This certificate of proficiency is intended to help students to prepare for a position as an income tax return preparer with knowledge of both state and federal individual and business taxation using professional-level tax return preparation software. Accounting has been described as the language of business. It serves as the backbone for careers in finance and tax. The historical perception of the field of accounting has changed dramatically. Today, the study of accounting encompasses not only the understanding of the sources of business income and expenses, but has broadened to provide you with the tools to effectively engage and contribute in big data analysis, mergers, acquisitions, valuation, risk minimization strategies, compensation strategies and more.