International Accounting and Finance Degree

Program Description

In IAF, you’ll gain a unique accounting education based on the requirements and the competencies set out by the bodies that govern the CA, CGA, and CMA designations, thus enabling you to be job-ready in the Canadian and global business environment. You will possess depth and breadth of knowledge in the areas of accounting, business, finance and technology, as well as effective critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, interpersonal and team skills. You’ll use your accounting and financial skills while completing courses leading to one of the professional designations.

Seneca College has been granted a consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this degree for a seven-year term starting August 26, 2005. Seneca will ensure that all students admitted to the abovenamed program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility:

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Six Grade 12 (U) or (M) courses with a minimum 65% average including:
  • Grade 12 English: ENG4(U)
  • Grade 12 Mathematics: any (U) level Mathematics
• Mature students (age 19 years or older) must submit proof of credits in the above subjects or their equivalent.

Applicant Selection:

• Applicant grades in pre-requisite subjects (or their equivalents) and the overall academic average of 6 Grade 12 (U) or (M) courses will be used as a basis for the selection of candidates.

IAF students must successfully complete BAB110 and BAB140 within their first two semesters of study to continue in the program. To be eligible for graduation, students must successfully complete a co-op work semester.

In accordance with PEQAB requirements, this program has a minimal overall acceptable achievement for progression.

Scholarship opportunities are available for candidates with distinguished academic records in their high school careers. A variety of scholarships and bursaries are available to students based on merit and financial needs.

The Importance of Learning Skills:

Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.

Your Career

According to Ajilon Professional Staffing, accounting professionals remain among the most in-demand workers in the country and the need for accounting talent will only continue to grow. As a graduate of Seneca’s International Accounting & Finance degree you will be prepared to pursue an esteemed professional accounting designation such as the CA, CMA and/or CGA. In addition, you’ll have a strong knowledge base on which to build a career as small business controller, divisional and corporate accountant, accountant technology analyst, investment accountant, international financial analyst, etc.

Co-operative Education

The co-op work term provides you with a valuable opportunity to become involved in real-life work experiences where critical thinking, problem-solving and interpersonal skills are utilized. One work term is mandatory and is scheduled during the winter semester after semester 5. Please note: you’ll have a shared responsibility to secure employment opportunities.

For more information, please visit: www.senecac.on.ca/coop.

Pathways to a Degree

This program is known for its rigorous curriculum leading to a multitude of career and educational opportunities.

Other Business Diploma Programs:

If you have completed at least one semester of study in any two or three-year diploma program you may be eligible for entry into the first semester of the International Accounting and Finance four-year degree program. If you have successfully completed two semesters or more of any business diploma program you may be eligible for transfer credit and entry into the second, third, or fourth semester of the degree program depending on grade point average and the number of semesters completed.

Accounting Diploma Students:

If you have completed a two-year Accounting diploma program you may be eligible for admission to the third semester (second year) of the degree program. Completion of a three-year Accounting diploma program may qualify you for the fifth semester (third year) of the degree program. If you are a graduate of the Accounting and Information Technology Graduate Certificate program you may be eligible for the seventh semester (fourth year) of the degree program (leads to CGA designation only).

Other Business Degree Students:

Given a common first year in all Seneca business degree programs, students can seamlessly transfer to the IAF degree from other Seneca degrees after one year, or vice versa.

Transfer Options within Seneca

The School of Accounting and Financial Services offers seamless transfer to a multitude of degree, diploma and certificate programs, given a common first year in most diploma and certificate programs within the Faculty of Business.

Transfer Options *

* GPA requirements may apply.

Liberal Studies Electives

General education electives will be offered to students in semesters 3 to 8.

Professional Certification

The Seneca IAF degree program enables graduates to pursue the following professional certifications:

CA: The IAF degree has been approved by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario (ICAO) as satisfying the "51 credit-hour requirement" for academic qualification for the CA designation. For more information on the Chartered Accountant (CA) designation, please visit www.icao.on.ca.

CGA: The IAF degree is accredited by CGA Ontario as meeting the requirements for direct entry into its program at the PACE level. For more information on the Certified General Accountant (CGA) program, please visit www.cga-ontario.org.

CMA: The IAF degree is accredited by CMA Ontario as meeting the education requirements to enter the CMA program and write the CMA entrance exam. For further information on the Certified Management Accountants (CMA) program, please visit www.cma-ontario.org.

Please see the Program Co-ordinator with any questions.

Curriculum

Contact Us