Accounting
Seneca College Certificate
More Information
Overview
The Accounting Certificate consists of 12 courses that provide students with a sound knowledge of business concepts and accounting practice in a short time frame. Through the 12 courses, students will obtain comprehensive knowledge in financial reporting, personal income tax, accounting software and business communication. Students will learn from experienced instructors who work in the industry and are committed to helping students achieve success.
Completing this certificate provides students with a pathway to Seneca's Accounting Diplomas.
Information Session
New students are invited to attend an information session.
Due to COVID-19, all Part-time Studies courses are being offered online until further notice, in one of the following two formats: online virtual classroom and online self-directed. Click Availability below to see current offerings.
Curriculum
Certificate Requirements
Placement via English Assessment, or successful completion of ESL934.
COM101 replaces EAC 150.
Students who have successfully completed EAC 150 are not required to complete COM101.
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
Placement via English Assessment
This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their post-secondary studies, workplaces, and communities.
This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the Canadian business environment, business issues and functions, and the major forces at work in the global economy. It provides students with a perspective of business firms as integrated organizations composed of a number of specialized functions.
Marketing is an approach to business that puts the customer at the centre of its activities and focuses on satisfying customer needs and wants. While marketing is used by both profit and not-for-profit organizations to meet the demands of the market place, this course introduces students to the fundamental marketing concepts used by profit oriented business organizations.
No required prerequisite, but students should have Grade 12 English and Mathematics or equivalent
This course introduces the student to how accounting information is used by, and meets the needs of both internal and external users through effective and efficient communication as well as what accounting information is required by a business concern to reflect clearly the operating results of the enterprise over its operating life. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to generally accepted accounting principles, the interpretation and preparation of financial statements and how this information is recorded in the various business records.
A fundamental working knowledge of Windows Operating Systems and Excel Software.
Building on the skills they have previously acquired in Excel and Windows operating systems, students will further develop their proficiency in these areas and add Access to their skill set. Throughout the course, they will apply these software skills to solve business problems.
No required prerequisite, but students should have Grade XII English and Mathematics.
This course provides students with the fundamentals of mathematics of business and finance. Following the introduction of concepts of percent and percent change, simple and compound interest rates will be discussed. Compound interest rates will be applied to the study of annuities. Students will also learn important models of business mathematics, such as currency conversion, trade discounts, markups and markdowns, break-even and cost-volume-profit analysis.
ACC120 - Accounting Basics I
In this second of the two introductory accounting courses, students will expand their understanding of accounting principles and concepts while covering specific topics including: accounts receivable, capital assets, corporations' shareholders' equity, and bonds payable. Preparation of the Statements of Retained Earnings and Changes in Financial Position will also be covered. Finally, the students will expand their understanding of the role of financial statement users by studying financial statement analysis.
This course is the first of two in the program on Intermediate Accounting (ACC416/ACC417). It examines fundamental accounting assumptions, concepts and principles. Income determination is stressed through a review of revenue and expense recognition principles and the underlying conceptual support. It integrates an in-depth study of asset items on the Statement of Financial Position (including cash, receivables, inventories and capital assets) with emphasis upon generally accepted accounting principles that apply to these items.
This course is the second of two in the program on Intermediate Accounting (ACC416/ACC417). It examines fundamental accounting assumptions, concepts and principles. Income determination is stressed through a review of revenue and expense recognition principles and the underlying conceptual support. It integrates an in-depth study of asset items on the Statement of Financial Position (including inventories, investments and capital assets) with emphasis upon generally accepted accounting principles that apply to these items.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge and skill to complete personal and business tax forms. Students will learn how to respond to and apply the fundamental provisions of laws that affect taxation of a business and their personal situation. The emphasis will be on practical aspects of compliance.
SMS315 is a continuation of the study of the tools and techniques of computer systems. This course involves the involves the use of a relational database management system to build a simplified accounting system and implementation of a computerized accounting software package, the recording of accounting transactions and preparation of financial statements as well as creating an accounting system using a database.
The ability to write clearly and directly is highly prized in organizations. In order to succeed in today's information overload world, writers must be able to effectively articulate ideas quickly, clearly and concisely in proposals, emails, reports, memos, project plans and through social media. This course focuses on creating professional-quality documents for realistic business situations, with an emphasis on audience analysis, appropriateness and editing. Other topics include formal and informal outlining techniques, how to revise for wordiness, unnecessary phrases, redundancy and jargon, and e-correspondence in an "organizational" setting.
Effective Summer 2020 term beginning May 2020, the following curriculum changes will be in effect:
Effective May 2020 |
Prior to Summer 2020 |
| ACC416 | ACC415 |
| ACC417 | ACC517 |
| ACC405 | ACC540 |
Program Outcomes
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Record financial transactions in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships, private enterprises, publicly accountable enterprises and non-profit organizations.
- Prepare and present financial statements, reports and other documents in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships and private enterprises.
- Understand and apply the basic concepts and business applications of computer information systems, including skills in word processing, spreadsheets, and integrated accounting software.
- Understand and apply the techniques of business mathematics to support the accounting function of an organization.
- Apply effective interpersonal skills to support the accounting function of an organization.
- Apply ethics and corporate responsibility to all aspects of work completed.
- Prepare individuals' income tax returns and basic tax planning in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
- Analyze organizational structures, the interdependence of functional areas, and the impact those relationships can have on financial performance.
Credit for Prior Learning
Prior Learning Assessment
Earn college credits for what you already know!
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to
college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work
experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained
meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.
How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning
through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews,
demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a
Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program
Coordinator.
The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.
Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.
Transfer Credit
Many students who enter Seneca College will have earned academic credits in post-secondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca College program.
Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.
Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.
More Information
Please visit the Office of the Registrar.
Graduation/Convocation
When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October) and Spring (June).
For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at 416-491-5050 ext. 77461.
Minimum Performance for Graduation
Students will only be eligible to graduate with a Seneca College certificate or diploma if they have maintained an overall good standing in their current program of study. Students in degree programs will be eligible to graduate when they have obtained an average of C (2.5 GPA) in courses in the main field of study, and an average of C (2.0 GPA) in all other courses.
Pathways
Seneca Faculty of Continuing Education offers various pathways to advance your education and career. Whether you're interested in business, accounting, finance or marketing, we offer the options to help you obtain the credential you need.
Our Business Studies certificate program provides the foundational knowledge to advance through our various business streams of study. Once you complete our Business Studies certificate, you have the option to continue your studies to obtain additional credentials, which include:
- Certificates and diplomas in accounting, business and marketing
- Advanced diplomas in accounting & finance, financial planning, or accounting & financial planning
- Degree in accounting and finance
Accounting & Business Pathways Map
Program Contacts
Francine Marcelli
Program Assistant
Francine.Marcelli@senecacollege.ca
416-491-5050 ext.22501
Poh Tan
Academic Program Manager
Poh.Tan@senecacollege.ca
416-491-5050 ext.26626
For more information about this program, fill out the following form.
Information Session
New students are invited to attend an information session.