Program Overview
Certificate in accounting program offers students the opportunity to obtain a thorough understanding of accounting techniques and practices and how to apply them in both manual and computerized environments. Emphasis is placed on the development of accounting skills through the use of practical, hands-on training techniques. This program is designed for individuals who have no knowledge of accounting as well as those who are currently working in a accounting role.
Goals of the Program
- To train students in the practices of accounting, fostering a conceptual knowledge and critical thought leading to the development of problem solving ability in the accounting areas.
- To familiarize students with the basic accounting fundamentals for managing both a personal/service-type business and a merchandising business.
- To introduce students to Sage 50 Accounting and QuickBooks accounting software.
CBA Accreditation
Ashtons Certificate in Accounting Program is accredited by theCanadian Bookkeepers Association(CBA). Graduates of this program can apply for a CBA membership to become Registered Professional Bookkeepers with the association. The CBA is a national non-profit association established in 2003. The CBA advances bookkeeping professionals in Canada and furthers the bookkeeping industry.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Apply the basic and advanced accounting equations to all supporting journals, ledgers, and worksheets.
- Apply the knowledge and skills necessary to perform accounting duties satisfactorily.
- Evaluate cases and make sound decisions to solve problems and issues related to accounting.
- Set up QuickBooks, enter data accurately, and manage the accounting function for a small business.
- Set up Sage 50, enter data accurately, and manage the accounting function.
- Utilize double-entry accounting by understanding the impacts of debits and credits for all account types.
Course Descriptions
CA 01 Financial Accounting – Basics (30 hours)
This course provides an overview of the financial reporting process. It concentrates on the recording process and the production of financial statements. Perfect for non-accounting majors, accounting topics are presented in small, manageable segments, using clear language and plentiful visuals. The course introduces simple tools to allow students to analyze financial information and explain the information contained in the financial statements in their future roles as managers, investors, or other users of financial accounting information.
CA 02 Financial Accounting – Advanced (42 hours)
Building on CA 01 Financial Accounting- Basics, this course presents students with more advanced topics in Financial Accounting. Advanced topics provide students with in-depth knowledge of assets and depreciation, and examining intangible assets and leases. Students will explore and learn about current liabilities and contingencies. They will examine stockholders equity and earnings, as well as accounting changes and error corrections.
CA 03 Computerized Accounting 1 – Sage 50 Accounting (40 hours)
This course is designed to introduce students to Sage 50 Accounting. Highlights include an overview of the interface followed by a detailed look at creating a company, defining company settings and entering historical data. Coverage of the core modules in Sage 50 Accounting as well as the most common transactions, periodic processing and reporting are also discussed. Students will have an overview of the setup and use of payroll and inventory, followed by a detailed look at how to use projects, time slips and time and billing, budgets, multicurrency and departmental accounting. This is followed by a look at advanced reporting, database management, year-end, customizing forms, and concludes with the topic on users and security.
CA 04 Computerized Accounting 2 – Quickbooks (32 hours)
This course is an introduction to QuickBooks. It provides hands-on instruction regarding how to set up QuickBooks for use as a system for small businesses. This course will teach students how to use many of the features available in QuickBooks. Participants will learn about the types of information they need to track in their business and will become familiar with the most common tasks required, as well as the more advanced functions of the software.
CA 05 Cost Accounting (32 hours)
This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of fundamental cost accounting techniques for use in a manufacturing and service environment. Emphasis is placed on product/service cost determination using Job Order Systems, Process Costing systems and Standard Cost practices. Budget topics are also addressed.
CA 06 Taxation and Payroll (36 hours)
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the Income Tax Act and regulations to determine the Income Tax Liability as it applies mainly to individuals and businesses. The course allows students to learn how to prepare a simple tax return for an individual resident of Canada and to use the knowledge gained from this course to solve problems relating to the taxation of individuals resident and non-resident of Canada. Students will also study GST and HST. The course is a comprehensive and practical approach to federal and provincial legislation relating to the payroll function. This course provides an overview of the requirements for processing payroll calculations and administrating the payments to employees, government agencies and other parties in compliance with laws, regulations and contractual arrangements. Students will learn how to prepare hourly, salaried and commission payroll. They will also learn payroll law, record maintenance, pay cheque and statement preparation, T4 preparation, and how current source deduction rules affect payroll preparation. WCA, Revenue Canada Taxation, Records of Employment and Stats Canada reporting are covered, as well as Employment Standards.
CA 07 Audit (28 hours)
The course is a comprehensive and practical approach to federal and provincial legislation relating to audit reports on financial statements. It will overview audit reports on the effectiveness of internal controls, various ways auditors gather evidence, and the role of professional skepticism in evaluating audit evidence. Prioritizing risks, auditor independence rules, audit of sales and receipts purchases, disbursements, and payroll cycle will all be covered as well.
Career Options
Job openings in the accounting field are predicted to significantly increase over the next few years. Some possible career opportunities include:
- Accounting Assistant
- Accounting Clerk
- Accounting Technician
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