Exploring accounting programs at Durham College means exploring career pathways

Accounting is the universal language of business and Durham College’s programs prepare students for diverse, career-ready pathways.

After accounting students graduate, they can pursue work in almost any industry, the non-profit sector, in government or they can start their own business.

“Really, the world is at your doorstep because every place needs an accountant,” said Cheryl Wilson, DC’s accounting program coordinator.

Here are three great reasons to pursue a business program at DC:

Accounting is a solid foundation for all business programs at DC

Options for students start from their first semester in DC’s accounting programs. Students who are unsure of which business discipline to pursue, can opt for accounting as a safe choice.

“The benefit of Durham College over other colleges is that we have this common first semester where they can come into accounting then, if at the end of the first semester they want to go to another discipline, it's easy,” said Wilson. “They can go to any other business discipline.”

In addition to accounting, first semester courses include financial planning, human resource management, marketing, supply chain management and business computer applications.

You can pursue a Certified Professional Bookkeeper designation

Students who opt to take two-year Accounting – Business program or the three-year advanced diploma Accounting – Business Administration programs at DC can pursue their Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation. Students in the two-year program can challenge the first level of CPB exams and students in the three-year program can challenge the second level.

Wilson explains most college programs offer the option of challenging only the first level, but challenging the second level is a new option at DC offered since January 2023, creating new pathways for students.

Maximize your time and resources to earn a diploma from DC and a degree from Ontario Tech

Students looking to become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) must have a university degree and DC’s Accounting – Business – Transfer to Ontario Tech University Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) program supports students in earning both a diploma and a degree in four years.

There are several benefits to opting for a college pathway to a CPA including savings on the first two years of tuition.

“It's way cheaper to start at the college and then move over to the university because college tuition is less expensive than university tuition,” said Wilson.

Generally, college programs are more technical in nature compared to university programs which are more theoretical and by earning both a diploma and a degree students get the best of both.

“The students who start at the college get a much better fundamental understanding in accounting of debits and credits and journaling and how that works,” Wilson explains. “Our college students that go to the university are much stronger in their technical basis, which helps them in the third and fourth year of the university program.”

Explore DC’s accounting programs and start your studies in May 2024.