Accountants lead businesses, providing financial management for day-to-day operations and the financing strategy needed to move organizations into the future.
When you study accounting, you build on your strengths as a problem solver, a “numbers person” and a thoughtful decision maker. You learn to implement accounting best practices, read complex financial documents, analyze trends in data, collaborate with co-workers and solve complicated problems in an accounting environment.
What to expect
Begin your program by learning foundational business and accounting concepts; then move to advanced courses that invite you to dig deeper. You progress from calculation to analysis to decision making, cumulatively acquiring the skills necessary to fulfill the requirements for the CPA designation.
The business world knows the value of data analytics, and our curriculum reflects this trend. All accounting students are introduced to data analysis, and in your third and fourth years, you have the option of more in-depth study in this increasingly important area, focusing on data analysis specific to accounting contexts such as auditing, management and taxes.
Program of study
MAJOR | BACHELOR OF COMMERCE
This program of study is open to students in the Bachelor of Commerce. Courses for your major are only one component of your degree. You must complete all courses and requirements outlined in the academic calendar for the year you declare or redeclare your major and minor or the year you are accepted into an Honours program.
Hands-on learning and industry experience
Our faculty appreciate the value of hands-on learning. Through case studies, guest lectures, a student-led annual tax clinic, work-integrated learning assignments and many other real-world experiences, they bring classroom learning to life.
Your future
Set yourself up for a career that is associated with stability, security and an above-average income. When you major in accounting, you position yourself for advancement in the workplace as you gain experience and professional designations.
As an accounting professional, you contribute to your organization’s growth and prosperity. Because accounting is an integral part of any organization’s day-to-day operations, you are providing skills and knowledge that all employers value. When you major in accounting, you learn to:
- Analyze situations from multiple perspectives
- Use data to solve problems
- Think critically
- Work collaboratively
- Lead projects and teams
- Communicate clearly
- Understand general business practices
- Understand accounting best practices
- Use accounting software
- Prepare financial statements
Because accountants use financial data to support business goals, organizations rely on you to to make decisions related to:
- Moving into new markets
- Starting or ending business ventures
- Launching new products
- Avoiding unprofitable business moves
- Finding creative ways to reduce waste and unnecessary spending
When you graduate with an accounting major, you can find a job in private business, public accounting firms, financial institutions, government, not-for-profit organizations, hospitals, industry and consulting firms. Career options include:
- Accountant
- Auditor
- Business analyst
- Budget analyst
- Controller
- Chief financial officer (CFO)
- Financial analyst
- Financial planner
- Investment advisor
- Banking, credit and other types of investment managers
We recommend these resources to learn more about working in the accounting field:
- Careers and Experience: Career counselling and support from MacEwan career development specialists
- Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta (CPA Alberta)
- Canadian Public Accountability Board (CPAB)
- Canadian Tax Foundation (CTF)
- Case Champion Conversations podcast series
- Why Become a CPA
The Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) has detailed occupational profiles, salary survey data, trend reports and assessment tools to help you choose and plan a career that matches your skills and interests.
Get your CPA designation
When you major in accounting at MacEwan, you learn the competencies required by Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) and qualify for the CPA’s Professional Education Program. The CPA designation is one of the oldest and best-established business professional designations. Getting your CPA designation allows you to move into the highest levels of the accounting profession.