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.
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.
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 | |||
| 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 II | |
| 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 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. | |
| 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 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. | |
| ENL0009 | 42.0 | Introduction to Children's LiteratureIntroduction to Children's Literature There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| ENL0010 | 42.0 | Science FictionScience Fiction 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 LearningPsychology of Learning 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| PSY0007 | 42.0 | Cults and TerrorismCults and Terrorism There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| PSY0001 | 45.0 | Co-Dependency as an AddictionCo-Dependency as an Addiction There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| PSY0010 | 42.0 | Criminal Psychology - Psychopathic MindsCriminal Psychology - Psychopathic Minds There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| PSY0014 | 42.0 | Learning, Thinking and Problem SolvingLearning, Thinking and Problem Solving 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. There are no classes currently scheduled for this course. | |
| PSY1754 | 42.0 | Selected Topics in PsychologySelected Topics in Psychology 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. 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. | |
| SSC5012 | 42.0 | Anti-Racism, Discrimination and EquityAnti-Racism, Discrimination and Equity 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. 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
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 $650 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.
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.
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.
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).
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.