Business Administration – Accounting
Specialize in 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
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 the 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 to operate effectively and efficiently. This program enables you to provide businesses with the complete and accurate financial picture they need to thrive....(read more)
Overview
Specialize in 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 the 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 to operate effectively and efficiently. This program enables you to provide businesses with the complete and accurate financial picture they need to thrive.
Study all major areas of accounting including:
- financial accounting
- managerial accounting
- taxation
- financial management
- Practise recording financial transactions, preparing/presenting financial statements, reports and other documents, and using current accounting software.
You may find employment in both the public and private sectors in roles such as:
- accounting assistant
- accounting associate
- accounting clerk
- junior financial analyst
- junior staff accountant
There are opportunities in a variety of work environments, including:
- accounting firms
- small- and medium-sized businesses
- service organizations
- government departments
- financial institutions
Students considering a professional accounting designation are advised to make inquiries with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario).
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  |
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
2026/2027 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.
Graduation Fee
Once you have completed all the courses in the program, it is the responsibility of the student to complete a credential application 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 $900 per level. For more information go to 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). Eligibility may be determined by academic achievement testing, for which a fee will be charged.
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) tests taken prior to January 21, 2026 overall 80, with a minimum in each component: Reading 20; Listening 20; Speaking 20; Writing 20. OR TOEFL Internet-based (iBT) tests taken after January 21, 2026 overall 4, with a minimum in each component: Reading 4; Listening 4; Speaking 4; Writing 4. 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.
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).
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.