Accounting Technician Certificate

Red Deer Polytechnic's Accounting Technician Certificate prepares learners to enter private practice as an Accounting Technician, Accounting Assistant, Professional Bookkeeper, or Data Support Technician.

This program begins with Computer Applications where learners will gain the fundamental skills for using administrative computer software including Windows and Microsoft Excel. Learners will then take a deep-dive into the manual processes behind accounting software to understand how different calculations are performed, providing learners with the experience to troubleshoot and recognize errors when they begin their career. Learners will then learn to utilize Sage 50, and QuickBooks® in this program.

This comprehensive certificate offers instruction from industry experts who have a passion for teaching. Throughout this certificate, learners will have the opportunity to learn from instructors who provide various perspectives, resulting in a dynamic educational experience

Employability:

Accounting technicians work in industries ranging from retail companies and manufacturing firms to agencies that provide health, education or social services. Some positions are part time.

Learn more about potential careers you can enjoy as an accounting technicians. 

Intakes:

FUTURE INTAKES: TBA

Delivery Method:

FAST TRACK - HyFlex - attend live classes or watch class recordings on your own time to integrate your learning with your lifestyle.

EVENINGS - Online

Investment:

$4999 + GST

Funding Options:

Canada Alberta Job Grant

Credential:

Certificate

Admission Requirements:

Students should have a basic understanding of computers. No prerequisites are required.   

Learners who have successfully completed APRO 126 through Red Deer Polytechnic's Administrative Professional Certificate are eligible to earn prior learning credit (PLAR) for the Accounting Technician I course within the Accounting Technician Certificate.

Program Details:

Computer Applications for Business (50 hours)

This comprehensive module provides learners with a valuable measure of technical proficiency and expertise in Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel. Learners gain conceptual understanding and hands-on experience needed for personal and business use. 

Software: Access to Microsoft Windows 10 and Microsoft Word 2016 is provided in class.  This software will be available on Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) computers utilized in the classroom, and online learners will be provided with free online access to the software while enrolled in the program. 

Accounting Technician I – Manual Bookkeeping for Service & Merchandising Businesses (70 hours)

This module instructs learners in fundamental accounting concepts, bookkeeping processes, and the administration of a straightforward manual bookkeeping system. Skills gained in this module are applicable for both service and merchandising businesses. 

Software: Learners will require access to Microsoft Excel. This software will be available on RDP computers utilized in the classroom, and online learners will be provided with free online access to the software while enrolled in the program. Learners can also opt to use the Working Papers resource (available for purchase with the textbook) for hand-written entrees while working on the class project. 

Accounting Technician II – Sage 50 (80 hours)

This module guides learners through a process of software instruction and a series of hands-on, realistic projects in Sage 50. Learning will be enhanced using the set of manual books created in Accounting Technician I in the Sage 50 environment. 

Software: This course utilizes Sage 50 2018 software. This software is available on RDP computers used in the classroom on campus. Learners will be provided online access to the software.  The textbook for this module also includes a free trial copy available for download from the textbook publisher. This software is not supported for Mac computers. 

Accounting Technician III – QuickBooks® (40 hours)

This module exposes learners to the features and functions of QuickBooks® to ensure proficiency in more than one industry-standard accounting software package. These skills add value and depth to the learner's skillset as they enter the job market. 

Software: This course utilizes QuickBooks® Premier Software. This software is available on RDP computers used in the classroom. Online learners will be provided with access to the software via a free trial copy available for download from the textbook publisher. This software is not supported on Mac computers. Access to a computer where you can utilize the hard drive is required for this course. 

Program Materials:

Textbooks 

Required textbooks will be available at the RDP Campus Store (in person or online). Learners should be prepared to spend approximately $500 to purchase books over the course of this certificate. As resources are updated frequently, you will be notified via email when books are available for purchase.  

Hardware & Software Requirements 

In this certificate program, online learners will require a Personal Computer (PC) or laptop with a reliable internet connection to access the virtual classroom and course work. Learners who choose to attend in-person at RDP will have access to an RDP desktop computer or laptop during class. The software used in this certificate program works best in a PC environment and is not usually compatible with MAC or Apple products.  

Students will access the virtual classroom, exams, and all other course work using the following platforms (access is granted upon registration – students will receive detailed instructions on how to use these platforms): 

Blackboard: The Learning Management System used at RDP. All course work, assignments, and exams will be administered and accessed via Blackboard.  

Program Completion Requirements:

The following requirements must be met in order for students to receive the Red Deer Polytechnic Accounting Technician Certificate:

A minimum overall grade of 65% in each of the four modules to earn the Accounting Technician Certificate.

How to Register:

Registration is available online 24/7. Both Visa and Mastercard payments are accepted. If you are a business or organization looking to register one or more employees, contact us for information on setting up a Company Profile.

1. Click to Register Now!
2. Select desired courses and add to cart
3. Create an/Sign into account
4. Click Checkout, follow prompts
5. You are done!

You have questions, we have answers. Contact us by extended [dot] ed [at] rdpolytech [dot] ca (email) or call 403.356.4900