Professional Accounting Practice
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Program Overview
This post-graduate accounting program is designed for university and college graduates seeking a career in professional accounting. Courses will be enriched with hands-on integrated technology applications and case studies based on real-world scenarios. Further real-world industry exposure will be maximized with guest speakers and hands-on projects. The program is designed to integrate all course topics and develop students' critical thinking, research, and decision-making skills. The courses offered through this program are aligned with CPA Ontario’s seven specific qualifying courses and eight additional eligible business course requirements. Therefore, successful graduates of this program may be able to bypass the CPA Knowledge Assessment, subject to meeting all applicable CPA admission requirements, including the degree component and 70% overall GPA requirements.
Program Details
Program Code
PAC3
Credential:
Ontario College Graduate Certificate
Duration
45 weeks
Canadian Students
Start Dates
Locations
Availability
Full Time Offerings
Your Learning Experience
Professional Accounting Practice is a one-year, fully online Ontario College Graduate Certificate program designed to strengthen your accounting and business knowledge. Learn from experience faculty while building practical skills and refreshing your knowledge in key accounting areas.
Not only will you develop specialized skills and knowledge of core accounting principles, but you will also gain hands-on experience using Microsoft Excel and other industry-standard accounting software. You’ll graduate prepared to produce financial information for management decision-making, calculate performance measures, prepare budgets and forecasts, monitor accounting procedures and more.
This Ontario College Graduate Certificate is recognized by CPA Ontario and supports your pathway toward the CPA designation. The program provides relevant accounting and business education for the new CPA Professional Program starting January 2027 and may allow eligible graduates to bypass the CPA Knowledge Assessment (subject to CPA Ontario requirements).
Available in a 100% online format with a September admission with part-time online study options.
Laptop requirements
Please note that a laptop is recommended for this program. It is recommended that students use a PC laptop vs. a Mac laptop, as Windows is required to be able to load program-specific software. For more information on preferred requirements, visit the Laptop Requirements page on the Fanshawe CONNECTED website.
Career Information
Graduates of Fanshawe’s Professional Accounting program will have employment opportunities in many organizations, including public accounting firms, government offices, not-for-profit organizations, public and private corporations, small businesses and financial institutions. Self-employment is also an option.
Graduates will be able to:
- prepare financial information to support management decision-making;
- prepare financial statements and related disclosures;
- calculate and report on financial and non-financial performance measures;
- support the development and maintenance of the organization’s management control and risk management systems;
- monitor and recommend improvements to accounting procedures, accounting information systems and internal controls;
- monitor cash flow and cash flow requirements;
- prepare budgets and forecasts;
- prepare information for external auditors;
- support the auditor in planning and executing the audit; and
- help prepare tax filings and comply with remittance requirements.
Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario? Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s Professional Accounting program:
Accounting Clerk
Responsible for matching invoices to purchase orders, performing data entry and reconciling bank statements with the general ledger.
Accounts Payable Clerk
Responsible for processing invoices and cheque requisitions for payment.
Bookkeeper
Assist with payroll, contractors, accounts receivable, accounts payable, internal manufacturing projects, fiscal year-end, HST/GST return preparation and subsidy applications using commercial software.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
1. Analyze, verify, and apply financial transaction data to recommend solutions for various entities in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
2. Evaluate and interpret financial documents to support strategic decision-making and financial performance analysis.
3. Develop and implement financial strategies to optimize organizational performance and drive strategic business initiatives.
4. Develop and implement comprehensive strategies for individuals and organizations to optimize tax efficiency and support long-term financial planning.
5. Evaluate and optimize the interdependence of functional areas within an organization to enhance financial outcomes, operational efficiency, and establish strategies for continuous improvement.
6. Develop and implement comprehensive policies and strategies to address economic, social, legal, ethical, technological, environmental and regulatory factors influencing long-term sustainability and corporate responsibility.
7. Evaluate and optimize control systems, risk management strategies and operational efficiency to uphold financial integrity while ensuring regulatory compliance.
8. Facilitate and lead professional, ethical, and collaborative communication with internal and external members to achieve organizational goals and drive team performance.
9. Develop, manage, and evaluate accounting projects to drive organizational growth and innovation.
Related Programs
Academic School
Program Coordinator:
Senada Glavas, MBA, CPA, CPA (Aust.)
Academic Advisor:
Katie Payne
Pathways
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