The Most In-Demand Accounting Skills

The accounting industry in Canada is full of opportunities for accounting professionals of all skill levels. As the industry continues to grow and change, so do the skills that employers look for in their accounting staff. We want to show you what the most in-demand accounting skills in Canada are, and how Ashton College can help you get them.

Canadian Accounting Fundamentals 

Regardless of whether you are applying for an entry-level position or a senior one, you will need to have a solid foundation of accounting knowledge. Knowing how to perform accounting duties in both manual and computerized environments is key and having a knowledge of Canadian accounting principles is crucial as well. 

Verifying your foundational knowledge to employers can be as simple as earning a certificate in accounting. The accounting program at Ashton College will help newcomers to accounting learn the skills they need to enter the field. The program also familiarizes internationally-trained accountants with Canadian accounting practices ad gives them a Canadian accounting credential, allowing them to easily transition into the Canadian job market. 

QuickBooks 

QuickBooks is one of the most widely-used accounting programs in the industry. By the end of 2020, 80% of small businesses switched their business management operations to the cloud, which included bookkeeping. With more businesses than ever before using QuickBooks, now is the best time to learn how to use the software. 

Having QuickBooks training and becoming an Intuit QuickBooks Certified User is one of the best ways to prove your proficiency in this accounting software. Ashton College’s QuickBooks course teaches you how to operate the software and use it for professional bookkeeping. The knowledge and skills you learn during this course can be used to help you pass the Intuit QuickBooks Certified User exam. 

Income Tax 

Everyone from big businesses to individuals needs to file their income taxes every single year. Trained tax professionals have access to a multitude of work opportunities and their skills are always in demand. Self-employed accountants can hire out their tax preparation services to clients, and they do the bulk of their work during the first few months of the year (also known as “tax season”). 

The best way to become a tax professional is by enrolling in a tax preparation course. Ashton College’s Canadian Income Tax course will familiarize you with federal and provincial tax regulations, as well as the rights and obligations of taxpayers and the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) as they relate to the Income Tax Act. Through this course, you will learn how to prepare taxes for individuals, self-employed businesses, and corporations. 

Payroll Administration 

Payroll is an important part of every businesses’ operations and it requires trained professionals to oversee the process. Payroll administrators are able to find work in any industry due to the widespread demand for their services. 

Taking a payroll administration course will enable you to access new opportunities as a payroll administrator. Ashton College’s course will teach you the Canadian standards for payroll administration, including how to calculate statutory and non-statutory deductions. The course familiarizes students with the necessary forms, such as T4 slips and T4 summaries, as well as relevant legislation, such as the Employment Standards Act. 

Taking the Next Step 

If you are looking to move ahead in your accounting career then now is the best time to do so. Whether you are new to the industry, a seasoned expert, or an internationally-trained professional, Ashton College can give you the skills you need to take get ahead in the Canadian job market. Register now for one of the upcoming accounting continuing education courses and take your career to the next level.