Accounting

Program Description

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.

Abbreviated Program Description

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, and finish the program with a capstone course that enables you to apply your abilities in a work-integrated learning project. This certificate could be your first step towards the Chartered Professional Accountant Professional Education Program (CPA PEP).

Program 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.

Progression

The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.

Admission Requirements

Completion of the following courses or equivalents:

• At least 50% in Math 30-1 or Math 30-2 or Pure Math 30, or
  
• At least 60% in Applied Math 30 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.

A combination of education and experience will be considered upon approval from the Academic Chair.

Program Outline

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.

Total Credits 30

Program Outcomes

1.    Use basic financial and accounting principles in a business setting.

2.    Apply basic management accounting principles in a business setting.

3.    Integrate information and communication technology to achieve efficient business practices.

4.    Achieve project goals through teamwork.

5.    Demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills in business-related situations.

6.    Model the ethical expectations of the accounting profession.

Articulation Agreements