University Certificate in Advanced Accounting

At a glance

  • Credential: university certificate
  • Credits: 33
  • Next start: monthly

The University Certificate in Advanced Accounting builds on the knowledge and skills developed in Athabasca University’s online University Certificate in Accounting.

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About University Certificate in Advanced Accounting

Looking for a way to level up your accounting skills and open new career paths? Athabasca University’s University Certificate in Advanced Accounting is the next step for you. This fully online program not only builds on the knowledge you may have gained from our University Certificate in Accounting but also equips you with advanced understanding in areas like strategic and competitive analysis, decision analysis, business policy, marketing, and organizational behaviour.

Admission requirements

The University Certificate in Accounting (or its equivalent) is required to enrol in this program.

Please note: If you have an undergraduate or graduate degree with a major in accounting, you cannot apply to the University Certificate in Advanced Accounting program.

Program details

Overview

After completing this online program, you will have advanced knowledge and skills in both the technical and theoretical aspects of:

  • strategic and competitive analysis
  • decision analysis
  • business policy
  • marketing
  • organizational behaviour

We also offer elective courses that meet the educational requirements of professional accounting associations.

How long will it take to complete?

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.

Can credit from this certificate ladder into a program?

The advanced accounting certificate builds on the knowledge gained in the accounting certificate, and covers more courses for those pursuing their Chartered Professional Accountant designation. Completing both certificates puts you well on your way to achieving your Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting.

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business logo

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

The advanced accounting certificate builds on the knowledge gained in the accounting certificate, and covers more courses for those pursuing their Chartered Professional Accountant designation. Completing both certificates puts you well on your way to achieving your Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting.

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. The program may be completed faster if transfer credit is applied toward your certificate.

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.

How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Transfer and advanced credit

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 18 credits at AU.

Learn about transfer and advanced credit at AU

You will not receive transfer credit for senior (300/400) level courses more than 10 years old in the following disciplines:

  • Accounting (ACCT)
  • Management Science (MGSC)
  • Legal Studies (LGST)
  • Marketing (MKTG)
  • Finance (FNCE)
  • Taxation (TAXX)

If you are working in the field and provide evidence of current experience in these areas, this restriction will be waived.

Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Learn more about MyCreds

Resources and links

Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.


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