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 spreadsheets 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 toward 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.
If you are engaged in campus life and take advantage of SAIT services and resources, you may be more likely to experience success in SAIT’s programs.
Professional designations and certifications
Graduates will have the opportunity to pursue a professional designation. Additional exams, education, or work requirements may apply for earning a designation or certification. Completion of a degree is required.
You can pursue the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Professional Education Program, upon completion of a degree. See SAIT’s Bachelor of Business Administrator or Bachelor of Applied Business Administration.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Accounting certificate.
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Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities as a(n):
- accounting technician
- accounting clerk
- bookkeeper
- accounts payable clerk, administrator or coordinator
- accounts receivable clerk, administrator or coordinator
- accounting assistant
- billing clerk, specialist, agent or coordinator
Related careers include:
- accounts payable administrator
- accounts receivable administrator
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $7,139
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $19,676.90
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Admission dates
This program may not have an intake every semester. See available intakes above.
| Intake semester | Semester begins | Applications open | Domestic applications close* | International applications close |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | March 30, 2022 | Oct. 27, 2022 | Now closed |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | June 13, 2022 | Feb. 24, 2023 | Now closed |
| Summer 2023 | July 4, 2023 | Oct. 5, 2022 | April 28, 2023 | June 20, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | Oct. 5, 2022 | June 28, 2023 | May 23, 2023 |
| Winter 2024 | Jan. 8, 2024 | March 29, 2023 | Oct. 26, 2023 | Sept. 28, 2023 |
| Spring 2024 | May 6, 2024 | June 12, 2023 | Feb. 23, 2024 | Jan. 22, 2024 |
*In some instances, domestic applications will be accepted after the application deadline. In that case, the program's intake status will remain open.
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or
- at least 50% in SAIT BMAT 230 Business Mathematics
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
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. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
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 the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
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. We recommend you add the business.advising@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | Aug. 18, 2023 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | Dec. 12, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
Required courses
This program consists of 30 credits (10 courses). MNGT 257 Business Certificate Capstone should be taken only after all other required courses and two elective courses have been completed.
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 | Intermediate Financial Accounting I | 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 two 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 and Data Analytics | 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 and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $189
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $5,670 | $916 | $553 | $7,139 |
Domestic cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $283.50 |
| 3.0 | $567 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $189
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $18,207.90 | $916 | $553 | $19,676.90 |
International cost per course
| Course credits | Course cost |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | $910.40 |
| 3.0 | $1,820.79 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Students taking less than nine (9) credits per semester do not qualify for health and dental benefits.
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 computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more 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.
Orientation
Program orientation for students beginning in Winter 2023 will take place online on Friday, Jan. 6. Look for ORNT 118 in your schedule in mySAIT for the time and exact location.*
You can also prepare by attending the Big SAIT Welcome, online information sessions, international or Indigenous orientation, and completing the preparation courses below.
*If your orientation takes place on the first day of classes, you will not see a separate ORNT 118 in your schedule. Students registering in classes via open registration will need to enroll themselves in ORNT 118.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on Tuesday, Nov. 15 for Winter 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
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, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
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 is 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
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
