Oct 04, 2024  
PUBLISHED 2023-2024 Credit Catalog 
    
PUBLISHED 2023-2024 Credit Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Accounting


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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.

Program Overview


Fast Facts


  • Small class sizes: 40 students max.
  • Courses available face-to-face and online
  • Bring Your Own Device laptop-based program
  • Includes five required accounting-specific courses 

Your Career (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

Student Success (Is this the right fit for me?)


To achieve success in this program, you 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 and adhere to SAIT’s policies and procedures
  • 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.

Credentials


After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Accounting certificate.

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 (Accounting).

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
  • 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.

Graduate Outcomes (SGO)


A. Safety - Awareness of safety standards relevant to the workplace

  • Safety awareness

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 in a professional and effective manner

  • 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/or 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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