Business Administration Diploma – Accounting

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The Business Administration Diploma in Accounting provides you with a specialization in an in-demand field. Work for an accounting firm or start your journey here to become an accountant yourself. The sky is the limit.

There is strength in numbers.

The Business Administration Diploma in Accounting provides the opportunity to concentrate in an in-demand field. Our program focuses on financial, managerial and tax accounting giving you a wide range of knowledge and skills valued by the accounting profession. Whether you start your career immediately after convocation or continue further training, there are plenty of opportunities if you make Accounting your career choice.

This program is available to International Students onsite, face-to-face delivery. Our Designated Learning Institute (DLI) number is O111010246767.

Please Note: This program is not eligible for post-graduate work permit (PGWP) upon graduation; however, additional degree completion pathways leading to PGWP eligibility can be investigated.

    Career Potential Graduates find work in the following occupational categories:

    • Accounts receivable/payable
    • Auditing
    • Bookkeeping
    • Cost accounting
    • Financial services
    • Government service
    • Payroll
    • Public accounting
    • Taxation services

    Credentials Year 1: Certificate Year 2: Diploma

    Admission Requirements Grade 12 or equivalent with:

    • English Language Arts 30-2 or equivalent
    • Math 30-2 or equivalent
    • Students who do not meet admission requirements can contact student services regarding opportunities for placement testing. * Students will need to submit an application to the program to start the process.

    Use this chart to check Provincial high school equivalencies accepted at Portage College. Note: This is just a guide.

    English Language Proficiency Information

    Transferability This program has transfer options available, with up-to-date information accessible through the Alberta Council on Admissions and Transfer (ACAT) and/or the Transfer Department.

    Program Start/End Date August 28, 2025 to May 1, 2026 Application Deadline Domestic Student: August 15, 2025 Delivery On-site Locations Cold Lake Campus Lac La Biche Campus

    Domestic Student Fees Application Fee $53.50 Fall Term Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025

    Tuition $2,594.46
    Student Association $116.70
    Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
    Health Insurance Fee $163.25
    Technology Fee $82.71
    Recreation Fee $54.57
    Total $3,174.94

    Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025

    Tuition $2,594.46
    Student Association $116.70
    Technology Fee $82.71
    Recreation Fee $54.57
    Total $2,848.44

    Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $6,023.38Part-time Fees Tuition is calculated using “cost-per-credit” one credit is $170. Calculate the cost by multiplying the number of credits per course by $170. Visit Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies Tuition Deposit: $100 (non-refundable for oversubscribed programs) Need help funding your education? Check out our funding options.

    Fee Explanations

    Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act. Health & Dental Fees You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609. Athletics & Recreation Fees These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online. Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

    International Student Fees Application Fee $160.00 Tuition Deposit $5000.00 (non-refundable) If you choose to pay the full tuition and mandatory fees, you may still be eligible for a refund of payments above the $5000 deposit, as per the Portage College refund policy. Fall Term Fee payment deadline: August 15, 2025

    Tuition $7,650.00
    Student Association $116.70
    Dental Insurance Fee $163.25
    Health Insurance Fee $163.25
    Guard Me Insurance $602.25
    Technology Fee $82.71
    Recreation Fee $54.57
    Total $8,832.73

    Winter Term Fee payment deadline: December 15, 2025

    Tuition $7,650.00
    Student Association $116.70
    Technology Fee $82.71
    Recreation Fee $54.57
    Total $7,903.98

    Total tuition & mandatory fees for year: $16,736.71 Visit  Portage Bookstore for textbooks and supplies

    Fee Explanations

    Students’ Association Fees These fees are authorized by student referendum and the Board of Governors. They are collected by the College on behalf of the Students’ Association in accordance with the Post Secondary Learning Act. Health & Dental Fees You may opt-out of the Dental and Health Insurance plan if you provide proof of comparable coverage for an extended health and/or dental care benefits plan. Any questions regarding SA Fees including the Health and Dental Insurance fees should be directed to the SA Office 780-623-5609. Athletics & Recreation Fees These fees are collected to provide recreation and leisure opportunities that promote students’ physical, social, and emotional well-being, whether online or through in person facilities. Check out your +region in the link, to see what is offered at your campus or online. Technology Fee This is a mandatory fee assessed to students enrolling in any credit course (except for apprenticeship programs) at Portage College. The fee supports the on-going maintenance and upgrades to administrative systems that support the entire College infrastructure. As such, it is considered a “mandatory non-instructional fee” and, therefore, is subject to Alberta Advanced Education Public Post-Secondary Institutions’ Tuition Fees Regulations. Visa students are charged the same rate as Canadian residents for this fee.

    Click here to view Other Fees for Service

    Samantha Walker-Dean

    Business Accounting Student

    “Portage College instructors helped me design the future I was looking for.”

    Read her story
    Samantha Walker-Dean

    More international students are choosing Portage College to start or complete their studies because of the personal attention they receive and the high standard of instruction.

    Domestic Apply

    Use this process to apply to Portage College if you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident (landed immigrant) or a protected person (refugee).

    Domestic Funding Options

    Browse through funding options available to students at Portage College to see what may be available to you.

    Domestic Information Request

    If you would like to receive more information about this program please use the Info Request Form linked here.

    International Student Apply

    International students, once you have chosen your program and checked the admission requirements you are now ready to apply for admission.

    International Student Study Permit

    Your study permit is the document that allows you to stay in Canada and study. It is different from a student visa, which is the document that allows you to enter Canada.

    International Information Request

    Our international student representatives are happy to answer your questions about programs, services and any immigration related questions that you may have. Please use the form link provided.

    Business Administration Diploma - Accounting Year One Course Listing

    This course is designed to provide students with knowledge of the fundamental principles and concepts of business mathematics and to develop their abilities to apply these principles and concepts to solve practical business problems, particularly in marketing and finance. This course includes a lab component to analyze business math problems with spreadsheets. Prerequisites – Math 30-2
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    This course introduces business productivity software programs required to develop skills in word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, and databases. The project-based course allows students to create, maintain, and enhance their skills using office productivity software programs. These skills are required by all other business courses and by industry to support information sharing and enhance decision making.Prerequisites – Math 30-2, English 30-2
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    Exceptional communication skills are vital to success in business. In this course, students will learn to apply effective business writing techniques and strategies. These include critical thinking, problem determination, scholarly research, and proper documentation. Students will produce a formal, informational research report and deliver an engaging oral presentation based on their report. Students will use business productivity software to create professional reports and presentations. Note: Students taking a reduced course load should take this course as one of their first courses. The concepts and skills you will learn in this course are required in all of your other business courses.
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    Students will build on skills, concepts, and techniques introduced and practiced in COMM 121. Students will create a variety of business documents and presentations by researching, examining, and analyzing common business issues and problems. Emphasis will be placed on research skills, problem determination, critical thinking, source documentation, and audience. Students will prepare a formal analytical report and a persuasive presentation based on the report. Job search skills will include competitive strategies for finding work, with a focus on how to produce a targeted resume and cover letter and preparing for a job interview. Students will use advanced functions of current business software applications to create business documents, an analytical report, and a presentation. Prerequisites: COMM 121
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    This introductory course in financial accounting will expose students to how transactions are reported by business and how this information is presented to users outside the organization. The first part of the course focuses on the accounting cycle for a business. Concepts of revenue recognition and inventory valuation for a merchandising type of organization are analyzed. Various assets, liabilities, and equity accounts presented on the balance sheet are thoroughly examined to determine what values should be presented on the financial statements. Finally, financial statement analysis is carried out to help students understand the overall health of a business. Prerequisites – Math 30-2
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    This is an introductory course covering the fundamental principles and concepts of marketing. Major emphasis is placed on the marketing mix and its strategic application to an increasingly complex business environment. In particular, the areas of product, promotion, price, and distribution are examined as they relate to the achievement of company objectives. Prerequisites: ELA 30-1, ELA 30-2, or English 33 or COMM 121
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    The overall health of the economy as measured by gross domestic product, unemployment rates, inflation rates, interest rates, the balance of payments exchange rates and the money supply is the prime focus of this course . Keynesian and monetarist theories of income and employment are used as a framework for analyzing government monetary and fiscal policies. The role of the Bank of Canada and the chartered banks in determining the money supply and interest rates is described. Current debate relating to public debt and supply-side economics is evaluated. International economic issues including free trade and the balance of payments are also examined. Where appropriate, applications to current events are introduced and topics are enhanced wherever possible. PREREQUISITES: MATH 30 (Not Math 30-3) or 60% on the Business Math test and ENG 30, strongly recommended ECON 186
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    The question of how individuals and firms use their resources to attain certain economic goals is examined. The central problem of scarcity is introduced. A brief study of how different economic systems try to solve this problem is undertaken. The market system is investigated as to how supply, demand, and price determine what and how much is produced. Effective decision-making in the marketplace is also examined. Prerequisites: Math 30-2
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    Organizational Behaviour is the study of what people think, feel and do in and around organizations. Organizational Behaviour is not just for managers; the concepts explored in this course are useful to anyone who works. This course builds student knowledge starting at an individual level, moving on to a team level, and finally finishing at the organizational level. Students will develop an understanding of how Organizational Behaviour concepts affect themselves and others, and how those impact the organization's bottom line. Prerequisites: ELA 30-1, ELA 30-2, or English 33
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    Learners will develop a solid foundation for best management practices within an organization. The four fundamental principles of management (planning, organizing, leading, and controlling) are examined. Learners will be exposed to the process of strategic analysis and learn ways to integrate these principles. This course incorporates various learning activities, discussions, and case studies.Prerequisites – English 30-2
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    Business Administration Diploma - Accounting Year Two Course Listing

    This course presents legal topics relevant to business, including ways to manage common legal risks. An introduction to the Canadian legal system presents sources of law, the court system, the litigation process, and alternatives to litigation. Tort law includes a study of intentional torts, business torts, negligence, and professional liability. Insurance law covers basic concepts of the insurance industry and how to manage risks in business. Forms of business organizations are delineated, focusing on the rights and responsibilities of individuals involved in sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.Contract law details how contracts are created, the elements of a binding contract, common contractual issues and defects, how contracts are discharged and contractual remedies. An overview of the Sale of Goods Act will complete the study of contracts. Employment law describes the employer/employee relationship, the rights and duties of the parties involved, and common issues that may arise in the employment relationship. Intellectual property law discusses how businesses can generate value from ideas and the laws that seek to balance competing business interests.Secured transactions look at risk assessment and legal obligations of creditors when securing debt and practices developed in the marketplace to manage that risk through security interests and guarantees.
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    Business Statistics is an introductory course designed to give students a working knowledge and understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics covered include uses and misuses of statistics, methods of sampling, collection and presenting data, measures of average and variation, probability theory and distributions, sampling distributions of means and proportions, confidence intervals, tests of hypotheses (large and small sample methods), analysis of variance, contingency tables, correlations and regression analysis, multiple regression, time series analysis, and forecasting techniques. Emphasis is placed on practical business applications. PREREQUISITES: MATH 30-2 OR MATH 117
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    All managers, self-employed business owners and individual investors require an adequate knowledge of business financing, financial analysis and capital budgeting. Informed decision-making requires a sound understanding and firm grasp of analytical techniques such as the proper use of financial ratios, evaluating interest costs through debt financing, financial statement analysis, cash budgeting, capital budgeting, and break-even analysis. PREREQUISITES: ACCT 115 & MATH 117
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    Computer Management Information Systems is a hands-on course that explores the various methods, procedures, and systems used to manage data proficiently. Through the use of real-world case studies and interactive activities, students are provided the opportunity to explore a key aspect of organizational effectiveness in the business world today. Information Management is a dynamic component of everyday business and the ability to apply it to today’s rapidly changing environment gives businesses a competitive advantage. Students will gain foundational knowledge in creating and maintaining flexible and efficient database systems. This course explores how Information Management relates to business process and productivity, e-commerce, and social media and prepares students to work with Enterprise Resource Planning, Customer Relationship Management, and Supply Chain Management systems. PREREQUISITES: ENGL 30-2 or COMM 121
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    Students will obtain a sound working knowledge of a current computerized accounting package by completing workbook exercises in Sage 50. Modules in this package will incorporate accounting simulations which are very similar to real life experiences of entering transactions and preparing various financial reports in an accounting office. PREREQUISITES: ACCT 115
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    For students who have previously completed an introductory course in financial accounting, this course builds on previous knowledge, focusing on providing a more thorough understanding of recording transactions, performing adjusting entries, carrying out end of period procedures, and completing the financial statements. Detailed coverage includes the following topics: merchandising operations, inventory, long-lived assets, liabilities, accounts receivable, investments, and cash. A complete set of financial statements will be prepared, and various measures of financial performance will be used to evaluate outcomes. PREREQUISITES: ACCT 115 & MATH 117
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    This course examines complexities of accounting principles for corporate financial presentation. Special emphasis is placed on asset management and the various methods used by differing industries. PREREQUISITES: ACCT 115
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    Organizations must continuously innovate to survive and thrive, with their employees often having the unique insights for organizational improvements. Intrapreneurs are those who think like entrepreneurs and work within an established organization. This course will help students explore the intrapreneurial competencies required to identify, design, market, and implement their innovations to help organizations execute their corporate strategies. PREREQUISITES: COMM 121
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    Cost accounting as utilized in manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors is examined. Major topics include the following: job order costing and analysis, costing procedures, cost volume profit analysis, budget preparation, standard cost systems, variance analysis, and cost analysis for managerial decision making. PREREQUISITES: ACCT 115 & MATH 117
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3

    This course covers income taxation in Canada for individuals and the self-employed. It includes a review of the reports of the federal and various provincial Royal Commissions on taxation, problems associated with taxes payable by various types of corporate entities, and the Income Tax Act. It also includes completion of tax returns covering all the tax credits. Other topics include distinguishing between types of income and reconciling business net income for tax purposes. PREREQUISITES: ACCT 115 & MATH 117
    Hours: 64
    Credits: 3