The curriculum includes an overview of basic accounting principles and stresses real-world
content that prepares students to be knowledgeable governmental accounting professionals.
Although this certificate is designed with California’s accounting system in mind,
the concepts taught in these courses would be relevant to any governmental and non-profit
agency.
See Admission to Certificate Programs for admission requirements.
All courses must be completed at Golden Gate University with a cumulative grade-point
average (GPA) of 3.00 (“B” average) or better in courses taken at Golden Gate University
that are applicable to the program’s requirements.
Course prerequisites are indicated in the course description for each course and must
be satisfied prior to enrolling in a given course. Prerequisites may be satisfied
through transfer of equivalent coursework from external institutions or by taking
the courses at GGU.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Students who successfully complete this certificate program will be able to:
- Explain, prepare, and analyze basic financial statements including a balance sheet,
income statement, statement of cash flows, and retained earnings.
- Prepare and adjust journal entries.
- Understand basic accounting concepts required to report financial transactions and
in the management of assets.
- Understand and apply accounting standards specific to governmental and non-profit
organizations.
- Analyze the need for and application of accounting controls and performance standards.
- Demonstrate a knowledge of budgeting, cost allocation, and audit issues.
- Analyze the variance between projected financial outcomes and actual financial outcomes
and understand how to perform a cost versus benefits analysis.
We are delighted that you are interested in the programs offered by the School of
Accounting. Golden Gate University has been preparing accounting professionals for
over 100 years, and our graduates are in positions of leadership in numerous public
accounting firms and major corporations.
Our accounting program is highly relevant and focuses on skills that are in high demand.
Included are concentrations aimed at helping you pass the CPA exam, developing leadership
skills or advanced accounting analytics skills, or to gain a deeper understanding
of taxation. Our programs, which are fully accredited by the Western Association
of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), are available
both at our main San Francisco campus and online.
Should you have any questions about the School of Accounting, please feel free to
contact us.
Amy B. McLellan, J.D., LL.M.
Dean, Graduate Programs (Tax, Accounting)
Director, LL.M. Taxation & Estate Planning
