Certificate in Accounting

Contents

Prepare for a Career in the Accounting Profession at McGill ................. 1

How can a McGill Program prepare you for a career as a CGA or CMA?
............................................................................................................. 2
The Program ......................................................................................... 3
Course Sequence ................................................................................. 4
Course Descriptions .............................................................................. 5
Professional Associations ..................................................................... 9
Admission Requirements ...................................................................... 11
Language Requirements ....................................................................... 12
Admission Procedures .......................................................................... 14

Career and Management Studies

McGill Centre for Continuing Education
688 Sherbrooke St. W.
Montreal, PQ, Canada H3A 3R1
Tel: (514) 398-1030 Fax: (514) 398-3108
E-mail: info.conted@mcgill.ca
Web: http://www.mcgill.ca/conted-cms

The full details of the program, admission requirements, and admission procedures summarized in
this document can be found in the Centre for Continuing Educations current course calendar. If there
are any discrepancies between the course calendar and this summary, the information in the course
calendar takes precedence in all cases. McGill University reserves the right to change this information
at any time.
Prepare for a Career in the Accounting Profession at McGill
Be among a select group of professionals in a stimulating and challenging career.
Whether you want in public practice, in industry or in government, the accounting
profession offers you a variety of rewarding career options.

As a Certified General Accountant (CGA), you can choose a career from a number
of key positions in all business and management sectors and you will be able to work
in public practice, as a company executive, or in government.

As a CGA professional, you will be providing value-added services tailored to the

needs of a host of organizations.

You will be able to practice your profession in any of the following areas:

Accounting and Systems advice and

business planning implementation

Tax planning and Business start-up

preparation advice

Controllership Auditing
services
Management
Retirement consulting
planning
Financial planning
Estate planning

Succession
planning

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 As a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), you will acquire the knowledge
and skills necessary to develop innovative and integrated strategies that will enhance
the effectiveness of decision-making.

You will learn to apply advanced management and accounting practices in all
business functions, including strategic planning, sales and marketing, information
technology, human resources, finance, and operations. As a CMA professional, you
are trained to see the big picture.

CMAs may perform any of the following tasks:

Initiating and guiding major changes

Directing and mobilizing teams

Planning and managing projects with substantial budgets

Planning and coordinating system implementation

Improving business processes

How can a McGill Program prepare you for a career as a CGA or

CMA?

The Certificate in Accounting is designed to provide you with the specialized

accounting knowledge required to become a professional accountant. By completing
the Certificate in Management or equivalent, and the Certificate in Accounting, you
will have fulfilled most of the educational requirements of lOrdre des comptables
gnraux licencis du Qubec (CGA) and LOrdre des comptables en management
accrdits du Qubec (CMA). With the appropriate options, you will be prepared to
write the professional examinations of the particular Orders.

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The Program
The Certificate in Accounting is a 30-credit program, which consists of two external pre-requisites, 7
required courses and 3 complementary courses.

Classes are offered once a week for 13 weeks and are generally from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Courses can be
taken in the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer sessions. Classes in the Spring and Summer sessions may
be given in less than 13 weeks. Not all courses are offered every semester.

The certificates program requirements are:

Note: MGCR 211 Introduction to Financial Accounting is a pre-requisite to ACCT 351 Intermediate
Accounting 1, ACCT 361 Intermediate Management Accounting 1 and ACCT 385 Principles of
Taxation and must be taken prior to commencing the program. MGCR 311 Information Systems is a
pre-requisite to INSY 332 Accounting Information Systems (a CGA and CMA requirement).
1
Pre-requisites to Program:

MGCR 211 Introduction to Financial Accounting

(or the Exemption by Examination Test)
MGCR 331 Information Systems2
(or the Exemption by Examination Test)

7 Required courses:
ACCT 351 Intermediate Financial Accounting 1
ACCT 352 Intermediate Financial Accounting 2
ACCT 453 Advanced Financial Accounting
ACCT 361 Intermediate Management Accounting 1
ACCT 362 Intermediate Management Accounting 2
ACCT 475 Principles of Auditing
ACCT 385 Principles of Taxation

3 Complementary courses from:

ACCT 455 Development of Accounting Thought
ACCT 354 Financial Statement Analysis
ACCT 463 Advanced Management Accounting
ACCT 476 Internal Auditing
ACCT 477 External Auditing
ACCT 486 Business Taxation 2
INSY 332 Accounting Information Systems
BUSA 400 Independent Studies in Management
CCTX 540 U.S. Taxation

CGA Requirement
CMA Requirement
Only one of these courses can be taken for credit.

Note: All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise stated.

1
Pre-requisites: These courses must be taken prior to commencing the program.
2
MGCR 331 Information Systems is an optional pre-requisite. You must take this course at the beginning of the program if you
will choose INSY 332 Accounting Information Systems as a complementary course to meet the CGA and CMA requirement.

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Course Sequence

Certificate in Accounting

ACCT 361 ACCT 362 ACCT 463

Intermediate Intermediate Advanced
Management Management Management
Accounting 1 Accounting 2 Accounting
Pre-requisite:
MGCR 211
Intro to Financial
Accounting ACCT 385 ACCT 486 CCTX 540
Principles of Business Taxation U.S. Taxation
Taxation

ACCT 351 ACCT 352 ACCT 453

Intermediate Intermediate Advanced Financial
Financial Financial Accounting
Accounting 1 Accounting 2

ACCT 476*
Internal Auditing

ACCT 475
ACCT 354 Principles of
Financial Statement Auditing
Analysis

ACCT 477*
ACCT 455 External Auditing
Development of
Accounting Thought

INSY 332
External Pre-requisite: Accounting
MGCR 331*
Information Systems
Information Systems NOTE:

Required Course

BUSA 400 Complementary

Course
Independent Studies in
Management Pre-requisite to course

* Please refer to course descriptions for pre-

To obtain information on course offerings, please refer to the interactive timetable at requisite(s) specific to the course.
http://www.mcgill.ca/conted-cms/programs/undergrad/accounting/ .

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Course Descriptions

ACCT 351 Intermediate Financial Accounting 1 (3 credits)

CGA and CMA requirement
Pre-requisite:
MGCR 211 Introduction to Financial Accounting or the Exemption by Examination Test
An examination of the theoretical foundation for financial reporting and revenue
recognition. The tools of accounting, including a review of the accounting process
and compound interest concepts. Asset recognition, measurement and disclosure.
Partnership accounting.

ACCT 352 Intermediate Financial Accounting 2 (3 credits)

CGA and CMA requirement
Pre-requisite:
ACCT 351 Intermediate Financial Accounting 1

A continuation of Intermediate Financial Accounting 1. An examination of liability

recognition, measurement and disclosure, including leases, pension costs and
corporate income tax. Shareholders' equity, dilutive securities and earnings per share.
The statement of changes in financial position, basic financial statement analysis and
full disclosure in financial reporting.

ACCT 354 Financial Statement Analysis (3 credits)

CGA requirement
Pre-requisite:
MGCR 211 Introduction to Financial Accounting
Interpretative nature of the conceptual framework underlying a multitude of financial
reporting standards, including the impact of alternative accounting methods,
management biases and stakeholder interests in the analysis and valuation of the firm.

ACCT 361 Intermediate Management Accounting 1 (3 credits)

CGA and CMA requirement
Pre-requisite: MGCR 211 Introduction to Financial Accounting or the Exemption by
Examination Test
The role of management accounting information to support internal management
decisions and to provide performance incentives.

ACCT 362 Intermediate Management Accounting 2 (3 credits)

CGA and CMA requirement
Pre-requisite: ACCT 361 Intermediate Management Accounting 1
An examination of a number of recurring issues in the area of decision-making and
control, including cost allocation, alternative costing systems, and innovations in
costing and performance measurement.

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 ACCT 385 Principles of Taxation (3 credits)
CGA and CMA requirement
Pre-requisite:
MGCR 211 Introduction to Financial Accounting or the Exemption by Examination Test
An introduction to the concepts underlying the Canadian tax system and how they are
applied in relation to the taxation of individuals and businesses.

ACCT 453 Advanced Financial Accounting (3 credits)

CGA and CMA requirement
Pre-requisites:
ACCT 352 Intermediate Financial Accounting 2
Reporting relevant financial information subsequent to long term intercorporate
investments. The preparation of consolidated financial statements with emphasis on
their economic substance rather than legal form.

ACCT 455 Development of Accounting Thought (3 credits)

CGA requirement
Pre-requisite:
ACCT 352 Intermediate Financial Accounting 2

The conceptual underpinning of accounting thought, including its historical

development and the modifications that have occurred over time. A review of
accounting literature and its relevance to practice.

ACCT 463 Advanced Management Accounting (3 credits)

CMA requirement
Pre-requisites:
ACCT 362 Intermediate Management Accounting 2
The theoretical frameworks for the examination and evaluation of management
accounting and control systems. The technical aspects of accounting along with
behavioural issues of management control.

ACCT 475 Principles of Auditing (3 credits)

CGA and CMA requirement
Pre-requisites:
ACCT 352 Intermediate Financial Accounting 2, ACCT 362 Intermediate Management
Accounting 2 and ACCT 385 Principles of Taxation
An introduction to basic auditing concepts and internal controls of an accounting
system. Topics include current auditing standards, ethical conduct, legal liability,
planning of an audit, sampling techniques, non-audit engagements, the study and
evaluation of internal controls in an accounting system.

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 ACCT 476 Internal Audit (3 credits)
CGA and CMA requirement
Pre-requisite:
ACCT 475 Principles of Auditing
The modern internal audit approach including operational and management audit
practices within the internal audit framework. Topics include objectives of an internal
audit, communication by internal auditors, planning audit projects, audit of EDP
systems, audit testing, operational areas.

ACCT 477 External Audit (3 credits)

CGA requirement
Pre-requisite:
ACCT 475 Principles of Auditing
The theory of auditing financial statements and the various complexities encountered
in these audit environments. A thorough study of auditing standards, ethical conduct,
communication by auditors, auditing in an EDP environment, audit of a small
business, other reports and services provided by auditors and public accountants.

ACCT 486 Business Taxation 2 (3 credits)

CGA requirement
Pre-requisite:
ACCT 385 Principles of Taxation
A study of the Income Tax Act as it applies to the taxation of individuals and
corporations, including capital cost allowances, capital gains, corporate
reorganisations, trusts and partnerships and administrative regulations. A review of
consumption taxes.

BUSA 400 Independent Studies in Management (3 credits)

Pre-requisites:
Permission of Director

Research reading or field projects, permitting independent study under the guidance
of a Faculty member. Projects to be arranged individually with instructors. A detailed
student proposal must be submitted to the instructor and the Associate Dean during
the first week of term.

CMSC 000 Foundations for Mathematics (3 credits)

Pre-requisites:
None
Operations with real numbers, polynomials, first-degree equations and applied word
problems. Factoring, fractions, exponents, roots and radicals. Systems of linear
equations and linear inequalities. Absolute values, equations and inequalities.
Quadratic equations, applied problems.

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 CMSC 101 College Algebra and Functions (3 credits)
Pre-requisite:
CMSC 000 Foundations of Mathematics or the Exemption by Examination Test
Linear and quadratic functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, applications.
Sequences and series, mathematics of finance. Permutations and combinations.
Introduction to probability. Matrices and systems of linear equations.

CCTX 540 U.S. Taxation (3 credits)

Pre-requisites:
ACCT 385 Principles of Taxation and ACCT 486 Business Taxation 2
Examination of U.S. taxation at the federal, state and local level from the
perspectives of both the individual and the corporation.

MGCR 211 Introduction to Financial Accounting (3 credits)

CGA and CMA requirement
Pre-requisites:
None
The role of financial accounting in the reporting of the financial performance of a
business. The principles, components and uses of financial accounting and reporting
from a user's perspective, including the recording of accounting transactions and
events, the examination of the elements of financial statements, the preparation of
financial statements and the analysis of financial results.

MGCR 331 Information Systems (3 credits)

Pre-requisite:
CMSC 101 College Algebra and Functions or the Exemption by Examination Test
Introduction to principles and concepts of information systems in organizations.
Topics include information technology, transaction processing

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Professional Associations
ORDRE DES CGA DU QUEBEC (Certified General Accountant CGA)

In order to fulfill the educational requirements necessary to obtain the CGA professional
designation, the candidate must hold:

a bachelor of commerce degree with a major in accounting; or

a bachelor of commerce degree with honours in accounting; or

a baccalaurat par cumul* from an educational institution which recognizes either

McGill Universitys Certificate in Accounting or Certificate in Management in
combination with two other certificates from the same institution ;

and she/he must complete the Short Graduate Program in Professional Practice, pass the four
national examinations and acquire 24 months or more of practical work experience. Under
certain conditions, the specific competencies examinations: Taxation 2 (TX2), Management
Auditing 1 (MU1) or Auditing 2 (AU2) might be exempted.

A list of specific courses necessary to complete the educational requirements and descriptive
brochures of the Order can be obtained from the Centre for Continuing Education. Students
interested in acquiring membership should contact Ordre des CGA du Qubec, 500 Places
dArmes, Room 1800, Montral, Qubec H2Y 2W2. Telephone: (514) 861-1823, or (800)
463-0163; Fax: (514) 861-7661; E-mail: formation@cga-quebec.org Internet:
www.cga-quebec.org

* Please note that McGill University does not offer a baccalaurat par cumul. Candidates
who wish to obtain one should consult other (francophone) universities in Quebec for
information on how a McGill certificate program can be credited towards a bachelors degree,
i.e. baccalaurat par cumul.

General Information and Course Equivalencies

Tel: (514) 861-1823 ext. 246
E-mail: formation@cga-quebec.org

CGA Exams and Exemptions

Tel: (514) 861-1823 ext. 220
E-mail: examens@cga-quebec.org

ORDRE DES COMPTABLES EN MANAGEMENT ACCRDITS DU QUBEC

(Certified Management Accountant CMA)

The Bachelor of Commerce program with an Accounting Concentration fulfills the

educational requirements of the Ordre des comptables en management accrdits de Qubec
and with the appropriate options prepares students to write the CMA national entrance
examination.

A list of specific courses required to complete the educational requirements and descriptive
brochures of the Order can be obtained from the Centre. Students interested in further
information on the CMA designation should contact the Coordinator, Admission and Quality
at: Ordre des comptables en management accrdits du Qubec, 715 Square Victoria, 3 rd

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 Floor, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 2H7. Telephone: (514) 849-1155 ext. 227 or (800) 263-5390
Fax: (514) 849-9674; E-mail: formation@cma-quebec.org Internet: www.cma-quebec.org

Contact person:
Mme. Karine Blais (E-mail: k.blais@cga-quebec.org Tel: (514) 849-1155 Ext. 227

ORDRE DES COMPTABLES AGRS DU QUBEC

(Chartered Accountant CA)

For more information on the CA Order, please visit its website: www.ocaq.qc.ca

Ordre des comptables agrs du Qubec

680 Sherbrooke Street West, 18/F
Montreal, QC H3A 2S3
Tel.: (514) 288-3256 or 1 (800) 363-4688
Fax: (514) 843-8375
E-mail: info@ocaq.qc.ca

McGills Chartered Accountancy (CA) Diploma

Bronfman Building, 1001 Sherbrooke Street West
Montreal, Quebec H3A 1G5
Tel.: 514-398-4130 | Fax: 514-398-2282
Website: www.mcgill.ca/ca

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McGill University
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to the Certificate in Accounting, students must meet both the
academic and language requirements of the program.

Academic Requirements:
To be admitted to a certificate program:

1) Students must hold a CEGEP diploma (DCS or equivalent) or

2) Students 21 years of age and over who do not have the normal academic
background for admission may be admitted as mature students.

Students between 18 and 21 who do not have a CEGEP diploma but have at least a
high school leaving certificate may be accepted into a qualifying program to be
determined by the Department. Formal admission to the certificate program will
normally follow upon satisfactory completion of the qualifying program.

Students below 18 years of age without a CEGEP diploma (DEC) will not be
admitted to a certificate program nor will they be permitted to take courses.

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Language Requirements
Applicants whose mother tongue is not English, and who have not completed both a
high school and a CEGEP program in the province of Quebec, must submit
acceptable evidence of facility in English before their application for admission can
be considered.

Students are not required to submit proof of proficiency in English if they meet one
of the following conditions:

Their mother tongue/first language is English; or

They have completed a Diploma of Collegial Studies at an English Language CEGEP

during or later than 2003; or

They have completed both Secondary V and a Diploma of Collegial Studies in

Quebec; or

Their mother tongue/first language is English and they have completed the last five
years of study in a French Baccalaureate International Option program, or in a French
Lyce located in an English speaking country; or

Their last five years of study (preceding application) have been at a learning
institution where English is the main language of instruction (including applicants
taught in English in Kenya, Liberia and Singapore); or

Advanced level English: A-Level subject in English, (other than English as a Second
Language) with a final grade of C or better.

All other applicants to Career and Management Studies must demonstrate proficiency
in English, using one of the following six options:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 233 (or a
minimum score of 577 for the paper-based version of this test). A minimum overall
or composite score of 90 in conjunction with a minimum individual component score
(reading, writing, listening and speaking) of 21 is required for applicants who took
the internet-based TOEFL (iBT). Website: www.toefl.org

McGill CCE Test of English Language Proficiency (McGill CCE-TELP) with a

Category A result. For further information, please visit McGill University's
Continuing Education English and French Language Program web site at:
www.mcgill.ca/eflp

McGill Certificate of Proficiency in English. For more information, please visit

McGill Universitys Continuing Education English and French Language Programs
website at: www.mcgill.ca/eflp

University of Michigan English Language Test (MELAB) with a minimum mark of

85%. Website: www.lsa.umich.edu/eli/testing/melab/

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 International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with a band score of 6.5 or
better. Website: www.ielts.org

APIEL (Advanced Placement International English Language) with a minimum score

of 4. Website: www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html

Note: An institutional version of these tests is not acceptable.

For more information on each language test institutions, please visit:

http://www.mcgill.ca/conted-apply/requirements/language/english

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McGill University
Admission Procedures

You can apply for admissions to the Certificate in Accounting online at

http://www.mcgill.ca/conted-apply

The application fee is $60 (non-refundable).

You must also provide several pieces of supporting documentation in order for your
application to be processed. For more information, please visit:
http://www.mcgill.ca/conted-apply/docs

Application deadlines are: February 1 (Spring semester), June 1 (Fall semester), and
October 1 (Winter semester).

Please note that students who do not register within one year from their date
of acceptance will be required to reapply.

A student not wishing to be admitted to the program or who has applied for
admission but has still to be accepted may register as a Special student in
individual courses on a selected basis provided they have the necessary prerequisites
and meet the admission requirements. For more information on Special Student
registration, please visit: http://www.mcgill.ca/conted-register/courses/independent

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