Bookkeeping for Small Business Certificate

Overview

The Bookkeeping for Small Business Certificate at the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) equips students with practical skills necessary for managing the financial records of small or home-based businesses. This program is designed for those who are organized, focused, and detail-oriented, offering the potential for flexible work hours and opportunities for remote work.

Credential

• Credential: Certificate
• Format: Full-time or part-time
• Delivery: Fully online or hybrid (combination of in-person and online). Online courses are held at scheduled meeting times, not self-paced.

Duration

• Full-time: 12-16 weeks
• Part-time: 6 months

Tuition

• Tuition: $3,500 (not including books, supplies, and practicum)
• (*Tuition subject to change without notice; textbooks are not included in tuition.)

Practicum

• Practicum Available: Yes
• An optional practicum can be taken after completing all six courses, providing valuable workplace experience. Placement can be arranged in the Fraser Valley or Lower Mainland, or students may find their own placements outside these regions.

Entrance Requirements

This program has no formal entrance requirements, however, it is strongly recommended that all students possess the following:

• Basic Computer Skills: Competency in using a computer, including browsing the internet and checking email.
• Software Experience: Some prior experience with MS Word and Excel.
• English Language Skills: Comfortable in working, writing, and conversing in English. A CLB level of 8 or equivalent is recommended, though documentation is not required for admission.

Computer Requirements

• A computer or laptop with reliable internet access and up-to-date software is required.
• A webcam and microphone are recommended for communication during class.
• For optimal functioning, having two computer monitors is suggested.

Software

Students may choose to study either Sage 50 or QuickBooks Online in this program. It is important to note that Sage 50 is not compatible with Mac systems.

Program Structure

To earn the Bookkeeping for Small Business certificate, students must successfully complete six courses:

1. Microsoft Excel Level I
2. Bookkeeping Level I
3. Bookkeeping Level II
4. Payroll Accounting
5. Computerized Accounting Level I or QuickBooks Level I
6. Computerized Accounting Level II or QuickBooks Level II

Students must achieve a minimum grade of B in each course and complete all required courses within three years to earn the certificate.

Graduation

Upon successful completion of all required courses and meeting grade requirements, students can apply for graduation. A graduation application fee applies.

Employment Opportunities

Bookkeepers find opportunities across a variety of sectors including:

• Local businesses
• Professional services (law firms, insurance offices)
• Retail and wholesale establishments
• Restaurants
• Construction and manufacturing industries
• Non-profit organizations
• Home-based businesses

The BC Labour Market Outlook anticipates significant demand for bookkeepers and accounting technicians, with 9,520 job openings projected in British Columbia from 2022 to 2032.

Textbooks and Materials

In addition to textbooks, students will require:

• USB/memory stick
• Calculator
• Writing supplies

Withdrawal Deadlines

Students should refer to the School of Continuing Education for the refund and withdrawal schedule.

Degree Overview:

• Target Audience: Individuals seeking flexible working hours and a steady income, with strong organizational, focus, and detail-orientation.
• Objectives: Equipping learners with skills to manage expenses, generate cash flow statements, handle payroll demands, and complete tax forms for small businesses.
• Program Description: Intensive instruction preparing participants to maintain financial clarity for small or home-based businesses, leading to diverse employment opportunities in various industries.

Outline:

• Delivery: Full-time or part-time, online or hybrid (combination of in-person and online).
• Duration: 12 weeks (full-time) or 6 months (part-time).
• Structure: Three formats:
• Part-time bundled:
Complete all courses together in 6 months.
• Part-time unbundled: Start individual courses anytime, complete within 6 months to 3 years.
• Accelerated: Finish the program in 12 weeks (full-time).
• Courses:
• Bookkeeping Level I & II
• Microsoft Excel Level I
• Computerized Accounting Level II or QuickBooks Level II (choose one)
• Payroll Accounting
• Progression: Minimum grade of B required in each course, with the option to retake if needed.

Teaching:

• Faculty: Seasoned instructors with expertise in bookkeeping.
• Methods: Interactive, focused on practical application.
• Technology: Online courses held at scheduled meeting times, requiring internet access and webcam (optional but recommended).
• Software: Sage 50 or QuickBooks (not Mac-compatible, Mac users can use remote labs).

Careers:

• Potential Roles: Bookkeeper for various businesses, including local businesses, professional services, retail, restaurants, construction, non-profits, and home-based businesses.
• Opportunity: Many bookkeepers start their own businesses, serving multiple clients.
• Job Market: Projected 9,520 job openings for bookkeepers and accounting technicians in BC from 2022-2032 (source: WorkBC).

Other:

• Practicum: Optional, offering workplace experience and practice after completing all courses.
• Location: If living in the Lower Mainland, placement is provided by Continuing Education, potentially requiring travel.
• Distance Students: Need to find and submit details of their own practicum placement.
• Tuition: $3337 (books and supplies not included), subject to change.
• Financial Aid: StrongerBC future skills grant funding available again in Fall 2024.
• Textbooks and materials can be found using the UFV Bookstore's textbook search tool.
• Reviews from past graduates highlight the program's value and affordability.
• Related programs are listed for those interested in further exploration.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) is a fully accredited, public university located in the beautiful Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, just east of Vancouver. Enrolling approximately 15,000 students per year across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, as well as a growing presence in Chandigarh, India, UFV is a comprehensive university that combines the variety of a large institution with the small class sizes and personal connections of a community-focused one. Students come to UFV to learn in a hands-on environment where they know their instructors and are known in return.

UFV is situated in the traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship with what they refer to as S'olh Téméxw (Our Sacred Land), and UFV expresses its gratitude and respect for the honour of living and working in this territory.

Changemaking

At UFV, changemaking is not a slogan; it is the organizing principle of the university's identity. As a designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, UFV prepares students to lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to stronger communities through innovation, reciprocity and a shared commitment to positive social change. Changemaking at UFV means turning knowledge into action, connecting learning to the real challenges facing communities in the Fraser Valley, British Columbia and the world beyond.

Academic structure

UFV is organized across six colleges, faculties and a school:

• College of Arts
• Faculty of Education, Community, and Human Development
• Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business and Computing
• Faculty of Science
• School of Graduate Studies

Programs

UFV offers more than 100 programs across academic, vocational, continuing education and trades pathways, including three master's degrees, 21 bachelor's degrees with majors, minors and extended minors in more than 35 subject areas, four graduate certificates, and more than a dozen trades and technology programs. Programs are available across a wide range of disciplines:

• Arts, humanities and social sciences: Bachelor of Arts in History, English, Philosophy, Communications, Political Science, Indigenous Studies, Global Development Studies, Latin American Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies, and more
• Business and management: Bachelor of Business Administration, Business Administration Diploma and Certificate, Agriculture Management BBA, Trades Management BBA, Accounting Certificate, Marketing and Sales Certificate
• Computing and technology: Computing Science BSc, Computer Information Systems (Bachelor, Diploma, Certificate), Automation and Robotics Technician Diploma, Engineering Physics Mechatronics Diploma, Engineering Common Core Certificate
• Creative arts and design: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic and Digital Design BFA and Diploma, Creative Writing BA and BFA.
• Education: Bachelor of Education, Adult Education Degree, Early Childhood Education Certificate and Diploma, TESL Certificate, Master of Education (Educational Leadership and Mentorship)
• Health sciences: Nursing BSc, Practical Nursing Diploma, Certified Dental Assistant Certificate, Child Life and Community Health Graduate Certificate
• Social work and human services: Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Social Work, Child and Youth Care BA, Social Service Worker Diploma (Indigenous Focus)
• Trades: Carpentry, Electrician, Plumbing and Piping, Welding, Automotive Service, Automotive Collision Repair, Cabinetmaking, Heavy Mechanical Trades Foundation, Electronics Technician, and Culinary Arts Certificates
• Indigenous studies: Indigenous Studies BA, Stó:lō Studies Certificate, Social Service Worker (Indigenous Focus) Diploma
• Upgrading and access: Adult Basic Education, English Language Studies, Workplace TASK for adults with disabilities

Campuses

• Abbotsford (main campus): 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, V2S 7M8 — the largest campus, home to the majority of UFV's faculties, research institutes, library, athletics facilities, housing and student services
• Chilliwack: a full-service campus offering a wide range of programs in the eastern Fraser Valley
• Mission: delivering programs and services for Mission-area students
• Hope: outreach and programming for the Hope community
• Chandigarh, India (UFV India): UFV's international campus, extending the university's reach to South Asia

Sustainability

UFV has achieved a Gold sustainability rating from AASHE (the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education), recognising its performance across environmental, social, and governance sustainability dimensions. Sustainability is embedded across campus operations, curriculum and community engagement, and UFV's Peace and Reconciliation Centre has earned international recognition for its work in restorative justice and reconciliation.

Open education

UFV is a leader in open education in British Columbia, committed to making learning more affordable and accessible through open textbooks, open educational resources and flexible learning models. Students who take courses using open textbooks save significantly on the cost of materials, reflecting UFV's belief that quality education should be accessible to everyone regardless of financial means.

Indigenous UFV

Indigenous affairs and reconciliation are woven through UFV's institutional identity. The Indigenous Affairs office, the Indigenous Student Centre, and dedicated programs in Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies reflect a deep commitment to supporting Indigenous students, honouring Indigenous knowledge and advancing reconciliation with the Stó:lō peoples on whose territory the university stands. UFV is actively engaged in implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action in its academic programs and institutional culture.

Research

UFV is an active research university, with faculty engaged in applied and community-focused research across all disciplines. The Centre for the Social Sciences and Humanities, the Peace and Reconciliation Centre, the Centre for Indo-Canadian Studies, and multiple research chairs bring structured research activity to the Fraser Valley community. UFV's research approach emphasises community engagement and real-world impact, consistent with its Changemaker Campus identity. Alumni have gone on to achieve notable research and professional milestones, including the development of North America's first mobile, modular soil-washing facility by a UFV alumnus in 2026.

Student life and housing

UFV offers a full range of student services, housing, and co-curricular programming to support student success and wellbeing. The new EverGreen residence on the Abbotsford campus offers modern suites and social spaces. A shuttle bus service connects campuses. Cascades Athletics supports varsity and recreational sport. CIVL Radio gives students a student-run campus radio station. The Academic Advising Centre, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Human Rights Office, and a dedicated Safe Student Community programme round out UFV's student support offer.

Contact

• Main address: 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC, Canada V2S 7M8
• Phone: 1-604-504-7441
• Toll-free: 1-888-504-7441
• Email: info@ufv.ca

Why UFV

1. A fully accredited Canadian public university enrolling approximately 15,000 students, offering more than 100 programs from trades certificates through to master's degrees
2. A designated Ashoka U Changemaker Campus, preparing graduates who lead collaboratively, think critically and contribute to positive social change
3. Small class sizes with accessible, dedicated faculty across campuses in Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission and Hope, plus a growing international campus in Chandigarh, India
4. A Gold AASHE sustainability rating and a nationally recognised Peace and Reconciliation Centre, reflecting UFV's commitment to environmental and social responsibility
5. A leader in open education in British Columbia, making learning more affordable through open educational resources across all programs
6. Deep Indigenous roots, with dedicated Indigenous Affairs and Indigenous Student Centre offices, Indigenous Studies and Stó:lō Studies programs, and active reconciliation commitments on Stó:lō territory
7. Located in the Fraser Valley, one of Canada's most scenic and economically dynamic regions, with easy connections to metropolitan Vancouver