Bookkeeping & Accounting Technician

Schedule:
8/25 - 6/17: Tuesdays (In Person)
Program Length:
Approximately 36 weeks
*Refer to our school calendar for holidays and school closures
Blended Online Learning

Students participate in classroom instruction, online learning, and hands-on accounting projects using real-world business scenarios. 

Overview

Our Bookkeeping & Accounting Technician Pathway combines accounting theory with practical application, giving students the confidence to manage financial records, analyze business transactions, and support daily accounting operations.

Throughout the pathway, students will develop skills in:

  • Bookkeeping fundamentals 
  • Financial accounting 
  • Accounts payable and accounts receivable 
  • Payroll processing 
  • Bank reconciliations 
  • Budgeting and financial reporting 
  • General ledger management 
  • Business financial analysis 
  • Microsoft Excel for accounting 
  • Intuit QuickBooks 
  • Professional workplace communication 
  • Business ethics and financial recordkeeping 

Students gain hands-on experience using Intuit QuickBooks, one of the nation's leading accounting software programs, preparing them for immediate success in today's workplace. 

Earn an Industry-Recognized Certification

As part of the pathway, students prepare for the Intuit QuickBooks Certified User industry certification. This nationally recognized credential demonstrates proficiency in QuickBooks, including:

  • Setting up company files 
  • Recording financial transactions 
  • Managing customers and vendors 
  • Processing payroll 
  • Reconciling accounts 
  • Creating financial reports 

Earning this certification validates your accounting skills and provides a competitive advantage when seeking employment. 

Why Choose This Pathway

Accounting and bookkeeping professionals continue to be in demand throughout North County San Diego, supporting industries including healthcare, manufacturing, education, technology, retail, nonprofit organizations, and thousands of small businesses. Employers consistently seek professionals with experience in QuickBooks, payroll, financial reporting, and business operations. The skills learned in this pathway provide a strong foundation for careers in accounting while also helping individuals confidently manage personal finances, budgeting, and financial records

Tuition

Pathway Tuition:
$500
Tuition Flex Option:
$167 per month for the first three months

Tuition Includes

Core Accounting Courses

  • Principles of Bookkeeping 
  • Financial Accounting 
  • Payroll Processing 
  • Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable 
  • Budgeting and Financial Reporting 
  • Bank Reconciliations 

Software & Technology Training

  • Microsoft Excel for Accounting 
  • Intuit QuickBooks 

Industry Certification Preparation

  • Intuit QuickBooks Certified User exam preparation 

Student Resources

  • All required textbooks and instructional materials 
  • Hands-on accounting projects 
  • Career preparation and job readiness support 

Students graduate with both technical accounting knowledge and practical software experience that employers value. 

Refund Policy

Please review our refund policy before enrolling.

  • 100% refund if you withdraw before the first class meeting. 
  • 75% refund (excluding books and materials)
    • In class sessions: you must withdraw within the first four class sessions. 
    • Blended online or online class: you must withdraw by the end of the second week
  • No refunds after the fourth class session.

Prerequisites

Recommended Preparation

Students entering a Business Pathway should have basic computer skills to ensure success. If you are new to computers or would like to strengthen your technology skills, Vista Adult School recommends enrolling in Keyboarding and/or Beginning Microsoft Office before starting the pathway.

These foundation courses help students:

  • Build confidence using a computer 
  • Improve keyboarding speed and accuracy 
  • Learn Microsoft Office applications used in today's workplace 
  • Develop the technology skills needed for accounting and business careers 

Microsoft Office Beginning

$50 (Book included in class fee) (6 Weeks Class)

This course is a basic introduction to the applications of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint in a Microsoft environment. You will learn the basics of creating a Word document, an introduction to the power of Excel spreadsheets, and PowerPoint for creating presentations.

Course #
Day(s)
Time
Date(s)
Instructor
Room
060939
M/W
6 - 9 pm
10/5-11/9

Keyboarding

$50 (6 weeks class)

If you want to master the keyboard, but have not done so yet, this is the course for you. Keyboarding skills are a must have for personal use and career development; or just for fun. This course focuses on helping students gain data entry skills, accuracy, speed, and correct use of keyboarding techniques.

Course #
Day(s)
Time
Date(s)
Instructor
Room
060937
M/W
6 - 9 pm
8/24-9/30