University Certificate in Advanced Accounting

Regulations effective September 1, 2023.

The University Certificate in Advanced Accounting is designed to build upon the knowledge and skills students developed in the University Certificate in Accounting. Thus, the University Certificate in Accounting (or its equivalent) is required for enrolment in the program.

The University Certificate in Advanced Accounting is offered by Athabasca University’s Faculty of Business, 1.800.468.6531, or email.

Planning your program

Our online program plans can assist you in selecting the courses needed to fulfill your program requirements.

Counselling Services offers an assessment website, Mapping Your Future.

Athabasca University has also developed program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Program requirements

Students complete the program regulations in effect at the time of their enrolment.

The following general regulations apply to all certificate programs.

University certificate programs provide interim qualifications in specific subject areas. Athabasca University has developed individual program learning outcomes that describe the career options that may be available to you upon graduating.

Fifty per cent* of the total credits required must be completed through Athabasca University. Up to 50 per cent of the required credits may be transferred from another post-secondary institution.
* Some certificate programs require less than 50 per cent, e.g., University Certificate in Counselling Women.
University certificate credentials are awarded throughout the year. Students must submit an Application for Graduation Form to the Office of the Registrar (see Graduation).
Students with less than 50 per cent of coursework completed in their current Athabasca University degree program may withdraw from their degree and apply into a university certificate program. Credit will be awarded (from the previous incomplete degree program) to the extent permissible under the applicable program regulations in effect at the time of the change of credential.
Students with 50 per cent of coursework completed in their current Athabasca University degree program are encouraged to consult with a student advisor before changing programs.
Students who change their program of study from an Athabasca University degree program to a university certificate program forfeit their standing in the degree program. If students wish to return to the degree program (after being enrolled in the university certificate program) they will be required to meet the degree requirements in effect at the time of re-enrolment (see Changing Programs) to the degree.
Students who have completed a previous credential (degree, certificate, or diploma) from Athabasca University or another institution must complete a minimum of 50 per cent of the credits in course work not previously used towards any credential.
Students who have a previous credential in the same subject area as the certificate cannot enrol in the certificate.
Students who have completed the former University Certificate in Labour Relations or the University Certificate in Labour Studies may not enrol in the University Certificate in Human Resources and Labour Relations.

Program structure

program structure
Total credits in the program	33
Required credits	24
Elective credits	9
Residency requirement. A minimum of 18 credits must be obtained through Athabasca University.	18
Maximum Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) credits	6

Required courses

24 credits

required courses
ACCT 451 – Advanced Financial Accounting	(3)
ACCT 454 – Decision Analysis	(3)
CMIS 351 – Management Information Systems	(3)
TAXX 301 – Taxation I	(3)
ACCT 460 – Principles of Auditing	(3)
FNCE 370 – Overview of Corporate Finance	(3)
TAXX 401 – Taxation II	(3)
ADMN 404 – Capstone I: Strategic Management	(3)

Electives

(9 credits. See recommendations.)

Business and Administrative Studies courses at the senior (300/400) level. See recommendations below.

Recommendations:

Please note that these are recommendations only and any selections should be verified with the provincial accounting association in your area.

MGSC 312 is recommended for ACCT 454 and may be taken as an option prior to taking this course if not already completed elsewhere.

ADMN 404 assumes previous knowledge in the following subject areas (ACCT/FNCE, MKTG, ECON, ADMN/MGMT) and is recommended to be taken last or with the last set of courses in your program.

If pursuing a professional accounting designation, options should be chosen in consultation with the provincial association of which you are applying. Confirm with your provincial association requirements before selecting.

For more details, visit the Chartered Professional Accountant page of our website.

Information effective Sept. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2024.

Updated June 13, 2024 by Office of the Registrar (calendar@athabascau.ca)