Bookkeeping/Accounting Technician

Interested in becoming an accounting assistant or bookkeeper? You’ll learn how to perform accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and general bookkeeping duties. Graduates emerge equipped with relevant accounting knowledge, able to work for small, medium, or large companies.

Graduates of this program will have the opportunity to fast track towards the nationally recognized Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation. Students will also have access to a preferred student membership rate, full of member benefits that will provide access to continuing education and networking opportunities with bookkeeping professionals across Canada.

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Campus

  • Kelowna
  • Distance
View schedule and campus details
Legend:
  • Full program offered
  • Partial program offered

Credential

Certificate

Delivery options

Full-Time

Tuition and fees

2024-25: $5,243.79 (Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm) / $5,347.27 (Vernon)

Program details

This 1,098-hour (37-weeks) program is for students who wish to be accounting technicians or professional bookkeepers. During the program, students will complete courses in business math, spreadsheets, payroll, accounting, client communications, tax preparation, and cloud accounting integration. Students will be required to complete a capstone simulation as well as a four-week practicum. Graduates of the program may begin immediate employment as accounting technicians in small, medium and large businesses performing accounting duties. Okanagan College and Certified Professional Bookkeepers of Canada (CPB Canada) have established an educational partnership to enable students to pursue this professional designation to establish home-based bookkeeping businesses. This program also provides a learning pathway for students wishing to pursue their CPA designation through Okanagan College's Accounting diploma or degree programs.

In-class delivery (37 weeks):

  • uses class management software
  • runs on a Mon - Fri 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. schedule
  • instructor-led by fully qualified, experienced post-secondary instructors
  • hi-flex delivery: students can attend class in person on campus (scheduled days), and online
  • MAC and Chromebooks are not compatible with some courses, contact oadm@okanagan.bc.ca for more detail

If you want a classroom experience, need a set schedule, and are available for full-time course study, the in-class delivery option is for you.

Distance Education online delivery (1,098 hours):

  • flexible program that allows you to choose when you study and work on your course materials
  • student-led and self-directed
  • ability to contact your instructor for any course assistance or questions
  • MAC and Chromebooks are not compatible with some courses, contact oadm@okanagan.bc.ca for more detail

This option is for you if you want a flexible full-time or part-time study option, are working around a current job or busy lifestyle, and want to pay-as-you learn for your courses.

Explore delivery options

Program quick facts

Campus Start date Schedule
Kelowna Sep. 04, 2024

Admission requirements

  • B.C. Secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.
  • English 11 with minimum 50% or alternatives; or a minimum score of 70% on an Okanagan College Office Administration English entrance test.
  • Pass in Math 11 (or equivalent) or a minimum score of 70 on an Okanagan College Office Administration math entrance test.
  • Or, completion of the Okanagan College Office Assistant Certificate.

Program outline

OADM 145 - Essential Office Skills
OADM 130 - Business Math and Calculators
OADM 137 - Math Toolbox and Applications
OADM 143 - Accounting I
OADM 173 - Client Communications
OADM 169A - Spreadsheet I
OADM 169B - Spreadsheets II
OADM 144 - Accounting II
OADM 146 - Accounting III
OADM 149 - Canadian Payroll Practices
OADM 157 - Tax Preparation for Bookkeepers
OADM 152 - Accounting Software I
OADM 155 - Accounting Software II
OADM 158 - Cloud Accounting and Integration
OADM 181 - Job Search Techniques
OADM 156 - Accounting/Bookkeeping Simulation
OADM 183 - Practicum - Accounting

Minimum passing grade per course is 70%.

Additional information

View the official Calendar details and policies
Learn more about the department
View the Tuition and fees page

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