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Program Overview
The one-year Accounting Assistant technical diploma will get you the necessary skills for entry-level bookkeeping and accounting work.
You’ll learn essential accounting principles and develop a general understanding of business, finance and taxes. In addition, you’ll be skilled in using business tools like Microsoft Office Excel and QuickBooks.
Technical Diploma Goals
Technical diploma graduates are ready for a range of professional positions in the field of accounting, including accounts payable/receivable clerk, bookkeeper/payroll clerk, billing clerk, inventory control clerk or office assistant.
Real-world, Hands-on Learning
Madison College's accounting program teaches you real-world accounting concepts through hands-on learning. Our expert faculty will support your academic success by providing valuable feedback on your coursework to ensure you develop your accounting skills correctly.
Flexible Course Offerings
You can attend full- or part-time while taking courses in-person or online. Study close to home, whether in Madison at Truax or Goodman South campuses or regionally at our Reedsburg, Portage, Fort Atkinson or Watertown campuses.
Your Credits Allow You to Ladder Up!
The Accounting Assistant technical diploma is included in our two-year Accounting associate degree program. As a Madison College accounting student, you'll earn the technical diploma upon completion of the first-year curriculum automatically. If you choose to continue your education, all your credits will seamlessly transfer into the associate degree program.
What Is Accounting?
Learn more about accounting careers and Madison College accounting program options.
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-101-111Accounting 1 - Principles
Introduction to the field of accounting. The accounting cycle of journalizing transactions, posting, adjusting and closing entries, as well as the preparation of accounting statements is emphasized for service industries and merchandising concerns. Details of accounting for cash and receivables are studied. An introduction to a computerized accounting system is also included.4 credits10-102-134Introduction to Business
Explore concepts related to business strategy, marketing, operations, finance, and corporate culture, as well as their interrelationship within the organization. Expand understanding through case studies and a computer business simulation. Recognize the role of small businesses and their participation in international markets. Use an Ethics framework, further explored in upper-level Program classes, to promote and enforce ethical behavior.3 credits10-106-109Business Spreadsheet Applications
Create professional data-driven workbooks utilizing Microsoft Office Excel spreadsheet software. Students will work with formulas to professionally format worksheets, create charts and tables, utilize advanced functions and apply conditional formatting, work with multiple worksheets, workbooks, and templates, incorporate data validation, utilize worksheet protection; create macros, export and cleanse data sets, and perform what-if analysis.3 credits10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 credits10-804-144Math of Finance
This course takes an algebraic approach to solving financial problems. Topics include personal finance and retirement, mathematics of retailing, mathematics of banking and lending, and statistical applications. Major emphasis is placed on solving problems involving the time value of money by using a financial calculator. The material in this course develops a sound base for subsequent courses by using an analytical approach to problem solving.3 creditsSecond Semester10-101-113Accounting 2 - Principles
Procedures of accounting for partnerships and corporations. Additional topics include fixed assets, current liabilities and payroll, long-term liabilities, investments, statement of cash flows, analysis of financial statements, and may include an introduction to cost accounting.4 credits10-101-143QuickBooks
Student users work hands-on in QuickBooks Online to set-up company files; enter vendor, customer, and inventory data; track business activities; process payroll; prepare bank reconciliations, along with adjustments and year-end procedures; and create useful reports. A tutorial approach is followed using a textbook and practice problem company files. This course provides a good foundation to begin preparation to taking the Intuit QuickBooks Certified User exam through Certiport. This exam is not a requirement of the course.2 credits10-101-123Tax 1
Introduction to federal and state income tax laws with an emphasis on personal taxes. These areas are included: filing status, personal exemptions and standard deductions; income recognition, itemized deductions, credits, depreciation, gains and losses, and sole proprietorship taxation. The course also requires the preparation of a series of individual income tax returns.4 credits10-114-130Personal Finance
This introductory course considers finance from the point of view of the individual or family unit. Topics include budgets, insurance, housing, borrowing, saving, investing and estate planning. Students complete personal finance projects applying the material learned.3 credits10-106-190Professional Development
Get fully prepared for your job or internship search! Build an electronic portfolio by creating an effective resume, cover letter, and thank you letter. Polish interviewing, networking, and personal branding skills. Learn effective techniques to present yourself to employers for job prospects or promotions.1 credit -
How to Apply
To Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Note: It is recommended to only apply for a semester that has already started if you are currently enrolled in classes, or you have verified that classes are still available for that semester.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Summer 2027
- Application available on September 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is July 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Accounting Assistant career.
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Career Outcomes
After completing the Accounting Assistant program at Madison College, you will be able to:
- Process financial transactions throughout the accounting cycle
- Evaluate financial information to support decision making
- Process payroll
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Graduate Summary
Graduate Report Summary Overview
2023 2024 2025 Number of Program Graduates 60 40 53 Number of Surveys Sent 60 40 53 Number of Surveys Returned 49 33 42 Percent of Surveys Returned Available for Employment 31 25 24 Percent Available for Employment 63.3% 75.8% 57.1% Not in Labor Market Percent Not in Labor Market 36.7% 24.2% 38.1% Available for Employment
2023 2024 2025 Graduates Employed 29 24 23 Percent of Graduates Employed 93.5% 96.0% 95.8% Employed in Related Occupation 21 18 12 Percent Employed in Related Occupation 72.4% 75.0% 52.2% Employed in Unrelated Occupation 8 6 11 Percent Employed in Unrelated Occupation 27.6% 25.0% 47.8% Employed - No Response 0 0 0 Percent Employed - No Response 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Seeking Employment 2 1 1 Percent Seeking Employment 6.5% 4.0% 4.2% Reaction To Training at Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Student satisfaction Mean (Out of 4) 3.4 3.6 3.6 Number of Satisfaction Responses 38 27 30 Very Satisfied (4) 17 17 19 Percent Very Satisfied 44.7% 63.0% 63.3% Satisfied (3) 19 9 11 Percent Satisfied 50.0% 33.3% 36.7% Unsatisfied (2) 1 0 0 Percent Unsatisfied 2.6% 0.0% 0.0% Very Unsatisfied (1) Percent Very Unsatisfied 2.6% 3.7% 0.0% Primary Reason for Attending Madison College
2023 2024 2025 Number of Primary Reason Responses 49 33 42 Preparation for Getting a Job 11 4 8 Percent Preparation for Getting a Job 22.4% 12.1% 19.0% Career Change 15 11 9 Percent Career Change 30.6% 33.3% 21.4% Improvement of Existing Skills 5 8 3 Percent Improvement of Existing Skills 10.2% 24.2% 7.1% Preparation for Further Education 16 8 20 Percent Preparation for Further Education 32.7% 24.2% 47.6% Personal Interest 2 1 2 Percent Personal Interest 4.1% 3.0% 4.8% Other 0 1 0 Percent Other 0.0% 3.0% 0.0% When Employment was Obtained
2023 2024 2025 Number of When Employment Obtained Responses 29 24 23 Before Enrollment 8 9 9 Percent Before Enrollment 27.6% 37.5% 39.1% While Attending the College 15 10 8 Percent While Attending the College 51.7% 41.7% 34.8% After Training at the College 6 5 6 Percent After Training at the College 20.7% 20.8% 26.1% Location of Employment (related and unrelated)
2023 2024 2025 Number of Employment Location Responses 29 24 25 In College District 29 20 20 Percent In College District 100.0% 83.3% 80.0% In Wisconsin, Not in District 0 3 3 Percent of In Wisconsin 0.0% 12.5% 12.0% Outside of Wisconsin 0 1 0 Percent Outside Wisconsin 0.0% 4.2% 0.0% Employer Location Unknown 0 0 2 Percent Location Unknown 0.0% 0.0% 8.0% Salary Trend 2023 2024 2025 Full Time Employment (Related Job) Full Time Salary Count 16 16 11 Average Monthly Wage $4,148 $4,347 $5,125 Average Hourly Wage $24.11 $25.28 $29.79 Average Work Hours per Week 41.4 39.8 42.5 Part Time Employment (Related Job) Part Time Salary Count 5 0 1 Average Hourly Wage $24.82 $23.00 Average Work Hours per Week 25.6 22.0 25.0 -
Graduate Employers
Graduate Employers for academic year: 2025 Employer(s) Job Title City* State** Positions Berndt CPA Accountant Capitol Bank Accounting Associate City of Madison Accountant Diego Crespo Accounts Receivable Associate Electronic Theatre Controls Inc Accounts Payable Middleton Maple Bluff EMS & Fire Resident Services Specialist Meriter Hospital Clinical Nutrition Supervisor Mueller Sports Medicine Inc Cash Application Specialist Prairie du Sac Quicksave Games LLC Co-Founder Fitchburg R-Acres Farm Dairy Farm Owner Cottage Grove United States Postal Service Senior Systems Account Technician Eagan Unspecified Accountant * - Only cities outside of Madison will display.
** - Only states outside of Wisconsin will display.
*** - If you have a position to post, please contact Career and Employment Services at jobpostings@madisoncollege.edu
