Overview
St. Lawrence College offers two programs in accounting as follows:
|
Program Name |
Program Length |
Credential |
|
2 Years |
Ontario College Diploma |
|
|
Business Administration – Accounting |
3 Years |
Ontario College Advanced Diploma |
The first two years in both programs are common. The Business Administration – Accounting (3 year) program offers students a more intensive background in financial accounting, corporate finance, cost accounting and taxation during the third year as well as a work placement in the final semester of the program.
Frequently Asked Questions:
*NOTE:
September - apply at www.ontariocolleges.ca K0659
November - You can start this program in November - code K0973OC. Applicants should apply at www.ontariocolleges.ca as a Business Fundamentals (0973OC) student. All students will start in this program and transition into the Business program area of their choice.
January - apply at www.ontariocolleges.ca - code K0659
St. Lawrence College is a member of the AACSB Business Education Alliance. Membership in AACSB, and participation in the Business Education Alliance, does not imply Accreditation.
Program Details
Program Highlights
Obtain a well-rounded, career-ready background in accounting. In addition to business fundamentals, you will gain experience in financial and cost accounting, corporate finance, auditing, data analytics, and taxation. Become current in using job-related IT solutions, including Excel, tax software, and accounting software. Your studies will include case-based learning to apply what was learned throughout the program to professional situations. A work placement in the final semester will provide you with key practical experience and will broaden your professional network. Numerous post-graduation opportunities are available for further education.
Program Outline
Program Delivery
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | |
| January start | Winter (January - April) | Spring/Summer (April - August) | Fall (September - December) | Winter (January - April) |
| May start | Spring/Summer (April - August) | Fall (September - December) | Winter (January - April) | Spring/Summer (April - August) |
| September start | Fall (September - December) | Winter (January - April) | Fall (September - December) | Winter (January - April) |
2024-2025
Through the perspective of both the Canadian and global business environments, this course will provide students with a foundational knowledge of the current state of business and an opportunity to consider what the future may hold. Learners will develop their business vocabulary, understanding of business concepts, and engage with current and relevant issues in both a Canadian and global context. Students will learn the foundations of teamwork as a component of successful business operations. The functional areas of business and their relationship to management, leadership, and the future of work are discussed.
This course is designed to help students develop and practice the communication skills needed to succeed in college and workforce environments. Emphasis is placed on improving foundational communication strategies-reading, writing, listening, and speaking—and on developing research and critical thinking skills.
This course is designed to familiarize the student with basic computer operations and applications through instructor-led exercises, activities, and case studies. It explores various concepts of effective computer usage with a hands-on introduction to the Windows operating system, file management, and working effectively and collaboratively in an online environment. It also provides in-depth exploration and application of various features of the current version of Microsoft Office software including Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Teams. Microsoft Excel is covered briefly in this course in relation to integration with the other Microsoft Office Suite products.
Introductory Business Math prepares students for success in business and financial mathematics. This course emphasizes the development of business-related numeracy and the fundamentals of the time value of money. Topics covered include basic numeracy, percent applications, payroll, tax, and time value of money.
In this course, students benchmark their norms and behaviours for professional and personal development. Students develop self-awareness utilizing formalized assessments to give language to the application of emotional intelligence and personal behaviours that could otherwise mistakenly be described as strengths or weaknesses. Students describe the impact of the their behaviours and further strategies to develop skills and compensate for barriers. Students practice using related terminology to better express their development progress. Students learn about high-functioning teams and practice those skills through teamwork activities. Students develop strategies for setting and implement goals.
This introductory financial accounting course provides learners with an overview of the accounting process. Using generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), and industry standard accounting software, learners gain the foundational skills and knowledge required to complete the accounting cycle, process adjusting entries and closing processes, and prepare a rudimentary set of financial statements for service and merchandising entities. Learners discuss the fundamental elements of accounting and their impact on business operations, business ethics, and regulatory practices
The economic environment is the theater in which contemporary managers plan, organize, lead, and control. This course introduces the language and navigational skills that condition students for success in this environment. Students learn microeconomic principals including supply and demand, the themes of scarcity, productivity, efficiency and effectiveness, the concept of opportunity cost, and the relationship between these fundamentals and the Canadian economy. Employing a practical approach to the Canadian macroeconomic environment, the course examines choices by individuals, businesses and governments and their effects on Gross Domestic Product, unemployment, the money supply, and exchange rates. The course addresses factors influencing both the supply side and the demand side of the economy including productivity, consumption, savings, and investment.
In this course, the emphasis is on the development of professional communication. Students develop communication and teamwork skills through the preparation and delivery of a range of professional documents and presentations utilizing current workplace technologies.
Principles of Human Resources Management is intended to provide students with an understanding of human resources management functions within organizations. The course introduces the purpose and the application of Human Resources activities which will assist organizations in achieving their goals and objectives. As such, this course is designed to lay the groundwork for more advanced studies in Human Resources and related subjects.
Marketing Essentials introduces students to the basic principles and practices of marketing management in the modern business setting. This course examines the consumer market for goods and services and the major decision areas of marketing: identifying and selecting target markets, product, price, distribution, integrated marketing communications and customer relationship management. Key concepts including value creation, marketing mix, marketing strategy, and marketing best practices are introduced and explored. Data and the application of metrics and analytics in decision making are discussed and applied.
This course provides an overview of the mathematics of business financial management. Annuities are studied and applied to various business applications and financial decision-making such as bonds, sinking funds, investments, loans, mortgages and net present value.
This course expands on the student’s introductory level knowledge of spreadsheets and databases. Using Microsoft Excel, students learn advanced Excel features such as charts, logical functions, pivot tables, goal seek, data tables, macros, multiple worksheets, lists, look-up tables, and financial functions. The focus is on using advanced spreadsheet functions accurately and effectively to analyze problems that arise in business.
Graduates are entering the world of work just as it is being radically transformed. While technical skills remain crucial, organizations are now looking to hire a workforce with the human skills to thrive in the modern workplace. In this course, students will cultivate and apply knowledge for the contemporary workplace. Driven by case studies and real-world context, students will develop an understanding of the impacts of equity, diversity, and inclusion, social responsibility, ethics and sustainability, and client service. Students will work in diverse teams throughout this course, ultimately applying the course learning in a culminating capstone project where they will propose recommendations to an organization.
ACCT 5 is the first of two management accounting courses in the Business-Accounting program and the first of three managerial accounting courses in the Business Administration-Accounting program. Management accounting differs from financial accounting in that it concentrates on the estimation, accumulation and presentation on internal accounting information for performance evaluation and decision making purposes. Emphasis in this first course is on defining management accounting concepts and terminology. It introduces job order costing, cost behaviour and the preparation of contribution format income statements. Finally, special issues with cost-volume-profit relationships will be studied in depth.
In this course, students use industry-standard software to expand on concepts of the balance sheet and income statement. Learners prepare accounting entries, compile financial statements, and explain financial reports using Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for sole proprietorships, partnerships, private enterprises, and publicly accountable enterprises. Students learn fundamental internal control and risk management concepts and the intersections of internal and external audit practices.
In this course, learners use industry-standard accounting software to prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements. Students learn accounting for business assets specifically such as cash, accounts and notes receivable, inventories, and investments. Learners apply Canadian Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE), International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and both legal and Chartered Professional Accountants Canada (CPA) Handbook requirements to financial statement presentation.
In this course, students integrate all accounting principles and concepts to tell the story of a business when presenting the information. Learners use current accounting software to process transactions and analyze and interpret generated reports, identifying important inconsistencies and discrepancies. Students learn to communicate in a way that enables clients to make informed decisions, understanding the impact of presented information on decision-making.
In this course, students learn the workings of the market system within which business organizations function. Learners explore consumer and business behaviour within a mixed government-market framework. Students apply microeconomic principles and analysis. Learners analyze and interpret macroeconomic calculations and their impact on areas such as labour, inflation, the economy, and business. Students also analyze the impact of government actions and policies on the economy. Learners explore the impact of the banking sector, technology, environmental, and ethical issues on an organization’s operations. Learners examine these social constructs, the value placed upon them, and what they communicate.
In this course, students explore organizational structures, the interdependence of functional areas, and the impact that those relationships can have on financial performance. Learners examine the influence of organizational culture, individual behaviour, group dynamics, and change on business. The importance of organizational communication will be examined and how this has an impact on business performance and operational effectiveness. Students also learn about the impact of sustainability and innovation on an organization.
This course provides an overall understanding of the accounting system, particularly the usefulness of accounting to management. The three main areas to be covered are: routine reporting to management for planning and controlling current operations; special reporting to management for long range planning; and routine reporting on financial results for external use.
Prerequisite(s): ACCT5
This course provides an introduction to the field of business financial management. FINA 1 includes a review of the preparation of the primary financial statements and emphasizes their application in financial forecasting. Other major topics addressed include financial statement analysis, working capital management, and sources of short-term financing. The course also provides a brief review of time value of money concepts and their application in capital budgeting decisions which are examined in detail in FINA 2.
Prerequisite(s): ACCT5
In this course, students learn the fundamentals of government reporting required of daily business operations. Using industry-standard software, learners explore excise taxes and payroll as an important part of government reporting, and how payroll deductions must be remitted to the Receiver General at specified intervals. Students calculate and/or prepare payroll including taxable benefits, payroll deductions, and remittances for HST (Harmonized Goods and Sales Tax), WSIB (Worker’s Safety and Insurance Board), EHT (Employer Health Tax), T4s, and Records of Employment using Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
In this course, students use industry-standard software to prepare, analyze, and interpret financial statements. Learners explore accounting practices for property, plant, and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill, and non-financial and current liabilities. Students examine the leasing environment as well as the lessee and lessor's points of view. Learners communicate information compliant with all requirements (e.g., ASPE, IFRS, legal, and the CPA Handbook) in a format that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the stakeholder(s), understanding its impact.
This course introduces students to business intelligence tools and emerging technologies. The course focuses on problem based, real world applications. Learners solve novel challenges for businesses or non-for-profit organizations using current industry problem-solving frameworks within interdisciplinary teams.
This introductory course in auditing encompasses the concepts and procedures used in assurance engagements. It covers the principles and procedures used to gather evidence to support the opinion expressed in the Auditor’s Report. Topics covered include: audit and special reports, audit objectives, planning and audit approach, evaluation of internal controls, auditing the revenue and collection cycle, acquisition and expenditure cycle, professional ethics and standards, legal liability, fraud, and completion of the audit.
This course expands on the principles and practices of financial accounting covered in the introductory financial accounting courses. Further training in accounting systems and the preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements is provided at an intermediate level. The topics covered in this course include the accounting for business assets, liabilities and equity specifically: long-term liabilities and corporations; the calculation of earnings per share, preparation of a cash flow statement and accounting for changes in accounting policies and correction of errors. Canadian Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE) and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are applied to various situations involving this material, with further reference to financial statement presentation in adherence to both legal and Chartered Professional Accountants Canada (CPA) Handbook requirements.
This course is a continuation of the material studied in BTAX1. Students study the structure of the Canadian Income Tax system and the rules imposed by the Canadian Income Tax Act. Topics studied include the concepts of income, capital gains, deductions, capital cost allowance, and taxable income as they apply to the individual taxpayer and to Canadian-controlled private corporations (CPCC).
Prerequisite(s): BTAX1
The focus of this course in financial management is on the analysis and application of frameworks that guide decision-making by businesses and financial managers. Major topics include valuation of funding sources, rates of return, cost of capital and capital budgeting and long-term financing. Students have the opportunity to enhance their skills in the development and application of spreadsheet software to support business decision-making.
Prerequisite(s): FINA1
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to applied statistical analysis and analytical decision making. During this course, students build a “statistical tool kit” that allows them to organize, present, and analyze data that arises in accounting, marketing, human resources and in business in general. Major topics covered include sampling, graphing, measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability distributions, normality, hypothesis testing, and regression. The course emphasizes the role of statistics in business applications such as quality control, forecasting, and quantitative decision making. Statistical software and technology will be used.
With the pace of change in businesses today comes the increasing need for projects and the need for people to understand how projects work. This course is designed for those wanting to understand the basics of project management according to a logic model or plan. Students learn the major concepts, processes and tools of project management in business projects and apply these processes and techniques to significantly improve the efficiency with which business goals can be achieved. Each step in the process is examined including goal setting, project scope, charter, risk management and evaluation. Students also experience first-hand the communication challenges that can make or break a project. Learning occurs primarily through class/small group discussion, individual/group activities and case studies.
The aim of the course is to help students gain a clear understanding of the Accounting Information System (AIS): what it is; how it is used; and how it may be improved. The mechanics of an accounting information system (AIS) is also analyzed. Topics covered include the flowcharting, internal controls, adequate documentation within an AIS and the planning, implementation and management of projects by applying project management principles.
ACCT 15 is the third of three management accounting courses in the Business Administration - Accounting program. This course is a continuation of ACCT 10 and provides an overall understanding of the internal accounting system, particularly the usefulness of accounting information to management to assist in the decision making process. Areas of emphasis include financial statement analysis to highlight areas in need of managerial attention, segmented reporting, cost allocation in service and support departments, relevant costs for decision making, capital budgeting.
Prerequisite(s): ACCT10
This course expands on the principles and practices of financial accounting covered in the introductory financial accounting courses. Further training in accounting systems and the preparation, analysis, and interpretation of financial statements is provided at an intermediate level. The topics covered in this course include the accounting for long-term construction projects, reporting financial performance, accounting for income taxes, pensions, other employee future benefits and leases. Canadian Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE) and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) are applied to various situations involving this material, with further reference to financial statement presentation in adherence to both legal and Chartered Professional Accountants Canada (CPA) Handbook requirements.
This course is designed to build on the broad knowledge base acquired in previous accounting and business courses, applying these concepts and skills to various real-life Canadian business scenarios. Student investigate potential problem areas, determine solutions using various business tools and provide recommendations for decision making.
The accounting work placement provides students with an opportunity to apply and develop the skills learned in the courses throughout the program. Students observe and participate in an accounting-related workplace environment. This course offers students the opportunity to establish and maintain positive working relationships and to implement strategies for personal and professional development.
Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of all accounting program courses required for diploma completion.
Requirements
Admission Requirements
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with the majority of Grade 11 and 12 courses at the C, U or M level including the following prerequisites:
- Grade 12 English at the C or U level
- Grade 11 Math at the C, U or M level
For OSSD equivalency options, see Admission Requirements.
If you are missing prerequisite courses, enroll in the Career/College Prep program - free for Ontario residents who are 19 years or older.
- Are your transcripts from outside of Canada? Please visit Applying to SLC - With Your Transcripts for more information.
Other Requirements
Computer Requirements
Please use a PC computer for your accounting program studies. The use of a Mac computer is not recommended since the accounting and tax software used in this program does not run on Macs.
Placement
The Accounting Work Placement is a minimum of 140 working hours, and one of the highlights of Year 3. Business Administration - Accounting Students have the opportunity to experience real-world learning by applying their accounting and finance skills within local businesses and organizations. Placement is a resume-worthy opportunity to network with other business professionals. Previous students have secured placements with a wide variety of industries including financial services, government, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics.
For questions, please contact Lisa KJ at lisakj@sl.on.ca
Questions:
Email: placements@sl.on.ca
Website: www.stlawrencecollege.ca/placement
Fees
2024-2025
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Fees are estimates only. Tuition is based on two semesters.
Kingston
Our Kingston campus has seen significant renovation over the past few years, including a brand new Student Life and Innovation Centre that houses a new gymnasium, fitness centre, pub, and more.
Career Opportunities
Graduates find exciting careers in public accounting, the banking and finance industry, private business, not-for-profit organizations, and government.
Testimonials
Program Contacts
Program Contact
Lisa Knechtle-Jerkiewicz
lisakj@sl.on.ca
613.544.5400 ext.1567
Admissions Information
Click here to message Recruitment.
Credit Transfer Opportunities
CPA Program Information
Students interested in pursuing a CPA designation can refer to the CPA Ontario website for additional information on the CPA program.
The CPA program requires a university degree as an entrance requirement into the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP Program). Graduates from the SLC accounting diploma programs have the opportunity to complete a university degree right here at SLC, as described below.
ACCA
Graduates of our accounting diploma programs have the opportunity to transfer into the professional program offered by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). For more details on the accreditation agreement, please see here, by entering the name of the institution and following the steps. Also consult the attached letter, for more details. Please consult the ACCA website for additional information on the ACCA program structure.
Agreements between SLC and other institutions that are specific to this program are listed below.
SLC graduates have many options to continue their studies with post-secondary institutions across Canada and around the world. In addition, there are many credit transfer pathway agreements between colleges and universities within the province of Ontario. Please also visit www.ontransfer.ca to search for options relevant to your program area of study.
Professional Business Accountant
Your coursework at St. Lawrence College has been approved by the Professional Business Accountant diploma credential for prior learning credit, which can be applied towards 12 of the 20 PBA Program courses. These exact courses are the qualification for the Accounting Technician Certificate (ATC) through the PBA and you can apply for it immediately while you pursue your PBA Diploma. Click here for more information.
Enrolling in the Business Administration - Accounting program will align you with Canada’s largest and fastest-growing certifying body of bookkeepers. Graduates can fast-track toward the nationally recognized Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation. Students will also have access to a preferred student membership rate, full of member benefits that will provide access to continuing education and networking opportunities with bookkeeping professionals across Canada! See flyer for additional details.
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