Accounting is a process of recording financial transactions related to a company or business. These transactions are described, analysed and reported to the state board, regulators and tax collection bodies using an accounting process.
The financial statements used for accounts present a simple summary of financial transactions concerning an accounting period, such as a company’s activities, its financial position and cash flow.
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Accounting courses in Canada usually span 2-5 years, including undergraduate, graduate, short-term, and certification courses. Furthermore, professional accounting courses like chartered accountant, public accounting, and other popular courses like B.com (including accounting), an MBA in Accounting, and a Diploma in Financial Accounting are all offered in universities in Canada.
Approximately 226,450 Indian students applied for study visa and went to Canada in 2023.
At a glance:
| Course type | Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Certification |
| Accounting courses | B.com, M.com, MBA, CA, CMA, CPA, etc. |
| Course duration | 2-5 years (varies according to course type) |
| English Proficiency Test | 1. IELTS – 6.5 – 7.5 bands 2. PTE – 50 3. TOEFL – 96 – 105 |
| Other Exams | 1. GMAT – 500 – 600 score 2. GRE quant – 155 |
| Average annual salary (INR) | INR 35.28L – 69.42L |
In this blog, we will discuss about the structure and types of accounting courses available in Canada, as well as the universities to which you can apply.
Top Universities for Undergraduate Accounting Courses in Canada
In Canada, several universities offer excellent undergraduate courses in accounting which will help you prepare for a successful career and provide you with an important background in accounting principles.
A comprehensive training combining theoretical knowledge and practical experience, and will further allow you to develop a career path towards a successful career in the field of accounting or finance.
Below are the universities that are best suited for the undergraduate courses mentioned.
| Top Universities | Courses | Annual Tuition Fee (INR) |
| University of Toronto | BBA in Accounting | INR 38L |
| McGill University | B.com in Accounting | INR 40.39L |
| University of British Columbia | BSc in Accountancy | INR 35.80L |
| York University | Bachelor in Accountancy | INR 23.05L |
Top Universities for Postgraduate Accounting Courses in Canada
In order to prepare you for a successful career in accounting and other areas, you will be expected to have a well-rounded education combining theoretical knowledge with practical experience. To enhance the learning experience for you, each institution is bringing its approach to education, academic expertise and industry links.
Below are the universities best suited for these postgraduate programmes in Canada.
| Top Universities | Courses | Tuition fee (INR) |
| Queens University | MBA in Accounting | INR 64.71L |
| McGill University | M.com in Accounting | INR 55 thousand (per credit) |
| York University | MAC (Masters of Accounting) | INR 12.21L |
| Brock University | MPA (Master of Professional Accounting) | INR 33.35L |
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Top Universities for Certification Courses in Accounting in Canada
Certification courses in Canada allow you to acquire professional qualifications and expertise in accountancy, which enables you to become interested in a career in finance, taxation, auditing or many other areas. These courses often give a strong understanding of accounting principles and procedures, preparing them for the certification examinations.
Here are some of the universities and institutions best suited for certification courses in accounting in Canada.
| Top Universities | Courses | Tuition fee (INR) |
| Institute of Chartered Accountants Manitoba/ CPA Manitoba | Chartered Accountant (CA) | INR 7.70L |
| University of Toronto | Chartered Management Accountant (CMA) | INR 39.05L |
| York University | Advanced Professional Accounting | INR 10.53L |
| University of Alberta | Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) | N/A |
Branches in Accounting
There are various other branches and specialisations as well in accounting, which you can opt for at the professional education level.
Here is a list of some of the major accounting branches.
- Financial Accounting
- Auditing
- Tax Accounting
- Accounting Information Systems
- Cost Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
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Top 5 Job Profiles in Accounting
There are several job profiles in accounting offered in Canada with a high level of competence with accounting principles, analytical skills, financial software expertise and some specialised certification.
Here are the top 5 job profiles in the Accounting course in Canada.
| Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Chartered Accountant (CA) | INR 47.55L |
| Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | INR 36.35L |
| Financial Analyst | INR 49.23L |
| Chief Revenue Officer (CFO) | INR 91.57L |
| Senior Accountant | INR 46.38L |
Admission Requirements to Study Accounting Courses in Canada
There are certain admission requirements for Indian students including other international students who wish to pursue accounting in Canada.
Here is a list of the admission requirements to pursue accounting and related courses in Canada.
Academic Requirements
The essential requirement for you to apply to any accounting school in Canada is a transcript of every level of study. If you apply for a postgraduate accounting school, you must have at least a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or closely related fields.
The documents required are as follows.
- Academic transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Letter of recommendation (LOR)
Language Proficiency Tests
You need to provide a confirmation of your English language proficiency through IELTS, PTE or TOEFL.
| Language Proficiency Tests | Minimum Requirements |
| IELTS | 6.5 – 7.5 bands |
| PTE | 50 |
| TOEFL | 96 – 105 |
Other Required Tests
Some universities require either GMAT and GRE for master’s programmes in Canada.
| Other Tests | Minimum Requirements |
| GMAT | 500 – 600 overall |
| GRE quant | 155 |
Summing Up
The competitiveness of studying accounting courses has increased due to the large number of requests from universities which offer accounting courses in Canada. The detailed preparation and drafting of applications, which require significant effort, is therefore very important for you.
If you want to pursue your studies and build a career in accounting in Canada, LeapScholar is here for rescue to guide and help you figure out everything you need to know about the university, the programme and all the other queries and help you build your career in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Are their specific certifications & designations required for a career in accounting?
Ans. Yes, the designation of a chartered professional accountant is highly regarded and widely recognised in Canada. Becoming a CPA involves completing specific education requirements, passing the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) exams, gaining relevant practical experience through the CPA Practical Experience Requirements (PER), and passing the Common Final Examination (CFE).
Q. Are there opportunities for internships or co-op programs during accounting studies in Canada?
Ans. Yes, there are opportunities to intern or participate in partner programmes during accounting studies at many universities and colleges across Canada. These courses give students the opportunity to be exposed to practical and hands on experience in an actual world of accounting.
Q. Are there online/distance learning options available for accounting courses in Canada?
Ans. Yes, accounting courses are available to students on the Internet or from distance at a number of universities in Canada. An online accounting program that covers various levels from elementary to doctoral degrees is offered by universities such as Athabasca University, Thompson Rivers University and the University of Fredericton.
Q. What’s the average salary range for accounting professionals in Canada?
Ans. In Canada the average salary range of accounting professionals varies according to a number of factors, e.g. experience, location, industry and job role. Entry level positions are typically starting in the range of INR 30.68 L to 39.88 L per year, with progressively climbing up to middle and upper management jobs representing average annual salaries ranging from INR 61.36 L to 10.43 billion.
Q. How can international students apply for accounting courses in Canada?
Ans. By following these steps, international students can register for Canada’s accounting courses.
1. Universities and colleges that offer accounting programs should be researched and selected.
2. You can look at their admission requirements and time limits for applications.
3. You must have the necessary documents prepared, such as academic notes, language proficiency test scores such as IELTS or TOEFL, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose and proof of financial support.
Q. Can I transfer credits from an accounting course in another country to a Canadian institution?
Ans. Yes, if courses are in accordance with their programme requirements and standards, Canada’s institutions often think about the transfer of credits from an accounting course that has been completed abroad. The policies and assessment procedures for credit transfers shall be carried out by each institution.
Q. What are the entry requirements for accounting courses in Canada?
Ans. In Canada, the entry requirement for accounting courses is usually a high school degree or equivalent to that of an undergraduate programme. International students might need to demonstrate English proficiency through exams like IELTS or TOEFL. Special preparatory training, especially in the area of competition programmes, may be required by some universities.
Q. Do accounting programs in Canada include practical training or real-world experience?
Ans. Yes, practical training or real-world experience is included in a number of accounting programs in Canada as part of their curriculum. Universities often provide students with opportunities such as internships, coworking programs or traineeships where they can apply theoretical knowledge in the actual practice of accounting.
Q. Can I pursue further education or certifications after completing an accounting degree in Canada?
Ans. Yes, people who have completed an accounting degree in Canada can pursue additional education or training to improve their prospects for a career. A growing number of people are choosing to study for a master’s degree in accounting or related fields such as financial and business administration, so they can acquire additional expertise. It is also very beneficial to obtain certifications, such as the Chartered Professional Accountant CPC designation.
Q. Are there opportunities for international students to work in Canada after completing their accounting studies?
Ans. Yes, the Post Graduation Work Permit can be granted to international students who have completed their accounting studies in Canada. This permit allows the applicant to work in Canada for a period of up to 3 years, which corresponds to the duration of their studies. This will give you a great opportunity to gain professional experience in the field of accounting in Canada.
Q. Can I pursue professional certifications like CPA while studying for an accounting degree in Canada?
Ans. Yes, there are a number of universities in Canada that have aligned accounting programs with the CPA certification requirements. In the course of their studies, students who have obtained a degree in accounting can often satisfy some or all of the requirements needed to be qualified as a certified accountant. This alignment makes it easy for students to transition into a CPA program after graduation from their studies.
Q. Are there scholarships or financial aid available for international students pursuing accounting courses in Canada?
Ans. Yes, scholarships and financial aid are available for international students studying accounting in Canada. Numerous academic institutions provide need-based grants, merit-based scholarships, and awards designed especially for international students. Furthermore, eligible international applicants can apply for government-funded scholarships like the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Programme (CGS-M).
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