Overview

Accounting opens doors. Gain a strong start toward a CPA designation—or a competitive edge when looking for that first job in accounting. With practical, in-demand skills and a growing understanding of how businesses operate, graduates are ready to contribute from day one.

ACBSP Accredited Program logo in blue.

Assiniboine's two-year Business Administration program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), an international quality assurance body, adding another layer of distinction to its offerings. This accreditation is assurance that you are enrolled in a program that meets globally recognized standards for business education, guaranteeing the highest quality of instruction and curriculum relevance. As a graduate of Business Administration, you can be confident in your qualifications, which will provide you with a competitive advantage in the job market and equip you with the skills needed for success in today’s dynamic and ever-changing world of business.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates are able to:

  • Apply accounting principles to support decision making and compliance within the organization.
  • Prepare, analyze and interpret financial statements following accounting standards.
  • Assess financial records for accuracy, compliance and internal control effectiveness.
  • Utilize accounting software and data analytics for financial management.

Success Factors

You may be well suited to this program if you enjoy:

  • Solving problems and working with numbers
  • Organizing and structuring financial information and business processes
  • Contributing to business decisions
  • Building relationships and supporting business growth
  • Using technology to support accuracy and efficiency

 

The accounting profession and learning environment require individuals to:

  • Demonstrate strong attention to detail and accuracy
  • Show solid numerical and financial aptitude
  • Apply analytical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Act with integrity and uphold ethical standards
  • Communicate effectively and build positive working relationships
  • Support business development through client service and financial insight
  • Use accounting and business technology confidently
  • Stay highly organized and manage time effectively
  • Commit to continuous learning and professional development

Admissions

Admission Requirements

  • A complete Manitoba Grade 12 or equivalent
  • English 40G/40S or equivalent
  • Essential Mathematics 40S or equivalent

If you received your education outside of Manitoba, please review the equivalent admission requirements: Interprovincial or International.

English is the language of instruction at Assiniboine. All applicants educated outside of Canada or in a country not on the test exempt list are expected to meet the English language proficiency requirements.

 

Start in January. Graduate sooner.

Students starting in January will complete their Business Administration program in just 16 months–continuous study through four consecutive terms to help you get career-ready sooner.

APPLY NOW

 

ALREADY HAVE A DEGREE OR DIPLOMA? GO A STEP FURTHER.

Fast-track your education journey and take advantage of one of our Advanced Diploma programs.

Accounting

DON'T MEET ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?

If you don’t meet admission requirements, visit our Centre for Adult Learning to upgrade courses.

COURSE UPGRADING

 

Careers & Connections

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for a variety of entry-level roles in finance and business. Common career opportunities include accounting assistant, bookkeeper, payroll administrator, and accounts payable or receivable clerk. These positions exist across many industries, including private companies, non-profit organizations, financial institutions, and government agencies, providing graduates with flexible employment options and strong job stability.


The diploma also provides a foundation for career advancement. With experience or additional education, graduates can progress to roles such as junior accountant or financial analyst, or pursue professional designations like the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Some graduates may also choose to start their own bookkeeping or tax
service businesses, making the program a practical pathway to both immediate employment and long-term career growth.

Connections

The Business Administration diploma program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), an international quality assurance body. For more information, see the ACBSP Accreditation tab.

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

Tools & Supplies

Program Checklists, Textbooks, and Supplies

 

ASSINIBOINE BOOKSTORE

Textbooks, supplies and uniforms may be purchased at the Assiniboine Bookstore at the Victoria Avenue East Campus. Booklists are available from your school office 30 days prior to the start date of your program.

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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. See Technology Requirements for detailed information.

Courses & Costs

Estimated Program Costs (Domestic students)
AccountingYear 1Year 2
Credits60.060.0
Tuition$3,870$3,810
Course Fees$1,200$1,250
Students' Association fees (including Health Premium)$640$640
Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies$1,210$1,860

All fees are estimated and subject to change without notice.

Related licensing fees for BUSN-0170 Financial Planning and BUSN-0160 Canadian Investment Funds are included in the tuition costs above and will be paid to IFSE Institute and/or Canadian Securities Institute by the college on your behalf.

Estimated Program Costs (International students)
AccountingYear 1Year 2
Credits60.060.0
Tuition$16,790$16,730
Course Fees$1,200$1,250
Students' Association fees (including Health Premium)$640$640
Required Health Insurance$825$825
Estimated textbooks, tools, and supplies$1,210$1,860

All fees are estimated and 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.

Related licensing fees for BUSN-0170 Financial Planning and BUSN-0160 Canadian Investment Funds are included in the tuition costs above and will be paid to IFSE Institute and/or Canadian Securities Institute by the college on your behalf.

For more information, visit the Fees and Charges page.

Courses

To graduate with a Business Administration diploma, students must successfully complete 120 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.

Year One Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
College Foundations (PEDV-0356)

This course improves students' ability to navigate the college experience and environment, including student's rights, roles, and responsibilities. In this course, students reflect on their skills, attitudes, and expectations and develop learning strategies to help them to become successful, resilient, and self-directed learners. The course covers topics such as success in online learning, time management strategies, learning strategies, assessment taking strategies, academic integrity, information and digital literacy, and wellness, among others. It integrates elements of student orientation.

0 credit(s) No No No
Communications (COMM-0006)

This course develops students' basic communication skills and provides them with strategies needed to communicate effectively: orally and through written media. Course topics include the process of communication, communicating across cultures, characteristics of effective messages, and composing effective written messages.

6 credit(s) No Yes Yes
Economics 1 (ECON-0006)

This introductory course in economics acquaints students with some of the basic principles of economics, including economic activity, the theory of prices and output under various degrees of competition, and application of these theories. Income distribution and resource allocation are also included.

6 credit(s) No Yes Yes
Financial Accounting 1 (ACCT-0003)

This introductory course in the fundamental principles of accounting provides a basic understanding and application of principles relating to the accounting cycle and current assets.

6 credit(s) No No Yes
Financial Accounting 2 (ACCT-0004)

Prerequisite: ACCT-0003 Financial Accounting 1
This introductory course in the fundamental principles of accounting provides a basic understanding and application of principles relating to current and long-term liabilities, as well as accounting principles relating to partnerships and corporations.

6 credit(s) No Yes Yes
Human Resource Management (HRMG-0036)

This participative course provides an overview of the field of human resource management from the perspective of both the employer and the employee. Students will learn the skills and strategies needed to compete effectively in the job market as well as gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the human resource function within an organization.

6 credit(s) No Yes No
Marketing Principles (MKTG-0044)

This course provides students with an understanding of the basic marketing skills that are required by employers for success in today's competitive marketplace. Students gain a basic understanding of the role of marketing in society and business, types of markets, the marketing environment, the elements of the marketing mix and the development of marketing strategies and plans.

6 credit(s) No Yes Yes
Math for Business (MATH-0107)

This course reviews basics mathematics and introduces fundamental concepts used in financial analyses to develop skills for solving practical problems encountered in business. It provides a base for all specializations.

6 credit(s) No Yes No
Organizations and Management (BUSN-0168)

This course develops students' knowledge of behaviour science theory and concepts useful in organizations related to personal behaviour, group behaviour, teamwork, leadership, organizational culture and organizational change. The four managerial functions of planning, organizing, leading and controlling will also be examined. Practical exercises will illustrate concepts.

6 credit(s) No Yes No
Personal Management (PEDV-0322)

This course is a skills-based course, designed to improve personal and professional competencies in the areas of self-assessment, supportive communication, conflict management, decision-making, stress management, influencing others, goal setting and teamwork.

6 credit(s) No Yes No
Software Applications (COMP-0597)

In this introductory course, students develop the fundamental computer skills necessary in business. Students learn how to manage their files on a network and utilize techniques to improve data security. Students use text processing software to create, format and share a variety of documents including memos, letters, one-page publications, reference lists and long documents. Students also prepare spreadsheets that incorporate various formulas and functions, formatting techniques, 'what-if' options to enhance data analysis and data integrity features. Lastly, students prepare effective electronic presentations using presentation software.

6 credit(s) No Yes No
Year Two Courses
Title Credits/CEUs Elective Distance PLAR
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) No No No
Business Capstone (BUSN-0167)

Prerequisite: COMM-0386 Research and Report Writing
This course, taken in the final term of study, requires students to integrate professional, technical and employability skills gained throughout the program in order to work as teams to produce a unique business project or solve a complicated case study related to their specialization.

6 credit(s) No No 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) No 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) No Yes No
Economics 2 (ECON-0007)

Prerequisite: ECON-0006 Economics 1
This course examines national income and product, money and banking, public finance, international trade and exchange rates, and growth.

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

Prerequisites: ACCT-0004 Financial Accounting 2; 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) No 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) No Yes No
Introductory Mgmnt Accounting (ACCT-0050)

Prerequisite: 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) No Yes No
Research and Report Writing (COMM-0386)

Prerequisite: COMM-0006 Communications
This course provides students with research skills for gathering, interpreting, and applying both primary and secondary research materials. Topics include surveys, statistics, academic documentation, project design, proposals and reports.

6 credit(s) No 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
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

ACBSP Accreditation

The Business Administration diploma program at Assiniboine has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

By choosing Assiniboine College for your Business Administration diploma, you not only add value to your education and skillset but also demonstrate a high level of professionalism and commitment to your future success.

Student Advantages

ACBSP accreditation provides assurance of the quality and relevance of the educational experience, which can be highly beneficial for students for the following reasons:

Quality Assurance

Accreditation signifies that the business program meets rigorous standards of quality and excellence in business education. This assurance is important for students who want to receive a high-quality education and acquire relevant skills.

Transferability of Credits

Many students transfer from two-year programs to four-year universities or colleges. Completing a diploma in an accredited institution can simplify the process of recognizing and accepting credits from other educational institutions.

Employer Recognition

Having a degree or diploma from an accredited institution can enhance your job prospects and career advancement opportunities. Employers value this because it indicates that you have received a thorough and rigorous education.

Curriculum Relevance

Regular reviews of Assiniboine's Business Administration program guarantee that they stay up-to-date and responsive to the demands of the business world. As a result, you'll have a greater chance of discovering the most recent industry trends and best practices.

Faculty Quality

We attract and retain high-quality faculty members who are experts in their fields. This translates to the benefit of learning from experienced and knowledgeable instructors.

Networking Opportunities

We have strong connections with local businesses and industry leaders. This provides you with valuable networking opportunities, co-ops and practicums, and job placement assistance.

Enhanced Learning Environment

We are committed to creating a conducive learning environment that supports student success. Discover numerous helpful resources such as libraries, research facilities, and various support services aimed towards ensuring your success as a student.

Personal Satisfaction

Knowing that you're attending a school with a recognized accreditation can boost your confidence in the value of your education, leading to increased personal satisfaction and motivation to excel academically.

Global Recognition

We are recognized internationally, which is valuable if you plan to work or study abroad in the future.

 

Download Student Achievement Spreadsheet (Table 7.1)


 

Graduate Data for ACBSP accreditation

Continuous Improvement

In the spirit of continuous improvement, the Peters School of Business has renewed its commitment to Program Advisory Committees—drawing on industry feedback, student surveys, and faculty input. These perspectives guide our Program Renewal process, ensuring alignment with current industry standards and reinforcing our learn-by-doing approach. In parallel, the Peters School of Business Strategic Plan is being developed for completion by the end of 2025. This plan will set out a clear vision and roadmap for the future, created with the involvement of all stakeholders, including staff, faculty, students, and the community.

 

Distance Education

The Business Administration diploma program is an in-person, on-campus, day program. Select courses are available for active students to take by distance, dependent on need. To see when courses are being offered throughout the year, the costs and how long you have to complete them, click on the schedule below.

The deadline to register is the 20th of the month prior to the specific course start date however, you can register at any time – you don’t need to wait for the deadline. For example, for February 1st courses, the deadline to register is January 20th.

If you are interested in the full program, applications are currently being accepted for the full-time, on-campus, day program.

Please note, payment is required at the time of registration.

Distance Education Schedule
 

Registration options:

Active Student
  • If you are an active Assiniboine student in the Business Administration diploma program, complete the registration form below and email it to [email protected]. Payment must be made at the time of registration.
Not an Active Student
  • If you are not an active Assiniboine student in the Business Administration diploma program, but you are interested in taking a few courses, you may do so up to a maximum of 12 credits. Complete the registration form below and email it to [email protected].
     

Registration Form


Some assessments, such as tests and exams, may require invigilation. In these cases, students are responsible for making their own invigilation arrangements, and any associated fees are the student’s responsibility.

In-Person Invigilation Only:
Assiniboine College’s Test Centre does not offer virtual or online proctoring. All exams must be written in person under the supervision of an approved invigilator.

  • Students near Brandon or Dauphin:
    You can book an in-person exam at one of Assiniboine’s Test Centres.
  • Students outside the area (elsewhere in Canada):
    You must write your exam at a recognized testing location that offers in-person invigilation services. We recommend using Athabasca University’s Canada-wide list of approved invigilation sites to find an appropriate site near you. Please note that while we use this list as a resource, Assiniboine does not offer virtual invigilation like Athabasca does.

Policies

Please ensure that you review our academic policies, including policy A20: Refunds, Registration, Adding and Dropping of Courses, which explains the refund policy for distance education courses; and A10: Maintaining Active Student Status, which details how often you need to complete a course to remain active in your program. You have five years to complete a program.

Fast Facts

Length
2 years
Program Start
Brandon: every September, January and May; Parkland: every September
Credential
Diploma
Credits
120
Course Load
Part-time
Full-time
Industry Work Experience
Co-Op
Optional
Work Experience Length
16 weeks
Program Details
On Campus
Open to International Students
Peters School of Business
204.725.8724
800.862.6307 ext 7500 (toll free)
Program Information Sheet