Business - Accounting BAC2

Holland Code: E (Enterprising)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see the website for details.

Arts & Literacy High school courses in Business Studies, Accounting or Business and Technological Communication would be beneficial.

Math & Science Prospective students should enjoy math and have a solid high school background in math. Grade 12 high school Math would be beneficial, but grade 11 math is accepted.

Applicants who do not have a math background should consider the one-year Business Fundamentals program. This program is recommended for students who require or desire academic upgrading, particularly in Mathematics and English, before pursuing a business diploma program. Students who complete the Business Fundamentals program may be eligible for admission to Level 2 of any two-year business diploma program at Fanshawe College.

Technology Basic computer skills required (Microsoft Office, email, Internet).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Work independently on routine tasks
• Take a methodical and logical approach to their work
• Work with numbers quickly and accurately
• Enjoy  data analysis and proofreading
• Willing and able to keep up to date with evolving technology
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Good negotiation skills and the ability to work with many different people
• Customer service skills
• The ability to adapt to a changing environment
• Concentrate for extended periods and pay close attention to detail but also switch back and forth between tasks
• Able to keep information confidential
• Able to work well under pressure and consistently meet deadlines

Useful background experience for this program would be …

Experience in a secondary school business club or Junior Achievement and/or work experience in a business environment.

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become an …

Accounting assistant, junior accountant, staff accountant, bookkeeper, accounts payable and receivable clerk, billing administrator, or tax assistant.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

• Usually work regular weekday hours in a comfortable office environment
• Overtime may be required around specific periods (for example, accounting period, tax filing deadlines)

Places you may find yourself employed include

Manufacturing, Merchandising/retail, banks and other financial institutions, public accounting firms, federal, provincial, and municipal government offices or self-employment.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Calculate, prepare and issue documents related to accounts such as bills, invoices, inventory reports, account statements and other financial statements using computerized and manual systems
• Code, total, batch, enter, verify and reconcile transactions such as accounts payable and receivable, payroll, purchase orders, cheques, invoices, cheque requisitions, and bank statements in a ledger or computer system
• Compile budget data and documents based on estimated revenues and expenses and previous budgets
• Prepare period or cost statements or reports
• Calculate costs of materials, overhead and other expenses based on estimates, quotations, and price-lists
• Respond to customer inquiries, maintain good customer relations and solve problems
• Keep financial records and establish, maintain and balance various accounts using manual and computerized bookkeeping systems
• Post journal entries and reconcile accounts, prepare trial balance of books, maintain general ledgers and prepare financial statements
• Calculate and prepare cheques for payrolls and utility, tax and other bills
• Complete and submit tax remittance forms, workers' compensation forms, pension contribution forms and other government documents
• Prepare tax returns and perform other personal bookkeeping services
• Prepare other statistical, financial and accounting reports

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Opportunities for further development or education

• Students in this program have the opportunity to spend one-semester abroad in countries in South America or Europe.

• Graduates may be eligible for a one-semester bridging program into the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting.

• Graduates may transfer directly into the third year of Fanshawe's Business Administration - Accounting program, and obtain an advanced diploma in just two additional semesters!
• Graduates may apply to one of the following Fanshawe graduate certificate programs: International Business Management; Human Resources Management; Professional Financial Services; Project Management; or Marketing Management
• Course work may be used as a basis of university admission or credits may transfer to a university degree at many different schools. More information online.

Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: August 21, 2024