Accounting Co-op Information for Employers
Adding Value to Your Team
The Bachelor of Commerce, Accounting Co-op program prepares students with both academic requirements and on-the-job experience for the postgraduate pursuit of the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Students develop the technical, analytical, evaluative, and communication skills needed to quickly make a positive impact on your team.
The University of Guelph is a CPA-accredited post-secondary institution. Students are provided with a strong foundation of accounting and general business knowledge. Students complete all seven undergraduate core accounting courses and eight business-related courses required for entry into the CPA Post Graduate Program (CPP). Students who graduate with a BComm major or minor in Accounting are not required to take the Knowledge Assessment entrance exam. Accounting students can also apply their time accrued over a co-op work term towards the Foundational Experience requirements needed to obtain a CPA. By providing the education and experience that lead to a CPA, hiring an Accounting Co-op student is an economical way to recruit new talent for your organization.
University of Guelph Advantage
University of Guelph students are known for being grounded and highly adaptable, with a strong sense of community and collaboration.
We pay particular attention to the issues facing entrepreneurial and family businesses while also addressing the accounting needs of large organizations. Consequently, students are well prepared for an accounting career in public practice, industry, or government – be it on “Bay Street” or “Main Street”. Approximately two-thirds of our students come from communities outside of the Greater Toronto Area. While many look to work in the GTA, many others are interested in working in smaller communities.
Students complete a total of four co-op work terms, with the first work term commencing after the completion of a minimum of three academic terms. This allows students to gain a solid foundation of accounting knowledge prior to entering their first work term. The final two terms are back-to-back, spanning September to April, allowing employers the flexibility to offer an eight-month work term to upper-year students.
Upon graduation, students can continue their CPA studies at the University of Guelph by enrolling in our fully accredited Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc). Completion of this Master's degree grants graduates advanced standing in the CPA Professional Program.
Student Strengths
Critical Thinking
Students develop their analytical and problem-solving skills through simulations and experiential learning that reflects the work and issues they will encounter in the real world.
Collaboration
Students also gain a strong ability to collaborate effectively in teams, developed as a result of work in group assignments and projects.
Leadership
Effective leadership and communication skills are enhanced, as well, through education, extra-curricular involvement and work experiences.
Accounting Work Term Schedule
| YEAR | FALL | WINTER | SUMMER |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONE | Academic | Academic | Off |
| TWO | Academic | Work | Academic |
| THREE | Academic | Work | Academic |
| FOUR | Work | Work | Off |
| FIVE | Academic | Academic |
