Diploma

This part-time Ontario College Diploma program gives you the practical skills you need to build a career in accounting. You will study the same core courses as our full-time Accounting program, but the schedule is built around your work and family commitments. Classes meet in the evenings and on weekends at the Mercer Street Campus.

Career outcomes

• Accounts payable clerk
• Payroll administrator
• Bookkeeper
• Financial data analyst
• Junior accountant
• Tax preparation specialist

Admission requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 or older by the start of classes).
• Grade 12 English (C or U), minimum 60%; international applicants must provide proof of English proficiency.
• Grade 12 math (C or U) with a minimum grade of 60%.

Tuition

2024–25 tuition: $3,390 per year (domestic).

Courses

• ACCT 1680 Managerial Accounting Concepts
• ACCT 1960 Business Law Essentials
• ACCT 2120 Income Taxation I
• ACCT 2510 Auditing Principles
• ACCT 2820 Accounting Information Systems
• COMM 2300 Organizational Communication Theory
• FINA 1460 Cost Accounting Fundamentals
• FINA 1610 Introduction to Taxation
• FINA 1650 Business Law Essentials
• FINA 1960 Quantitative Methods for Finance
• FINA 2770 Managerial Accounting Systems
• GNED 1690 Scientific Method and Laboratory Safety
• MATH 1170 Applied Mathematics for Health
• MATH 1950 Business Mathematics

What you will learn

Accounting is the backbone of every business. In this program, you will learn how to track financial information, prepare tax returns, manage payroll, and use the software that professionals use every day. You will work through real business cases and practice writing clear financial reports. The program covers management accounting, auditing, taxation, and the laws that govern business finance. You will also develop the soft skills you need to communicate with clients and work in a team.

How the program runs

This program is designed for students who are working or have family responsibilities. You will take your courses on a part-time basis over four terms (two years). Classes are held in the evenings and on weekends at the Mercer Street Campus. You will complete the same 14 courses as the full-time Accounting program, so you earn the same Ontario College Diploma. Because you are studying while you work, you can apply what you learn in class to your job right away. The program does not include a co-op work term.

Admission

To join the program, you must meet the standard admission requirements for Ontario college diplomas. You need an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or an equivalent credential, or you must qualify as a mature student (19 or older by the start of classes). You must have completed Grade 12 English (C or U) with at least 60 per cent, and Grade 12 math (C or U) with at least 60 per cent. International students must provide proof of English proficiency through an approved test or equivalent coursework. We accept applications for the September, January, and May terms each year.

Tuition and fees

2024–25 tuition: $3,390 per year (domestic). This figure covers your course instruction. Ancillary fees are separate and total $1,125 per year. You can pay your tuition in installments by setting up a payment plan through Student Financial Aid. Check your fee balance and manage your payments through myWrenford. International students should review the international tuition rates on the tuition and fees page.

After you graduate

Graduates of this program are prepared for entry-level roles in accounting and finance. You will have the technical knowledge to handle bookkeeping, payroll, and financial reporting. Many of our graduates find work with local businesses, accounting firms, and government offices. The program also provides a strong foundation if you choose to continue your education in a bachelor's degree program or pursue your CPA designation through the provincial college application service and CPA preparatory courses.

How to apply

Domestic applicants apply through the provincial college application service. Part-time and Continuing Education applicants register directly through the college. International applicants apply on the polytechnic's own form. You can upload your supporting documents in myWrenford once your application is submitted. Visit the Apply page for a full checklist of documents and deadlines. If you have questions about funding, course schedules, or admission, contact the Admissions office at 519-555-0171.

This two-year program teaches you how to manage finances, prepare tax returns, and use accounting software. You will work on real-world business cases, learn to read financial reports, and develop the analytical skills employers look for. Classes are small, so you will get direct attention from instructors who work in the field.

Career outcomes

• Financial accountant
• Tax analyst
• Auditor
• Project accountant
• Corporate accountant
• Property accountant

Admission requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 or older by the start of classes).
• Grade 12 English (C or U), minimum 60%.
• English language proficiency for international applicants, or equivalent proof of English instruction.
• Qualified applicants who meet all requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tuition

2024–25 tuition: $3,390 per year (domestic)

Courses

• ACCT 1680 Managerial Accounting Concepts
• ACCT 1960 Business Law Essentials
• ACCT 2120 Income Taxation I
• ACCT 2510 Auditing Principles
• ACCT 2820 Accounting Information Systems
• COMM 2300 Organizational Communication Theory
• FINA 1460 Cost Accounting Fundamentals
• FINA 1610 Introduction to Taxation
• FINA 1650 Business Law Essentials
• FINA 1960 Quantitative Methods for Finance
• FINA 2770 Managerial Accounting Systems
• GNED 1690 Scientific Method and Laboratory Safety
• MATH 1170 Applied Mathematics for Health
• MATH 1950 Business Mathematics

What you will learn

Accounting is the backbone of every business. In this program, you will learn how to track money, prepare financial statements, and help companies make sound decisions. You will study how to balance books, comply with tax laws, and use the software that modern offices rely on. Your instructors are experienced professionals who bring real-world examples into the classroom. You will work on case studies that show you how to solve actual business problems, interpret data, and present your findings clearly.

How the program runs

This is a full-time program delivered at the Mercer Street Campus. You will take about seven courses per term over two years, which gives you four terms in total. Classes are held in person so you can work alongside your peers and use the campus facilities. You will have access to the computer labs in the Mill Building, where you can practice accounting software and complete assignments. Because the program is full-time, you should plan your schedule to attend classes during the day. There is no co-op work term built into this program, but you are encouraged to look for volunteer or part-time roles in the local business community to build your resume.

Admission

We review applications on a first-come, first-served basis. If you meet the minimum requirements, you will receive an offer of admission. International applicants follow a separate process. If you need help deciding if you qualify, you can speak with an admissions advisor or check the Admission requirements page for detailed course group descriptions. Applicants who completed high school outside Ontario should review the International student admission page for document equivalencies.

Admission requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 or older by the start of classes).
• Grade 12 English (C or U), minimum 60%.
• English language proficiency for international applicants, or equivalent proof of English instruction.
• Qualified applicants who meet all requirements will be offered admission on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tuition and fees

Domestic tuition is set at $3,390 per year. Ancillary fees for services like the library, student association, and health centre are charged separately each year. You can view a full breakdown of tuition and fees on the fees page. If you need to pay over time, you can set up a payment plan through the Student Financial Aid office. International students should refer to the international program cost estimates page for yearly figures. We encourage you to apply for awards, bursaries, and scholarships through the Scholarships & Bursaries page to help cover your costs.

After you graduate

Graduates of the Accounting diploma step into roles that require strong numerical and analytical skills. You will be prepared to work as a financial accountant, tax analyst, auditor, or project accountant. Many of our graduates find positions in corporate offices, public accounting firms, or government departments. The program is designed to give you a solid foundation for further study. If you choose to continue your education, the courses you complete here can support your pathway toward a bachelor's degree or a CPA Professional Education Program. Our Co-op & Career Services team can help you with resume writing, interview practice, and job searches as you near graduation.

How to apply

Domestic full-time applicants apply through the provincial college application service. Part-time and continuing education students register directly with the college. International applicants must use the polytechnic's own application form. You can upload your documents in myWrenford once your application is submitted. For more details on the application process, deadlines, and required documents, visit the How to apply page. You can also book a campus tour to see the Mercer Street Campus facilities before you decide.