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 (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.
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.
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 the University Certificate in Advanced Accounting program, you'll dive into a well-rounded curriculum consisting of 24 credits in required courses like Advanced Financial Accounting, Decision Analysis, and Strategic Management, to name a few. You'll also have the flexibility to choose 9 elective credits from business and administrative studies courses at the senior level, allowing you to tailor your educational journey to meet your career goals or professional accounting designation requirements.
To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the University Certificate in Advanced Accounting.
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
Elevate your career possibilities with Athabasca University's University Certificate in Advanced Accounting. This credential opens doors to a range of fulfilling roles, from financial analyst and management accountant to auditor and tax consultant, all while putting you on the path toward your Chartered Professional Accountant designation.
Some possible careers may include:
bookkeeper
budget analyst
accounting clerk
accounts payable clerk
accounts receivable clerk
office administrator
billing clerk
controller
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
financial analyst
management accountant
cost estimator
risk specialist
Resources and links
Additional information that you need to know about AU and this program.