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Program facts 
Develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in the financial management industry with this 22-credit-hour certificate program. This certificate is ideal for individuals currently employed in or seeking employment in finance departments, banks, investment companies or other finance-related enterprises.
You’ll take classes in financial accounting, financial institution operations, investment management, international finance and more. The classes are taught by faculty who are financial industry experts and are currently top management in finance at Chicagoland firms.
This program is available in an accelerated Fast Track format, giving you added flexibility. Earn your certificate in about 1 year through our Fast Track online program starting this Fall. View full program layout.
Some students may qualify to graduate debt-free by participating in Harper’s apprenticeship program in banking/finance.
The credit earned for this certificate can also be applied to the Business Administration A.A.S. degree.
This 22 credit-hour certificate program is designed for those currently employed in or seeking employment in finance departments, banks, investment companies or other finance-related enterprises. The curriculum emphasizes developing the competencies necessary for supervisory and public contact positions in the finance field.
The Associate in Applied Science in Business Administration includes a specialized study area for Financial Management. Please refer to Business Administration in this section of the catalog if you are interested in pursuing a degree in this discipline.
| Number | Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC 101 | Introduction to Financial Accounting | 4 |
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Description: Presents accounting as an information system that produces summary financial statements primarily for users external to a business. Emphasizes the reporting of the effect of transactions and other economic events on the financial condition and operating results of a business. Topics include: basic accounting concepts, financial statements, accrual and cash basis, the accounting cycle, monetary assets, inventories, fixed assets, current and long-term liabilities, and owner’s equity. The course assumes a corporate form of organization. NOTE: High school algebra is recommended. IAI BUS 903 Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| FIN 101 | Financial Institution Operations | 3 |
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Description: Presents an overview of the evolution of the U.S. banking system; the fundamentals of money and banking; operations of banks; the role of governmental regulatory agencies such as the Federal Reserve and the FDIC; consumer and business products and services; and international banking. Provides an examination of the functioning of our economic system emphasizing contemporary and regulatory issues that impact the future of the banking industry. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| FIN 200 | Investment Management /Personal Finance | 3 |
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Description: Introduces the student to the fundamentals of equity and fixed income investing. Explores other investment management subjects such as mutual funds, international investing and retirement planning as well as tax-advantaged investments. Basic derivatives such as futures and options will also be discussed. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| FIN 215 | Financial Statements Interpretation and Analysis | 3 |
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Description: Explores the characteristics of financial statements and financial statements analysis. Emphasis is on the income statement, balance sheet, and sources and uses of funds statement. Effects of reserves, inventory valuations, depreciation, depletion, amortization, subsidiaries and affiliates are studied. Addresses cash flow, reported earnings, taxable earnings and interpretation of the financial data by means of ratio analysis. Prerequisite: ACC 101 with a grade of C or better. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| FIN 225 | International Finance | 3 |
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Description: Emphasizes international trade financing. Presents mechanics of importing and exporting, credit and political considerations. Focuses on credit considerations, market product profiles, letters of credit, collection, credit information outside the United States and entry into these markets. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| MGT 218 | Introduction to Finance | 3 |
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Description: Introduces fundamental principles of finance and fiscal management. Students will review financial theories and examine cash-flow projections, asset valuation, capital expenditure and investment opportunities, financial planning, and decision-making processes, and the structure of business markets. Prerequisite: ACC 101 and either MGT 111 or MGT 154. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| MGT 154 | Entrepreneurship or | |
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Description: Investigates positives and negatives of entrepreneurship and the process of concept to new venture. Analyzes typical venture errors and focuses on strategic management. Evaluates business ownership and franchising, pricing strategies, financing, location selection and human capital management. Discovers personal leadership traits. Assesses the personal entrepreneurial mindset. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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| MGT 111 | Introduction to Business Organization | 3 |
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Description: Introduces the nature of business and the environment in which it operates. Forms of business ownership, introduction to operative and facilitating facets of business operation, management, marketing, accounting, statistics, business law, finance, investments, insurance and labor-management relations. Class Schedule: Fall 2024 | Spring 2025 |
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Students interested in business may also be interested in:
For more information about this program, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.