Accounting Diploma Program Course Sequence | Riverland Community College - Riverland

Accounting Course Sequence

For the most up to date course schedule, visit Minnesota State eServices .

Suggested Course Sequence

First Year / Fall

List of Courses for Program
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ACCT1021
Excel™ Spreadsheet Applications

This course includes the use of Microsoft Excel™ for business and accounting applications, such as sales, payroll, inventory, and expense reports, as well as budgets and estimates. This class also prepares students for the Microsoft Excel™ Specialist and/or Expert Certifications. Students who have a current external certification which meet the objectives for this course may be granted course credit. Pre-requisite: Basic computer skills.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

3
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ACCT1022
QuickBooks™ Certification Training

This course covers basic use of QuickBooks™ software for the purposes of preparation for the QuickBooks™ Online Certified User exam. QuickBooks™ is used not only to compile transaction data but also to generate basic financial reports. Students who have a current external certification that meets the objectives for this course may be granted course credit. Pre-requisite: Basic computer skills.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

3
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ACCT1031
Business Math/10-Key

This course introduces the application of mathematical functions of business problems and solutions. The touch system of 10-key number pads is introduced. Students will also develop speed and accuracy using the touch system for the four basic arithmetic operations
and solving business problems. Prerequisite: Basic math skills.
(3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

3
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ACCT2011
Principles of Financial Accounting

This course is an introduction to financial accounting concepts and principles through a study of business transactions and their effect on financial statements. Topics/concepts included are: accounting as an information system; transactions and the accounting cycle; financial statements (including the Income Statement, Statement of Equity, Balance Sheet, and the Cash Flow Statement); and analysis of profitability, liquidity, and risk. Accounting practices will be applied to measure, classify and report current and long-term assets, current and longterm liabilities, and equity. The course focus will be on corporate accounting. (4 Cr – 4 lect, 0 lab)

4
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BUSO1625
Business Communications

This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of business English skills through review and use of many practice applications of grammar usage, punctuation, capitalization, numbers, abbreviations, spelling improvement, writing skills, editing skills, and business vocabulary skills development. Emphasis is placed on using reference materials for developing proofreading and editing skills. The business world demands that its participants communicate (verbally and nonverbally) effectively. No businessperson can communicate effectively without some knowledge of the basic rules of grammar, punctuation, and capitalization.

  • Prerequisites: ENGL 0950 or a passing score on the Accuplacer reading test or instructor approval.

  • (3 Cr – 2 lect, 1 lab)

3

First Year / Spring

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ACCT1023
Computerized Accounting with Sage™

This course focuses on using SageTM – a small-business, double-entry accounting software package. Students will learn to set up and manage complete accounting systems using business scenarios. Topics include creating and maintaining company files, processing daily transactions, managing customers and vendors, performing payroll functions, handling inventory, and generating financial statements and management reports. Emphasis is placed on understanding how computerized accounting systems integrate with fundamental accounting principles. Students who have a current external certification which meet the objectives for this course may be granted course credit. Pre-requisites: ACCT 2011 or concurrent and basic computer skills. (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

3
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ACCT1099
Payroll Accounting

This course introduces various federal and state laws pertaining to the employment process and the computation and payment of salaries and wages. Topics include Fair Labor Standards Act, Federal Insurance Contributions Act, Unemployment Tax Act, withholding laws, preparation of employment records, payroll registers, timecards, employee earnings records, and federal and state reports. Students will perform various payroll calculations and complete a computerized payroll project. Students who have a current external certification which meet the objectives for this course may be granted course credit. Prerequisites: ACCT 2011 or concurrent enrollment.
(2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

2
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ACCT2012
Principles of Managerial Accounting

This course is an introduction to managerial accounting concepts and principles, including a study of: cost behavior; cost-volume-profit analysis; relevant costs for decision-making; budgetary planning; cost management (Activity-Based Costing (ABC), Just-In-Time (JIT), and Total Quality Management (TQM); standard costing and variance analysis; planning for capital investments; product and service costing; performance evaluation; and cost accounting systems. Prerequisites: ACCT 2011. (4 Cr – 4 lect, 0 lab)

4
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ACCT2055
Governmental/Fund/Non-Profit Accounting

This course introduces the application of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for governmental units and not-for-profit entities. Topics include accounting for state and local governmental units, municipalities, public schools, colleges and universities, and hospitals. Accounting for voluntary health and welfare organizations and other non-profit organizations are also included. Prerequisites: ACCT 2011 or concurrent enrollment.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

3
BUSO1650
Business Communications II
3
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BUSA2041
Business Communications

This course is designed to assist business students in developing professional written and oral communication skills. Course content includes a review of English fundamentals in grammar, business correspondence, and communication fundamentals. Topics include writing effective letters of request, response, sales, credit and collections, claims and adjustments; electronic communications; business memos; business reports; and job applications and résumés. Quality, appearance, style, and tone are stressed along with correct format and proper use of punctuation and grammar. Individual and group reports on business topics are assigned. (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

3

Second Year / Fall

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ACCT1040
Applied Individual Income Taxes

This course introduces federal and state income tax laws as they apply to individuals. It includes business income tax provisions as they apply to sole proprietors. Students will perform various tax calculations manually and with the aid of computer software. Prerequisite: Basic computer skills.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

3
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ACCT2020
Applied Intermediate Accounting

This is the second of the two course applied intermediate accounting series. The content of the course covers operational assets, investments, current liabilities and contingencies, long-term debt, leases, accounting for income taxes, stockholders’ equity, accounting changes and error corrections and other advanced accounting topics. The focus of this course is on the practical applications of advanced aspects of accounting standards. Students are encouraged to take advantage of available computer software to assist in computations. This course is part of the Associate in Applied Science Accounting degree which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Prerequisites: ACCT 2031. (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

4
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ACCT2040
Applied Cost Management

This course introduces accounting applied to production costs of a manufacturing entity.
Topics include the accounting for materials, labor, and overhead costs. Job order cost system, process cost system, by-products, strategic financial management, as well as basic budgeting, standard cost systems and variance analysis are also included. Prerequisites:
ACCT 2011, ACCT 2012, or instructor approval.
(4 Cr – 4 lect, 0 lab)

4
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BUSA2032
Business Law - Legal Environment

This is a survey course that provides students with a basic understanding of the legal aspects of business. Topics include an overview of the basic United States legal system, ethics, contracts, legal structure of business, agency and employment law, property issues, and international/global business law.

  • (3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)
3

Second Year / Spring

List of Courses for Program
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ACCT1120
Applied Business Income Taxation

This course covers the income taxation of sole proprietorships, corporations, partnerships, fiduciaries, and S corporations. Students complete the appropriate federal tax returns as they apply to these entities. Prerequisites: ACCT 1040 or instructor approval.
(3 Cr – 3 lect, 0 lab)

3
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GSCL1270
Employment Search Skills

This course introduces students to a process of developing self-awareness when considering career opportunities and identifying career-related goals. Students conduct a job search, prepare a job application, resume, cover letter, a follow-up correspondence. The course includes preparation for job interviews.
(1 Cr – 1 lect, 0 lab)

1
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GSCM1510
Workplace Human Relations

This course examines interpersonal relationship skills in the work environment. Students evaluate individual strengths and weaknesses and assess and learn transferable skills. This course emphasizes employment-enhancing skills that include understanding and improving relationships and communication with co-workers, supervisors, subordinates, and customers. This survey course introduces concepts and methods for improvement of interpersonal relations. (2 Cr – 2 lect, 0 lab)

2
ELECTIVES
Choose from the elective list
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This is a sample course sequence resulting in a certificate, diploma or degree that is subject to change based on course availability and placement scores.

Last Updated: May 29, 2026