Computing Accounting Assistant Certificate

Why Choose North Island College?

• Skills you can use. Today’s businesses prefer to hire entry-level employees who are comfortable with a range of office skills. With a Computer Accounting Assistant certificate, you’ll qualify for positions such as bookkeeping assistant, data entry clerk, financial assistant, payroll support personnel, and computer-related positions.
• Virtual classrooms. As part of the BC Campus initiative, courses are available online, giving you the opportunity to study whenever, wherever you wish. You can complete your coursework on your own time while continuing to work.
• Flexible schedules. Most courses are self-paced, and qualified students are admitted on a continuous basis subject to the availability of space. That means you can tailor your program to suit your ability, availability, and lifestyle.
• Credit for what you know. If you are transferring from another college or institution, you may be given transfer credit for prior course work. Prior office work experience may also be eligible for credit. Check with a Student Advisor for details.

Program Highlights

Due to overwhelming demand, students are encouraged to apply to NIC as soon as possible and meet with a Student Advisor now to discuss course planning. Individual course start dates vary throughout the year and depend on available space.

Computing accounting skills are valued in virtually every type of business and industry, and with a Computer Accounting Assistant certificate, graduates can find employment in a range of areas. The program is comprised of nine online courses. Students complete tasks and assignments to meet specific deadlines, but choose to complete them at times that best fit their own daily and weekly schedules.

During the program, students are given an introduction to manual accounting, with particular attention paid to fundamental accounting principles and their application in day-to-day situations. They then gain additional knowledge in common accounting systems, including sales, purchases, taxes, and payroll.

Students also develop skills in computerized accounting, and become familiar with software commonly used in this field. Students gain hands-on practice at converting a manual accounting system to a computerized system.

The program also explores of the diverse uses of spreadsheets in the office environment. Students learn to use the fundamental and advanced features of Microsoft Excel with ease. They perform calculations with advanced formulas and functions, link to Excel data for Mailmerge, and develop a custom Excel application.

Students are introduced to the Microsoft Access data management system. They learn to confidently use Powerpoint presentation software. Finally, students also develop skills in effective job searching in today’s competitive and changing employment market, and explore self-assessment, networking, resumes, interviews, portfolios, and career planning.

Graduates will be able to track accounts, work comfortably in an office environment, and process a variety of business transactions expediently and efficiently. They possess the skills required to work as an accounts receivable/payable and payroll clerk or general bookkeeper for a variety of small, medium, and large companies. 

Career Opportunities

Graduates qualify to work for a diverse range of businesses from proprietorships to large corporations as bookkeeping assistants, data entry clerks, financial assistants, payroll support personnel, and computer-related positions. The Canadian Institute of Bookkeeping supports our graduates by allowing transfer credit for specific course equivalencies.

Credit for Prior Learning

Students transferring from other colleges or institutions may be given transfer credit for course work upon presentation of transcripts provided the course credit was awarded no more than two years prior to the application for transfer credit to a maximum of 50% of the certificate's required courses. Recent graduates from high school should ensure that they meet with an advisor to determine if any of their high school credits are eligible for transfer credit. Students with office work experience wishing to enter a certificate program must contact the department chair to determine their eligibility and program planning needs.

Admission Requirements

1. Successful completion of the Office Assistant I certificate.
2. Keyboarding speed requirement is 40 w.p.m.  The timing speed is based on the average of three two-minute timing with three errors or less.

To Be Successful

• Starting the program in September, January, or April offers online students the best opportunity to access courses that they require. Students are required to contact a Student Advisor to help them to create an education plan that meets both their goals and the available time needed to complete the program.
• Students will need access to a computer, the internet, and have a personal email account for correspondence. Additional supplies or equipment may be required for some courses.

Program Requirements

First 30 Weeks

• Complete the Office Assistant I certificate

Next 30 Weeks

• ABT-102 Keyboarding II
• ABT-120 Job Search
• ABT-126 Presentation Software
• ABT-135 Electronic Databases
• ABT-145 Electronic Spreadsheets
• ABT-146 Advanced Electronic Spreadsheets
• ABT-161 Accounting I
• ABT-162 Accounting II
• ABT-165 Computerized Accounting

Completion Requirements

• To be eligible to receive a certificate, the student must achieve a minimum of 70% (B-) in each course listed for the certificate; except ABT 102 requires exit speed at 50 w.p.m.