Program Details
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program are required to purchase their own laptop. For specific hardware and software requirements for this program click here.
During the program you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and be prepared to write the Canadian Investment Funds Course (CIFC)® exam to be eligible for mutual fund licensing, as well as the Canadian Securities Course (CSC)® exams to be eligible for a securities license*. These are external exams, set by industry governing bodies, (with additional fees) therefore the requirements for each designation/certification listed above are set by the granting body, not Durham College. In order to qualify for any of these designations/certifications, students need to follow and meet the required processes.
*The requirements for each designation/certification listed above are set by the granting body, not Durham College. In order to qualify for any of these designations/certifications, students need to follow and meet the required processes
The three-year Finance – Business Administration advanced diploma program and the two-year Finance – Business diploma program have common first two years of studies. However, the third year provides a unique opportunity for students to complete a four-week placement in their final semester of study, which will give them a practical finance experience and the opportunity to apply the theories and concepts learned throughout the program.
Through the program and field placement, students gain the skills and knowledge required to work in the field of financial services. In addition to a foundation in business, learning focuses on a diverse selection of studies including personal financial management, consumer credit, taxation retirement planning, investments and estate planning. While an emphasis is placed on training for a career in financial services, the wide range of studies includes: project management, call centre operations, family law, international trade, financial analysis, planning and control, and preparation of financial plans.
You will learn how to:
- Efficiently use Naviplan, an industry financial planning software tool used by advisors to forecast financial scenarios, such as retirement, for different situations or clients.
- Keep a simple set of books for small businesses using accounting concepts and practices
- Understand the needs of clients in order to create relevant financial goals that are specific, measurable, actionable, realistic and time-sensitive
- Examine other countries, businesses and individuals to observe how they tackle the problem of scarce resources in order to satisfy needs and wants
- Efficiently use industry-standard money management software to perform transactions, keep track of sales and expenses and create financial reports.
In the third year, you will learn to:
- Plan, manage, execute and close a finance-based project, taking into consideration all project constraints.
- Identify and utilize statistical methods, some of which include frequency distributions; graphic representation of data; probabilities; and linear correlation and regression making extensive use of the statistical capabilities of Microsoft Excel.
- Recommend appropriate consumer credit products to meet clients’ credit needs and then complete an in-depth analysis, qualifying the customer for the suggested product.
Students can also earn the following globally recognized certificates by taking Microsoft Office Specialist exams as part of their computer courses:
- Microsoft Office Specialist: Word Associate (COMP1209)
- Microsoft Office Specialist: PowerPoint Associate (COMP1209)
- Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Associate (COMP2209)
- Microsoft Office Specialist: Excel Expert (if applicable currently will be offered in Accounting and Supply Chain programs)
Students who successfully pass all three exams can earn an extra certificate that recognizes their accomplishment with the Microsoft Office Specialist: Associate (Office 365 and Office 2019) certificate. DC students are provided access to Microsoft Office 365 through the college’s Microsoft Office account. See more details about this opportunity.
There are opportunities for graduates to pursue further education qualifications and related licenses. Specifically, this program may prepare students to complete the following exams and certifications:
- Canadian Investment Funds (IFSE) mutual funds licencing exam.
- Canadian Securities Course exams.
- Students will also receive some preparation to write the Life Licence Qualification Program (LLQP) exam certificate required for selling life insurance products.
- QAFP designation offered by FP Canada
- Financial Planning Exam 1 – a required step toward obtaining a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
Note: The requirements for each designation/certification listed above are set by the granting body, not Durham College. In order to qualify for any of these designations/certifications, students need to follow and meet the required processes.
Successful graduates will be able to:
- Coordinate the processing and maintaining of financial records in compliance with relevant policies, procedures and regulations for individuals and/or organizations.
- Coordinate the preparation and presentation of financial information in compliance with relevant legislation and regulations for individuals and/or organizations.
- Analyze financial reports and develop and evaluate a financial plan to meet individuals’ and/or organizations’ needs and objectives.
- Develop, implement, evaluate and co-ordinate marketing strategies to promote financial products and services and to enhance customer service.
- Analyze and evaluate within a Canadian context the impact of economic variables, legislation, ethics, technology and the environment on individuals’ and/or organizations’ operations.
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