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Bachelor of Commerce - International Accounting and Finance Degree
(Co-op)
| Program Code: | IAF |
| Campus: | Newnham |
| Duration: | 8 Semesters (4 Years) |
| Start Dates: | Fall, Winter, Start dates are subject to change |
| Credential Awarded: | Bachelor of Commerce |
Program Description
In IAF, you’ll gain a unique accounting education based on the requirements and the competencies set out by the bodies that govern the CA, CGA, and CMA designations, thus enabling you to be job–ready in the Canadian and global business environment. You will possess depth and breadth of knowledge in the areas of accounting, business, finance and technology, as well as effective critical thinking, problem–solving, communication, interpersonal and team skills. You’ll use your accounting and financial skills while completing courses leading to one of the professional designations.
Program Learning Outcomes:
As a graduate, you will be prepared to reliably demonstrate the ability to:
- Demonstrate effective critical thinking and problem solving skills.
- Demonstrate a practical knowledge of the computer as a management and accounting tool.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of computer and information technology, as required to use and participate in the design and control of complex information systems and to manage and adapt to technological change.
- Accurately apply the knowledge and principles, learned in the Program, in the Canadian and global context.
- Effectively research, select key data, process the information and analyze data, to arrive at valid and useful conclusions.
- Demonstrate effective communication skills, oral, written, and verbal.
- Effectively integrate knowledge in different fields such as business, accounting and finance.
- Apply the principles and language of different fields: accounting, finance, law, ethics, human behavior, auditing and economics.
- Work effectively and cooperatively as a team member, making decisions, using effective strategies and taking initiative.
- Prepare and design different business internal control systems or transactions in accounting and finance.
- Demonstrate effective learning skills and technique.
- Demonstrate accurate knowledge of organizational structure and management skills.
Admission Requirements
Program Eligibility:
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
- Six Grade 12 (U) or (M) courses with a minimum 65% average including:
- Grade 12 English: ENG4(U)
- Grade 12 Mathematics: any (U) level Mathematics
- Mature students (age 19 years or older) must submit proof of credits in the above subjects or their equivalent.
Applicant Selection:
- Applicant grades in pre–requisite subjects (or their equivalents) and the overall academic average of 6 Grade 12 (U) or (M) courses will be used as a basis for the selection of candidates.
IAF students must successfully complete BAB110 and BAB140 within their first two semesters of study to continue in the program. To be eligible for graduation, students must successfully complete a co–op work semester.
In accordance with PEQAB requirements, this program has a minimal overall acceptable achievement for progression.
Scholarship opportunities are available for candidates with distinguished academic records in their high school careers. A variety of scholarships and bursaries are available to students based on merit and financial needs.
The Importance of Learning Skills:
Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well–organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.
Fees
Your Career
According to Ajilon Professional Staffing, accounting professionals remain among the most in–demand workers in the country and the need for accounting talent will only continue to grow. As a graduate of Seneca’s Bachelor of Commerce – International Accounting & Finance degree you will be prepared to pursue professional accounting designation such as the CA, CMA and/or CGA. In addition, you’ll have a strong knowledge base on which to build a career as small business controller, divisional and corporate accountant, accountant technology analyst, investment accountant, international financial analyst, etc.
Co-operative Education
The co–op work–term provides you with a valuable opportunity to become involved in real–life work experiences where critical thinking, problem– solving and interpersonal skills are utilized. One work–term is mandatory and is scheduled during the winter semester after semester 5. Please note: you’ll have a shared responsibility to secure employment opportunities.
For more information, please visit: www.senecacollege.ca/coop.
| CO-OP WORK TERM MODEL | |||
| Fall | Winter | Summer | |
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Vacation |
| OR | |||
| Year 1 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 | |
| Year 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Vacation |
| Year 3 | Semester 5 | Paid Co-op Term | Semester 6 |
| Year 4 | Semester 7 | Semester 8 | Graduation |
Pathways to a Degree
This program is known for its rigorous curriculum leading to many career and educational opportunities.
Other Business Diploma Programs:
If you have completed at least one semester of study in any two– or three–year diploma program you may be eligible for entry into the first semester of the International Accounting and Finance four–year degree program. If you have successfully completed two semesters or more of any business diploma program you may be eligible for transfer credit and entry into the second, third, or fourth semester of the degree program, depending on grade point average and the number of semesters completed.
Accounting Diploma Students:
If you have completed a two–year Accounting diploma program you may be eligible for admission to the third semester (second year) of the degree program. Completion of a three–year Accounting diploma program may qualify you for the fifth semester (third year) of the degree program. If you are a graduate of the Accounting and Information Technology Graduate Certificate program you may be eligible for the seventh semester (fourth year) of the degree program (leads to CGA designation only).
Other Business Degree Students:
Given a common first year in all Seneca business degree programs, students can seamlessly transfer to the IAF degree from other Seneca degrees after one year, or vice versa.
Liberal Studies Electives
Liberal studies electives will be offered to students in semesters 3 to 8.
Professional Certification
The Seneca IAF degree program enables graduates to pursue the following professional designations:
CA: The IAF degree has been approved by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario (ICAO) as satisfying the "51 credit–hour requirement" for academic qualification for the CA designation. For more information on the Chartered Accountant (CA) designation, please visit www.icao.on.ca.
CGA: The IAF degree is accredited by CGA Ontario as meeting the requirements for direct entry into its program of professional studies. For more information on the Certified General Accountant (CGA) program, please visit www.cga–ontario.org.
CMA: The IAF degree is accredited by CMA Ontario as meeting the education requirements to enter the CMA program and write the CMA entrance exam. For further information on the Certified Management Accountants (CMA) program, please visit www.cma–ontario.org.
Please contact the Program Co–ordinator with any questions.
CGA Ontario Learning Centre
Grow your accounting and finance skill set in a space dedicated to supporting and engaging Seneca students, whether at the introductory or advanced levels of their accounting studies. Academic support is offered in partnership with the Certified General Accountants of Ontario. Located in the Newnham Campus Learning Centre.

Curriculum
| Semester 1 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|
| BAB100 | Introduction to Canadian Business | 3 |
| BAB110 | Financial Mathematics | 4 |
| BAB120 | Computer Applications for Business I | 3 |
| BAB140 | Introduction to Financial Accounting | 4 |
| ENG106 | Writing Strategies | 3 |
| Semester 2 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| BAB210 | Business Statistics | 4 |
| BAB220 | Computer Applications for Business II | 3 |
| BAB231 | Introduction to Business Law | 3 |
| BAB235 | Introduction to Marketing | 3 |
| BAB240 | Management Accounting | 4 |
| ENG205 | Applied Communication for Business and Industry | 4 |
| Semester 3 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| IAF310 | Intermediate Financial Accounting I | 4 |
| IAF330 | Finance | 4 |
| IAF340 | Business Information Systems | 3 |
| LSP240 | Micro Economics - Theory and Practice | 3 |
| LSP400 | Presentation Skills | 3 |
| XXXXXX | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| Semester 4 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| HST430 | Organizational Behaviour | 3 |
| IAF410 | Intermediate Financial Accounting II | 4 |
| IAF530 | Management Accounting - Intermediate | 4 |
| LSP340 | Macroeconomics - Theory and Practice | 3 |
| XXXXXX | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| Semester 5 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| IAF320 | Income Tax I | 4 |
| IAF520 | Auditing | 4 |
| IAF540 | Database Management | 4 |
| IAF550 | Quantitative Methods for Decision Making | 2 |
| LSP500 | Ethics and Social Responsibility | 3 |
| CPP600 | Co-op Professional Practice | 2 |
| Semester 6 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| IAF420 | Income Tax II | 4 |
| IAF610 | Computerized Auditing | 4 |
| IAF620 | Financial Management | 3 |
| IAF640 | Business Cases I | 3 |
| XXXXXX | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| CPP700 | Co-op Integration and Career Planning | 1 |
| Semester 7 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| BAB905 | Project Management | 3 |
| IAF510 | Accounting Theory | 4 |
| IAF710 | Advanced Financial Accounting | 4 |
| IAF716 | Operations Management | 3 |
| LSP700 | Applied Research Methodology | 3 |
| Semester 8 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| IAF816 | Critical Thinking, Analysis and Decision | 3 |
| IAF826 | Advanced Auditing | 3 |
| IAF831 | International Strategic Management | 3 |
| IAF841 | Management Accounting - Advanced | 3 |
| LSP800 | Applied Research Project | 4 |
Seneca has been granted a consent by the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities to offer this degree for a 7-year term starting August 26, 2005. In conformity with the Minister’s criteria and requirements, Seneca will submit an application for the renewal of the consent for this program 12 months prior to the expiration of the consent. Seneca shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent will have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable time frame.
Contact Us
| Program Coordinator: | Jamie Aldcorn Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 26570 Email: Jamison.Aldcorn@senecacollege.ca |
| Co-op Coordinator: | Denise Olah Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22359 Email: Denise.Olah@senecacollege.ca |
| Program Student Advisor: | Sheilagh Stephenson Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22795 Email: Sheilagh.Stephenson@senecacollege.ca |
| Associate Chair: | Jeff McCarthy Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 26722 Email: Jeff.McCarthy@senecacollege.ca |
| Program Chair: | Karen Murkar Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22337 Email: Karen.Murkar@senecacollege.ca |
| Admissions Advisors: | |
| Domestic Admissions Advisor: | Angelie Ramirez Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22058 Email: Angelie.Ramirez@senecacollege.ca |
| International Admissions Advisor: | Susan Gao Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22365 Email: Susan.Gao@senecacollege.ca |
| Registration & Records Advisor: | Lisa Dalla-Zuanna Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 26199 Email: Lisa.Dalla-Zuanna@senecacollege.ca |
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Testimonial
“I am really satisfied with what I have experienced and learned in the International Accounting and Finance program. I have not only mastered basic financial and managerial accounting, but have also learned some essential business skills...which help lay a good foundation for understanding how business is conducted today. I like the way the concept of the courses is presented in an interrelated manner...but what I really enjoy the most, is the relatively small class sizes, which allow for a more interactive experience with professors and classmates."
Yuhong Wan
IAF student

