business environment to analyze and record transactions incorporating the accrual method of accounti

ACCT 1510*
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ACCT 1510 Financial Accounting Principles II

This course is the second course in a series of two courses. This course continues the study of fundamental concepts and principles which are used in the business environment to analyze and record transactions incorporating the accrual method of accounti

Financial Accounting Principles II		 3
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ACCT 1540 Fundamentals of Taxation

This course is an explanation and interpretation of the Internal Revenue Code as it relates to the preparation and filing sole proprietorships and individual federal income tax returns. (Prerequisites: ACCT 1410 or concurrent or instructor consent) (4 hrs

ACCT 1540*
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ACCT 1540 Fundamentals of Taxation

This course is an explanation and interpretation of the Internal Revenue Code as it relates to the preparation and filing sole proprietorships and individual federal income tax returns. (Prerequisites: ACCT 1410 or concurrent or instructor consent) (4 hrs

Fundamentals of Taxation		 4
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ACCT 2410 Spreadsheet Concepts and Applications for Accounting

This course covers the use of electronic spreadsheets for accounting and other business applications. Various spreadsheet models will be constructed for the purpose of illustrating the different features of the electronic spreadsheets and to provide usefu

ACCT 2410*
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ACCT 2410 Spreadsheet Concepts and Applications for Accounting

This course covers the use of electronic spreadsheets for accounting and other business applications. Various spreadsheet models will be constructed for the purpose of illustrating the different features of the electronic spreadsheets and to provide usefu

Spreadsheet Concepts and Applications for Accounting		 3
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ACCT 2430 Managerial Accounting

This course focuses on business concepts and methods used to report managerial performance information to internal users and managers to support them in making sound business decisions for the enterprise. (Prerequisites: ACCT1410 or instructor consent) (

ACCT 2430*
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ACCT 2430 Managerial Accounting

This course focuses on business concepts and methods used to report managerial performance information to internal users and managers to support them in making sound business decisions for the enterprise. (Prerequisites: ACCT1410 or instructor consent) (

Managerial Accounting		 3
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ACCT 2460 Computerized Applications in Accounting

This course is an introduction to computerized accounting applications. Topics include computerized general ledger and payroll accounting, accounting applications for accounts receivable and accounts payable, fixed assets accounting, inventory procedures,

ACCT 2460*
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ACCT 2460 Computerized Applications in Accounting

This course is an introduction to computerized accounting applications. Topics include computerized general ledger and payroll accounting, accounting applications for accounts receivable and accounts payable, fixed assets accounting, inventory procedures,

Computerized Applications in Accounting		 2
Semester 3
Technical Electives Choose 3 credits from the following: 3
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ACCT 2470 Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting

This course is designed to introduce students to the application of fund accounting principles and procedures that are incorporated by governmental units and not-for-profit organizations. The focus will be on the standards promulgated by the Governmental

ACCT 2470*
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ACCT 2470 Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting

This course is designed to introduce students to the application of fund accounting principles and procedures that are incorporated by governmental units and not-for-profit organizations. The focus will be on the standards promulgated by the Governmental

Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting
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ACCT 2480 Fraud Prevention

This course is designed to introduce students to the responsibilities that management, internal auditors, and external auditors have for maintaining appropriate internal controls within the framework of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The implementation o

ACCT 2480*
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ACCT 2480 Fraud Prevention

This course is designed to introduce students to the responsibilities that management, internal auditors, and external auditors have for maintaining appropriate internal controls within the framework of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The implementation o

Fraud Prevention		 3
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ACCT 2695 Accounting Internship

This course is designed to provide the student with practical work experience in the accounting field. The internship should provide the student with the opportunity to apply the variety of skills and knowledge that they have been introduced to in the A.A

ACCT 2695*
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ACCT 2695 Accounting Internship

This course is designed to provide the student with practical work experience in the accounting field. The internship should provide the student with the opportunity to apply the variety of skills and knowledge that they have been introduced to in the A.A

Accounting Internship
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ADSC 1420 Business Communications

This course covers the development and application of business writing skills in creating business documents such as letters, memos, and informal reports, and electronic communications. (Prerequisites: keyboarding/word processing ability or concurrent en

ADSC 1420*
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ADSC 1420 Business Communications

This course covers the development and application of business writing skills in creating business documents such as letters, memos, and informal reports, and electronic communications. (Prerequisites: keyboarding/word processing ability or concurrent en

Business Communications		 3
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CIS 1430 Data Analytics Fundamentals

This is an introductory data analytics course using Excel, Access, and Tableau or current data analytics software. Students will create Access databases, tables, forms, and queries to gather data; prepare and analyze the data using Excel spreadsheet formu

CIS 1430*
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CIS 1430 Data Analytics Fundamentals

This is an introductory data analytics course using Excel, Access, and Tableau or current data analytics software. Students will create Access databases, tables, forms, and queries to gather data; prepare and analyze the data using Excel spreadsheet formu

Data Analytics Fundamentals		 3
Total: 31

*Requires a prerequisite or a concurrent course

Program Outcomes

Students will possess a solid understanding of GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), accounting practices, and be able to:

  • Interpret routine economic events and transactions to determine their impact on a company’s financial position while applying industry professional standards.
  • Complete the accounting cycle and prepare formal financial statements both manually and with industry software.
  • Describe federal and state laws related to payroll issues; including determination of taxable wages, taxes on wages, and exemptions from taxes.
  • Prepare federal individual tax returns with accompanying schedules both manually and using industry software.
  • Apply analytical methods and techniques to drive effective, data-driven solutions to business problems using industry or spreadsheet software.
  • Evaluate and prepare financial and non-financial information used to support strategic management and internal decision making.
  • Interpret ethical principles in decision making.
  • Demonstrate effective communications skills.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
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