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Please note:

To effectively participate in this program, students must have reliable Internet access and a device that meets these requirements.

About the program

As the pace of global change accelerates, the need for financial professionals to remain at the forefront of business decision making will become ever more important. With a CPA designation you will develop integrated competencies to thrive in this business environment where expectations continue to progress in multitude of directions.

If you are a motivated individual looking for an exciting career in accounting, this program is for you. This program will prepare you to pursue a professional accounting career leading to the attainment of the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Designation.

This sixteen course Ontario College Graduate Certificate program will provide you with skills to develop an in-depth understanding of Financial Statement Preparation, Financial Reporting, Managerial Accounting and Corporate Finance. You will develop skills in critical thinking, managing complex scenarios and fulfilling statutory requirements. Through case studies, group projects and interactive Online content you will develop skills needed to analyze complex scenarios, interpret them, and prepare Financial Statements in accordance with applicable Accounting Frameworks. You will be taught by Faculty members with industry experience, many of whom hold CPA designation. Flexible delivery will allow you to balance your professional commitments with the academic commitments arising out of this program.

This program is recognized by CPA Ontario. Graduates will be eligible to enter the Professional Education Program (PEP) phase of the CPA pathway, provided they meet the criteria set up by CPA Ontario. Following the PEP phase, you have the option to complete the remainder of the program with CPA Ontario (Capstone I and II) and then write the Common Final Exam (CFE).

Program information

All courses must be successfully completed within 5 years of acceptance into the program
Note: Admission to the program is required prior to registration for courses.

Course fees to complete this program total approximately *$4,000.00.

*This is the estimated amount for domestic students and may differ if students take equivalent courses. Fees are paid when registering for each individual course and are subject to change each term.

Admission requirements

  • An Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Degree or equivalent, in a field different than Accounting.

Note re: admission requirements

  • Applicants possessing degrees/diplomas from institutions where the language of instruction was not English will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency. Test scores, if required, would be a minimum of TOEFL iBT 88 with no individual skill less than 22; IELTS 6.5 with no bands less than 6.0; CAEL 70 with no sub-test band scores less than 60; PTE Academic 58; Conestoga English Language Test (CELT) Band 6; Cambridge Exams 180 with no individual score less than 170; or equivalent scores in other recognized standard tests of English.
  • A reasonably good background in mathematics is required to complete this program. Students without this background will be required to complete mathematics testing to determine which additional courses must be completed.
  • We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but who have met all other admission criteria. You will be eligible for admission to the degree program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science – English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Your placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.

Admission procedures

  • Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
  • Attach proof of Admission Requirements.
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Graduate opportunities

Upon graduation from this program, graduates can join the PEP level in the CPA pathway. You can also look forward to opportunities within private accounting firms, non-governmental agencies, governmental offices, not-for-profit agencies and Tech start-ups.

Unsure of which program best suits your long-term career goals? Student Recruitment Advisors can provide one to one advising for prospective domestic students looking to take a program at Conestoga College. Please reach out to SRA@conestogac.on.ca to book an appointment!

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Record all transactions in accordance with the professional accounting conceptual framework for financial reporting
  • Prepare accurate, relevant, and timely corporate financial statements and other financial information according to the respective needs of stakeholders
  • Identify and analyze relevant financial and managerial accounting information to support effective decision-making
  • Use technology to produce and present accurate and timely financial information for business decision makers
  • Use statistical techniques in the analysis of financial information to support the accounting needs of respective stakeholders
  • Recommend effective information systems structures to support efficient business operations
  • Make recommendations to mitigate risks associated with the legal limitations and implications in a business scenario and accounting practice.
  • Consult with stakeholders on complex finance and accounting issues to support evidence-based decision making
  • Witness and reflect on the role of accounting in ethical management decision-making to support social, economic, environmental responsibility of organizations
  • Apply corporate finance techniques to support strategic and operational management decisions
  • Interpret and apply personal and corporate tax legislation to ensure compliance
  • Plan effective external, internal and information systems audits to meet compliance and assurance requirements

Program related resources

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Spring registration: Opens March 11, 2024
Fall registration: Opens July 22, 2024