Before registering for courses, you must apply and be accepted into this program. Please review the admission requirements and procedures before applying.
About the program
In today's fast-paced global economy, skilled accounting professionals are essential to guiding organizations through complex financial landscapes. Conestoga's Professional Accounting Practice graduate certificate equips you with the advanced knowledge and competencies needed to excel in financial reporting, managerial accounting and corporate finance.
This Ontario College graduate certificate is recognized by Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario) and prepares you to pursue the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. It also meets the educational requirements for entry into the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP). In addition, graduates can advance toward the Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation and are eligible to write the Mandatory Professional Examination (MPE) after completing a few additional RPA courses.
You'll gain expertise in preparing, analyzing and interpreting financial statements while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills to manage intricate business scenarios. Flexible delivery options support working professionals balancing academic and career responsibilities.
What you'll learn
- Financial statement preparation and reporting under recognized frameworks
- Managerial accounting and corporate finance principles
- Strategic decision-making and critical analysis
- Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
- Case-based learning, group projects and interactive online content
- Professional accountant in corporate, public or nonprofit sectors
- Financial analyst or controller
- Roles in auditing, taxation and advisory services
- Pathway to the CPA designation through CPA Ontario
Program information
Course fees to complete this program total approximately *$9,000.00.
*This is the estimated amount for domestic students and may differ if students take equivalent courses. Fees are paid when registering for each individual course and are subject to change each term.
Admission requirements
- An Ontario College Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Degree or equivalent.
- Applicants with 5+ years experience in accounts receivable/payable, bookkeeping, client billing, financial analysis or general accounting role with no post-secondary credential will be considered. Such applicants must provide a resume and work-related references
Note re: admission requirements
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents with transcripts from outside Canada require a course-by-course credential evaluation. You can request this through an approved provider such as ICAS or WES.
- Applicants with transcripts from institutions where the language of instruction is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency. Please refer to English language requirements for details.
- A reasonably good background in mathematics is required to complete this program. Students without this background will be required to complete mathematics testing to determine which additional courses must be completed.
- We offer a language program for students whose English language skills are below the standard required for admission but who have met all other admission criteria. You will be eligible for admission to the degree program after completion of level 4 of the General Arts and Science - English Language Studies (ELS) program with an overall grade average of 80% and no grade less than 75%. Your placement in the ELS program is determined by scores on an in-house English language test or TOEFL or IELTS.
Admission procedures
- Apply at Ontario Colleges - www.ontariocolleges.ca
- Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.
- This program is eligible for OSAP funding.
The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) helps eligible Ontario students pay for post-secondary education through grants and loans. Funding is based on your program, course load, educational costs and financial situation. Apply through the OSAP website or visit OSAP & aid to learn more.
Program requirements
Graduate opportunities
Unsure which program best suits your long-term career goals? Student Recruitment Advisors can provide one-to-one advising to prospective domestic students looking to take a program at Conestoga College. Please email SRA@conestogac.on.ca to book an appointment.
For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home
Program outcomes
- Apply effective, ethical, and professional communication strategies to produce high quality business documents and facilitate positive oral interactions.
- Prepare accurate, relevant, and timely corporate financial statements and other financial information according to the respective needs of stakeholders
- Identify and analyze relevant financial and managerial accounting information to support effective decision-making
- Produce and present accurate and timely financial and other business information, using technology and effective communication strategies to support business decision processes.
- Use statistical techniques in the analysis of financial information to support the accounting needs of respective stakeholders
- Recommend effective information systems structures to support efficient business operations
- Make recommendations to mitigate risks associated with the legal limitations and implications in a business scenario and accounting practice.
- Consult with stakeholders on complex finance and accounting issues to support evidence-based decision making
- Witness and reflect on the role of accounting in ethical management decision-making to support social, economic, environmental responsibility of organizations
- Apply corporate finance techniques to support strategic and operational management decisions
- Interpret and apply personal and corporate tax legislation to ensure compliance
- Plan effective external, internal and information systems audits to meet compliance and assurance requirements
Program related resources
Program contact
- Paige Linklater
- plinklater@conestogac.on.ca
- 548-889-0800,
Interested in taking this program full time?
See our Professional Accounting Practice full-time program for more information.
Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.
Winter registration: Opens November 2, 2026
Disclaimer
The College reserves the right to alter information including requirements and fees and to cancel at any time a program, course, or program major or option; to change the location and/or term in which a program or course is offered; to change the program curriculum as necessary to meet current competencies in the job market or for budgetary reasons; or to withdraw an offer of admission both prior to and after its acceptance by an applicant or student because of insufficient applications or registrations, over-acceptance of offers of admission, budgetary constraints, or for other such reasons. In the event the College exercises such a right, the College’s sole liability will be the return of monies paid by the applicant or student to the College.
Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the program of study. Unless otherwise stated, students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must complete the program of study within seven years of being admitted to the program.