Overview

Our eight-month Accounting advanced diploma program provides graduates with a deeper knowledge and understanding of accounting principles needed in business or accounting firms. Work towards your completion of the prerequisites for the Chartered Professional Accountants Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) accounting designation administered by the Chartered Professional Accountants. 

Graduates find employment in a wide range of challenging and rewarding careers. Potential career opportunities may include accounting technician, bookkeeper, accounts payable clerk, accounts receivable clerk, payroll clerk, and tax return specialist.  

Some graduates decide to pursue university studies in accounting and work towards obtaining their Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. 

For information about our Accounting with Co-op (advanced diploma) program or Accounting Transfer courses.

Program Learning Outcomes 

  • Critical Thinking & Knowledge: use core specialization knowledge in solving business problems. 
  • Ethical Perspective and Social Responsibility: identify organizational activities to reduce unethical behaviour. 
  • Collaboration: work effectively in diverse teams, supporting team performance to achieve organizational goals. 
  • Communication: present effective business communications in a variety of formats. 
  • Business Strategy: strategize to plan for changes in business. 

Examples of what graduates from this program can do: 

  • Maintain financial records, prepare financial statements, and analyze financial data. 
  • Record financial transactions, maintain general ledgers, and prepare financial reports. 
  • Process employee paychecks, manage employee benefits, and maintain accurate payroll records. 
  • Manage invoices, process payments, and maintain accurate records of all financial transactions. 
  • Prepare tax returns for individuals and businesses in accordance with tax laws and regulations 

Success Factors 

  • You might be a good fit for this program if you would enjoy: 
  • Building upon your previous degree to work in the accounting field 
  • Demonstrating a strong work ethic and attention to detail 
  • Adopting an ethical and socially responsible mindset 
  • Adapting to changes in business environments 
  • Completing tasks and delivering results 

For Co-op program only: A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is strongly recommended given the potential need to travel for co-op placement. 

The industry and program environment require individuals to: 

  • Have excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. 
  • Think analytically and critically to make informed decisions that will benefit the organization. 
  • Manage time effectively and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. 
  • Lead teams and manage projects effectively to ensure organizational success. 
  • Uphold ethical and moral standards while conducting business and making decisions. 
  • Have a good understanding of technology and be able to utilize it in their work to streamline processes and increase efficiency. 
  • Possess a good understanding of financial management and be able to make financial decisions that benefit the organization. 
  • Have excellent customer service skills to provide quality service and maintain positive relationships with clients. 
  • Be adaptable and committed to ongoing learning and professional development to stay current with industry trends and best practices 

Elevate Awards

Full-Tuition Awards Available!

The Elevate Award is a full-tuition award that supports university or college graduates looking to enhance their professional skill sets by pursuing an advanced diploma program. Up to 20 full-tuition Elevate awards are granted annually to domestic students (Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents). Awards are limited; apply to the program today!

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Admissions

  • Two-year diploma or university degree
  • Entry level accounting knowledge is required. Applicants without this will be required to take ACCT-0003 Financial Accounting 1 and ACCT-0004 Financial Accounting 2 (or equivalent) prior to the start of the program.

If you do not have a prior post-secondary credential, please see our Business Administration program where you can specialize in Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management or Marketing.  

English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list must meet the English language proficiency requirement. See assiniboine.net/elp for more information. IELTS score of 6.0 with no subscore less than 5.5 or equivalent is acceptable for this program. 

International Applicants

If you are an international applicant, please read our Helpful Information for International Students prior to applying to this program. 

Careers & Connections

Career Opportunities

  • Public accounting firms
  • Banks
  • Trust companies
  • Accounting and internal auditing departments
  • Industrial firms
  • Federal, provincial or municipal offices
  • School divisions
  • Tribal councils
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Health care institutions 

Some graduates decide to pursue university studies in accounting and work towards obtaining their Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.

Connections

Successful completion of this program may qualify graduates for advanced standing in the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) preparatory courses. Students may also earn advanced standing towards the Certified Aboriginal Financial Managers (CAFM) through the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association (AFOA).

Assiniboine has a number of agreements with other colleges, universities and professional organizations, making it possible for students to apply credit taken at Assiniboine to programs at other institutions. For up-to-date information on agreements, visit Articulation Agreements.

Tools & Supplies

You benefit from industry networking and guest speakers and attend classes in computer labs, regular classrooms and lecture theatre. This program uses online learning resources and instructional resources.

Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program. Visit the Bookstore’s website to learn more.

Program Checklist & Textbooks/Supplies

Technology Requirements

Students in this program are required to bring their own laptop for use on-campus. The laptop must meet the technical needs outlined by the program. MAC computing devices are not compatible with program software. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.

 

Courses & Costs

Costs

Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
  Credits Tuition Course fees Students' Association fees (includes health premium) Estimated textbooks, tools and supplies
Accounting (Advanced Diploma) 60 $3,400 $1,030 $470 $2,380

All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Estimated Program Costs (International students)
  Credits Tuition Course fees Students' Association fees (includes health premium) Required health insurance Textbooks, tools & supplies
Accounting (Advanced Diploma) 60 $15,270 $1,030 $470 $750 $2,380

All fees are estimated and are subject to change without notice. All international students must purchase health insurance. The college adds this fee to your student account and then sends your name and fee to the insurance provider on your behalf.

Courses

To graduate with an advanced diploma in Accounting, students must successfully complete 60 academic credits. The minimum passing grade for each course is indicated on the course outline. Course offerings are subject to change and may vary by intake.

Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
Advanced Financial Reporting (BUSN-0173)

Prerequisite: ACCT-0005 Financial Accounting 3
This course applies critical evaluation to issues associated with business combinations, joint ventures, foreign operations, not-for-profit organizations, and public sector accounting. Specific attention is given to consolidation accounting, accounting for foreign currency transactions, hedge accounting and not-for-profit accounting.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Advanced Management Accounting (ACCT-0056)

Prerequisite: ACCT-0052 Intermediate Mgmnt Accounting
This course builds on the concepts and tools learned in the Introductory Mgmnt Accounting and Intermediate Mgmnt Accounting courses.
Students explore the interdisciplinary role of management accounting and how it uses quantitative and non-quantitative information in
the decision making process. Topics include pricing decisions, profitability strategy and analysis, transfer pricing, analysis of cost
behaviour, multinational performance measurement and compensation, and continuous improvement methodologies.

6 credit(s) Yes No No
Advanced Software (COMP-0598)

Prerequisite: COMP-0597 Software Applications
In this course, students learn to use software to store and prepare data for analysis in a variety of business situations. Students begin by learning to use various tools and features to improve the analytical capability of their spreadsheets. They also learn when to use a spreadsheet and when it is more appropriate to utilize a database. Students learn how to create relational databases to store data effectively, as well as how to extract data in the form of queries and reports. Students use Excel to perform metrics and analysis using real business examples. Use of database software for data mining and analysis purposes will add knowledge, skills and abilities related to business intelligence and meeting organizational objectives.

6 credit(s) Yes No No
Audit and Assurance (BUSN-0174)

Prerequisite: ACCT-0005 Financial Accounting 3
This course introduces the principles and procedures of auditing and assurance. Specific attention is given to the types of assurance engagements, audit planning, assessing internal controls, audit techniques including audit data analytics, professional standards and the ethical environment.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Business Law (LAWG-0093)

Knowledge of laws affecting your commercial activity can help you avoid unnecessary legal and, consequently, financial liabilities. Fundamental legal principles, as well as specific commercial transactions, are discussed in this course.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Canadian Business and Society (BUSN-0166)

Students explore the complex business environment and the relationships organizations have with civil society, the natural environment and each other. Through this examination, students learn that ethical decision-making is critical to the successful management of any organization. Topics include changing economic, political, social and cultural forces and their influences on business and society; the continuum of socially responsible management and ethical business practices; and the challenges and opportunities that influence where an organization fits on the continuum. Special attention is given to Indigenous history and developments.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Corporate Finance (BUSN-0165)

Prerequisite: ACCT-0004 Financial Accounting 2
Students explore finance issues and the tools used by financial managers in decision-making. Topics include the corporate financial environment and its impact on decisions, time value of money, investing and risk management, distribution of earnings, capital budgeting techniques and short-, medium- and long-term financing decisions.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Financial Accounting 3 (ACCT-0005)

Prerequisites: ACCT-0004 Financial Accounting 2; MATH-0001 Financial Math OR MATH-0107 Math for Business
This intermediate course in accounting provides coverage of financial accounting topics such as the accounting cycle, financial statement presentations, asset and revenue recognition, inventory concepts, as well as inventory and capital asset principles.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Financial Accounting 4 (ACCT-0007)

Prerequisite: ACCT-0005 Financial Accounting 3
This intermediate course in accounting provides comprehensive coverage of financial accounting topics on the liabilities and equity side of the financial statements, such as: current and contingent liabilities, long term debt, leasing, corporate shares, complex financial instruments, retained earnings, earning per share and income taxes.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Indigenous History (INDG-0005)

In order to make sense of current issues and developments in Indigenous communities, learners need an understanding of the history of
these communities and their relationships with the crown and/or state. This course gives the learner the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the history of relationships between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous societies, their institutions and the unique context of these histories and the current realities and initiatives, considering Indigenous culture. While it is impossible in one course to consider the diverse Indigenous cultures and histories within Canada, this course provides an overview of the commonalities with regard to shared
histories, significant events, and common core aspects of Indigenous cultures.

6 credit(s) Yes No No
Indigenous Human/Fiscal Issues (INDG-0006)

This course examines some of the human resource and financial issues a financial officer may face when working in an Indigenous context. It offers participants the opportunity to acquire the essential skills and knowledge needed to fulfill one of the roles of a financial officer: that of a human resource manager. The framework for course discussions is current initiatives - both at the national and professional level - addressing issues related to the present fiscal relationship between Indigenous governments and the Canadian state, with particular attention given to issues related to accountability.

6 credit(s) Yes No No
Information Management Tech (BUSN-0175)

This course will introduce the theory and application of information system concepts, infrastructure, and life cycle which support the activities of the organization. Specific attention is given to information system structure, the role in business processes, and the security and control of information.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Intermediate Mgmnt Accounting (ACCT-0052)

Prerequisite: ACCT-0050 Introductory Mgmnt Accounting
This course applies accounting information to internal decision-making. Students explore the managerial and ethical issues relation to the determination and analysis of relevant costs and their behaviour. Topics covered include cost allocation, cost management, product costing, strategy and control, transfer pricing, joint and by-product costing, and spoilage.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Introductory Mgmnt Accounting (ACCT-0050)

Prerequistie: ACCT-0004 Financial Accounting 2
An introduction to the use of accounting information for internal management purposes focusing on planning and control, budgeting, standard costs and overhead analysis, relevant costs, management control and evaluation, and financial statement analysis.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Performance Management (BUSN-0177)

Prerequisite: ACCT-0050 Introductory Mgmt Accounting
Corequisite: ACCT-0052 Intermediate Mgmt Accounting
This course provides the skills and knowledge necessary to understand a business and the environment in which it operates, to identify and analyze critical threats and opportunities, to plot a strategic direction, and to manage performance. Attention is
given to the importance of governance and corporate social responsibility.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Sage Accounting Software (ACCT-0051)

Prerequisite: ACCT-0003 Financial Accounting 1
Students complete computerized accounting cycles for a variety of organizations using SAGE 50 Accounting Software. Exposure to components in this accounting suite include: General Journal/Ledger, Accounts Payable/Receivable, Payroll, Inventory and Order Entry. Functionality related to System Set-up, Sales Taxes, Banking, Periodic Processing and Financial Reporting are also explored. Students apply computerized accounting techniques to each step of the accounting cycle.

6 credit(s) Yes No No
Statistics 1 (MATH-0002)

This course acquaints students with the concepts of statistical methods and theory as applied to economic and business data. It examines frequency distribution, probability, probability distribution, sampling, estimation and hypothesis testing.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Statistics 2 (MATH-0003)

Prerequisite: MATH-0002 Statistics 1
This course is a continuation of the concepts introduced in Statistics 1 and includes advanced topics such as hypothesis testing, regression, correlation, time series, statistical decision theory and linear programming.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Taxation 1 (BUSN-0171)

Prerequisite:ACCT-0004 Financial Accounting 2
This course covers the fundamental principles and concepts of Canadian federal income tax legislation as it applies to individuals. The course emphasizes the understanding of the conceptual structure of the Income Tax Act and equips students with skills in the application of its rules to practical cases including the use of tax return software.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No
Taxation 2 (BUSN-0178)

Prerequisite: BUSN-0171 Taxation 1
This course covers the fundamental principles and concepts of Canadian federal income tax legislation as it applies to corporations, trusts, and partnerships; international taxation for individuals and corporations; tax planning for individuals in relation to corporations; GST/HST and payroll tax. The course emphasizes the understanding of the conceptual structure of the Income Tax Act and equips students with skills in the application of its rules to practical cases including the use of tax return software.

6 credit(s) Yes Yes No

Fast Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the next program information session?

Program information sessions are completely free to attend, and we invite you to bring a guest along as well. It's a good idea to register in advance so we know you're coming.

To find the complete schedule for our program information sessions and to RSVP, visit the program information session page.

I have a Mac laptop, can I use that?

No. MAC computing devices are not compatible with Business Administration or Office Administration program software. Refer to assiniboine.net/tech for detailed information.