Professional Bookkeeping

Students are prepared to take positions as professional bookkeepers and facilitate their passing of the certification exam indicating their expertise in this area.  The curriculum includes preparation for a national exam sponsored by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers.  Passing this exam along with two years of experience in the field allows students to use the designation of Certified Bookkeeper (CB).  This diploma focuses on the essential skills needed in today’s business environment and put students on the fast track to a rewarding career.  The complete program is available at the Harrisburg and Lancaster campuses. Some of the required courses are available at the Gettysburg, Lebanon, and York campuses, as well as through Virtual Learning.

Graduates of this program may find employment as full-charge bookkeepers in any one of a variety of industries and businesses including accounting firms and even not-for-profit organizations.

General Education   
ENGL 106 Business Writing  3 
   Major Requirements 
Major Requirements   
ACCT 101 Principles of Accounting I  4
ACCT 200 Principles of Accounting II  4
ACCT 208 Professional Bookkeeping  3
ACCT 215 Microcomputer Accounting Applications  3

Other Required Courses   
CIS 105 Intro to Software for Business  3 
   
 

This curriculum is designed to prepare students to:

Perform all functions of accounting for sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations

Implement an effective system of internal control

Show proficiency in operating microcomputer-based accounting systems and developing solutions to accounting problems using computerized spreadsheets

Access the Internet and operate websites and databases in order to retrieve and analyze business information

Analyze financial statements, recognize potential problems and suggest appropriate solutions

Write and speak effectively in a business context

Complete bank reconciliations and track all needed payroll information for businesses

Pass the Certified Bookkeeper exam

Apply for a Full-Ride Scholarship

Are you a future student and ready to apply to HACC? 
By applying to HACC, you have the opportunity to apply for a full-ride scholarship! HACC will fund two years of your education – enough to complete your associate degree.

Thanks to the support of the HACC Foundation, the College is able to offer FREE money to support future students, like you, in reaching your educational goals. Six full-ride scholarships are available – one from each of the five campuses and one through HACC’s Virtual Learning Program. 

Please note that current students are not eligible for the full-ride scholarships. However, there are more than 250 scholarships available for current students.

What should you know about the full-ride scholarship?

The scholarship covers tuition, books and fees for a full academic year. 

The scholarship will automatically renew each term for up to six consecutive terms if you maintain your eligibility.

Once you apply to the College and receive a HACC ID and email address, you may apply for the full-ride scholarship. You do not have to register for classes before applying for the scholarship.

Are you eligible?

To be eligible, you must:

Apply to HACC

Take 12-15 credits each term for no more than six consecutive terms (two years)

Live in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry, Schuylkill or York county

Have a minimum cumulative high school GPA of 3.0

Provide a 480 SAT reading score, 21 ACT or comparable scores on the College’s placement test

Maintain a GPA of 3.0 while enrolled at HACC

Participate in at least two HACC student organizations

The Professional Bookkeeping program at Harrisburg Area Community College is designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in accounting and finance. The curriculum covers fundamental concepts such as financial recordkeeping, accounts payable and receivable, payroll procedures, and the use of accounting software. Students learn how to prepare financial statements, manage budgets, and handle various bookkeeping tasks that are vital for small businesses, organizations, and corporate environments. This program emphasizes practical training, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios, often through hands-on laboratory exercises and internships.

The program aims to develop proficiency in the use of popular accounting tools, including QuickBooks, Excel, and other relevant software, ensuring graduates are workplace-ready. It also focuses on organizational and communication skills, as effective bookkeeping requires attention to detail and the ability to interpret financial data accurately. Completion of the program provides a strong foundation for entry-level bookkeeping or accounting positions and can serve as a stepping stone for further studies in accounting or business administration.

Harrisburg Area Community College offers flexible learning options, including on-campus classes and online coursework, to accommodate diverse student needs. The program typically requires the successful completion of a series of courses that cover core bookkeeping principles, computer applications, and possibly some elements of business law and ethics. Upon graduation, students receive a certificate that can improve employment prospects or prepare them for professional certifications such as the National Bookkeepers Association Certification or similar credentials.

The college also provides career services to assist graduates with job placement and professional development. Graduates of the Professional Bookkeeping program often find employment in various sectors, including retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies, where accurate financial recordkeeping is essential. By completing this program, students gain the technical skills and confidence necessary to manage financial data efficiently and contribute to the financial health of organizations.