Financial Services

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).

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.

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

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.

Credentials

After successfully completing this program, learners will receive a SAIT Certificate of Achievement in Financial Services.

Laddering

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).

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. You can begin registering for courses anytime by clicking a course name or calling 403.284.7248. Once you have registered for at least one course and have a SAIT student ID number, consider filling out and submitting the Program Declaration Form to the Office of the Registrar. Contact information for the Office of the Registrar is located in the upper corner of the form.

Program Outline

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)

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