FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MONDAY, JANUARY 5, 2004

CONTACT: Steve Dolan
(619) 594-5664
sdolan@mail.sdsu.edu

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 5, 2004 - If you want to stay ahead of the pack in the financial industry, an abundance of helpful educational avenues are right on the money.

San Diego State University's College of Extended Studies offers such opportunities in single and multiple-day classes, online and through certificate programs that are becoming increasingly popular in the industry.

One course that certainly adds up well in the financial industry is Accounting Fundamentals. Students learn the basics of double-entry bookkeeping, while also being taught how to analyze and record financial transactions in addition to preparing various financial reports at the end of the fiscal period. Other topics include accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll procedures, sales taxes and various common banking activities.

There are even classes for targeted audiences, including Women as Independent Investors. This course introduces the fundamentals of investing for women and includes investments terms, research tools and implementing a personal investment plan. It additionally covers a multitude of topics including IRAs, 401 (k)s, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, annuities, taxes, retirement, insurance, education, estate planning and the 11 roadblocks to a woman's financial security.

The course on Preparing Employees for Financial Literacy is designed to provide basic financial training for non-financial business professionals and is structured to expand business and financial literacy. Participants will understand the funds flow cycle of an organization and learn how to read and understand financial statements.

A class on Budgeting and Forecasting for Managers is essential these days because those topics are no longer the sole responsibility of the accounting and finance departments. This program provides students a working knowledge of how budgets affect the strategic and operational decision of every organization, as well as how the ability to budget and forecast effectively is critical to both personal and departmental success.

The College of Extended Studies also offers a Professional Certificate in Accounting through its Open University program. Requirements for the certificate program in accounting are to complete 30 units; six units of required courses in Financial Accounting Fundamentals and Managerial Accounting Fundamentals, along with 24 units in accounting electives (minimum of 18 units) and business electives (up to six units).

Accounting electives cover intermediate and advanced financial accounting material, cost accounting, tax, auditing, accounting information systems and not-for-profit accounting. There are various options for electives, so students must first contact the advisor before beginning any accounting electives.

SDSU's College of Extended Studies offers a wide variety of lifelong learning classes, seminars, and certificate programs. Career advancement courses are offered in many areas of management, leadership, and quality improvement while self-enrichment courses range from astronomy to web design. Additionally, the College offers over 25 certificate programs, online courses, and many other learning opportunities. For more information on the cutting-edge opportunities offered in the financial industry, or other programs, visit the College's Web site at www.NeverStopLearning.net.