Accounting
Accounting is the backbone of business operations, dealing with budgets, profit and loss, and financial planning. Moreover, it offers a solid foundation in financial principles and a pathway to becoming a trusted advisor in business decision-making processes.
As with all Business Management programs, our Accounting program has a focus on sustainability, preparing you to be competitive in the changing business landscape.
Our business students, including Accounting diploma students, excel every year at the Western Canada Business Competition, bringing home medals consistently.
Program Overview
The Accounting program offers you the flexibility of completing your diploma or certificate online, face-to-face, or a combination of the two.
This program starts in September and January each year. Part-time students applying in the Spring semester should select University General Studies as their program when applying.
Our Accounting diploma, in combination with our Bachelor of Business Admin program, provides the prerequisites for the CPA PEP program. It will also transfer into programs for CPHR (Chartered Professional in Human Resources), CPM (Certified Payroll Manager), and CFP (Certified Financial Planner). We recommend you speak with an Education Advisor regarding transfer credit.
But don’t stop there! The diploma ladders directly into Year 3 of the Bachelor of Business Administration in Sustainable Business Practices degree at the College which has the additional flexibility of part-time, full-time, face-to-face, or online learning. Complete both the diploma and degree – and you’re well-prepared to tackle the world of business!
Note: Upon successful completion of all Year 1 courses, you can graduate with a Business Management Certificate.
Accounting Diploma Program Structure:
Year 1 – Fall Semester
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ACCT 261 | Introductory Financial Accounting 1 | 3 |
MGMT 212 | Business Law | 3 |
ECON 101 | Microeconomics | 3 |
COMC 101 or ENGL 100 | COMC 101 Technical and Professional Writing or ENGL 100 English Composition. Note: ENGL 100 may be required for degree-seeking students | 3 |
MATH 101 or MATH 111 or MATH 103 | Finite Mathematics 1 or Business Mathematics or Differential Calculus | 3 |
Total | 15 |
Year 1 – Winter Semester
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ACCT 262 | Introductory Financial Accounting 2 | 3 |
COMC 102 | Advanced Professional Communication | 3 |
COMP 154 | Computer Applications in Business | 3 |
ECON 102 | Macroeconomics | 3 |
STAT 106 | Statistics | 3 |
Total | 15 |
Year 2 – Fall Semester
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ACCT 363 | Taxation 1 | 3 |
ACCT 371 | Corporate Finance 1 | 3 |
ACCT 373 | Intermediate Financial Reporting 1 | 3 |
ACCT 375 | Introductory Management Accounting | 3 |
ACCT 369 | Quantitative Methods in Business | 3 |
Total | 15 |
Year 2 – Winter Semester
Course | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
ACCT 372 | Corporate Finance 2 | 3 |
ACCT 374 | Intermediate Financial Reporting 2 | 3 |
ACCT 364 | Taxation 2 | 3 |
ACCT 350 | Accounting Software Applications | 3 |
MGMT 411 | Business Management Review | 3 |
Total | 15 |
Course Descriptions
Year 1 – Fall Semester
ACCT-261 – Introductory Financial Accounting 1
This course introduces students to the basic accounting cycle including preparation of useful financial statements. Students will analyze and record business transactions, create financial statements, and journal entries. Other topics include accounting for cash, receivables, inventory, and payroll.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
- Completed at least 1 of the following:
- Earned a minimum grade of C (60%) in at least 1 of the following:
- FOM 11 – Foundations of Mathematics 11
- FOM 12 – Foundations of Mathematics 12
- PREC 11 – Pre-Calculus 11
- PREC 12 – Pre-Calculus 12
- CS 11 – Computer Science 11
- CS 12 – Computer Science 12
- STAT 12 – Statistics 12
- GEO 12 – Geometry 12
- WPM 11 – Workplace Mathematics 11
- PRMA 12 – Apprenticeship Mathematics 12
- MATH080 – Mathematics – Advanced Level
- MATH082 – Mathematics, Advanced Level (Developmental Mathematics)
- Complete all of the following
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
MGMT-212 – Business Law
In this course, students will gain a comprehensive overview of the Canadian common law legal system, along with applicable statute laws and regulations. Students will explore business obligations and liabilities arising from torts, contracts, and various business-related laws. Emphasis is placed on managing risks in an organization’s business activities.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
ECON-101 – Microeconomics
This course deals with the economic principles that govern the individual segments of the economy. Topics include supply and demand; market intervention; elasticity; utility theory; production and cost theory; perfectly competitive, monopoly, and imperfectly-competitive market structures; and market failures.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Earned a minimum grade of C (60%) in at least 1 of the following:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
ENGL-100 – English Composition
English 100 focuses on composition strategies for writing across academic disciplines. Over the course of the term, students will develop an awareness of how rhetorical situations affect composition and refine their understanding of the fundamentals of essay writing (and clear communication more broadly), including paragraphing, thesis statements, essay structure, and citation methods. Students will also learn the fundamentals of critical thinking and analysis, persuasive writing techniques (including rhetorical appeals and modes), scholarly research, and academic reading.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Hybrid, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
COMC-101 – Technical and Professional Writing
In this introductory course, students develop practical writing skills for the workplace. Activities centre on effective writing styles and offer detailed guidelines on planning, organizing, composing and revising documents for a range of communication tasks. This course reviews some grammar essentials and leads students to be resourceful and successful communicators in traditional and virtual correspondence.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
Electives (Choose one of the following Maths)
Choose from: MATH-101, MATH-111 or MATH-103
MATH-101 – Finite Mathematics 1
This course is intended for students who require an appreciation of higher mathematics, but do not require calculus. MATH 101 stresses a logical and critical thinking approach while investigating the following topics: an introduction to matrices and to linear algebra; linear programming and the Simplex method; set theory, counting techniques and probability; introduction to statistics; and Markov Processes.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in each of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
MATH-111 – Business Mathematics
This course emphasizes the mathematics required in general business processes. It begins with a brief review of arithmetic and algebra. These skills are then applied to business situations requiring the use of percentages, markup, simple interest and compound interest. The emphasis is on applied business mathematics and the use of a hand-held business calculator. This course is designed to prepare students for the mathematical and analytical applications required in subsequent business and economics courses.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Earned a minimum grade of C (60%) in at least 1 of the following:
- MATH080 – Mathematics – Advanced Level
- PREC 11 – Pre-Calculus 11
- FOM 11 – Foundations of Mathematics 11
- CS 11 – Computer Science 11
- CS 12 – Computer Science 12
- FOM 12 – Foundations of Mathematics 12
- PREC 12 – Pre-Calculus 12
- GEO 12 – Geometry 12
- STAT 12 – Statistics 12
- CALC 12 – Calculus 12
- MATH100 – Pre-Calculus (3)
- Earned a minimum grade of C (60%) in at least 1 of the following:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
MATH-103 – Differential Calculus
This course is intended for students who are pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree. Topics include: functions, limits, continuity, derivatives, their interpretation, differentiation rules, techniques of differentiation, implicit differentiation, inverse functions, exponential functions, logarithms, applications of differentiation such as linear approximations, Newton’s method, related rates, analysis of graphs, and optimization, and the Mean Value Theorem.
Calculus is a necessary step in any career in the sciences including Biology, Chemistry, Commerce, Computer Science, Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, Medicine, and Physics. It is also useful in any field which uses Statistics to analyze data.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in each of the following:
- Complete all of the following
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
- Complete 1 of the following
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Lab Fees: $85.38
- Total: $457.95
- Course Outline
Year 1 – Winter Semester
ACCT-262 – Introductory Financial Accounting 2
This course is a continuation of ACCT 261, Introductory Financial Accounting 1, and is a cornerstone of the Accounting diploma program. It also fulfills key requirements for the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Professional Education Program.
Students will gain essential skills in preparing and analyzing financial statements for various business structures. Key topics include capital assets, current and long-term liabilities, partnership transactions, and corporate reporting. Learners will also explore debt and equity investments, calculate earnings per share, and understand the triple bottom line concept. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to apply their knowledge in real-world accounting scenarios.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Earned a minimum grade of C- (55%) in each of the following:
- ACCT261 – Introductory Financial Accounting 1 (3)
- Earned a minimum grade of C- (55%) in each of the following:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online, Hybrid
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
COMC-102 – Advanced Professional Communication
Emphasizing the link between research, rhetorical analysis and effective communication, this course provides an exploration of business writing techniques, presentation styles and research methodologies essential for success in business environments. Students will also gain an understanding on how design and visual elements enhance the readability and persuasiveness of communication practices. Practical application of concepts in real-world scenarios will be a key focus, with the aim of developing a sophisticated and effective communication skill set.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
COMP-154 – Computer Applications in Business
This course examines information systems theory and utilizes computer technology. Students will explore the application of technology in organizations. Students will investigate information systems, evaluate organizational needs, and develop effective solutions. Security, legal and ethical issues will be examined along with characteristics of professional administration. Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook, will be utilized to create effective business artifacts and fulfill organizational needs.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 75 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Prerequisites: Familiarity with Microsoft Office and basic computing skills, or COMP 153 are recommended.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Lab Fees: $85.38
- Total: $457.95
- Course Outline
ECON-102 – Macroeconomics
This course presents the economic principles that govern the behaviour of the nation’s economy. Topics include GDP (nominal and real); economic growth; unemployment; inflation; fiscal policy (government spending and taxation); monetary policy (Bank of Canada), international trade; exchanges rates and balance of payments; and some major economic theories from the 20th century and the early 21st century. Current and recent historic Canadian macroeconomic data, events, and challenges are discussed.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Earned a minimum grade of C (60%) in at least 1 of the following:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
STAT-106 – Statistics
This course introduces the fundamental ideas of statistics and can be applied to any discipline. Topics include: collection, description, and presentation of data; calculating central tendency and dispersion; probability and statistical inference; hypothesis testing (means, proportions, variances, one and two samples); correlation and regression; decision making and sampling, Goodness of Fit Tests, and Contingency Tables.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 60 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
- CS 11 – Computer Science 11
- FOM 11 – Foundations of Mathematics 11
- PREC 11 – Pre-Calculus 11
- CALC 11 – Calculus 11
- CS 12 – Computer Science 12
- FOM 12 – Foundations of Mathematics 12
- PREC 12 – Pre-Calculus 12
- CALC 12 – Calculus 12
- GEO 12 – Geometry 12
- STAT 12 – Statistics 12
- MATH080 – Mathematics – Advanced Level
- MATH090 – Mathematics – Provincial Level
- MATH101 – Finite Mathematics 1 (3)
- MATH111 – Business Mathematics (3)
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Lab Fees: $85.38
- Total: $457.95
- Course Outline
Year 2 – Fall Semester
ACCT-363 – Taxation 1
This course is an introduction to Canadian taxation. It focuses on the understanding of the nature and structure of the Income Tax Act. Topics covered in this course include liability for tax and rules for computing income, taxable income, allowable deductions and taxes payable for individuals.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Earned a minimum grade of C- (55%) in each of the following:
- ACCT262 – Introductory Financial Accounting 2 (3)
- Earned a minimum grade of C- (55%) in each of the following:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
ACCT-371 – Corporate Finance 1
This course, along with ACCT 372, is an introduction to managerial finance. It focuses on the environment in which financial decisions are made, the analysis required to make financial decisions, and the theoretical framework on which the analysis is based. Topics covered include an introduction to taxation, the Canadian financial system, securities markets, the valuation of securities, capital budgeting, capital structure, the cost of capital, dividend policy, sources of financing, working capital management, international finance, and corporate reorganizations.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
ACCT-373 – Intermediate Financial Reporting 1
This course starts with a review of the accounting cycle and discussion of accounting concepts and principles. It is the first half of a two-part course in intermediate-level financial reporting. Topics covered include a conceptual framework, income statement and retained earnings statement, balance sheet and disclosure notes, cash flow statement, revenue and expense recognition and measurement, current monetary balances, inventory and cost of sales, capital assets, goodwill and deferred charges, amortization and impairment and investments in debt and equity securities.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
ACCT-375 – Introductory Management Accounting
This course is an introduction to managerial and cost accounting. Topics include: introduction to managerial accounting, building blocks of managerial accounting, cost behavior, cost volume profit analysis, job costing, activity based costing, short-term business decisions, master budget & responsibility accounting, flexible budgets and standard costs, performance evaluation & the balanced scorecard, capital investment decisions and the time value of money.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Complete all of the following
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
ACCT-369 – Quantitative Methods in Business
This course is designed to help students learn to express organizational problems in mathematical terms. Topics include linear programming, network models (transportation, transshipment, and shortest route), project scheduling (PERT/CPM), decision analysis, queueing theory, simulation, forecasting, and inventory management. Microsoft Excel (including its Solver Add-In) will be used extensively for solving various business problems.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
Year 2 – Winter Semester
ACCT-372 – Corporate Finance 2
This course develops analytical techniques and financial theories used to make optimal decisions in a corporate setting. The course builds on and extends the concepts and tools covered in ACCT 371. Students are exposed to key financial concepts and tools commonly used by managers in making sound financial decisions.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Earned a minimum grade of C- (55%) in each of the following:
- ACCT371 – Corporate Finance 1 (3)
- Earned a minimum grade of C- (55%) in each of the following:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
ACCT-374 – Intermediate Financial Reporting 2
This course is the second half of a two-part course in intermediate-level financial reporting. Topics covered include accounting for liabilities, shareholders’ equity, complex debt and equity instruments, corporate income taxes, tax losses, leases, pensions, earnings per share, accounting changes, cash flows, and other measurement and disclosure items.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Earned a minimum grade of C- (55%) in each of the following:
- ACCT373 – Intermediate Financial Reporting 1 (3)
- Earned a minimum grade of C- (55%) in each of the following:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
ACCT-364 – Taxation 2
This companion course to ACCT 363 completes the introduction to Canadian taxation by focusing on corporate taxation. This course deals with GST/HST, taxation of corporations, corporate reorganizations, partnerships, trusts, estate planning, and taxes of Indigenous Peoples’ in Canada.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Earned a minimum grade of C- (55%) in each of the following:
- ACCT363 – Taxation 1 (3)
- Earned a minimum grade of C- (55%) in each of the following:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
ACCT-350 – Accounting Software Applications
This course provides students with a practical working knowledge of commonly used accounting software program Sage 50. Students will gain an understanding of using accounting software for the full accounting cycle. Topics covered include accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, bank reconciliations and month/year end processing.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
MGMT-411 – Business Management Review
This is an intensive capstone course intended to pull together all the subjects covered in the Business Administration Diploma Program. This course is designed to involve the student in running a business in a team environment and to show how it all comes together by utilizing a computerized business simulation. Students design and present a business plan to a board of directors; make operating, financial, marketing and human resource decisions; and prepare business reports.
- Minimum Credits: 3
- Length: 45 hours
- Prerequisites:
- Prerequisites: Completion of at least three semesters (15 courses) towards diploma; this course is taken in final semester before graduating with a diploma.
- Delivery Method: ? On-campus, Online
- Cost: $372.57
- Course Outline
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements:
Complete all of the following
- Secondary school graduation or equivalent.
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
- ENST 12 – English Studies 12
- ENFP 12 – English First Peoples 12
- ENGL090 – English – Provincial Level
Complete 1 of the following
- Earned a minimum grade of C (60%) in at least 1 of the following:
- FOM 11 – Foundations of Mathematics 11
- PREC 11 – Pre-Calculus 11
- STAT 12 – Statistics 12
- PREC 12 – Pre-Calculus 12
- CALC 12 – Calculus 12
- MATH080 – Mathematics – Advanced Level
- Earned a minimum grade of C+ (65%) in at least 1 of the following:
- FOM 12 – Foundations of Mathematics 12
- GEO 12 – Geometry 12
- CS 12 – Computer Science 12
Recommended Admission Requirements:
Experience using Microsoft Word and Excel is recommended.
Non-Academic Admission Requirements:
Students for whom English is a second language must meet the College’s English Language Proficiency Requirements.
Tuition and Fees for Domestic Students
For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)
Year 1
Application Fee: | $30.00 |
Tuition: | $3,725.70 |
Lab Fee: | $170.76 |
Student Association Fee: | $69.00 |
Bus Pass Fee: | $88.80 |
Health and Dental Fee: | $240.00 |
Year 2
Tuition: | $3,725.70 |
Student Association Fee: | $69.00 |
Bus Pass Fee: | $88.80 |
Health and Dental Fee: | $240.00 |
*Tuition and Fees for domestic students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook costs or supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Tuition and Fees for International Students
For the 2025/26 academic year (2025/SU, 2025/FA, 2026/WI, 2026/SP)
Year 1
International Application Fee: | $100.00 |
One-time International Education Fee: | $100.00 |
Tuition: | $16,340.70 |
Lab Fee: | $170.76 |
Student Association Fee: | $69.00 |
Bus Pass Fee: | $88.80 |
Health and Dental Fee: | $240.00 |
Guard.me Insurance: | $270.00 |
Year 2
Tuition: | $16,340.70 |
Student Association Fee: | $69.00 |
Bus Pass Fee: | $88.80 |
Health and Dental Fee: | $240.00 |
*Tuition and Fees for international students are estimates and are subject to change. Depending on course electives there may be additional lab fees. Tuition and Fees do not include textbook and supplies. Tuition fees include student technology fees, student activity fees, and alumni fees. For more information, visit: Tuition and Fees.
Refer to: International Education Fees Schedule for 2026/27 tuition.
Career Info and Pathways
With an education in accounting, you may choose to be self-employed as a consultant or to work for private or public sectors in organizations of all sizes. Just a few examples of career options include:
- Accounting Technician *
- Accounting and related clerks
- Banking, credit and other financial clerks
- Bookkeeper
- Payroll Administrators
With further education and/or experience, additional opportunities may include:
- Banking, credit, and other investment managers *
- Financial Auditor *
- Financial Manager *
- Other business service managers *
- Senior Managers – public and private sectors *
* High Opportunity Career
Accounting Diploma – Block Transfer Agreements
To Institution | Program | |
---|---|---|
College of the Rockies | Bachelor of Business Administration | Planning Form |
Capilano University | Bachelor of Business Administration Note: Applicants must meet Capilano University’s School of Business admission requirements and Capilano University’s admission and general English Language requirements. | Transfer Agreement |
Royal Roads University | Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication Note: Individual assessment required. In addition you must complete English 100 with a B or greater. | Transfer Agreement |
University of Lethbridge | Post-Diploma Bachelor of Management Note: Graduates will be guaranteed admission if their diploma GPA is 3.0 or higher. | Transfer Agreement |
University of Northern British Columbia | Bachelor Of Commerce | Transfer Information |
Celebrating Our Alumni

Program Details
Delivery Method:?
Blended, On-campus, Online
Credential:
Diploma
Categories:
Administrative & Accounting, Block Transfer Agreements with Other Institutions, Business, Finance & Accounting, University Studies
Interests:
Office, Start or Run Your Own Business
Contact Details
Cranbrook
2700 College Way,
Box 8500, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 5L7
Phone: 250-489-2751
Toll-free: 1-877-489-2687
Email: info@cotr.bc.ca