For many students, the road to becoming an accountant begins at Lethbridge College, with Business Administration courses that are Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) – approved. CPA is Canada’s only accounting designation.
This year, Lethbridge College courses received credit again from CPA, continuing a strong relationship that began many years ago with the former designations of Chartered Accountant, Certified Management Accountant and Certified General Accountant.
“This approval is always significant for the program,” says James Reimer, School of Business chair. “To have our courses recognized by the ultimate Canadian accounting body that is recognized worldwide is the true measure of any accounting program. It’s a huge accomplishment.”
One of many notable graduates is Barrett Bettger (Business Administration – Accounting 2008), a senior manager at KPMG LLP in Lethbridge. “Lethbridge College provided me with the building blocks I needed to ensure I was successful in my future career,” he says. “Thanks to the program’s hands-on, real-world educational experience, I was ready to handle all challenges I faced as I worked toward my career goals. Without Lethbridge College, I would not be where I am today.”
In order for Business Administration students to earn credit toward their CPA designation, the college completes a significant annual reporting process to ensure courses are relevant and up-to-date with CPA standards. The most transferrable courses are completed as part of the college’s two-year Business Administration – Accounting major diploma. Business Administration students may also pursue majors in Business Operations or Management. The college has transfer agreements with institutions across Canada and around the world, so Business Admin grads can be well on their way to a bachelor’s degree after completing their college diploma.
Lethbridge College’s own Financial Services department benefits from the expertise of its Business Administration alumni. Brandon Strang (Business Administration – Accounting 2015) and Jaylen Korver (Business Administration – Accounting 2015) work as financial analysts and both credit their college experience with preparing them to achieve CPA designation.
“I’m grateful to be back at my alma mater working as a financial analyst,” says Strang. “The college’s accounting program was pivotal in preparing me for the CPA program. Not only did it provide me with the foundational, technical knowledge I needed, but it gave me confidence, habits and tools to work through the rigorous CPA program and achieve my designation.”
He says the college’s intimate class sizes and caring instructors contributed to his success.
Korver says his instructors’ hands-on teaching approach gave him the knowledge and skills he needed to achieve CPA designation. “It’s great to see Lethbridge College has once again been credited with the CPA and can continue to provide this essential stepping stone for future CPAs,” he says.
Billie Bocking (Business Administration – Accounting 2015) was hired about a month ago by Lethbridge College’s Financial Services department. She is working toward her CPA. “LC instructors used real-life examples when teaching the various concepts and this allowed me to easily transition from school work to working in the industry,” she says. “I also felt very prepared to enter the CPA program as I was already familiar with the presentation of various cases.”
To learn more about the Business Administration diploma program, visit the Lethbridge College website. Not sure which program to choose? Lethbridge College invites future students, parents and partners to register for information night from 6 to 7 p.m. July 13.