Learn more about the academic programs we are delivering in Winter 2025. If you have any questions about part-time studies, please contact us.

 

 

Overview

The Accounting and Finance Advanced Diploma program is recognized in the market place as a premier accounting and finance program with an excellent reputation for quality.  You will develop excellent technical knowledge of financial accounting, cost and managerial accounting, taxation, financial management, auditing and technology applications, and practice using MS Excel and Access database software as tools to solve business problems.

This program consists of courses that are only delivered as Hybrid, with at least 50% of classes in-person at Newnham Campus, including tests and exams.


 

Interested in learning more?

Students are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the program and to connect with our team. 

Seneca Part-Time Accounting & Finance Information Session

Monday, January 6, 2024
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register Now

Confirmation of registration and a unique link to join the information session will be provided upon registration.

Filter Classes: In Class     Online     Correspondence     Hybrid     Availability   

Part-time Studies courses are being offered in either of the following four formats: Online, Flexible, In-person, Hybrid. Click Availability below to see current offerings.

Curriculum

COM101 OR COM111
 
COM101
Communicating Across Contexts
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

Placement via English Assessment, or successful completion of ESL934.

COM101 replaces EAC 150.
Students who have successfully completed EAC 150 are not required to complete COM101.

This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their postsecondary studies, workplaces, and communities.




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COM111
Communicating Across Contexts (Enriched)
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

Placement via English Assessment

This course introduces students to the core concepts of communication. Students will cultivate an awareness of these concepts by analyzing how they are used in a variety of texts and contexts, and they will apply these concepts strategically in their own writing. Through a variety of writing tasks centred on these core concepts of communication, students will develop the transferrable reading and writing skills essential for success in their postsecondary studies, workplaces, and communities.




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BAM101
Introduction to Business Administration
Availability
 

This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to the Canadian business environment, business issues and functions, and the major forces at work in the global economy. It provides students with a perspective of business firms as integrated organizations composed of a number of specialized functions.




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ACC120
Accounting Basics I
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

No required prerequisite, but students should have Grade 12 English and Mathematics or equivalent

This course introduces the student to how accounting information is used by, and meets the needs of both internal and external users through effective and efficient communication as well as what accounting information is required by a business concern to reflect clearly the operating results of the enterprise over its operating life. Throughout the course, students will be introduced to generally accepted accounting principles, the interpretation and preparation of financial statements and how this information is recorded in the various business records.




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MRK106
Marketing I
Availability
 

Marketing is an approach to business that puts the customer at the centre of its activities and focuses on satisfying customer needs and wants. While marketing is used by both profit and not-for-profit organizations to meet the demands of the market place, this course introduces students to the fundamental marketing concepts used by profit oriented business organizations.




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MBF101
Mathematics of Business and Finance
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

No required prerequisite but students should have Grade 12 English and Mathematics.

This course provides students with the fundamentals of mathematics of business and finance. Following the introduction of concepts of per cent and per cent change, simple and compound interest rates will be discussed. Compound interest rates will be applied to the study of annuities. Students will also learn important models of business mathematics, such as currency conversion, trade discounts, markups and markdowns, break-even and cost-volume-profit analysis.

Please note: For students taking the self-directed OntarioLearn sections, the eTextbook is included in the price of the course.




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SMS210
Microcomputer Applications for Business
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

A fundamental working knowledge of Windows Operating Systems and Excel Software.

Building on the skills they have previously acquired in Excel and Windows operating systems, students will further develop their proficiency in these areas and add Access to their skill set. Throughout the course, they will apply these software skills to solve business problems.




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ACC220
Accounting Basics II
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ACC120 - Accounting Basics I

In this second of the two introductory accounting courses, students will expand their understanding of accounting principles and concepts while covering specific topics including: accounts receivable, capital assets, corporations' shareholders' equity, and bonds payable. Preparation of the Statements of Retained Earnings and Changes in Financial Position will also be covered. Finally, the students will expand their understanding of the role of financial statement users by studying financial statement analysis.

 




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ACC415
Intermediate Accounting I
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ACC220 Accounting Basics II

This course is the first of two in the program on Intermediate Accounting (ACC415/ACC517). It examines fundamental accounting assumptions, concepts and principles. Income determination is stressed through a review of revenue and expense recognition principles and the underlying conceptual support. It integrates an in-depth study of asset items on the Statement of Financial Position (including cash, receivables, inventories and capital assets) with emphasis upon generally accepted accounting principles that apply to these items.




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ACC517
Intermediate Accounting II
Availability
 

This course is the second of two Intermediate Accounting courses (ACC415/ACC517). It is a continuation of ACC415 and includes an in-depth analysis of accounting for long-term liabilities, shareholders' equity, pensions, corporate income taxes and leases. This course also includes the calculation of earnings per share and a comprehensive study of the cash flow statement and financial statement analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on the requirements of generally accepted accounting principles as set out in the CICA Handbook and the significance of the Handbook to the material under study.




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ACC540
Personal Taxation
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ACC517 Intermediate Accounting II and a working knowledge of microcomputers.

The purpose of this course is to provide Accounting and Finance students with a good working knowledge of the current provisions of the Canadian Income Tax Act as it applies to individuals including tax planning.




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EAC594
Business Communication for the Digital Workplace
Availability
 

With businesses thriving on good customer relationships, effective business communication is the cornerstone of company success. This course will help you learn the principles, practices, and tools for communicating effectively in the workplace using cases and/or projects.

From learning about audience, context, formats, tone, and media to applying your skills in writing correspondence, reports, and presentations, this course will guide you in developing professional interpersonal, collaborative, and web-based knowledge and practices.




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SMS315
Systems Studies II
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

SMS210 - Microcomputer Applications For Business

SMS315 is a continuation of the study of the tools and techniques of computer systems. This course involves the involves the use of a relational database management system to build a simplified accounting system and implementation of a computerized accounting software package, the recording of accounting transactions and preparation of financial statements as well as creating an accounting system using a database.




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OBR250
Organizational Behaviour
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

BAM101

This course introduces the student to fundamental concepts and theories concerning the behaviour of people in workplace organizations. The emphasis is on identifying questions and problems typically encountered by new employees and developing practical strategies and solutions. Contemporary issues and challenges in society are analyzed in terms of their impact on the workplace, on relations between individuals, and on the individual. The course draws on a variety of structured experiential exercises and case studies to apply the concepts of organizational behaviour to practical business issues and situations.




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ACC431
Cost Accounting
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ACC220 Accounting Basics II

Accounting 431 deals with internal accounting, specifically cost accounting. Its objectives are to determine product costs for inventory valuations. The associated accounting systems include methods of identifying, separating, classifying and summarizing costs under various product costing techniques. The course also includes the managerial use of cost information for planning and cost control. Cost Accounting is an extension of financial accounting. Its aim is to provide relevant information to various levels of management for planning and controlling day-to-day operations. The internal accounting system must be designed to meet the requirements of specific managerial needs.




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FIN401
Finance I
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ACC415 and QNM223 or QNM 222

This one semester course introduces the accounting student to the fundamental concepts and analytical methods used by corporate financial managers. The course will progress from an examination of the goals and objectives of financial management to a thorough understanding of financial planning, working capital management and the capital budgeting process.

 




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ALW380
Business Law for Accounting
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

COM101/COM111

This course will provide an introduction to Canadian Business Law with an emphasis on legal issues relevant to accounting. Topics will include: the Canadian legal system, tort law and professional liability, contract law, specific commercial contracts (including sale, insurance and employment), negotiable instruments and security interests and partnerships and corporations. Students will develop an ability to recognize and respond appropriately to legal situations that occur in an accounting environment.




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QNM223
Business Statistics
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

MBF101

The statistical methods of collection, analysis, presentation and interpretation of quantitative data used for making generalizations, projections and decisions under uncertain conditions are introduced. Emphasis will be on the use of both descriptive and inferential techniques within the workplace.




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ECN501
Introduction to Principles of Economics - Micro
Availability
 

Please note that ECN501 is not recognized as a General Education credit. This is a required subject for the Accounting and Finance program.

This course introduces the process and principles of microeconomic thought as they have been developed to explain price determination and resource allocation in a mixed market system. The application of microeconomic theory to current and emerging social and economic problems will be considered.




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ECN502
Introduction to Principles of Economics - Macro
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ECN501

Please note that ECN502 is not recognized as a General Education credit. This is a required subject for the Accounting and Finance program.

This course introduces the process and principles of macroeconomic thought as they have been developed to explain the determination of the levels of national income and output, employment, the price level and other macroeconomic aggregates. The implications of these principles of public policy in Canada will be examined in the contexts of money and banking, stabilization efforts, international trade, the structure of the Canadian economy, and responses to the emerging patterns of global competition.




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ETH400
Contemporary Ethics Issues
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

COM101/COM111

Every day of our personal and business lives we are confronted with numerous choices about what is right and what is wrong and, therefore, how to conduct ourselves. This course introduces the student to the basic principles of decision making, with a focus on ethical considerations. While the major emphasis of the course is business decisions, an examination of personal values and ethics form a foundation of the course. The course will focus on four primary areas: personal values and ethics; business ethics; ethics issues related directly to accounting and ethically managing workplace relationships. While the course contains theories and concepts, the student will concentrate on applying ethical concepts and principles to everyday, real-life issues and problems.




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1 General Education from Arts & Humanities 1 General Education from Arts & Humanities
1 General Education from Sciences & Social Science 1 General Education from Sciences & Social Science
ACC533
Managerial Accounting
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ACC431 - Cost Accounting

Accounting 533 continues the study of cost classification and cost behaviour and the use of standards for costing, managerial evaluation and financial planning. Final objectives are to provide management with relevant information for decision making. Its objectives are to analyse cost-volume-profit relationships, to determine income using segmented reporting and contribution margin, to prepare master budgets and evaluate divisional performance of various responsibility centres.




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ACC530
Advanced Financial Accounting
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ACC517 - Intermediate Accounting II

This course continues the study of financial accounting at an advanced level and introduces current topics in accounting relevant in today's business environment. It is expected to improve students' ability to exercise good judgement in determining the most appropriate accounting policies for particular transactions. To this end, the students will develop a more in-depth understanding of the inter-relationships of the objectives of financial reporting, underlying accounting concepts and generally accepted accounting principles. The case study approach will be utilized in appropriate situations. The advanced accounting topics that will be covered intensively are: 1. More complex revenue and expense recognition situations. 2. Long-term corporate investments, including foreign currency denominated transactions and the translation of financial results for foreign operations. 3. International transactions and operations. 4. Financial reporting for non-business organizations. 5. Interests in joint ventures. 6. Future income taxes and business combinations.




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ACC551
Accounting: Auditing I
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ACC415 - Intermediate Accounting I

This one semester course is a comprehensive introduction to auditing which will provide students with a knowledge of auditing methodology, theory and practice. Students will study a variety of topics including: the nature of evidence, accounting cycles, analytical procedures, auditing in an EDP environment, and interacting with management and audit committees.




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ACC642
Corporate Taxation
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ACC540 - Personal Taxation

Taxation II is the second part of two courses in taxation for Accounting and Finance students. The aim of the course is to provide students with a good working knowledge of the current provisions of the Canadian Income Tax Act as it applies to corporations and individuals. Emphasis is placed on the concepts underlying these provisions rather than on the computations required to implement them, although such computations are reviewed in the context of the Federal T2 Tax Return.




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ACC653
Accounting: Auditing II
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

ACC551 - Accounting: Auditing I

This one semester course provides students with an understanding of internal auditing practices, and philosophies. It includes an overview of internal auditing, the audit process, types of audit applications and auditing standards. Students will learn how to analyze, evaluate and report on controls with an emphasis on how controls can be used to make operations more effective and efficient.




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QNM444
Quantitative Approaches to Decision Making
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

QNM223 or QNM 222

This course applies the basic knowledge of statistics developed in QNM223 to several important decision-making applications including hypothesis testing, regression and correlation analysis, linear programming, and time series.




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FIN603
Finance II
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

FIN401, ACC517 and QNM223 or QNM 222

FIN 603 is a continuation of the study of corporate finance started in FIN 401 with emphasis on the raising of funds, their cost, and the allocation of these funds, particularly to long term capital assets. Analytical techniques relating to financial decision making are studied. Corporate mergers and the importance of foreign exchange in financial management are introduced in this course.




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SMS415
Systems Studies III
Availability
 

This course provides you with an introduction to the Systems Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and related documentation techniques including data flow diagrams, document flow charts and systems flow charts. In addition you are introduced to Entity Relationship (ER) diagrams specifically the Resources Events Agents (REA) data model designed by McCarthy specifically for use by accountants. In this course you will work in teams and develop a data model that is implemented in Access in SMS515. In addition you are introduced to information systems controls, information systems fraud and E-Business.




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CAP500
Career Planning
Availability
 

This subject is designed to prepare students with the knowledge and transferable skills required to assist in a successful career launch in the global business sector. In addition to exploring the skills and qualities essential to obtain a position in their chosen career, students will prepare a career development campaign which will consist of resumes and cover letters, practise interviews and follow-up techniques. The importance of ethics and etiquette in the workplace will also be discussed. Both traditional and on-line methodologies will be integrated throughout the course.




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SMS515
Systems Studies IV
Availability
 

Prerequisite(s):

SMS415

This is the last of the Systems subjects in the ACF program. This course will employ important day-to-day office productivity tools used in businesses at present. Focusing on Database and Spreadsheeting, students will develop advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access. Along with advanced spread sheeting techniques, and good analytical methodologies, emphasis will be placed on error detection and error prevention in model building. Students gain experience integrating real business needs using Microsoft Access. Importance is placed on enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. Building on their knowledge of database management, students will implement an ERP system using MS Great Plains Dynamics. In-class team assignments and hands-on projects include requirement analysis, entity relationship diagrams, relational tables, Structured Query Language, and database administration.




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EAC694
Advanced Report Writing
Availability
 

This subject will reinforce business communications skills, financial accounting and managerial accounting skills which have been gained in previous accounting courses and communication courses. Business ethics and relationship management will be introduced. Students will practice case analysis techniques, report writing techniques and prepare related financial exhibits. Students will take part in group presentations using technology and visual materials.




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Notes:

Effective Fall 2023, EAC594 replaces EAC894. Students who have already taken EAC894 or those taking it in the Fall 2023 Term will not be required to take EAC594.

Please print or save a copy of the curriculum based on your initial date of enrolment at Seneca College. Since graduation requirements are based on date of enrolment, students should follow the curriculum in effect at that time. Note that exceptions apply where some courses are no longer offered or if course substitutions are permitted.

Prior to Winter 2019
Winter 2019 to Winter 2020
Summer 2020 to Summer 2021

Program Outcomes

As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:

  • Record financial transactions in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships, private enterprises, publicly accountable enterprises and non-profit organizations.
  • Prepare and present financial statements, reports and other documents in compliance with Canadian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles for sole proprietorships, partnerships and private enterprises.
  • Contribute to strategic decision-making by applying advanced management accounting concepts.
  • Prepare individuals' and Canadian-controlled private corporations'  income tax returns and individuals' basic tax planning in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
  • Analyze and evaluate organizational structures and the interdependence of functional areas, and contribute to the development of strategies which positively impact financial performance.
  • Analyze and evaluate, within a Canadian context, the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technological advances and the environment on an organizations' operations.
  • Analyze and evaluate an organization's internal control system, taking risk management into account.
  • Contribute to strategic decision-making by applying advanced financial management concepts.
  • Co-ordinate the planning, implementation, management and evaluation of team projects by applying project management principles.

OSAP Funding Available

This program is eligible for OSAP funding.

Course load is used by OSAP to determine funding options for programs.

If you are taking one to two courses at the same time, you may be considered for part-time student grants and loans.

  • one course (20 per cent)
  • two courses (40 per cent)

If you are taking three or more courses at the same time, you may be considered for full-time student grants and loans.

  • three courses (60 per cent)
  • four courses (80 per cent)
  • five courses (100 per cent)

To find out if you qualify and to learn how to apply, please visit the OSAP website.

For information on other awards and financial assistance, please see Financial Aid.

Information Sessions

Students are invited to attend an information session to learn more about the program and to connect with our team. 

Seneca Part-Time Accounting & Finance Information Session

Monday, January 6, 2024
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Register Now

Confirmation of registration and a unique link to join the information session will be provided upon registration.

Credit for Prior Learning

Prior Learning Assessment

Earn college credits for what you already know.
Prior Learning Assessment is a method of assessing and recognizing learning that is equal to college level learning, but has been gained outside a traditional classroom (through work experience, volunteering, outside study, etc.). If you can prove that the knowledge you have gained meets the outcomes of a Seneca course, then credit will be awarded.

How does the PLA process work?
Prior Learning is demonstrated through a "challenge" process. The process measures learning through a variety of methods which may include tests, portfolio assessment, interviews, demonstrations, essays, and work samples. The method used will be determined in consultation with a Program Coordinator.
For more information and to determine if you are eligible for PLA, please call the Program Coordinator.

The process may take from 6 to 8 weeks.

Note: Not all courses can be challenged. For more information go to PLA website or contact your Program Coordinator.

Transfer Credit

Many students who enter Seneca Polytechnic will have earned academic credits in postsecondary educational institutions which they may be able to apply toward completion of a Seneca Polytechnic program.

Requests for Transfer Credit must be for a specific course and must be accompanied by an official transcript and course outline. A minimum grade of "C" (60 percent) is generally required for a course to be considered for Transfer Credit.

Download a Transfer Credit Request form. An official copy of your transcript and applicable detailed course outlines should be attached and submitted. Please note it may take 4 to 6 weeks for a Transfer Credit decision.

More Information

Please visit the Office of the Registrar.

Pathways

Build on your Seneca Polytechnic credential

Seneca is recognized as a leader in pathways and offers a range of options to help you reach your educational and career goals.

As a graduate of this program, you may be eligible to pathway into a bachelor's degree program at Seneca or at one of our partner institutions.

To explore your pathway options and learn more, visit our Degree Transfer Guide.

If you have additional questions regarding pathways to, within and beyond Seneca, connect with our Academic Pathways team at 416.764.0399 or email academic.pathways@senecapolytechnic.ca.

After reviewing the Degree Transfer Guide, you can also book a virtual appointment to discuss your options in more detail with a dedicated Pathways Adviser.

Graduation/Convocation

When you meet all program requirements and become eligible for a certificate, diploma, or degree, you must inform the Registrar by completing a Graduation Application form and paying the graduation and alumni fee. Certificates, diplomas, and applied degrees are issued twice a year in the Fall (October), Spring (June) and Winter (February).

For further information including deadlines and fees, please visit the Convocation website or contact the Convocation Office at theservicehub@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Minimum Performance for Graduation

A student will be eligible to graduate from a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or graduate certificate program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.0.

A student will be eligible to graduate from a degree program if they have achieved a minimum graduating GPA of 2.5, which includes a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses in their main field of study and a minimum GPA of 2.0 in breadth courses.

Program Contacts

Aliya Merchant
Program Assistant
aliya-akil.merchant@senecapolytechnic.ca
437-312-1021


For more information about this program, fill out the following form.