Bookkeeping & Accounting

Your Career in Finance Starts Here

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Earn Your Certificate in Bookkeeping & Accounting
Program Highlights

Our 6-month Bookkeeping & Accounting Certificate Program is designed to prepare you for success in today’s fast-paced financial world. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to upgrade existing skills, this fully online program delivers the practical knowledge and tools you need to thrive in a variety of accounting roles.

Through a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning, you’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software and build a strong foundation in core accounting principles and software including:

• Microsoft Office Suite, with a focus on Excel for financial tasks
• Sage and QuickBooks, two of the most widely used accounting platforms
• Financial reporting and reconciliation
• Payroll and taxation processes
• Effective and professional client communication

Ready to Learn?Canada’s finance and accounting industry is undergoing rapid transformation, driving strong demand for trained bookkeepers and accountants. According to the Job Bank of Canada, career prospects in these fields are expected to grow steadily. With a significant portion of the current workforce approaching retirement, thousands of new job openings are anticipated in the coming years—creating exciting opportunities for new professionals to step in.

Start Your Career in Finance
Balance the Books. Build Your Future.

You want to be well prepared to launch your career. Here’s what our program will do for you:

Industry- Relevant Learning

Learn from experienced accounting professionals who bring real-world insights into every lesson.

Practical Skills

Courses designed to immerse you in the tools and techniques used every day in the field.

Learn YOUR Way

Delivered asynchronously through online delivery, you can set your own schedule and learn your way! 

Ready? Set. Go!

Graduate job-ready with the skills and software experience employers want. 

Experience the CAT Difference
Why the Best Choose Us

We understand that choosing a post-secondary school is a big decision that usually involves input from some of the most important people in your life. Tuition considerations, support after graduation and key industry connections – these are all part of choosing the best bookkeeping and accounting school for you.

Here are a few reasons why you’ll be happy you chose College for Arts and Technology:

Hands-on, employment-focused education.

Employment-focused programs that deliver the soft skills you need for lasting career success and hands-on experience with the latest, industry-standard techniques and software. Your finance career starts here!

Personalized guidance from industry professionals – on your schedule.

Even in an asynchronous online environment, you won’t feel like you’re on your own. Our program is designed to provide one-on-one feedback, direct communication, and timely support from your instructor—an experienced professional. This means expert mentorship and responsive guidance are built into your learning journey

Support that’s designed around you.

Financial guidance? We’ve got you covered. Career advice after graduation? We wouldn’t have it any other way. You’re more than a student number to us. We create a personalized experience that you won’t get anywhere else.

Quality you can fact-check.

College for Arts and Technology holds full designation through Education Quality Assurance and the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit.

Join the Bookkeeping & Accounting Program

Course Descriptions

Here’s How You’ll Build Your Skills

This multi-level accounting course provides students with a thorough understanding of financial and managerial accounting principles. The course begins with foundational skills such as recording, classifying, and summarizing financial transactions, with a focus on the accounting cycle, journal entries, and the preparation of basic financial statements.

As students advance, they explore more complex financial accounting topics, including accounts payable and receivable, long-term assets, investments, and sales tax. They also learn to prepare and analyze financial statements for partnerships and corporations, developing the ability to interpret financial data in a business context.

In the final level, students are introduced to cost accounting and financial planning. Topics include cost allocation, cost-volume-profit analysis, and the use of financial data for pricing and strategic decision-making. Students will also gain hands-on experience in creating and analyzing budgets tailored to small business operations. This two-level course introduces students to two of the most widely used accounting software programs in Canada: Sage 50 Accounting and QuickBooks. Each level focuses on one software platform, providing students with practical, hands-on experience in digital bookkeeping and financial management.

In Level 1, students will explore Sage 50 Accounting, learning to navigate the software and perform essential tasks such as setting up company files, managing accounts, recording transactions, and generating financial reports. Emphasis is placed on developing confidence and proficiency in using Sage to meet the accounting needs of various organizations.

In Level 2, students will transition to QuickBooks, where they will build on their foundational skills to manage financial transactions, invoicing, payroll, bank reconciliations, and more. Students will also learn to generate financial statements, track expenses, and manage accounts payable and receivable, preparing them to use QuickBooks effectively in a professional setting. This course builds on foundational Excel skills, focusing on advanced tools and techniques to enhance productivity and decision-making in bookkeeping and accounting. Students will explore complex functions, data visualization tools, and advanced data management features to analyze and interpret financial data effectively. The course also introduces the integration of artificial intelligence tools within Excel, such as data forecasting and automated insights, to streamline processes and improve accuracy. Through hands-on exercises, students will gain confidence in applying these advanced skills to solve real-world financial problems and optimize workflows. This weekly lab serves as the synchronous component of the program, offering students a dedicated space to engage directly with their instructor and peers. Each session focuses on reviewing the week’s learning objectives and course materials while providing an open forum for students to ask questions about assignments, quizzes, and exams. The lab is designed to facilitate real-time feedback and foster collaborative discussions, ensuring students stay on track and receive the support needed to succeed in their studies.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of payroll administration in Canada, emphasizing compliance with federal and provincial regulations. Students will learn to calculate employee earnings, statutory deductions such as CPP, EI, and income tax, and employer contributions. The course also covers the preparation of Records of Employment (ROEs), year-end reporting, including T4s, and the administration of Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) premiums and Employer Health Tax (EHT). Through hands-on practice, students will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to manage payroll processes accurately and efficiently, ensuring compliance and professionalism in any workplace setting. 

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Canadian tax system, focusing on the principles and practices of taxation for individuals and small businesses. Students will learn to prepare accurate and compliant personal and business tax returns using current legislation and guidelines. Topics include income sources, deductions, credits, tax planning strategies, and the use of tax preparation software. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of Canadian taxation and provide professional tax preparation services. This course introduces students to cloud-based accounting software, a growing trend in the accounting industry. Students will explore the advantages and features of cloud accounting systems, including real-time data access, automation, and enhanced collaboration capabilities. Through hands-on experience with popular cloud accounting platforms, students will learn how to set up accounts, manage financial transactions, and generate reports. The course emphasizes the integration of cloud-based solutions with traditional accounting processes, preparing students to leverage these tools for efficient and scalable financial management in the modern business environment. This course equips students with the foundational Microsoft Office skills essential for the bookkeeping and accounting profession. Students will learn to use Word for professional document creation, PowerPoint for designing impactful presentations, and Outlook for effective communication and scheduling. Additionally, students will develop foundational skills in Excel, focusing on its application in organizing and managing data. By the end of this course, students will be well-prepared to utilize these tools efficiently and professionally in the workplace. I’m Ready to Build My Skills

Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s Get You Answers

It’s always a benefit to have previous experience, but we’re happy to say that it is not a requirement for admission into this program. This hands-on program has been designed to walk you through all the skills you’ll need to succeed in this thriving industry.

For complete program details including Admission Requirements, please reach out to a Program Advisor by completing an online inquiry form.

The program is designed to be completed online through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous classes in a 6-month period. Offered through continuous intake, you can enroll in this program at any time!

There are a number of reasons why CAT’s program stands out among the competition, including classes taught by working professionals, mentorship, financial advising and support, ongoing career guidance, and the ability to learn online on your own schedule! Also, as a small and nimble institution, we have the ability to quickly adapt, giving our students the benefit of the latest industry trends and technology!

Our Program Advisors are very knowledgeable and can share more in-depth program details. To contact an Advisor, complete an online inquiry form, and an Advisor will follow up with you.

We maintain close connections with our industry partners, and throughout your program, you’ll have opportunities to network with industry guests.

After graduation, you can count on continued support from our Education and Student Services team who will share job opportunities with you and provide connections and resources to help you land your first role. You’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like Microsoft Excel, Sage, and QuickBooks.

Tuition is available on our Fees & Tuition page online, however, speaking to a Program Advisor is the best way to get the latest information. To contact an Advisor, complete an online inquiry form, and an Advisor will follow up with you.

Financial assistance is available through our Financial Aid office. To speak with our Financial Aid Officer, please contact the school at inquire@catrebuild.mystagingwebsite.com or by phone at 250-860-2787.

This decision is ultimately up to you and your schedule. As this course is delivered online with a flexible schedule, you may find it possible to accommodate an on-going position.

Graduates are prepared for roles such as:

• Bookkeeper
• Accounting Assistant
• Payroll Clerk
• Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist

As this program is delivered fully online, students must have access to their own desktop PC or laptop that meets the following specifications:

• Processor: Intel Core i5 or better
• Operating System: Windows 10
• Memory: Minimum 4GB (8GB recommended)
• Storage: At least 120GB, with an SSD recommended for better performance

Additionally, a stable and reliable internet connection is also essential to ensure smooth participation.

Financial Aid For The Certificate in Bookkeeping & Accounting
The Financial Guidance and Support You Need 

You have options available to you when it comes to financing your education with College for Arts and Technology. Our Finance team can answer any questions you may have on payment plans, bursaries and grants, and more. We believe in empowering people through education and proudly offer the support and guidance you need to ensure finances are not a barrier on your path to higher learning.

This program is not eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit Program. Learn more about PGWP eligibility on the IRCC website.