Traits, skills and aptitudes
Those working in the accounting field tend to be methodical, innovative, and directive.
You need:
- high ethical standards
- communication skills
- critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- time-management skills
- the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
You should enjoy following rules, working within highly structured processes, and creative problem-solving. You should also be comfortable directing others.
Academic path
The accounting certificate provides you with the necessary foundation to advance your education.
Graduates of this program can receive credit for up to nine courses required for SAIT’s Business Administration diploma or Bachelor of Business Administration degree (varies by major). Additional admission requirements apply.
Practicum, co-op and work integrated learning opportunities
Your final capstone course will have you apply your skills in a work-integrated learning project.
You’ll work collaboratively with other students to develop a solution to a challenge faced by a business or community organization.
Accreditations, designations or certifications
Some courses in this program are recognized as equivalent to Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) preparatory courses required for admission to the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP).
Credential
After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Accounting certificate.
Accepts international applicants - PGWP-eligible
This program accepts international applicants and meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program, as long as the student is registered in on-campus classes or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for blended options).
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.
Related careers
Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.
Potential careers (NOC):
- Administrative officers (13100)
- Payroll administrators (13102)
- Administrative assistants (13110)
- Financial auditors and accountants (11100)
- Financial and investment analysts (11101)
- Supervisors, finance and insurance office workers (12011)
- Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (12200)
- Accounting and related clerks (14200)
Admission requirements - Applicants educated in Canada
Applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and completion of one 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.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.
Program outline
The Accounting certificate requires 30 credits (10 courses) to complete.
MNGT 257 Business Certificate Capstone should be taken only after completing all required and elective courses.
Elective courses
Choose two of the following electives.
Suggested schedule of study
We recommend you complete the courses in the order listed below.
Progression
You must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better each semester and pass the prerequisite courses to progress through the program.
To qualify for graduation, you 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 >
Books and supplies
Books and supplies are approximately $1,000 - $1,500 per full-time year.
This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
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 advisor directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you’re in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.
Program outcomes
- Use basic financial and accounting principles in a business setting.
- Apply basic management accounting principles in a business setting.
- Integrate information and communication technology to achieve efficient business practices.
- Achieve project goals through teamwork.
- Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in business-related situations.
- Model the ethical expectations of the accounting profession.
Graduate outcomes
A. Safety - awareness of safety standards relevant to the workplace.
B. Responsible leadership - personal, ethical and respectful behaviour within the workplace and global community.
- Teamwork and multi-disciplinary collaboration
- Self-initiative
- Ethical reasoning and action
- Global awareness
- Sustainability
C. Communication - the exchange of information professionally and effectively.
- Language skills
- Interpersonal skills
D. Information literacy - the strategies used to become informed, from recognizing an information need to accessing and evaluating information and using it effectively and ethically.
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Quantitative literacy
- Technological literacy
E. Technical knowledge, skills and abilities - technical competence specific to the discipline or industry.
- Specialized technical skill set
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