Introduction
This program teaches the practical and technical skills required to qualify and secure employment in entry-level roles within the accounting industry. The primary focus will be on double entry bookkeeping and the preparation of basic financial statements. These skills will be practiced manually and using computerized accounting software (QuickBooks)
Program Highlights
- Cost: Grant funded program (for those who qualify)
- Delivery: Hybrid
- Duration: 48 or 32 weeks
- Instruction Hours: Monday-Friday (26 hours/week)
- Semester Intake: January, May, and September
- Work Experience: 5 weeks
- Anticipated salary range is $15.00 – $25.00 per hour to start.
- Example Job Titles Include (but are not limited to): Accounting assistant, accounting clerk, accounting technician, bookkeeper, customer service representative, finance advocate, night auditor, inventory controller, and data entry clerk.
Did you know?
Columbia’s ACCT202 and ACCT203 fulfill the Introduction to Accounting course in NPI’s PCP (Payroll Compliance Professional) program.
Program Information
Classes are interactive and involve learners in group discussions, research, role plays, practical application of skills, and presentations. Active participation in class is expected. As learners progress through this program, they will build their confidence levels, gain experience, and increase their ability to perform entry-level accounting tasks in real situations. Embedded within the curriculum are job search strategies, industry vocabulary, computer skills, and professional behaviours (also referred to as Skills for Success) which will help learners improve their success in the workforce.
This course has been developed as a blended delivery model (a combination of face-to-face and online). It includes a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning.
It is strongly recommended that online learners have:
- Daily access to a reliable computer (Windows Pc recommended) for the full duration of the class.
- Reliable internet service with high-speed internet. A cable connection is recommended.
- A comfortable chair
- A workspace away from distractions
- A working microphone and video camera
- Earphones or earbuds (optional)
- Childcare in place
This program offers 2 program lengths: 48 or 32 weeks.
Accounting Assistant (48 week) program:
- Language entry requirement – CLB 6
- Academic entry requirement – English and mathematics Grade 8
Accounting Assistant (32 week) program
- Language entry requirement – CLB 7
- Academic entry requirement – English and mathematics Grade 9
Before entering the program, all participants must be able to:
- meet the required language entry requirement (where applicable)
- achieve satisfactory results on the Columbia College assessment in reading comprehension, writing, and mathematics
- successfully complete a Columbia College computer skills assessment (or equivalent) that will address basic computer skills (which includes basic internet and email knowledge), introductory Microsoft Word and Excel
- successfully complete an entry interview with the Career and Employment Coordinator for suitability
Additionally, applicants must:
- be an Alberta resident and currently residing full-time in the province (or address in city of Lloydminster)
- be unemployed or marginally employed
- be committed to seeking employment
- meet citizenship requirements (e.g. Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident or Convention Refugee) and be legally entitled to work and train in Canada
* Please note all students will be required to apply for a Police Information Check in their final semester of the program and provide a copy of the results to their practicum host employer.
Accounting Assistant (48 week) program:
- Essential Skills Computers (Alberta Education)
- Essential Skills English
- Business Math (Alberta Education)
- Accounting Fundamentals (Alberta Education)
Accounting Assistant (32 week) program:
- Essential Skills Computers (Alberta Education)
- Basic Accounting, I
- Basic Accounting II
- Cloud Accounting
- Business Writing
- Desktop Accounting
- Introduction to Payroll
- Introduction to Canadian Taxation
- 5 weeks of work experience (practicum)
In the final 5 weeks of the training program, learners will attend 5 weeks of work experience (practicum) where they will be challenged to apply all areas of acquired classroom knowledge to practical real-life circumstances. Work hours will be a minimum of 25-40 hours per week (depending on the employer’s needs) for the duration of the practicum placement.
Additionally, 48-week learners may be awarded 9 one-credit courses (INF1030, INFO 1060, INF1070, INFO 2020, INF2050, INF2080, FIN1015, FIN1020 and FIN1030) and 1 five credit course (MATH10P) on an Alberta Education post-secondary education transcript. 32-week learners may be awarded 3 one credit courses (INF1070, INF2050 and INF2080). High school transcripts are not connected to Columbia College but can be requested through the Government of Alberta with a myPass account.
Additional Information
This program is funded by the Government of Alberta, Foundational Learning Assistance. Students may be eligible to receive financial and childcare assistance to attend full-time studies. Please contact Columbia College at 403-235-9300 for further details.
The Accounting Assistant program follows a mastery learning model. These sessions will be delivered on an as needed basis. Students whose weekly test results fall below the Mastery Learning level must attend tutorial classes that Friday afternoon. Concentration will be focused on areas that the student does not understand. These tutorial sessions provide learners who are having trouble with additional staff support. Focus will be placed on mastering the competencies and skills required to become successful in the accounting field.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a Certificate of Program Completion (must achieve minimum course requirement of 70% or higher in each course). All graduates will be invited to attend Columbia College’s Convocation ceremony.
Employers of Graduates
H&R Block, Northview Canadian High Yield Residential Fund, Brander Professional Corporation, Chartered Professional Accountant, TradeHUB Canada Inc., Rise Calgary
Course Features
- Lectures 0
- Quizzes 0
- Duration 50 hours
- Skill level All levels
- Language English
- Students 1
- Assessments Yes
