Program Description
Are you looking for a rewarding career with high growth potential? If so, a career in financial services may be right for you. Demand for qualified employees in Alberta’s financial services sector is growing. Through SAIT’s Financial Services certificate of achievement program, we can help you step into this rewarding career path.
The financial industry is dynamic and fast-paced. Our highly qualified instructors have vast experience in the financial services industry. They prepare you with the necessary knowledge to be successful and productive in the workplace.
“I love helping students connect with the concepts they’re learning by keeping things as real as I can. I use stories from our past and real situations from today’s headlines to bring ideas and concepts to life.”
-Don Rae, Instructor, School of Business
Our finance courses will set the stage for a successful career in any aspect of this sector whether it be banking, insurance, investing, treasury branches, credit unions or more. Our curriculum covers sales training, business math, customer service, financial accounting and financial planning. After graduating from SAIT’s financial services certificate program, you will be qualified to work in an entry-level position within the financial services industry.
Program Overview
Flexible Scheduling for the Working Student
Many of our students are managing jobs while completing courses, and enjoy the flexibility that SAIT offers. You can elect to study through Continuing Education (evenings and weekends) or through Distance Education (online).
Your Career
Students in this program may be eligible for entry-level financial services jobs such as:
- Financial Service Representative
- Financial Clerk
- Sales Associate
- Bank Teller
- Mortgage Assistant
- Insurance Claims Representative
Laddering and Transferability
Want to continue your studies? All financial services courses can be transferred into the full-time or part-time Business Administration diploma (Financial Services major).
Student Success
- We find there is a direct correlation between the time and energy invested to the amount of success achieved.
- Remaining focused and diligent with coursework is important for success in completing the program.
- You must be able to read, write and understand the English language at a level exceeding basic conversational English.
Progression
You have up to five years to complete all certificate courses. You must meet the graduation requirements as they exist at the time you register for your first course (see AC.3.1.1 Grading and Progression).
Admission Requirements
There are no entrance requirements for this program. Be sure you have your SAIT student ID ready; you can begin registering for courses anytime by visiting our website, SAIT.ca. Need help getting your SAIT student ID number? Call Office of the Registrar at 1.877.284.7248.
After you have registered for one course, fill out and submit the Program Declaration Form to Office of the Registrar.
You have up to five years to complete all certificate courses; you must meet the graduation requirements as they exist at the time you register for your first course (see AC.3.1.1 Grading and Progression).
Program Outline
Evening courses are offered in January, May and September. Online courses are offered up to 12 times per year, start dates vary.
Registration is as follows:
- Fall enrollment opens in July
- Winter enrollment opens in October
- Spring enrollment opens in February
Online registration closes about one week before the course start date. You can register up to one business day before the start date by calling 403.284.7248 or 1.877.284.7248. Courses fill up quickly; it is recommended you register early.
Four core courses and four electives are required to complete the program. Review the list below:
Core Courses
- ACCT 215 - Introductory Financial Accounting I 3 credits
- BFIN 255 - Personal Financial Planning 3 credits
- BMAT 230 - Business Mathematics 3 credits
- COMN 220 - Communication and Presentation Skills 3 credits
Electives
(Choose 4 of the following courses)
- BCMP 225 - Business Productivity Tools and Technology 3 credits
- BFIN 301 - Finance fo Managers 3 credits
- BFIN 341 - Risk Management and Retirement Planning 3 credits
- BFIN 360 - Relationship Selling 3 credits
- BFIN 333 - Money and Banking 3 credits
- BFIN 380 - Financial Planning Process and Estate Planning 3 credits
- ECON 250 - Microeconomics 3 credits