What is Accounting?
Accounting is a discipline that is part of Management. Accounting is a discipline that involves identifying, analyzing and communicating economic/financial information to organizations and individuals so they can make informed decisions. Accounting integrates finance, strategy, management, audit and assurance, finance and taxation as part of a decision making process. Professionals in this field must demonstrate professionalism, communication, teamwork and leadership skills.
What Makes Accounting at UTSC unique?
Accredited by CPA accounting body with direct entry to CPA PEP. Program has generated gold medalist, honour roll placements and strong pass rates for legacy CA program. Students become critical thinkers and strategic business leaders who think beyond numbers. Highly qualified and dedicated faculty prepare students for career success. Excellent opportunities to obtain coveted positions at large public companies and the big 4.
Skills of Accounting Grads
- Analyze and advise on accounting operations
- Develop and deliver quality management reporting/metrics
- Development and implementation of internal controls/procedures
- Develop budgeting and forecasting tools for planning and control activities
- Effectively collect, analyze integrate and interpret multiple forms of information for decision making
- Structured thinking and professional judgment to identify opportunities and influence change
- Effective communication skills (oral and written) that can adapt to a variety of audiences
- Investigate, identify, and deliver strategic results
- Application of relevant information systems and technology to support analysis/reporting
Entry-Level Jobs for Bachelor Grads
Common employment destinations include:
- Accountant
- Financial Controller
- Internal Control Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Mortgage Underwriter
- Financial Planning/Budget Coordinator
- Credit (Risk) Analyst
- Sales Analyst
- Junior Consultant
- Business Analyst/Associate
- Payroll Administrator
Graduate & Professional Studies
Popular further education opportunities include:
- Accounting - Master and PhD
- Strategic Management - Master
- International Business - Master
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Canadian Securities Course (CSC)
- Project Management - Certificate
Examples of Fields that "Fit" the Skills of Accounting Grads
- Manufacturing
- Utilities
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Finance and Insurance
- Professional Services
- Educational Services
- Public Administration
- Management of Companies
- Arts, Entertainment and Recreation
Your 4-Year Career Exploration Plan
1. Do Your Research
The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:
Career Cruising: Log into CLN, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
O*Net: (U.S. site)
Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests. Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering info:
- Information Interviews
- Working On-Campus
- Internships
- Volunteering
2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience
Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:
- Extern Job Shadowing
- In the Field
- Explore It! (course-based)
- Partners in Leadership (4th year students)
- iLead, uLead, weLead (Dep’t of Student Life)
- Employer Information Sessions
- Career & Volunteer Fairs
- Departmental Student Association Events
Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via SCSU. Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and CharityVillage. As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired Conference and participate in Jobs for Grads. As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like CareerEdge.
3. Build Your Network
Explore Student Clubs and Professional Associations and get involved: volunteer for their events and conferences, and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!
- Association of Accountancy
- Management and Economics Student Association
- DECA UTSC
- LIVE Competition
- Management Consulting Club
- Talent and Growth Services
- University of Toronto Consulting Association
- Investment Society
- Chartered Professional Accountants Canada
- Society of Professional Accountants of Canada
- Association of Professional Accounting & Tax Consultants
- Canadian Academic Accounting Association
- Certified Management Consultants
Please note: This document is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the departmental website