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Overview
Develop a strong understanding of accounting fundamentals you’ll need to succeed in management positions or gain the foundational skills to start your bookkeeping or accounting career. You will obtain practical knowledge of fundamental accounting processes, including income statements and balance sheets, accounts receivable and accounts payable, fixed assets and depreciation, and more, from instructors with professional accounting experience.
You will work independently and in teams to develop and apply your skills using spreadsheet and accounting software to reconcile accounts and record a wide variety of journal entries related to full-cycle accounting. Additionally, you will develop your soft skills and business acumen to understand how the accounting field contributes to all areas of business. You will finish the program with a capstone course that enables you to apply your abilities in a work-integrated learning project and further develop critical thinking, communication, collaboration and organizational capabilities. You’ll have up to five years to complete this certificate.
This certificate could be your first step towards the Chartered Professional Accountant Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). When you complete the program, you have the opportunity to ladder into higher credentials at SAIT. Up to 27 credits from this certificate can be applied to our Business Administration diploma or Bachelor of Business Administration programs (varies by major). Both programs have additional admission requirements and your timeline to complete a diploma or degree begins when you start the first certificate course.
Is this the right program for me?
To achieve success in this program, students should:
- be proactive, independent and resourceful
- have strong written and oral communication skills
- be prepared to work in teams
- be proficient in the use of a Windows-based computer and Microsoft Office software
- spend 9-12 hours per week on each course, including in-class hours
- actively participate in all classes and activities
- become familiar with and adhere to SAIT’s academic policies.
- be ready for a challenge and committed to keeping yourself on schedule.
Also, students who are engaged and take advantage of SAIT services and resources usually experience more success in SAIT’s programs.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Accounting certificate.
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- accounting clerk
- bookkeeper
- accounts payable clerk
- accounting assistant
- billing coordinatior
Related careers include:
- accounts payable administrator
- acconts receivable administrator
Tuition and fees per year*
Year 1: $6,584
Year 1 (International): $19,146
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
When can you apply?
- Applications for fall 2021 are accepted until the program start date.
- Applications for winter 2022 open March 31, 2021, until the program start date.
| Term | Program start |
|---|---|
| Fall 2021 | Sept. 7, 2021 |
| Winter 2022 | Jan. 10, 2022 |
In good company — SAIT ranked one of the best business schools in the world
SAIT’s School of Business is one of three Canadian schools to make the top 100 of CEOWORLD Magazine’s Best Business Schools in the World for 2021.
Admission requirements
Admission and selection
- Fall 2021 start: applications are now open. Apply today!
- Winter 2022 start: applications open March 31, 2021, until the program start date but are subject to change.
Admission requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- At least 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2, Pure Math 30 or at least 60% in Applied Math 30 or
- At least 50% in SAIT BMAT 230 Business Mathematics
- All applicants to SAIT must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
Al combination of education and expereince will be considered upon approval from the Academic Chair
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to Accounting and submit your transcripts and/or anticipated final grades.
- Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Find out how to monitor your application status after you apply.
Communication during selection
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications.
Courses
Program outline
Required Courses
It is recommended that you complete the courses in the order that they are listed below.
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT-215 | Introductory Financial Accounting I | 3.0 |
| BCMP-225 | Business Productivity Tools and Technology | 3.0 |
| MNGT-200 | Introduction to Business | 3.0 |
| ACCT-255 | Introductory Financial Accounting II | 3.0 |
| ACCT-315 | Business Studies | 3.0 |
| ACCT-338 | Introductory Management Accounting | 3.0 |
| ACCT-395 | Computer Accounting Software | 3.0 |
| MNGT-257 | Business Certificate Capstone | 3.0 |
Electives
Choose 2 of the following six courses.
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| ACCT-350 | Intermediate Financial Accounting II | 3.0 |
| ACCT-380 | Intermediate Management Accounting | 3.0 |
| COMN-220 | Communication and Presentation Skills | 3.0 |
| MNGT-321 | Project Management | 3.0 |
| MNGT-322 | Information Systems | 3.0 |
| STAT-270 | Quantitative Methods | 3.0 |
| Program total: | 30.0 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses and attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better.
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education through transfer to, within or from SAIT is available. Visit transfer options to learn more.
Costs
2021/22 Domestic Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $5,251 | $793.20 | $288.77 | $252 | $6,584 |
2021/22 International Tuition and Fees*
| Year | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Health & Dental Plan | 2021/22 total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17,721 | $793.20 | $288.77 | $344 | $19,146 |
*Fees and tuition are based on a two-semester full course load structure. There may be additional fees for practicums and terms held outside this time frame.
SAIT Fees
Campus athletic and recreation Fee: $183.20
Universal transit pass (UPass): $310 - Check eligibility here.
Student support fee: $150
Student technology fee: $150
Health and Dental Fees
Domestic Students
- Health Plan: $122
- Dental Plan: $130
- For students with existing health and/or dental plans, please refer to the Saitsa website for information on opting out.
International Students
- Health and Dental Plan: $344
- For more information on Health and Dental Benefits for International students please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
- Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
- For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a device that meets the standard hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
- Find out about tuition and financial aid.
* Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Fall 2021
Orientation
Check back for your orientation date and time.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Preparation courses
To support your success, SAIT offers some short courses before classes start, including PREP 100: The SAIT Experience and ETHI 110: SAIT Ethical Practices.
Required textbooks
The booklist will be available about two weeks before classes start.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase required this term.
Contact
For any questions, or to set up a virtual advising appointment, please contact our School of Business Advising Centre
Phone: 403.284.8485
Email: business.advising@sait.ca
Academic chair
Grace McKenna, Academic Chair
Email: grace.mckenna@sait.ca