Bookkeeping/Accounting Technician

A student walking at Okanagan College

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate Certificates are short programs focused on specific skills or subjects. They are a fast and flexible way to start a new career, upgrade your qualifications or gain professional recognition.

Delivery mode

Mostly online Mostly online

Time commitment

Online Online Full-Time You take a regular course load and move through the program at the standard pace. Expect to study most weekdays.

Duration

1 year

Program codes

  • Code: BAT

Cost

$5,341 total program cost Domestic students: $5,341 for the entire 1-year program

Location

  • Distance Full program offered in Distance

Available for

  • Domestic students

Program features

TBD

Program overview

About the program

Interested in becoming an accounting assistant or bookkeeper? You’ll learn how to perform accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and general bookkeeping duties. Graduates emerge equipped with relevant accounting knowledge, able to work for small, medium, or large companies.

Graduates of this program will have the opportunity to fast track towards the nationally recognized Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation. Students will also have access to a preferred student membership rate, full of member benefits that will provide access to continuing education and networking opportunities with bookkeeping professionals across Canada.

Distance Education (DE) - Online delivery

  • flexible program that allows you to choose when you study and work on your course materials
  • student-led and self-directed
  • ability to contact your instructor for any course assistance or questions
  • this delivery is not eligible for student loans
  • MAC and Chromebooks are not compatible with some courses, see additional program details below

This option is for you if you want a flexible full-time or part-time study option, are working around a current job or busy lifestyle, and want to pay-as-you learn for your courses. Students register themselves in courses during open registration windows.

If you are a funded student (i.e. Work BC or other funding), it is strongly recommended that you work with an advisor before you apply to the distance education delivery to build a schedule that will meet the requirements of your funding. See more information below.

Additional program details

 

This 1,098-hour program is for students who wish to be accounting technicians or professional bookkeepers. During the program, students will complete courses in business math, spreadsheets, payroll, accounting, client communications, tax preparation, and cloud accounting integration. Students will be required to complete a capstone simulation as well as a four-week practicum. Graduates of the program may begin immediate employment as accounting technicians in small, medium and large businesses performing accounting duties. Okanagan College and Certified Professional Bookkeepers of Canada (CPB Canada) have established an educational partnership to enable students to pursue this professional designation to establish home-based bookkeeping businesses. This program also provides a learning pathway for students wishing to pursue their CPA designation through Okanagan College's Accounting diploma or degree programs.

Admission and program requirements

  • B.C. Secondary school graduation, or equivalent, or 19 years of age and out of secondary school for at least one year as of the first day of classes.
  • English 11 with minimum 50% or alternatives; or a minimum score of 70% on an Okanagan College Office Administration English entrance test.
  • Pass in Math 11 (or equivalent) or a minimum score of 70% on an Okanagan College Office Administration math entrance test.
  • Or, completion of the Okanagan College Office Assistant Certificate.

A minimum of 50% of the program must be completed through OC.

Start date
Location Location
Delivery mode Delivery mode
Application status
Jul. 2026
Distance
Mostly online
Open
Aug. 2026
Distance
Mostly online
Open
Sep. 2026
Distance
Mostly online
Open
Oct. 2026
Distance
Mostly online
Open
Nov. 2026
Distance
Mostly online
Open
Dec. 2026
Distance
Mostly online
Open

Tuition and fees

Program details

OADM 145 - Essential Office Skills
OADM 130 - Business Math and Calculators
OADM 137 - Math Toolbox and Applications
OADM 143 - Accounting I
OADM 173 - Client Communications
OADM 169A - Spreadsheet I
OADM 169B - Spreadsheets II
OADM 144 - Accounting II
OADM 146 - Accounting III
OADM 149 - Canadian Payroll Practices
OADM 157 - Tax Preparation for Bookkeepers
OADM 152 - Accounting Software I
OADM 155 - Accounting Software II
OADM 158 - Cloud Accounting and Integration
OADM 181 - Job Search Techniques
OADM 156 - Accounting/Bookkeeping Simulation
OADM 183 - Practicum - Accounting

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