Athabasca University's online University Certificate in Accounting is an ideal starting point to develop the skills and knowledge of an accounting professional.
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Embark on your accounting journey with Athabasca University's online University Certificate in Accounting. This program, which you can complete in as little as one year, lays a robust foundation in key areas like financial accounting, cost analysis, and economics, making it a stepping stone to our advanced certificate and eventually a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. With monthly start dates and the flexibility to study at your own pace, you're not just learning accounting, you're gearing up to meet CPA requirements and carving your path to professional success.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for this program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
Please note: If you have an undergraduate or graduate degree with a major in accounting, you cannot apply to the University Certificate in Accounting program.
Program details
Overview
Athabasca University's online University Certificate in Accounting is an ideal starting point to develop the skills and knowledge of an accounting professional. You will gain a basic understanding of technical and theoretical aspects of the accounting field, including:
financial accounting
cost analysis
microeconomics
macroeconomics
commercial law
statistics
If you are interested in becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), many of the certificate courses cover the prerequisites required to start pursuing your designation.
Why take the University Certificate in Accounting?
Completing the University Certificate in Accounting prepares you for AU's Advanced Certificate in Accounting. Completing both certificates puts you well on your way to earning your Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and many of the courses required to meet CPA requirements.
Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
Our Faculty of Business also holds AACSB accreditation, placing us among the elite 6% of business schools worldwide. This distinguished accreditation, known as the gold standard in the industry, is a testament to the rigor and depth of our program, and the high-quality education it provides.
Routes and options
Ladder to a degree
To be sure you get the most benefit from your certificate courses, if you think you may want to transfer your certificate to a degree program, you should discuss your course selection with a program advisor.
Completion times
Finish this program in as little as 1 year of full-time study, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.
How to apply
You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.
If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU certificate.
If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 15 credits at AU.
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
Estimated program costs are available in the Calendar.
Financial aid and awards
We're dedicated to supporting your academic goals and committed to helping you overcome financial barriers by providing many funding and award options.
In Athabasca University's University Certificate in Accounting, you'll dive into a tailored curriculum comprising 24 required credits in core areas like financial accounting, cost analysis, economics, and commercial law. You'll also have the freedom to personalize your learning journey with 6 elective credits in business and administrative studies, allowing you to explore topics that align with your interests and career goals.
To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Bachelor of Commerce, plus those specific to your major, minor or concentration.
Our program course plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you'll take them in. If you're feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Below are some of the courses that our students take in this program. Please consult an advisor to confirm any course planning, as some of these courses may not apply to you.
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Focus areas
Career options
With Athabasca University's University Certificate in Accounting under your belt, you'll be well-positioned to enter a variety of accounting and finance roles, such as an accounting clerk, bookkeeper, or even a junior accounting analyst. The foundational skills and specialized knowledge you gain also set the stage for further educational and career advancements, including pursuing a CPA designation or stepping into managerial roles down the line.
Some possible careers could include:
bookkeeper
accounting clerk
accounts payable clerk
accounts receivable clerk
office administrator
billing clerk
income tax return preparer
bank clerk
insurance rater
loan and mortgage administration
pay advisor
pay and benefits administrator
pay and benefits clerk
pay clerk
payroll clerk
payroll officer
salary administration officer
tax associate
Resources and links
Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.