Business - Accounting at Algonquin College

Get the essential skills to start with a career in Accounting.

The Business - Accounting Ontario College Diploma program balances accounting theory with tools used in the industry. This two-year program equips you with the essential skills for various entry-level accounting positions.

Learn how to complete accounting tasks, from conducting bookkeeping responsibilities to preparing financial statements and personal income tax returns. Expand your knowledge of various business concepts including economics and finance.

Explore accounting concepts while sharpening your communication, math and technological skills. Courses incorporate accounting software to strengthen your computer literacy and provide you with up-to-date technical skills, which are essential in this field.

In the program`s final semester, you have the opportunity to apply for a field placement to practise your skills in a real work setting. See Additional Information for eligibility requirements.

Students considering a professional accounting designation or an accounting credential are advised to make inquiries with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario) before deciding to complete this program. See Additional Information for further details.

This program prepares you for entry-level positions in:

• financial accounting
• managerial accounting
• payables and receivables
• taxation

Graduates typically find employment in roles such as:

• accounts payable clerk
• accounts receivable clerk
• bookkeeper
• payroll clerk
• junior staff accountant

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

• Enjoy problem solving and critical-thinking activities.
• Are inquisitive and have an analytical nature.
• Can work well independently and in a group.
• Are detailed-oriented, organized and adaptable.
• Are comfortable using a variety of computer applications.
• Possess a high standard of ethics.

Careers

Graduates may pursue employment opportunities including entry-level positions in accounts receivables or payables or bookkeeping responsibilities. Roles include: accounting assistant; accounts payable clerk; accounts receivable clerk; bookkeeper; and payroll clerk.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

1. Record financial transactions in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships, private enterprises, publicly accountable enterprises and non-profit organizations.
2. Prepare and present financial statements, reports and other documents in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships and private enterprises.
3. Contribute to recurring decision-making by applying fundamental management accounting concepts.
4. Prepare individuals` income tax returns and basic tax planning in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
5. Analyze organizational structures, the interdependence of functional areas, and the impact those relationships can have on financial performance.
6. Analyze, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technological advances and the environment on an organization`s operations.
7. Outline the elements of an organization`s internal control system and risk management.
8. Contribute to recurring decision-making by applying fundamental financial management concepts.
9. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Program Eligibility

• English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).

• Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
• Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
• IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT) Overall 80, with a minimum of 20 in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20.