Business Administration - Accounting
Specialize with a challenging and rewarding career in accounting.
- Eligible graduates can take advantage of a partnership with Nipissing University to complete a Bachelor of Commerce degree with one additional year of full-time study right here at Ottawa campus
- Become proficient in current financial accounting software used in industry
- Courses are built with flexibility in mind and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Availability varies by course. Click here to view availability for courses in this program.
Schedule
Given the part-time delivery of this program, there is not a standard schedule for all learners.
Program Summary
Credential
Program Code
Area of Interest
Other Campuses
Other Delivery Options
Business Administration - General Business (Full-time Online)
Business Administration - General Business (Part-time Online)
Business Administration - Human Resources (Full-time Online)
Business Administration - Human Resources (Part-time Online)
Business Administration (Core) (Full-time Online)
Business Administration (Core) (Part-time Online)
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
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 three majors available to Business Administration students. This Ontario College Advanced Diploma program starts with three semesters learning a variety of essential business skills before ultimately deciding on a Major....(read more)
Overview
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 three majors available to Business Administration students. This 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
Practice 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 are advised to make inquiries with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario).
To qualify for this advanced diploma, you must complete the program within eight years.SUCCESS FACTORS
This program 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.
Courses
Registration Note:
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".
Online ![]() |
Course Number |
Hours | Course Name | Summer |
---|---|---|---|
Series: 01 | |||
BUS2301 | 42.0 | Business Computer Applications | ![]() |
ECO2305 | 42.0 | Microeconomics | ![]() |
ENL1813B | 42.0 | Communications I | ![]() |
LAW1702 | 42.0 | Business Law | ![]() |
MGT2319 | 42.0 | Skills for Academic & Business Success | ![]() |
QUA0002 | 42.0 | Business Mathematics | ![]() |
Series: 02 | |||
ACC2310 | 42.0 | Accounting Concepts I | ![]() |
BUS2303 | 42.0 | Database & Advanced Excel Concepts | ![]() |
ECO2306 | 42.0 | Macroeconomics | ![]() |
ENL1823B | 42.0 | Communications II | ![]() |
MGT2328 | 42.0 | Introduction to Management Fundamentals | ![]() |
QUA0003 | 42.0 | Quantitative Methods I | ![]() |
Series: 03 | |||
ACC2313 | 42.0 | Accounting Concepts II | ![]() |
BAI2300 | 42.0 | Global Business Environment | ![]() |
FIN2303 | 42.0 | Introduction to Finance | ![]() |
MGT2320 | 42.0 | Material and Operations Management | ![]() |
MGT2381 | 42.0 | Human Resources Management | ![]() |
MKT2317 | 42.0 | Marketing | ![]() |
Series: 04 | |||
ACC2341 | 84.0 | Financial AccountingFinancial Accounting This course builds a base of knowledge and understanding required for a career in accounting, or to succeed in further related studies. Students explore the basic standards and concepts of current accounting principles and its underlying effects on an organization's financial reports. Included are concepts related to the completion of the accounting cycle and the preparation and analysis of financial accounting statements. The course includes an emphasis on the Balance Sheet and its various assets, liabilities, and equity accounts, as well as the Income Statement and the Cash Flow Statement. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
ACC2343 | 56.0 | Spreadsheet Applications | ![]() |
ENL1829 | 42.0 | The Art of Oratory | ![]() |
FIN2304 | 42.0 | Business FinanceBusiness Finance Small Business owners and managers need to make informed financial decisions daily. Students explore advanced financial topics, including calculating effective rates, yields, and the cost of capital, as well as evaluating bond and equity prices, yield to maturity, and cash flow values. They also develop skills in financial statement analysis to assess cash flow, tax obligations, growth potential, and external financial requirements. Students use financial calculators and spreadsheets, participate in discussions, analyze real-world financial statements, and work through case studies, developing their problem-solving and financial acumen. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
QUA2343 | 42.0 | Quantitative Methods IIQuantitative Methods II Students are introduced to the normal probability distribution and its application. They use sampling distribution techniques to become familiar with quantitative tools for management, such as interval estimation and hypothesis testing for one and two populations. Students also learn to use forecasting tools, such as simple regression and correlation analysis, to form the basis of predicting future values. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
Series: 05 | |||
ACC2344 | 56.0 | TaxationTaxation Accurate completion of personal and corporate tax returns using current tax software is an essential employment-related skill. Using a variety of methods including tax cases, lectures and internet research, students prepare a comprehensive personal and corporate Canadian tax return using a professional tax software program. Basic principles of tax planning and compliance with relevant tax legislation and regulations are stressed. It is strongly recommended that students use a Windows-based laptop (not a Mac). There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
ACC2353 | 84.0 | Intermediate Financial Accounting 1Intermediate Financial Accounting 1 Students expand their accounting knowledge by focusing on the structure and purpose of financial statement presentation and disclosure under IFRS and ASPE. Particular focus is placed on the measurement and presentation of current assets such as cash, receivables, inventories and investments, as well as emphasizing revenue recognition under GAAP. Students demonstrate their professional competencies during in-class discussion, completion of assigned exercises and in-depth assignments. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
ACC2354 | 56.0 | Managerial Accounting IManagerial Accounting I This is the first of two managerial accounting courses. The course provides students with key workplace skills by exploring the background, goals and methods of managerial accounting. Specific topic areas include product costing, manufacturing statements, job order costing and activity-based costing. Decision-making tools, including cost-volume-profit analysis and contribution analysis, are extensively used. The current business focus on quality and business ethics is related to most topic areas. The curriculum is delivered in lecture, case and problem-solving format. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
ACC2385 | 56.0 | Accounting Software Applications | ![]() |
English General Education Elective: choose 1 | |||
ENL1725 | 42.0 | Canadian IdentityCanadian Identity There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
ENL1726 | 42.0 | Symbols, Text and MeaningSymbols, Text and Meaning There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
ENL1798 | 42.0 | Contemporary Canadian Issues | ![]() |
ENL1825 | 42.0 | Communication DynamicsCommunication Dynamics There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
Series: 06 | |||
ACC2355 | 56.0 | Managerial Accounting 2Managerial Accounting 2 This is the second of two managerial accounting courses. Students learn key workplace skills by exploring the background, goals, and methods of managerial accounting. Specific topic areas include budgeting, financial statement analysis, and performance evaluation. Decision-making tools, including relevant costing, are extensively used. The current business focus on ethics is related to most topic areas. The curriculum is delivered in lecture, case, and problem-solving format. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
ACC2363 | 84.0 | Intermediate Financial Accounting 2Intermediate Financial Accounting 2 Students complete their coverage of financial accounting by focusing on financial elements such as property, plant and equipment, intangible assets, liabilities, shareholders' equity,taxes, leases, and the statement of cash flows. Particular attention is focused on the presentation, measurement, and disclosure under IFRS and ASPE. Students demonstrate their professional competencies during in-class discussion, completion of assigned exercises and in-depth assignments. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
ACC2367 | 56.0 | Business StrategiesBusiness Strategies The development of critical-thinking skills is essential for students looking for a career beyond the bookkeeping level. Students learn important principles and concepts that are essential for the formulation, evaluation, and implementation of business strategy and policy. Students are provided an awareness of company goals and analysis of the competitive environment. Curriculum is delivered via lectures, case and group work. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
ACC2368 | 56.0 | Accounting Capstone StudiesAccounting Capstone Studies Students develop hands-on career skills by completing weekly tasks that simulate the day-to-day operations of a typical accounting department. An industry-based practical approach to career development is used. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
Choose one from equivalencies: | |||
GED0216 | 42.0 | General Education ElectiveGeneral Education Elective There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
Approved Other Electives | |||
MGT1000 | 56.0 | Approved Course - Other Program Or MajorApproved Course - Other Program Or Major There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
MGT1001 | 56.0 | Approved Course - Other Program Or MajorApproved Course - Other Program Or Major There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. |
Careers & Pathways
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.
Pathways
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.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Record financial transactions in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships, private enterprises, publicly accountable enterprises and non-profit organizations.
- Prepare and present financial statements, reports and other documents in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships and private enterprises.
- Contribute to strategic decision-making by applying advanced management accounting concepts.
- Prepare individuals` and Canadian-controlled private corporations` income tax returns and individuals` basic tax planning in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
- Analyze and evaluate organizational structures and the interdependence of functional areas, and contribute to the development of strategies which positively impact financial performance.
- Analyze and evaluate, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technological advances and the environment on an organization`s operations.
- Analyze and evaluate an organization`s internal control system, taking risk management into account.
- Contribute to strategic decision-making by applying advanced financial management concepts.
- Co-ordinate the planning, implementation, management and evaluation of team projects by applying project management principles.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
2024/2025 Academic Year
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:
Books and supplies cost approximately $750 per level. For more information go to https://www.algonquincollege.com/coursematerials.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
The following requirements are recommended to ensure success in the program:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) certificate; OR
- General Educational Development (GED) certificate; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).
Program Eligibility
The following requirements are recommended to ensure success in the program:
- English, Grade 12 (ENG4C or equivalent).
- Mathematics, Grade 12 (MAP4C or equivalent).
- It is recommended applicants with international transcripts have the following IELTS or TOEFL scores to ensure success: 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; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 110, minimum of 110 in Literacy and no score below 95.
Application Information
Registration Note:
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".
Additional Information
Program Resources
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.
Students having Ontario high school Accounting course BAT4M with a grade of 75% or better may receive a transfer credit for Accounting Concepts I (ACC2310). Completion of a Transfer of Academic Credit via ACSIS is required.
For students considering advancing their accounting education, this program provides some degree articulation opportunities (see https://www.algonquincollege.com/degree-pathways/list/).
Students interested in pursuing a professional, recognized accounting designation are advised to check with the relevant accounting body website, and to continue to check these websites on regular basis for updates.
CPA Ontario website: https://www.gocpaontario.ca.
As a pre-requisite of entering this major, the student must achieve a minimum grade of C in the Level 2 and 3 accounting courses - Accounting Concepts I (ACC2310) and Accounting Concepts II (ACC2313).
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 put into those courses; if you are part-time, please contact AC Online for the current substitutions and links to these courses.
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 Students`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).
This program is also available full-time on-campus.
Contact
Future Students
For additional information, please contact our Customer Service Representative team at online@algonquincollege.com and they will direct you to the best person to answer your specific questions.
Current Students
For additional information, please reference the AC Online Circle of Care.