Julia Williams is a director of finance at Dextera Biosciences.
We recommend starting with Intermediate Accounting I.
This certificate can be completed completely online.
Most students complete the curriculum in two years.
The Certificate Program in Accounting is your gateway to a rewarding career in finance, business or professional accounting. Designed for career changers, working professionals and recent graduates, this certificate provides a strong foundation in essential accounting principles, financial reporting, taxation and ethical practices—skills that are in high demand across nearly every industry.
Whether you're aiming for a promotion, preparing for CPA or CMA® certification, or fulfilling pre-M.B.A. or licensing requirements, this certificate will equip you with the technical expertise and analytical mindset needed to thrive in today’s dynamic financial environment. In just six courses, you’ll learn the core content of the CPA Exam and gain real-world skills in budgeting, auditing, compliance and financial forecasting—all while learning how artificial intelligence is reshaping the accounting landscape.
Take the first step toward a future of opportunity, precision and professional growth.
With high demand for skilled accountants across industries—from finance to health care to tech and government—you'll be prepared to meet this growing need. Be prepared to fill a role as a:
On successful completion of the program, you will be able to:
All certificate courses cover the three core sections of the CPA Exam—Auditing and Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Taxation and Regulation—and your chosen discipline: Business Analysis and Reporting (BAR), Information Systems and Control (ISC) or Tax Compliance and Planning (TCP).
In order to meet the minimum of 24 semester units to sit for the CPA Exam, we suggest you take an additional 7 semester units of any of the following courses:
CPA educational requirements change frequently and vary by state. Always check your state's CPA Society website to verify which courses you need. Learn more at:
*This program and its courses can serve as preparation for California state licensure. Standards for licensure and certification in other states may vary, and enrollment does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certification. Please review additional information about licensure outside of California before enrolling.
Some of our courses may fulfill prerequisites for M.B.A. programs. Please note that acceptance of transfer credit is always at the discretion of the accepting institution; contact the schools to which you are applying for information about transfer of credits earned at UC Berkeley Extension.
If you do not have a background in finance or accounting or a thorough understanding of the U.S. GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles), please take Financial Accounting UGBA XB102A and Managerial Accounting UGBA XB102B to build the foundational knowledge you need to succeed.
The curriculum comprises 6 required courses for a total of 17 semester units. Candidates must pay a nonrefundable certificate registration fee.
All courses must be taken for a letter grade. Students must complete each course with a grade of C or better. All coursework must be completed within three years.
Most students take two years to complete the program.
Each course is priced individually, and you pay the course fee at the time of enrollment. The certificate has an estimated cost of $8,500 (not including course materials or registration fee). Course fees are subject to change.
Once you have completed the certificate coursework, notify UC Berkeley Extension that you have completed the curriculum and request your certificate. Send an email to extension-business@berkeley.edu. After your records have been reviewed, verified and approved (usually within two to three weeks), your certificate will be mailed to you.
Xiao-Jun Zhang
Professor, Michael Chetkovich Chair in Accounting, Distinguished Teaching Fellow
UC Berkeley Haas School of Business
Steve Battles
Chief Financial Officer
Sensiba San Filippo LLP
Gene Kim
Senior Vice President
Robert Half
Gretel Tortolani
Executive VP, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
California Chamber of Commerce
Jerry Yu
Partner
Moss Adams