Business Administration - Accounting at Algonquin College

Specialize with a challenging and rewarding career in accounting.

Earn a flexible diploma that shows you are aware of all areas of business, and that you also have specialized education in accounting.

Accounting is one of seven majors available to Business Administration students. This three-year Ontario College Advanced Diploma program starts with three semesters, learning a variety of essential business skills, before ultimately deciding on a major.

The program prepares you for a challenging and rewarding career in the accounting industry. Accounting is often referred to as the backbone of business - businesses need skilled accountants to monitor financial accounts in order to operate effectively and efficiently.

This program enables you to provide businesses with the complete and accurate financial picture they need to thrive.

Study all major areas of accounting including:

• financial accounting
• managerial accounting
• taxation
• financial management

Practise recording financial transactions, preparing/presenting financial statements, reports and other documents, and using current accounting software.

You may find employment in both the public and private sectors in roles such as:

• accounting assistant
• accounting associate
• accounting clerk
• junior financial analyst
• junior staff accountant

There are opportunities in a variety of work environments, including:

• accounting firms
• small and medium-sized businesses
• service organizations
• government departments
• financial institutions

Students considering a professional accounting designation or an accounting credential are advised to make inquiries with the Chartered Professional Accounts of Ontario (CPA Ontario).

SUCCESS FACTORS

This major is well-suited for students who:

• Have strong numeracy skills and can apply, interpret and communicate mathematical information.
• Possess critical-thinking skills.
• Enjoy solving (business) problems.
• Are detail-oriented, organized and committed to achieving excellence in their work.
• Enjoy working in an office environment.

Careers

Graduates may find employment in both the public and private sectors as an accounting assistant; accounting associate; accounting clerk; junior financial analyst and junior staff accountant.

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 strategic decision-making by applying advanced management accounting concepts.
4. Prepare individuals` and Canadian-controlled private corporations` income tax returns and individuals` basic tax planning in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
5. Analyze and evaluate organizational structures and the interdependence of functional areas, and contribute to the development of strategies which positively impact financial performance.
6. Analyze and evaluate, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technological advances and the environment on an organization`s operations.
7. Analyze and evaluate an organization`s internal control system, taking risk management into account.
8. Contribute to strategic decision-making by applying advanced financial management concepts.
9. Co-ordinate the planning, implementation, management and evaluation of team projects by applying project management principles.
10. 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 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR
• TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading: 22; Listening: 22; Speaking: 22; Writing: 22.

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and mathematics.