Get the essential skills to start a career in Accounting.
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
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The Business - Accounting Ontario College Diploma program balances accounting theory with tools used in the industry. This 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....(read more)
Get the essential skills to start a career in Accounting.
The Business - Accounting Ontario College Diploma program balances accounting theory with tools used in the industry. This 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 is essential in this field.
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:
Graduates typically find employment in roles such as:
To qualify for this diploma, you must complete the program within six years.
This program is well-suited for students who:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
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This is the first course in a series of three financial accounting courses in this program. Students learn to identify, measure, record and report financial transactions. Students learn the fundamentals of the accounting cycle necessary to complete the financial statements and accounting records of a business. Through a combination of in class lectures, practical exercises and the use of computer assisted tools, students develop an understanding of essential accounting concepts necessary for future studies.
The knowledge gained in this course provides students with a solid foundation for future learning in other studies, and in business. Students learn a variety of tasks in Windows file management. Students also learn tasks and produce assignments in Microsoft Office for PC. Web-based software running computer-based simulations and assessments are used to support and enrich the learning experience. It is strongly recommended that students use a PC. Mac students may be required to install and learn additional software to successfully complete the course.
Communication remains an essential skill sought by employers, regardless of discipline or field of study. Using a practical, vocation-oriented approach, students develop stronger grammar and business writing skills to become effective business communicators. Through a combination of lectures, exercises, and independent learning, students practise writing, speaking, reading, listening, locating and documenting information, and using technology to communicate professionally. Students develop and strengthen communication skills that contribute to success in both educational and workplace environments.
Understanding the foundation of business is critical to anyone in the accounting field. This course gives students a broad overview of critical elements of business including an introduction to business structures, business processes, and various legal considerations. The use of practical exercises provides students with a strong foundation of business knowledge for future work.
The essentials of arithmetic and its applications, including fractions, decimals, percentages, mathematics of buying and selling, payroll, taxes, depreciation and inventory are examined. Students are introduced to the mathematics of finance, including simple and compound interest, annuities, sinking funds, amortization and consumer credit.
Building on previous studies in financial accounting, students expand their knowledge of fundamental accounting concepts involved in measuring and recording financial transactions, including analyzing these transactions and reporting them in the financial records of a business. Students experience a combination of in class lectures, practical exercises and the use of computerized tools to aid in the progress and understanding of vital accounting concepts.
Pre-requisites: ACC1100 AND ACC1211 or ACC2201 or ACC2310
Students enhance their knowledge of spreadsheets learned in BUS2301. Using Microsoft Excel, students explore some of the more advanced Excel features, such as financial functions, charts, logical functions, pivot tables, lists and look-up tables. These spreadsheet concepts are explored through Excel-based lectures and hybrid activities including learning resource applications.
Pre-requisites: ACC1100 AND ACC1211 AND BUS2301 or ACC2201 AND BUS2301 or ACC2313 AND BUS2301
Knowledge of contemporary economic issues is essential to understanding the world in which we live. Students examine the fundamental economic issues faced by modern economies with an emphasis on the use of economic models to analyze economic developments accurately and objectively. Key economic problems faced by society, and policy alternatives that governments may use to deal with these problems are also investigated. Influence of economics on student civic, working and personal lives is explored through lectures, discussions, and monitoring of current economic events.
Effective communication is an essential employability skill required for the workplace and attaining a career position. This course focuses on developing and enhancing personal presentation and communication skills required to function in the workplace. Students will research and prepare a variety of standard business documents and correspondence used across industries. An emphasis will be placed on researching and compiling a targeted job search portfolio that includes cover letter, resume, and related documents. Utilizing technologies for the purpose of creating a professional presence in digital environment is introduced.
Understanding the fundamentals of financial management is necessary for strong financial decision-making. Students develop an understanding of the goals of financial management, financial analysis and planning, financial forecasting, working capital management, capital budgeting concepts including present value and cashflow analysis. Build on your knowledge of basic accounting and economics concepts through a combination of in class lectures, practical exercises and use of computer assisted tools.
Pre-requisites: ACC1100 AND ACC1211 AND BUS2301 or ACC2201 AND BUS2301 or ACC2310 AND BUS2301
This is the third and final financial accounting course in the program. Students examine the transactions specific to corporations as well as more complex accounting topics. This course builds on the material learned in the previous two financial accounting courses. Through a combination of in class lectures, practical exercises and use of computer assisted tools, students develop an understanding of essential accounting concepts necessary for the work place.
Pre-requisites: ACC2202 or ACC2341
Managerial accounting aids organizations in making well-informed decisions helping businesses to succeed. Students are introduced to key workplace skills by exploring the goals, methods and ethics of managerial accounting including product costing methods and the flow of costs for manufacturing companies. Additionally, students will focus on decision-making tools including, cost-volume-profit and contribution analysis. The curriculum is delivered in lecture, case study and problem-solving format.
Pre-requisites: ACC2202 or ACC2341
The ability to complete personal tax returns is an essential skill to have in the accounting field. Using a variety of methods, including authentic tax cases, lectures and classroom discussions, students use professional tax software to prepare personal Canadian tax returns for individuals and unincorporated businesses. Basic principles of tax planning and tax legislation are covered. It is strongly recommended that students use a Windows-based laptop (not a Mac).
Pre-requisites: ACC2202 or ACC2313
It is a workplace expectation that students are comfortable using accounting software on a day-to-day basis. Students gain practical experience using computerized accounting software to record transactions and prepare financial statements. Curriculum is delivered in lecture format and by hands-on completion of cases using accounting software. A Windows-based laptop (not a Mac) is strongly recommended.
Pre-requisites: ACC2202 or ACC2341
A critical understanding of contemporary Canadian issues is vital to being an active member in our democratic society. Students explore a variety of topics and analyze their ethical implications and relevance to Canadian life. Discussions, debates and other collaborative activities offer opportunities to consider recent controversies from different perspectives, and use of a variety of media (e.g. newspapers, articles, and other resources online) allows for in-depth reflection on the history and current state of a range of social and political topics.
From ghost stories around the campfire to political speeches by world leaders, ethical oratory plays a significant role in human interaction. Students examine the social significance of public speaking while developing a deeper understanding of the theory, science, elements of form, and persuasive devices underlying this art. Building on their own stories, students prepare, deliver, and critique group workshops, as well as design, deliver, and critique individual presentations.
Payroll and statutory compliance reporting is mandatory for every business to adhere to. Students learn how to apply payroll legislation to calculate deductions, net pay, and remittances, and complete year-end payroll reporting. Students are introduced to the different types of requirements with which businesses are expected to comply, including GST/HST, QST, EHT and workers' compensation. Through a combination of theory and practical activities, students prepare these submissions and calculations by reading through relevant legislation and completing activities.
Pre-requisites: ACC2202 or ACC2341
Students continue to enhance key workplace skills and business ethics by further exploring the goals and methods of managerial accounting. Specific topic areas include merchandising budgeting, performance evaluation in decentralized businesses and financial statement analysis. Students will also focus on business decisions using managerial accounting tools such as relevant costing. The curriculum is delivered in lecture, case and problem-solving format making extensive use of Excel.
Pre-requisites: ACC2233 AND ACC2343 or ACC2343 AND ACC2354
Students are introduced to current business issues relevant to Canadian organizations as well as key auditing concepts that help to guide business ethics and decisions. Topics discussed include the Canadian business environment and the current issues it faces, the need for greater ethical and responsible behaviour in light of recent business scandals, fraud and the need for internal controls, risk management and financial statement analysis. Various types of audit and techniques are examined by students. Classroom lectures are enhanced by reading current material and researching information using various tools.
Pre-requisites: ACC2209 or ACC2341
Students draw upon knowledge learned throughout the program to participate in weekly duties that simulate authentic business practices. Students integrate and apply their knowledge of fundamental accounting and taxation to complete various tasks using professional business writing skills and computer software.
Pre-requisites: ACC2209 AND ACC2233 AND ACC2385 or ACC2341 AND ACC2354 AND ACC2385
What can the sky tell us about our place in the universe, and how life began? This introductory course to astronomy will teach students indigenous and Western constellations in the sky, as well as introduce them to the major planets. Students will act as beginning astronomers and engineers by performing sketches, doing research on astronomy topics, and learning about missions to Mars that are on the hunt for signs of life.
Emphasis is on the study of signs and symptoms of the major mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, major depression, schizophrenia and personality disorders. Additionally, there are discussions about eating and sleeping disorders, stress and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Design Thinking uses a designer mindset to produce business innovations in products and services, with a focus on deep understanding of and empathy with the people who use them. Following a holistic innovation process for an area of interest or organization, students build an initial business case and apply design thinking and creative problem-solving strategies to make innovation a sustainable practice.
This course introduces students to various texts and sources in the domain of Children's Literature, and gives students the opportunity to discuss the many genres, issues and theories that pervade the field, while simultaneously helping them gain practice analyzing literature for children with various critical literary elements in mind.
Science fiction addresses key concerns that are not restricted to the imaginative worlds depicted in fiction; rather, science fiction uses alien settings, strange worlds, alternate timelines, or virtual environments as a way of exploring contemporary issues. Over the course of exploring the various issues contained in these fictions, the various movements of science fiction will be explored to provide a broader sense of the genre's development from its earliest to its most current forms; in addition, terminology will be introduced so, by the end of the course, students will have a broader understanding of science fiction's historical and thematic terrain.
Environmental citizenship is based on the principles of national citizenship, yet it goes beyond political borders to emphasize global environmental rights and responsibilities. An environmental citizen is committed to learning more about the environment and to taking responsible environmental action. Through a combination of interactive activities, assignments and discussions, students learn how they are personally connected with current environmental issues. Students are also encouraged to adopt attitudes and behaviours that foster global environmental responsibility.
Ontario continues to generate more and more waste; historically, three quarters of this waste has been discarded. In this course, learners are introduced to the tremendous environmental and economic opportunities that exist to embrace resource conservation ideology and a circular economy - a system in which products are never discarded, but reused, recycled and reintroduced into new products. With interactive activities, videos, and gaming; learners identify concepts and technologies to make informed decisions regarding waste management. Learners reflect on material learned, connect it to their own personalized industry or interest, and locate innovation and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Students explore how individuals acquire knowledge and skills and how environments influence the learning process. Through examination of different theories from both historical and current perspectives, students develop an understanding of how learning is influenced by developmental, psychological and social elements. Students use real life experiences to identify how these theories can be used to support learning and development within continuously changing environments.
All forms of art have a powerful influence on our perceptions. Students describe and explore through case studies a range of disabilities and their unique features. Using arts, enquiry and discussion, students critique historical and modern-day portrayals of individuals with disabilities. Students consider the attitudes and social barriers that individuals with disabilities face, and focus on the link between the formation of cultural identity and the arts.
While fulfillment and well-being mark some people's lives, many others remain dissatisfied with life. Positive Psychology is concerned with explaining how individuals and communities flourish through the scientific exploration of happiness, optimal human functioning, and civic engagement. The field of Positive Psychology has the objective of making life more satisfying and meaningful through interventions that promote and develop qualities such as self-knowledge, learned optimism, gratitude, mindfulness, resilience, and community connection. Students participate in both interactive lectures and on-line discussions, maintain weekly journals, and develop personal strengths through direct engagement with well-being initiatives.
This course will allow students to explore social media and its effects on free speech and public discourse in contemporary society. It will cover the philosophical foundations of free speech, the legal and institutional expressions of free speech in modern democracies, the characteristics of social media infrastructure, how our society's free speech is being influenced if not transformed by this infrastructure, and perspectives on the need, or not, for regulatory fixes advanced from different viewpoints.
The effects of transatlantic slavery, which began in the 15th century and was not abolished until the 19th, are still present in contemporary social, political and economic systems. In this course, students are provided with a chronological understanding of the transatlantic slave trade that charts: 1) its creation and its economic underpinnings in European and American power and wealth; 2) the resistance to slavery and its eventual abolition; and 3) the afterlife of slavery in the present day. Through class discussion, examination of academic and non-academic literature, and analysis of images and videos, students will be introduced to the history and continuing legacy of the transatlantic slave trade.
Understanding fungi is critical for a more complete picture of both natural history, as well as historical and current human affairs. Students learn the major groups of fungi most of which are beneficial to humans. Students learn the influence of fungi on historical and cultural activities including art and food. Students also examine the direct involvement of fungi on industrial processes and current medical and biotechnological processes. Students explore the role of fungi as it relates to soil fertility and best practices in agriculture and environmental sustainability. Students will connect fungi to the world around them.
Though death is an immutable consequence of life, society's attitudes and reactions to it have been ever-changing. The viewpoint that life is sacrosanct, to be protected at all costs, is now being challenged by individuals demanding greater control of their quality of life, including the right to die. An historical overview of attitudes towards death will be examined, with a focus on the growing acceptability of medical assistance in dying (MAID), and the reasons behind this movement (demographics, economics, medicine). This course, through discussion of differing social perspectives, government legislation, case studies, research, images and videos will provide students a greater understanding of society's past and present approaches to death.
Professionalism and ethics are the foundation for those preparing for leadership roles in the workplace, community and educational settings. By exploring the different facets of leadership theory and ethical dilemmas, students develop decision making, judgment, and personal value positions that form the basis for the examination of professional conduct and personal accountability.
Understanding the natural environment and the geological features and landscapes that shape our world is vital for students to have a greater understanding and respect for others by being more globally and culturally aware. The transformation of Earth as we know it has been a 4.5 billion year marvel in the making. The ever-changing continents, oceans, seas, and geographic landforms continue to reshape our world. Through the exploration of the unique landscapes of Earth and the examination of the geographic distribution of populations, countries, and regions of the world, students will use virtual field trips, case studies, and web quests to enhance their sense of global community.
Students are provided with tools, skills, an understanding of technology, business concepts and issues that surround the emergence of electronic business. Emphasis is on that part of the Internet known as the World Wide Web (WWW), where such tools as browsers are used. In addition to acquiring basic skills for navigating the Internet, students develop an understanding of the current practices and opportunities in electronic publishing, electronic shopping, electronic distribution and electronic collaboration. Students also explore several of the problems surrounding electronic business and commerce, such as security, authentication, privacy, encryption, safeguarding of intellectual property rights, acceptable use policies and legal liabilities.
Students explore the Canadian governmental system and consider key principles of democracy and federalism. In addition, students analyze the impact of government on the lives of its citizens, as well as the ways in which citizens and communities affect the government. Finally, students examine the diverse political, national and ideological dynamics of Canadian politics.
This online course provides an overview of how individuals can become addicted to others and relationships. It will examine the personalities of abusers and those who are abused. How individuals with complimentary personality disorders unite and form bonds will be examined. Object Relations Theory and how women and men are unconsciously drawn to abusive partners because of personality disorders caused by childhood abuse or neglect will be the focal point of this course. Students will learn how individuals with co-dependent personalities can become capable of breaking free from the cycle many get caught in.
In this course, students will explore the historical evolution and social impact of cults and terrorist groups. Students will learn ways to identify and define cults. Using discussions and active learning approaches, students will examine what motivates cults and terrorist groups with a specific lens towards violent activity. The impact of media and globalization will also be discussed. Students will advance their social and cultural understanding and gain awareness of cults in contemporary society. Students in this course will discuss the validity of historical evidence and research historical interpretations of events using relevant and recent sources.
What makes a psychopath tick? Are they born that way, or are they products of society? Are serial killers really possessed with evil, or do they know exactly what they are doing? In this course, students will study how and why some individuals become criminals and why some actually become killers. You will study what is known about serial killers, stalkers, rapists and criminals. Also, the latest techniques used in criminal profiling and questioning will be examined.
Psychology is an academic discipline that is concerned with all aspects of human existence, focusing in particular upon human thought, emotion and action. Psychology combines the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes with the development of therapeutic and practical approaches to human problems and concerns. Psychology is, in addition, a major contributor to the ongoing development of our understanding of human nature more generally. After a brief historical overview, this subject examines psychology as a science. Psychological research and theory making facilitates our understanding of ourselves as individuals and as members of social groups by describing, explaining and predicting how we develop and relate in society, how we create ourselves and our world; applied psychology makes its contribution through efforts to enhance individual development and adaptation within society. Students benefit by gaining an introductory knowledge of psychology that can be applied to their daily lives.
In this course, students will learn about some popular topics in psychology including learning, memory, sleep and consciousness, psychological disorders, and social psychology. Through hands-on experiments, case studies, multimedia and demonstrations, students will gain an appreciation for psychology as a social science.
DNA is the recipe book for all living things. This small molecule can tell us about our past, present, and future. It is what makes us all unique and what ties us together. DNA can answer some of life's biggest questions: Where do we come from? How are we made? Can we cure disease? Can we predict the future or change the outcome? In this course, we will examine the spectacular DNA molecule and how it works. Through contemporary articles, research, images, and videos, we will investigate ways in which DNA can be used to predict traits, detect disease, discover ancestry and engineer babies. We will look at DNA's involvement in our evolution, and how we can harness its powers to create superfoods, change a wolf into a pug or clone extinct species. Through a combination of discussion boards, quizzes and assignments, students will discuss DNA history, technology and social attitudes, providing them with a greater understanding of their genetic make-up, both on a personal and global level.
Students learn the definition of racism and discrimination, and will be able to identify the various sources of discrimination and racism resulting from cultural values and physical differences between individuals. By identifying racism and discrimination issues in North American society, students learn how to analyze the sociological factors that cause bias and prejudice to surface in our society. The main objective of this course is to enhance sensitivity to and intolerance of mistreatment based on racial or ethnic background and appearance, and to consider how to handle these issues as professional individuals in a pluralistic Canadian society. Students communicate with one another through electronic discussion and learn to appreciate through various readings and assignments the many facets of racism and discrimination. This course will be of interest to workers in health services, education, human resources and business, and those who want to enhance their knowledge and sensitivity to issues of racism and discrimination particularly when communicating with people from other cultures or with physical appearances that differ from their own.
Graduates may pursue employment opportunities in various entry-level positions including accounts receivables or payables, bookkeeping or payroll responsibilities. Roles include: accounting assistant; accounts payable clerk; accounts receivable clerk; bookkeeper; and payroll clerk.
Please note: There may be more pathways available for this program than are listed here. Please use our Pathways search tool to see every option.
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
Fees are subject to change.
Fees for part-time programs are charged on a course-by-course basis and are published on each individual course page. For questions related to fees, please call the Registrar's Office at 613-727-0002.
Graduation Fee
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application (https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/certificationgraduating/). A graduation fee is charged when the application is submitted. After your credential application has been approved, you will be invited to Convocation.
Additional program related expenses include:
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
The following requirements are recommended to ensure success in the program:
The following requirements are recommended to ensure success in the program:
If you would like to take courses individually or start the program part time, you are not required to apply to the program. You can register for up to three courses per term by clicking on the course title and selecting "Register Online".
International students wishing to study online should visit https://www.algonquincollege.com/online/international for information related to International online students and for International fees information prior to registering. Please note that AC Online programs do not qualify international students for new study permits or study permit extensions.
This program has flexible delivery options.
Courses appearing to be unavailable online (during the registration period) may have substitute courses which are taken instead. If you are a full-time student, you are automatically enrolled in those courses; if you are part-time, please contact AC Online for the current substitutions and links to these courses.
Field Placement in Level 04 is only available to on-campus students. ACC0044, Accounting Experience, is not offered online.
Students considering pursuing a professional accounting designation are advised to make inquiries with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario). Please note that Algonquin College courses are not directly transferrable to CPA unless they are transferred through a recognized articulation agreement with a university. For further information see https://www.cpaontario.ca/become-a-cpa.
ACADEMIC PLANNER
The Academic Planner provides registered part-time students the ability to declare into a program of study. The Academic Planner outlines successfully completed courses to date, as well as courses that need to be completed in order to meet graduation requirements. It is therefore, essential that all part-time students declare to their program of study, allowing administrators to plan course offerings. The tool is available on ACSIS, located under 'Part-time Studies' on the left-hand toolbar.
PRIOR LEARNING AND RECOGNITION (PLAR):Students who wish to apply for PLAR need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all of the course learning requirements. Evidence of learning achievements for PLAR candidates may include a comprehensive challenge examination and/or completion of a portfolio.
PROGRAM PROGRESSION:
As per policy AA39: Program Progression and Graduation Requirements when students are admitted to a program, they are assigned to the Program of Study that aligns with their start date. If a student takes a break for two or more consecutive terms the Program of Study is reset to align with the current version (when studies are resumed).
For additional information, please contact AC Online at online@algonquincollege.com or 613-727-4723 ext. 3330.