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Program Overview
The Finance Assistant embedded technical diploma at Madison College is comprised of a selection of courses from the Finance Associate Degree program. These core classes can be completed in one year, giving you the valuable skills you need to enter or move up in the workforce.
In these classes, you will explore:
- Accounting principles, including an introduction to accounting software.
- Federal and state income tax laws, with an emphasis on personal taxes.
- Microsoft Excel; create professional workbooks, charts, macros, and work with financial tools.
- Financial Institutions and their impact on the economy.
You’ll leave Madison College fully prepared for your job or internship search. We’ll teach you effective techniques to present yourself to employers for job prospects or promotions. You will learn how to create or improve your resume and cover letter and polish your interviewing and networking skills.
If you apply for the Finance associate degree, you will automatically earn this diploma after completing your first year of classes.
Program Details
Students in the Finance Assistant program can attend full or part-time.
Finance classes may be offered at the following Madison College campuses:
- Madison - Truax
- Madison - South
- Fort Atkinson
- Reedsburg
- Watertown
Careers
Earning your Finance Assistant technical diploma at Madison Area Technical College prepares you for valuable work as a:
- Financial Assistant
- Tax Assistant
- Credit Analyst
- Accounts payable/receivable clerk
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Program Courses
Here's a sample course sequence that shows how classes for full-time students are typically organized by semester.
Once you're admitted, your full curriculum and sequence—including any pre-requisites—is defined in your Degree Progress Report.
First Semester10-101-111Accounting 1 - Principles
Introduction to the field of accounting. The accounting cycle of journalizing transactions, posting, adjusting and closing entries, as well as the preparation of accounting statements is emphasized for service industries and merchandising concerns. Details of accounting for cash and receivables are studied. An introduction to a computerized accounting system is also included.4 credits10-106-109Business Spreadsheet Applications
Create professional, data-driven workbooks using Microsoft Excel. Develop skills with formulas, functions, worksheet formatting, charts, tables, conditional formatting, multiple worksheets and workbooks, templates, data validation, worksheet protection, and macros. Import and cleanse data, perform what-if analysis using Scenario Manager, Data Tables, and Solver, and complete loan amortization, investment analysis, and asset depreciation calculations.3 credits10-114-130Personal Finance
This introductory course considers finance from the point of view of the individual or family unit. Topics include budgets, insurance, housing, borrowing, saving, investing and estate planning. Students complete personal finance projects applying the material learned.3 credits10-801-195Written Communication
Develops workplace writing skills which include prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. A variety of writing assignments are designed to help the learner analyze audience and purpose, research and organize ideas, and format and design documents based on workplace subject matter and content.3 credits10-804-144Math of Finance
This course takes an algebraic approach to solving financial problems. Topics include personal finance and retirement, mathematics of retailing, mathematics of banking and lending, and statistical applications. Major emphasis is placed on solving problems involving the time value of money by using a financial calculator. The material in this course develops a sound base for subsequent courses by using an analytical approach to problem solving.3 creditsSecond Semester10-101-113Accounting 2 - Principles
Procedures of accounting for partnerships and corporations. Additional topics include fixed assets, current liabilities and payroll, long-term liabilities, investments, statement of cash flows, analysis of financial statements, and may include an introduction to cost accounting.4 credits10-101-123Tax 1
Introduction to federal and state income tax laws with an emphasis on personal taxes. These areas are included: filing status, personal exemptions and standard deductions; income recognition, itemized deductions, credits, depreciation, gains and losses, and sole proprietorship taxation. The course also requires the preparation of a series of individual income tax returns.4 credits10-114-128Financial Institutions
Introductory-level course which considers the role of financial institutions in the economy. Topics include financial intermediation, the Federal Reserve System, financial markets and instruments, and non-bank financial institutions, including savings and loan associations, credit unions, finance companies, insurance companies, pension funds, mutual funds and governmental financial institutions.3 credits10-801-196Oral/Interpersonal Communication
Focuses on developing effective listening techniques and verbal and nonverbal communication skills through oral presentation, group activity, and other projects. The study of self, conflict, and cultural contexts will be explored, as well as their impact on communication.3 credits -
How to Apply
To Apply
Earning a degree is a great way to advance your career development opportunities, so apply today!
If you are an international student and want to apply to Madison College, or transfer your F-1 student visa here, check program availability and then complete the International Admission Process.
Note: It is recommended to only apply for a semester that has already started if you are currently enrolled in classes, or you have verified that classes are still available for that semester.
Application Dates
Fall 2026
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is November 15, 2026
Spring 2027
- Application open
- Application completion deadline is April 15, 2027
Summer 2027
- Application available on September 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is July 15, 2027
Fall 2027
- Application available on October 15, 2026
- Application completion deadline is August 31, 2027
Admission Requirements
All materials must be submitted by the application deadline.
1. Admission Application
The online application allows you to save your work as you complete it and ensures fast, secure delivery to our office.
2. Education Completion
Submit official transcripts from the institutions you attended that indicate one of the following:
- High school completion (current high school seniors may submit an in-progress transcript)
- GED/HSED completion
- College transcript or Madison College experience showing:
- Completion of an associate degree or higher, or
- At least 30 credits completed with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4-point scale
- The credits must be completed at a single college and cannot be combined with other transcripts
- Any transfer credit listed on a transcript does not count toward the 30-credit minimum
- Credits completed at Madison College are evaluated and do not require a transcript
All high school and/or college transcripts are recommended to be submitted for Credit for Prior Learning evaluation.
Additional Notes
Individual courses may have prerequisites to enroll. Admission into a certificate or waiting list does not guarantee eligibility to enroll in courses. See the Curriculum section for the list of courses for the certificate.
Questions?
Contact the Enrollment Center at EnrollmentServices@madisoncollege.edu or 608.246.6210.
Get Started!
Apply to Madison College and take the first step towards your Finance Assistant career.
