Strategic Management in Accounting Program Leads to a Variety of Positions

For those who have attended strategic management programs, such as the one offered by Centennial College, the career possibilities include a variety of options, including: accounting supervisor, accounting manager, assistant controller, controller and business analyst. In addition to the career options are a number of setting options that professionals can choose from depending on their interests — such as financial institutions, government offices, public accounting firms, manufacturing industries, service industries, and small business. Strategic management programs graduates also have the ability to operate through self-employment. Despite the different titles and duties, there are some commonalities among all professionals in strategic management. For example, they all must be able to provide advice on financial decisions, prepare and maintain financial reports, keep financial records up-to-date, train and manage new accountants, perform daily banking requirements, and more.

Attending Centennial College gives students the cutting-edge for a variety of reasons. During the short, intensive time they spend in the strategic management in accounting program, students: cover all the key areas of management; use case studies and simulations; gain experience in leading-edge managerial and leadership practices of the best companies in the world; have hands-on exposure to the latest technology applications in the area of management information systems, including ERP systems; and more. In addition, a team of professors with strong academic backgrounds and extensive business and management experience delivers the undertaking.

Through the strategic management program, participants gain a perspective on the organizational techniques required for the effective execution of strategic decisions, and the critical role that managerial leadership plays in the viability and growth of the business. Students will continue to learn and deepen their understanding in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing. Specific courses covered in the one-year program include: Advanced Managerial Accounting (topics include relevant costing, capital budgeting, transfer pricing, balanced scorecard, inventory management, variance and profitability, analysis, performance measurement and compensation, and more); Accounting Theory and Policy (practical and theoretical problems of the present value model, foreign exchange accounting, the process and issues related to standard setting, agency theory and other topics relevant to current events are discussed); Advanced Financial Management (emphasizes consolidations, foreign currency transactions and operations, and non for profit and government organizations); and more.

Please note that this program is designed for students who have already taken an undergrad program. Those who are interested in applying must submit an official transcript demonstrating proof of successful completion of a post-secondary advanced diploma or degree in an accounting discipline. However, if applicants have a combination of partial post-secondary education and relevant work experience, they may also be considered. Other non-academic requirements include: an interview, transcript and resumé review as well as an English and/or math skills assessment. English proficiency will also be considered.

When students graduate from the strategic management program, they have a variety of options. First, they can go on to obtain an MBA, pursuant to the articulation agreement negotiated by the School of Business with other institutions. In addition, students can apply to CGA-Ontario, and depending on their academic background, may receive up to 4 levels of CGA transfer credits.