The Accounting certificate program is a comprehensive accounting program designed for mature students who wish to pursue a career as an accounting technician or in financial management. The program is designed to serve the special needs of students wishing to accelerate their progress towards the achievement of graduate membership in one of the professional societies. Specifically, the Accounting certificate will provide students with significant advance credit towards the professional program of the Society of Management Accountants, the Certified General Accountants, and the Institute of Chartered Accountants. Students are advised to acquaint themselves with the transfer credit/course exemption policies of the accounting societies. The program may be taken on a part-time basis over several years or on a full-time basis over three semesters. As enrolment is limited, early application is encouraged. The course workload of the full-time program is rigorous and demanding. Prospective students must be prepared to devote above-normal effort and time to their studies. This commitment is considered essential for successful completion of the program. Professional bodies provide scholarships for students entering their programs. Details may be obtained from the program chair or the Financial Aid and Awards office.

The Certified General Accountants Association of Canada reports that accountants rank in the top five percent of all Canadian wage earners, with many of them occupying C-level executive positions. In the next decade, employment prospects for financial auditors and accountants will remain excellent. Estimates show that between 40 and 45 per cent of practicing accountants in Canada are over the age of 50. There are currently not enough graduates to meet this upcoming wave of vacancies. Many opportunities also exist in this field for the self-employed. According to Statistics Canada, among professional services, accounting services showed the third-highest rate of self-employment, at 35.4%.