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Accounting Technician

If you have a head for numbers and an interest in business and finance, NorQuest’s Accounting Technician program can help turn your strengths into a career. In less than a year, you could gain all the foundational knowledge, technical skills, and hands-on experience needed to step into entry-level accounting roles.

Kristen Davies - Accounting Technician

The courses are very practical and the teachers are very supportive. They help you understand the profession, which makes you feel good and not alone. I felt confident that I would be able to find a job.

What to expect from the program

Graduate from this program with the basic theory, technical knowledge, computer competencies, and skills to enter the accounting field at an entry-level position.

You will learn:

  • Business and accounting software applications
  • Business math and microeconomics basics
  • Accounting principles and procedures
  • Enhanced business communication skills
  • Taxation and payroll fundamentals

You will complete the program ready to perform financial accounting, budgeting, costing, and tax returns

Graduate with experience

NorQuest College believes in the importance of on-the-job experience that provides an enriched learning opportunity. The work experience component of the program allows you to gain hands-on experience in the field.

This program includes 150 hours of optional field experience.


Your delivery option

To support your learning experience, this program is offered in the following format:

In-Person/Hyflex

A delivery option where some students attend in person and some students attend online.  


Career opportunities

Graduates of the Accounting Technician certificate program are workforce ready and can be employed in positions such as accounting technician, accounting clerk, bookkeeper, office manager, accounting assistant, payroll administrator, accounts payable/receivable clerk, billing supervisor, and data entry professional.

Graduates may find employment in small businesses, government, banking, insurance, manufacturing, health services, not-for-profit organizations, retail, hospitality, and the oilfield and construction industries.

For more information on related careers see:

Use the search feature in ALIS OCCinfo for other related occupations.

What to expect as an accounting technician

Accounting technicians are involved in processing invoices, recording receipts and payments, payroll, bookkeeping, auditing external and internal work, and preparing and checking ledger balances and other monthly and yearly accounts. They also handle company expenses, control budgets, prepare financial transactions, and use computerized accounting systems. Accounting technicians usually work regular weekday hours in a comfortable office environment. 

Accounting technicians can work on their own, in a large accounts team, or alongside professional accountants. While they are not accountants, they can perform many of the same functions and are qualified to take accounts beyond the trial balance stage, as well as prepare full financial accounts. There is always a strong demand for these skills in industry. 

Self-employed accounting technicians provide a range of accounting services to businesses, which may include advising on budgets and taxation issues, calculating end-of-year accounts, and consultancy. 


Important information for international students

This program qualifies for a study permit, but does not qualify for a post-graduate work permit in Canada as of June 24, 2025. Learn more about obtaining your study permit and other important immigration information.


Related programs

Administrative Professional

Learn the skills necessary to become an Administrative Professional, including basic accounting, business communication, project management, and more.

Business Administration

Build business skills and specialize in management, accounting, HR, finance, or general studies in this two-year Business Administration diploma.

Upcoming event

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Accounting Technician

Accounting Technician Info Session

November 20, 2025
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Online

Join a student recruiter and a program expert to learn everything you need to know about NorQuest’s Accounting Technician and Business Administration programs.

Have a question about the Accounting Technician program?