Strategic Management Program Offers In-Demand Skills

Imagine attending a unique program focused on strategic management in accounting that provides graduates with skills such as: advanced accounting, financial management and strategic management expertise. Such a program exists at Centennial College in Toronto, Ont. Called Strategic Management – Accounting. It focuses on the area that has been described as “a form of management accounting in which emphasis is placed on information which relates to factors external to the firm, as well as non-financial information and internally generated information.” As such, professionals in this field deal with: the relative cost position; the ways in which a company may secure a sustainable cost advantage; and costs of differentiation such as what makes their product different and hence more attractive.

Areas of business that hire professionals with a degree in strategic management (such as accounting supervisors, accounting managers, assistant controllers, and controller and business analysts) include: financial institutions, government offices, public accounting firms, manufacturing industries, service industries, small business and self-employment.

The Strategic Management programs at Centennial College takes one year to complete and requires applicants to have completed a college diploma or university degree in an accounting discipline. Additionally, applicants must be able to prove English proficiency. The program will also consider applicants with partial post-secondary in an accounting discipline and relevant work experience (transcript and resume review is required).

Once accepted, students 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. Additionally, they continue to learn and deepen their understanding in the areas of financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing. Students get a good idea of what to expect from the field thanks to the offering’s fast-paced, one year format, which includes learning tools such as case studies and simulations, leading-edge managerial and leadership practices of the best companies in the world, hands-on exposure to the latest technology applications in the area of management information systems, including ERP systems; and more.

A team of professors with strong academic backgrounds, extensive business and management experience delivers all Strategic Management program courses. Specific courses covered in this Strategic Management program include: Contemporary Organizational Behaviour, Accounting Theory and Policy, Advanced Managerial Accounting, Advanced Taxation, Information Systems for Business Management, Operations Management for Products and Services, Advanced Auditing, and more.

Students who attend the Strategic Management in Accounting offering have many options upon graduation. In addition to entering the field, they may also go onto obtain an MBA, pursuant to the articulation agreement negotiated by the School of Business with other institutions. This program’s education partner is the Certified General Accountants Association of Ontario. In addition, students can apply to CGA-Ontario, and depending on their academic background, may receive up to four levels of CGA transfer credits.