Business - Accounting
Learn the essential skills to start a career in Accounting.
- Receive advanced standing in a number of degrees with partnership universities
- Small class sizes enable students to have stronger peer relationships, and closer contact with professors
- The Ottawa job market, the fourth largest in Canada, offers graduates a high-quality way of life and a wide range of business career opportunities
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
Eligible for Post-Graduation
Work Permit?
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)
Overview
Learn 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 enroll in 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 accountant
To qualify for this diploma, you must complete the program within six years.
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 | Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Series: 01 | |||
| ACC2201 | 56.0 | Financial Accounting I | |
| BUS2301 | 42.0 | Business Computer Applications | |
| ENL1813B | 42.0 | Communications I | |
| MGT2201 | 42.0 | Business Fundamentals | |
| QUA2210 | 56.0 | Basic Business Mathematics | |
| Series: 02 | |||
| ACC2202 | 56.0 | Financial Accounting 2 | |
| ACC2343 | 56.0 | Spreadsheet Applications | |
| ECO2200 | 42.0 | Economic Issues | |
| ENL1823B | 42.0 | Communications 2 | |
| FIN2230 | 42.0 | Finance | |
| Series: 03 | |||
| ACC2209 | 70.0 | Financial Accounting 3 | |
| ACC2233 | 56.0 | Management Accounting 1 | |
| ACC2262 | 56.0 | Introduction to Personal Taxation | |
| ACC2385 | 56.0 | Accounting Software Applications | |
| English General Education Elective: choose 1 | |||
| ENL1725 | 42.0 | Canadian IdentityCanadian Identity Canadian identity is challenging to define, but depictions of our multicultural society are found and explored in our writing. This course explores the importance of writers' perceptions of Canada, how they promote their ideas through publishing, and how those published works have affected Canadian society in recent history. Students are introduced to a wide range of writing with the aim of exploring the theme of Canadian identity while enhancing students' awareness of the ethical considerations necessary for a just society. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| ENL1726 | 42.0 | Symbols, Text and MeaningSymbols, Text and Meaning Symbols and text are used to express, evoke, and manipulate an entire range of human emotions and reactions. In this interactive, discussion-based course, students will explore historical and contemporary approaches to using symbols, text, and language in conceptual and contemporary art, graphic design and advertising, poetry and lyrics, and in online technology. Through discussion, analysis, informal debate, and critical thinking, students will explore how symbols and text influence individuals, society and culture. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| ENL1798 | 42.0 | Contemporary Canadian Issues | |
| ENL1825 | 42.0 | Communication DynamicsCommunication Dynamics The complex nature of communication benefits from a deeper understanding of self and social interactions. Participants explore their identities, considering the role of culture, experience, perceptions, emotions and reflection in shaping that identity. Language presents bridges and barriers, includes mediated interaction, is complicated by non-verbal communication, and requires listening to others. Role-play learning, active in-class participation, analysis, group work and case studies allow participants to reflect and build upon their own observations and experiences. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| ENL1829 | 42.0 | The Art of Oratory | |
| Series: 04 | |||
| ACC2211 | 56.0 | Payroll and Compliance | |
| ACC2234 | 56.0 | Management Accounting 2 | |
| ACC2265 | 56.0 | Audit Principles and Business Issues | |
| Elective: choose 1 | |||
| ACC0044 | 56.0 | Work ExperienceWork Experience Accounting experience is advantageous when students search for work after graduation. Students apply the skills and knowledge acquired to date in the program to a practical work environment. Students report to a select employer and complete accounting-related tasks. Upon completion of the work placement, employers and students rate the experience. Pre-requisites: ACC2209 and ACC2233 and ACC2262 and ACC2385 or ACC2341 and ACC2344 and ACC2354 and ACC2385 There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| ACC0012 | 56.0 | Integrated Accounting Practice | |
| General Education Elective: choose 1 | |||
| AST2000 | 42.0 | Introduction to Astronomy | |
| COR1737 | 42.0 | Psychopathology - an Introduction to Mental Illnesses | |
| DSN2100 | 45.0 | Design ThinkingDesign Thinking 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| ENV0002 | 42.0 | Environmental Citizenship | |
| ENV5004 | 42.0 | Waste-Free OntarioWaste-Free Ontario 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| FAM1003 | 40.0 | Psychology of Learning | |
| GED0021 | 42.0 | Disability in Arts: Portrayals and IdentityDisability in Arts: Portrayals and Identity 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED0022 | 42.0 | Positive Psychology: the Science of Happiness and Well-Being | |
| GED0024 | 42.0 | Anti-Racism: Theory and PracticeAnti-Racism: Theory and Practice Anti-racism is the practice of identifying, challenging, and changing the values, structures, and behaviors that perpetuate systemic racism. Students explore concepts of anti-oppressive practice, anti-racist pedagogy, diversity, and inclusion at the personal, societal, and institutional levels. Students develop an understanding of historical and present-day groups and figures that challenge oppressive structures in Canadian society. Through various learning activities and discussion boards, students will develop the necessary knowledge, attitude, and skills to become an authentic ally within society. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED2200 | 42.0 | Free Speech and the Challenge of Social MediaFree Speech and the Challenge of Social Media 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED5007 | 42.0 | Transatlantic Slavery and Its AbolitionTransatlantic Slavery and Its Abolition 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED5010 | 42.0 | The Fungus Among UsThe Fungus Among Us 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED5301 | 42.0 | On Death, Dying and Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid)On Death, Dying and Medical Assistance in Dying (Maid) 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| GED7105 | 42.0 | Professionalism and Ethics | |
| GEO0012 | 42.0 | Foreign Landscapes and Their InhabitantsForeign Landscapes and Their Inhabitants 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| MGT2346 | 42.0 | Introduction to E-Business | |
| PSI1702 | 42.0 | Government of Canada | |
| PSY0010 | 42.0 | Criminal Psychology - Psychopathic MindsCriminal Psychology - Psychopathic Minds 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| SCI2200 | 42.0 | Dynamic Dna: You Are Not AloneDynamic Dna: You Are Not Alone 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
Careers & Pathways
Careers
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.
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 recurring decision-making by applying fundamental management accounting concepts.
- Prepare individuals' income tax returns and basic tax planning in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
- Analyze organizational structures, the interdependence of functional areas, and the impact those relationships can have on financial performance.
- Analyze, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technological advances and the environment on an organization's operations.
- Outline the elements of an organization's internal control system and risk management.
- Contribute to recurring decision-making by applying fundamental financial management concepts.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
2025/2026 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 for part-time students are assessed on a course-by-course basis. Expect total cost for books and supplies to be about $2,200 for the entire program. 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
- 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.
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 completing a degree after their diploma may be able to apply some courses towards a degree through various university articulation agreements. For further information see https://www.algonquincollege.com/degree-pathways.
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.
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.
AC ONLINE 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.
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).
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.