ACCOUNTANTS’ BRIDGING PROGRAM
This 11-month program is to facilitate the professional accreditation and labour market access of internationally-educated accountants through training which meets local business demand by developing participants’ English language proficiency and assisting in their adapting and improving of previously learned skills to Canadian standards.
The program begins every year in September.
1. Partnership:
The Program is a partnership between the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN), Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). Each partner contributes as follows:
- EMCN provides the English language training, First Aid training, Simply Accounting training and labour market/job search strategy training and supported job search;
- NAIT provides the fast-track accounting training for this specialized accelerated accounting program.
2. Eligibility Requirements:
To participate in the Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
graduate of a degree program from an international institution with significant study and experience in the accounting field;
unemployed or recipient of EI or SFI;
Landed immigrant or Canadian Citizen;
have the appropriate level of English Language proficiency as measured by the CLBA (minimum 6 in each category);
highly motivated to work in the field of accounting;
committed to complete the 11-month program;
meet the selection process requirements including providing required documentation, passing the CLBA and Accounting Tests’ minimal requirements as well as attending the interview with the program partners;
and meet the requirements for financial support or pay for yourself.
3. Selection Process:
1) Write an Accounting Assessment Test;
2) Complete the Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR);
3) Submit the following documents with the PLAR:
P University degrees and transcripts
P Course description
P Resume
P IQAS (International Qualification Assessment Service)
P CLBA Score (Arrange for a test at Catholic Social Services @ 780-424-3545)
P Immigration status document - PR card/Citizenship card and landing paper
P SIN card and Alberta Health Care card
4) Interview
Successful candidates will be invited to attend an interview. Representatives from NAIT, CMA and EMCN will be on the Interview Panel. Objectives:
Identify applicant’s field of expertise, experience and skills more specifically
Address issues related to the Accounting Assessment Test and the backup documentation
5) Program Cost and Funding
Program Cost:
Tuition: $11,900
Book Fee: $2,500
Funding Application:
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify through AHRE Skills Development Programs / Students’ Finance
You may pay for yourself or take out a personal loan through Immigrant Access Fund (IAF)
4. Program Training Components
At EMCN (Sept. to Dec.)
BCA 160 Business Communications for Accountants
BCA 120 Computerized Information Systems
At NAIT (Jan. to Jun.)
AAC 100 + 105 (110) Introductory Financial Accounting I & II
AAC 115 Business Math
AAC 141 Microeconomics
AAC 200 Intermediate Accounting I
AAC 241 Management Accounting
AAC 142 Macroeconomics
AAC 300 Intermediate Accounting II
AAC 310 Income Taxation
AAC 220 Business Law
AAC 350 Accounting Software
At EMCN (Jul. to Aug.)
ERC Employment Readiness Class
SJS Supported Job Search
5. Outcomes:
On completion of the program, participants will:
• have increased / refreshed their knowledge in accounting;
• be more aware of Canadian standards, laws, workplace norms and expectations
• communicate more effectively in the English language
• have increased their computer skills including MS Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Simply Accounting
• have increased their awareness of Canadian labour market trends and their ability to conduct a successful job search
• qualify for Student Membership in CGA
• have acquired Certification from a Canadian educational institution with 13 of 20 courses towards NAIT’s Accelerated Accounting Diploma
• and have increased employment prospects in Canada.
Our goal is to have 75% of the participants employed in the field of accounting within six months after the program’s completion.
Caution!
This is a competitive process; applying for the program doesn’t mean you will be automatically selected.
If your English is considerably low, you may consider taking English classes and strive to improve your communication and comprehension skills, then apply again next year. Your success in finding relevant and rewarding employment depends first and foremost on how well you master the English language!
To be considered for the Accountants’ Bridging Program, please contact:
Qing Cai
Coordinator, Finance Programs
Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers
Phone: 780-945-2288
Email: qcai@emcn.ab.ca