Accounting

Spotlight: Algonquin Accounting Club

Life on campus isn’t all about studying and homework, there are many ways to get involved, make new friends and network.

Algonquin College has many clubs on campus for students in all faculties, including the School of Business.

This article shines the spotlight on one of these clubs.

Accounting - Businesspeople working on charts and graphs

Name of your club: Algonquin Accounting Club

Who is your club for?

The Algonquin Accounting Club is for Algonquin College students that are currently taking Business Accounting, Business Administration-Accounting Major, Professional Accounting, and students that plan on taking an accounting course in the future.

What is your club about?

The goal of the club is to educate students on everything related to accounting and build networks with each other and Ottawa area professionals.

What types of activities and events does your club do?

The club will be holding events at the college throughout the year, such as, info sessions given by CGAs (Certified General Accountants) and CMAs (Certified Management Accountants).

How do I get involved with your club?

The way to get involved in the club is to send a message regarding your interest in the club to the president. Being involved in the club you can stay up to date on events being held by the club, learn more about the career paths available in the accounting profession, raise awareness around campus about the AAC, or apply to become one of the clubs officers and have a direct influence on the direction the club takes and the events and activities held by the club.

What opportunities do you offer for meeting alumni or professionals in your field?

Currently the club offers chances to meet professionals in the field through the events that we hold at the college, which would mainly be information sessions held by CGAs and CMAs. The club does have contact with past presidents of the club, and alumni and will be working on developing these relationships so that we can offer opportunities to meet and learn more from them as well.

For more information, contact Matthew: ward0187@algonquinlive.com

 

How to Get Real Experience for Real Life Careers

Business theory is one thing. Business reality is our thing at Algonquin College. As a student, you’ll go beyond theory and gain the practical skills employers want.

At Algonquin, we believe in providing our students with practical education and experiences that set them on the fast track to career success. We do this a number of ways:

  • Hands-On Experience
  • Internships and Field Placements
  • Co-op Program
  • Opportunity to Qualify for Professional Designations

Hands-On Experience

Learn how people think, how and why people purchase items and what motivates people in our Marketing and Business Intelligence Research program. To hone your skills, you’ll work with real clients in real time and conduct market research from start to finish.

If you’ve ever thought about starting your own business, our Management and Entrepreneurship program gives you the knowledge and skills you need. In fact, in the final semester you’ll develop a detailed business plan that you can use to start your own business!

Many of our programs teach you how to master key Microsoft Office programs and other industry-standard software packages. You’ll be prepared to jump right into a job with no need for extra training on these programs.

Our Office Administration students participate in office simulations to help gain an understanding of day-to-day office operations and develop problem-solving skills.

Internships and Field Placements

A number of the School of Business programs provide the chance for students to participate in an internship or field placement. Qualified students studying Human Resources Management have the opportunity to complete an internship in their final semester.

Paralegal students complete 15 weeks of coursework in their fourth semester and then gain real-world experience with a four-week unpaid field placement.

Marketing Management students complete a field placement that involves developing a marketing plan and strategy for a real-world organization.

Do you have a passion for sports? Turn that into a dream career with our Sport Business Management program. You’ll also work a minimum of 16 hours per week within the sport industry, gaining valuable skills and professional connections.

Co-op Program

We also offer students in certain programs the chance to take part in a co-op placement where they turn their knowledge into on-the-job experience.

Learn the unique procedures and practices of health care offices for a career as a Medical Office Assistant. In the third and fourth semesters, our students participate in field assignments to help develop their practical skills.

The Bachelor of Applied Business (e-Business Supply Chain Management) program includes industry-related team and individual projects, as well as three mandatory co-op placements. Combined with part-time work, you could graduate with 1.5 years of professional experience, making for a seamless transition into your full-time career.

Opportunity to Qualify for Professional Designations

Getting a professional designation shows future employers that you are legally qualified to do the work you were trained for. Usually there are specific courses you need to take in order to get your professional designation. At Algonquin, we’re making sure you’re getting the most out of your program.

Graduates of the International Business Management program meet the academic requirements for the Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) designation.

Our Paralegal program prepares you for a professional career in this industry. It is accredited by the Law Society of Upper Canada and when you graduate you can to apply to the Society to become licensed.

Organizational Quality Management graduates meet the educational requirement needed to write the certification exams for a number of designations sponsored by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

If you are looking for an institution that cares, gives great hands-on learning and provides you with opportunities for careers and continuing your education then you have found just that. — Sebastien Lylyk, Marketing Graduate

Analyzing Your Career Options

Are you systematic, well organized and deliberate? Do you appreciate facts and information presented in a logical manner as documentation of truth? Some people are very linear thinkers, whereas others take a more meandering route to reach their final conclusion or thought. Neither way is right or wrong, but depending on which most represents you, you’ll find yourself better suited for particular careers.

To help you analyze the career opportunities, we’ve identified five “personality types” – leader, outgoing, helping people, organized, and analytical. Each type has options for an appropriate career path.

business careers

Not everyone falls squarely into one category, so read up on possible careers for people who are leaders, those who are outgoing, individuals who like to help people, and those with strong organizational skills.

Do have a number of these characteristics?

  • Enjoy organization and completion of detailed tasks
  • Orderly
  • Precise
  • Disciplined
  • Deliberate
  • Cautious
  • Diplomatic
  • Systematic
  • Logical
  • Conventional

Analytical individuals are highly suited for careers in accounting, finance, and materials and operations management.

Accounting

Individuals who are detail-oriented, logical and systematic may be well suited for a career in accounting.

Our two-year Business-Accounting program prepares you to work in various areas of accounting including financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing. You start with a general business background and expand your theoretical knowledge of economics, law, finance and statistics. Students also learn the basics of a number of accounting and business computer software packages.

Qualified students can participate in a work placement that gives on-the-job experience in the accounting departments of Ottawa area businesses and in the public and private sectors.

Graduates may also be granted some credits toward the requirements of the Certified General Accountants (CGA) Association program of professional studies.

Finance

Do you love playing with numbers and helping others? You might love a career in the financial industry (financial planning, personal banking, investment, and insurance advising).

Our three-year Advanced Diploma Business Administration program with a Major in Finance provides you with a solid foundation for success in the finance industry. You’ll also have many networking opportunities with business professionals and employers.

The program prepares graduates to meet the high proficiency standards needed to complete the professional designations and licensing courses in the financial services industry.

Looking to Upgrade?

If you’re currently working in the finance (or a related) industry and want to advance your career, check out our one-year Graduate Certificate in Financial Services. You’ll develop a professional portfolio and participate in field placements.

Graduates of the Financial Services program can be licensed to sell mutual funds by their employer; are qualified to challenge the first exam of the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional certification and are prepared for the Provincial Life Licence Qualification (LLQP) examination. Successful completion of Personal Financial Services Advice, Financial Planning I and Canadian Securities Course I qualifies students for a Certificate in Financial Services Advice from the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI).

Many Employment Options!

Grads may find employment as financial advisors in a broad range of the financial institutions including retail banks, credit unions, financial planning offices, insurance companies, brokerage firms, and other businesses dedicated to providing personal financial advice and services.

Materials & Operations Management

If analyzing and solving problems is your thing, look into Materials & Operations Management.

Your training as part of the Materials and Operations Management Major involves many facets of supply chain management including purchasing, production planning, inventory management, logistics, distribution, and project management.

Qualified students also get the chance to put their theoretical knowledge to work in a coop placement.

Graduates find employment in supply chain positions for public and private organizations including high technology industries, such as communications, fibre optics, bio­technology, and electronic manufacturing.

What’s more, graduates obtain a certificate from SAP, the world’s largest supplier of enterprise software, and have direct hands-on knowledge of SAP supply chain software.

What your take on these programs? Share in the comments!

Find a Career that Fits You

Organized people are a special breed. Take a look at someone’s office or desk and you’ll usually be able tell whether they have the “gift” of organization or not. The neat piles and color-coded files are a dead give-away!

Of course, people who are organized have other abilities as well, such as:

  • Possess critical-thinking skills.
  • Are curious, well-organized and have an analytical nature.
  • Like analyzing and solving problems.
  • Are organized in their work and pay attention to detail.
  • Seek variety and opportunity in their career.
  • Can work independently.

To help you see what possible career avenues you have, we’ve identified five “personality types” – leader, outgoing, helping people, organized, and analytical. Each type has options for an appropriate career path.

business careers

Note: In previous posts, I’ve talked about possible careers for people who are leaders, those who are outgoing, and individuals who like to help people.

As the image above shows, possible careers for organized individuals include jobs in business administration, office administration, accounting, finance, and materials and operations management.

Administration

Algonquin College’s program in Office Administration prepares students for a career in helping to make an office run smoothly or providing support for an executive. The program emphasizes the development of strong technical, communications and human relations skills. Students gain practical experience in the classroom through simulated office situations.

Accounting

Individuals who have strong analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills could be well suited for a career in accounting.

Our two-year Business-Accounting program prepares students to work in various areas of accounting including financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing. Students get a general business background and expand their theoretical knowledge of economics, law, finance and statistics. Students also learn the basics of a number of accounting and business computer software packages.

Get on-the-job experience!

Qualified students can participate in an optional work placement that provides practical experience in the accounting departments of Ottawa area based businesses and in the public and private sectors.

Graduates may be granted some credits toward the requirements of the Certified General Accountants (CGA) Association program of professional studies.

Finance

Do you love playing with numbers and providing expert advice? You might love a career in the financial industry (financial planning, personal banking, investment, and insurance advising).

Our three-year Advanced Diploma Business Administration program with a Major in Finance gives you a strong foundation for success in this industry. You’ll also have a chance to network with business professionals and employers.

The program prepares graduates to meet the high proficiency standards needed to complete the professional designations and licensing courses in the financial services industry.

If you’re currently working in the finance or a related industry and are interested in career advancement, our one-year Graduate Certificate in Financial Services gives you a leg up. You’ll develop a professional portfolio and participate in field placements.

Graduates of the Algonquin College Financial Services program can be licensed to sell mutual funds by their employer; are qualified to challenge the first exam of the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional certification and are prepared for the Provincial Life Licence Qualification (LLQP) examination. Successful completion of Personal Financial Services Advice, Financial Planning I and Canadian Securities Course I qualifies students for a Certificate in Financial Services Advice from the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI).

Put your skills to use!

Grads may find employment as financial advisors in a broad range of the financial institutions including retail banks, credit unions, financial planning offices, insurance companies, brokerage firms, and other businesses dedicated to providing personal financial advice and services.

Materials & Operations Management

If you like to analyze and solve problems, working in Materials & Operations Management may be just the career for you!

Your training as part of the Materials and Operations Management Major involves many facets of supply chain management including purchasing, production planning, inventory management, logistics, distribution, and project management.

Qualified students also get the chance to put their theoretical knowledge to work in a coop placement.

Graduates find employment in supply chain positions for public and private organizations including high technology industries, such as communications, fibre optics, bio­technology, and electronic manufacturing.

What’s more, graduates obtain a certificate from SAP, the world’s largest supplier of enterprise software, and have direct hands-on knowledge of SAP supply chain software.

How will you use your organizational skills? Share in the comments!

What Type of Business Person are YOU?

Every organization needs talented business people to succeed. However, not all business people are created equal — or at least, not all business people can perform all jobs equally well! There are a variety of positions within business that favour specific skill sets.

We’ve identified five “types” and the personal traits associated with them. Each type of business person is ideally suited for different roles within the corporate world: leader, outgoing, helping people, organized, and analytical.

business careers

Let’s Take a Look at Leader

Do you usually find yourself in a position of leadership? Are people often looking to you to provide guidance? Do you enjoy leading a team of people?

Here are some traits a leader should possess:

  • Has integrity
  • Able to see peoples’ strengths and know how to use them
  • Is positive and encouraging
  • Good listener
  • Passionate

Of course, traits alone don’t guarantee success. Beyond these personal traits, there are specific skills to master in order to be an effective leader:

  • Communication – A leader must be able to communicate in a manner that gets people to work toward a common goal.
  • Motivation – A leader understands the team dynamic by knowing each person’s strengths and weaknesses and how to motivate them. A good leader will use each person in a position that makes the most of their strengths.
  • Planning – A leader has a plan to achieve the goal. He/she is able to view scenarios from a high level and not get too bogged down by the details.
  • Delegation – A great leader acknowledges that he/she can’t do everything and is be able to delegate effectively.

Check out Ben Yoskovitz’s blog for a list of more leadership skills.

Leaders are concerned with developing others to reach their potential, and use that potential to reach the corporate goal. Here is a great video that helps to explain what leaders focus on: top 10 differences between managers and leaders. Often, leadership traits are most easily recognized in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

SMEs are the fastest growing sector of the economy, internationally and locally. Strong leadership skills are essential for running a successful business, whether as an entrepreneur or part of a senior management team. If you’ve considered owning a business or working for an SME, check out our diploma program in Management and Entrepreneurship.

If you’ve given thought to a career in international business, our graduates find employment opportunities in a wide range of international fields including government, banking, financial services, industry, logistics, supply chain management, marketing, sales, and management consulting.