Graduate Certificate in California Governmental Accounting

Program at a Glance

PROGRAM

California Governmental Accounting

TOTAL UNITS

6

FORMAT

Online, Hybrid

SPRING ’26 EARLY APPLICATION DEADLINE

November 8, 2026

Program Overview

Developed in partnership with the California State Controller’s Office, Golden Gate University’s Certificate in CA Governmental Accounting addresses the unique policies and procedures associated with governmental and nonprofit accounting.

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.

Admission Requirements

For details about admission requirements, please check the Admissions page.

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.
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