What Can I Do with my Accounting Diploma?

Do you have a passion for crunching numbers? Do you consider yourself a math whiz?

Sure, you have the educational backing to answer yes to the questions above, but you can’t help but wonder what exactly it is that you want to do with your diploma.

You wonder if you be chained at your desk with a calculator constantly adding, subtracting, diving and multiplying to ensure your employer isn’t over budget? I highly doubt your career will be that mundane. While working with numbers will certainly be part in your role, it won’t be the sole part.

The Career Hunt

When you’re on the hunt and searching for your perfect career, find an employer that you like and a work culture you feel comfortable with, this is most important.

The beauty about accounting is that every company requires or will require a financial specialist. Whether the company is highly established or a small start up, your knowledge with accounting and money management will prove to be beneficial.

Where to Work

So you got a diploma in Business Accounting , but you don't want to get a certification. Your career options are not limited. There are plenty of options out there to choose from:

• Analysis
• Real estate
• Management
• Statistics
• Corporate training
• Purchasing
• Media
• Hospitality

Accounting grads have numerous skills, no pun intended. Beside the obvious financial skills, you as graduates also have great communications, software and analytical skills that are essential for career success.

Good luck on the job hunt!

About the School of Business

Centennial’s School of Business offers over 30 different dynamic programs to build your business skills and develop innovative thinking. Whether you want to study for one semester or three years, we can offer co-op placements, work-integrated learning placements, and multiple Degree partnerships. We offer opportunities that will get you the hands on skills and accreditation that you need to build a successful career in an ever-changing world of business.

The School of Business prides itself on providing employers with graduates who have relevant and cutting edge skills. To continue to stay ahead of the competition, Centennial maintains close ties with the community, business organizations and alumni.

Accounting and Business Admin Courses From An Aboriginal Perspective

With Centennial College being recognized as one of the most culturally diverse post-secondary institutions in Canada with almost 100 ethno-cultural groups represented and 80 languages spoken on campus, it’s no surprise this institution offers business accounting college courses geared specifically towards Aboriginal students. These courses are offered in Business Administration – Accounting (Aboriginal Stream), which was created specifically to address the community’s need for individuals with a strong accounting foundation and understanding of Aboriginal business needs. It is completed in three years and offers students an Ontario College Advanced Diploma.

To apply for this program, students must have completed the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or have mature student status (19 years or older). They must also have completed the English Grade 12 C or U, or equivalent or take the Centennial College English Skills Assessment for Admission; and Mathematics Grade 11 or 12 C, M or U, or equivalent or take a Centennial College Math Skills Assessment for Admission.

So what makes this offering different than other business accounting Toronto courses? Firstly, the program has a partnership with the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada (AFOA), which guarantees that the course material addresses the needs of the Aboriginal business community. As such, students attend business, basic accounting, finance, and business communications courses alongside Aboriginal business ethics and practices courses. Secondly, students who identify as Aboriginal are eligible to apply for the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) from the AFOA, a designation which signals they are up-to-date on the latest Aboriginal financial management practices. Thirdly, students have a strong support system in that Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations provide them with mentoring and networking opportunities.

Among the specific Aboriginal studies courses within this offering are: Aboriginal Identity, Aboriginal Relationships, Aboriginal Governance and Sovereignty, Aboriginal Strategy and Decisions, Values and Ethics in the Aboriginal Workplace, Aboriginal History and Developments, Aboriginal Challenges and Advocacy, and Aboriginal Human and Fiscal Issues. Meanwhile, accounting and business admin courses include: Financial Accounting, Microcomputer Applications Software, Taxation, Advanced Business Communications, Management Accounting, Corporate Finance, Auditing and more.

Once they graduate, students are prepared for employment in a very wide range of positions, among which are: bank teller, mortgage specialist, bookkeeper, purchasing clerk, insurance broker, account manager, accounting clerk and entrepreneur.

Should they, however, want to pursue more accounting courses Toronto-based programs, grads may be eligible for substantial transfer credits. These credits can be used to pursue the Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA) designation. Qualified graduates may also be eligible to participate in articulated programs with selected universities, institutes and professional associations such as Algoma University, Laurentian University, Nipissing University, University of New Brunswick and University of Windsor.

Accounting program addresses financial needs of the Aboriginal Community

Centennial College creates an inclusive environment for a diverse population like Toronto. It sees the needs of students and helps them achieve success in various fields. One of the most in-demand professions at the moment is in Accounting. Centennial College’s accounting courses in Toronto were enhanced to add a different route to serve the Aboriginal communities. The Business Administration - Accounting (Aboriginal Stream) (2411) program is a three-year, advanced diploma program, similar to the regular accounting program, but with a focus on Aboriginal accounting needs.

The Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of Canada (AFOA) is a not-for-profit organization, which helps the Aboriginal community take control of their communities through business and management practices. It sees that Centennial’s business accounting Toronto program is relevant to the Aboriginal people and addresses the needs and issues affecting them, including Aboriginal strategy & decisions, Aboriginal governance and Aboriginal challenges & advocacy.

Everyone who has completed a high school diploma or qualifies as a mature student is welcome to apply for the Business Administration - Accounting (Aboriginal Stream) program. In addition, students must reach English and Math levels which they would have obtained the grades in high school or will have to take the Centennial admission tests. For students who identify themselves as Aboriginal can apply for the Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) from the AFOA which designates them as a professional in Aboriginal financial management practices.

The program covers a variety of accounting topics and Aboriginal teachings. Here are some topics that students can expect to learn:

At the core of the program is accounting and there are various and progressive accounting courses that students will complete in six semesters. Students will familiarize themselves with financial statements and common accounting calculations. They will abide by the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles as they learn to complete asset valuations, income reporting, and short and long term liabilities and equity transactions.

As future accountant, students will explore the basics of the Canadian Legal System in the Business Law course. Torts, contracts, and other business activities that have legal ramifications will be studied. Comprehensive theory and case studies will be taught in this course.

Computer courses will enhance a student’s proficiency in word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and database programs, which is often used in any business setting. Students will also be prepared before they complete advanced courses which needs data analysis on spreadsheets.

The Certified General Accountants Association recognizes the Auditing courses offered in the program. Students will be able to comprehend various audit reports and follow auditing standards.

Students will take several courses related to Aboriginal identities. They will understand the history and development of the Aboriginal communities and as it relates to their governance and financial well-being.

The Business Administration - Accounting (Aboriginal Stream) program creates an opportunity to enhance the Aboriginal community through business and accounting practice. Toronto’s business accounting college, Centennial College, initiated this accounting stream to meet the needs of the aboriginal community through accounting courses which focuses on Aboriginal issues. Graduates are ready to start their careers in the financial and accounting industry and can receive some credits as they pursue their Certified General Accountants of Ontario (CGA) designation.