Major map:
Accounting
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.)
Learn how to get the most out of your degree and prepare for your future career.
The Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm.) degree is a four-year direct-entry program. The first two years provide you with general business knowledge; all students take an introductory course in each of the major specializations before selecting a major in the middle of year two.
Accounting is the art of measuring, communicating, and interpreting financial activity, and is sometimes referred to as "the language of business." It involves interacting with numbers and people to determine the financial health of an organization. The major is designed to provide students with the general, business and accounting knowledge necessary for them to succeed as professional accountants. Since accounting is a dynamic field, all accounting majors will learn how to keep their knowledge up to date so they can continue to grow throughout their professional careers.
Not a USask student?
Learn more about studying accounting at USask and apply for admission.
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
COMM 100.3 | Business Communication
COMM 101.3 | Introduction to Business
COMM 104.3 | Foundations of Business Statistics
COMM 105.3 | Introduction to Organizational Behaviour
COMM 121.3 | Business Mathematics
COMM 204.3 | Introduction to Marketing
COMM 211.3 | Human Resource Management
COMM 229.3 | Personal Financial Management
You choose
- Two courses (6 cu) to fulfill your 100-level non-COMM elective requirement
Academic tips
- Explore information about your program in the course and program catalogue
- Consider joining an Edwards Learning Community
- Meet with an academic advisor for help choosing your courses and planning your degree
- Visit the student Learning Hub for help developing your academic skills
- Maintain a minimum yearly average of 60% to advance to the next year of the program
- First year marks matter – major acceptance is based on your cumulative average to the end of Year 1 and term 1 of Year 2
- Apply for Edwards scholarships, awards and bursaries
- Check out the Rawlinson Centre for Indigenous Business Students
- Read Edwards weekly e-newsletter “The Latest” sent out every Monday during the academic year
What will I learn?
- Be a business professional ready to build nations
- Understand areas of accounting theory, tax, audit, equity, reporting and control systems
- Acquire the communication, computer and interpersonal skills necessary to successfully resolve complex problems in unstructured settings
- Gain all the skills required to be ready to pursue a professional accounting designation (Chartered Professional Accountant - CPA) upon graduation
- Benefit from optional participation in activities such as the Volunteer Tax Program where fourth year accounting students volunteer their time to prepare tax returns for seniors and people with disabilities
Gain relevant experience
- Consider a study abroad experience to earn credit toward your degree
- Get familiar with the Edwards School of Business PAWS page to find opportunities and gain relevant experience as an Edwards undergrad
- Consider enrolling in an experiential learning course
Create local and global connections
- Visit the USask Community Centre to make connections and build community
- Get involved in your campus community through student groups, campus rec, and USask events
- Get to know your faculty and their research interests
- Consider joining a club; visit the Edwards Business Students’ Society (EBSS) website for a full list
- If you are interested in international business, attend an International Business Minor information session
- Get involved with the Edwards International Students’ Society to meet classmates from all over the world
- Consider joining the Indigenous Business Students' Society
Get career ready
- Check out Edwards Career Services and meet with a career advisor to receive guidance and access resources related to achieving your career goals
- View the Edwards School of Business tab within CareerLink to review resources and the calendar of career events as well as part-time summer and job postings
- Build an amazing resume and prepare for upcoming interviews with Edwards Skills First
- Take a career assessment to learn more about your strengths, personality, interests, and values
- Develop your LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional brand
- If you are new to Canada, participate in the Edwards International Career Development Program. Information will be emailed to eligible students in November
- Access USask Career Services for additional support with career exploration and job search
Featured courses
- COMM 321.3 Corporate Financial Reporting I
- COMM 337.3 Business Information and Accounting Systems
- COMM 407.3 Individual and Corporate Taxes Payable and Tax Planning
- COMM 414.3 Integrative Analysis of Accounting Issues and Problems
- COMM 438.3 Management Planning and Control Systems
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
COMM 201.3 | Introduction to Financial Accounting
COMM 203.3 | Introduction to Finance
COMM 205.3 | Introduction to Operations Management
COMM 207.3 | Statistics for Business Decisions
COMM 210.3 | Introduction to Managerial Accounting
COMM 213.3 | Management Information Systems
ECON 111.3 | Introductory Microeconomics
ECON 114.3 | Introductory Macroeconomics
You choose
- Two courses (6 cu) to fulfill your non-COMM elective requirements
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
COMM 304.3 | Introduction to Business Law
COMM 306.3 | Ethics and Strategic Decision Making
COMM 308.3 | Cost Management Systems
COMM 321.3 | Corporate Financial Reporting I
COMM 323.3 | Corporate Financial Reporting II
COMM 337.3 | Business Information and Accounting Systems
COMM 347.3 | Indigenous Business in Canada
You choose
- One course (3 cu) from any level non-COMM elective OR 300-level or higher COMM elective
- Two courses (6 cu) as free senior electives (200-level or higher non-COMM OR 300-level or higher COMM)
Academic tips
- Review your B.Comm. Degree Audit Report or meet with an academic advisor to ensure your degree is on track
- In Year 2, complete the 200-level COMM course of the major you are planning to declare for in the Fall term
- Attend a Program Planning Session to learn more about your program options
- Access the Program Planning Guide to familiarize yourself with the process
- Attend a Major Feature Session to learn about the B.Comm. majors
- If you are interested in completing a research project alongside a faculty member, apply for the Honours Program by April 30th
- If you are interested in the combined B.Comm/JD program contact an academic advisor
- Apply for Edwards scholarships, awards and bursaries
Add to your major
Choose from a variety of options to complement your major.
- International Business Minor (minor)
- Computing (certificate)
- Ethics, Justice and Law (certificate)
- Indigenous Governance and Politics (certificate)
- Politics and Law (certificate)
- Sustainability (certificate)
Gain relevant experience
- Explore opportunities to study abroad
- Become a peer mentor with the Student Learning Services
- Volunteer for Open House to tell prospective students all about Edwards
- Apply for a case competition or a conference coordinated by the EBSS
- Apply for funding for a competition or conference through the Edwards Co-Curricular Fund
- Tryout for a JDC West Business Case Competition Academic Team
- Attend the Edwards Formal hosted by the EBSS
- Consider attending a workshop ran through Edwards Experiential Learning Initiative (EELI) or Edwards InVenture: Entrepreneurship In Action
Create local and global connections
- Engage with your community through volunteering and Co-Curricular Record activities
- Meet with new people and grow your cultural understanding through Building Bridges and the Global Connections Network
- Consider joining a club; visit the Edwards Business Students’ Society (EBSS) website for a full list
- Consider attending a conference abroad; funding opportunties may be available through the Hanlon Centre
- Engage with business professionals at the #EdwardsConnects Career Fair in January
- Grow your network by joining CPA Saskatchewan with a student membership
Get career ready
- Check out Edwards Career Services and meet with a career advisor to receive guidance and access resources related to achieving your career goals
- Check out all the career resources and information available through the Edwards Career Services Canvas resources page
- Develop your Career Action Plan. Book a career development appointment with an Edwards career advisor to get your Career Action Plan started
- Take the CareerLeader assessment through Edwards Career Services to recognize how your interests, motivators, and skills relate to your future career success and satisfaction
- View the Edwards CareerLink Events Calendar for upcoming workshops, employer information sessions and additional professional development opportunities
- Discover job opportunities, explore career options, and meet professionals at USask Career Services events and career fairs
- Apply to the Co-op Education Program and gain 8 months of paid work experience in your area of study. Attend a Co-op info-session for more details
- Research careers and related professional associations – consider signing up for a student membership to access additional resources
- Take a look at job postings on CareerLink – new postings are added daily!
- Expand your professional network on LinkedIn
- Book your appointment to get your picture taken using Edwards Professional Self-Serve Photo Station to use for your LinkedIn profile
- If you are new to Canada, participate in the Edwards International Career Development Program. Information will be emailed to eligible students in November
Career readiness competencies
Career Readiness Competencies are transferable skill sets that will prepare you for the world of work and include the top attributes that employers are looking for:
Explore your major
Learn more about some of the required major-specific courses for this degree. View the course and program catalogue or meet with an academic advisor to understand all program requirements.
The courses listed here and in the Course and Program Catalogue are not necessarily offered each year and do not represent the totality of your requirements.
COMM 401.3 | Business Strategy
COMM 406.3 | Liability for Tax and Computation of Net Income
COMM 407.3 | Individual and Corporate Taxes Payable and Tax Planning
COMM 412.3 | Accounting Theory
COMM 414.3 | Integrative Analysis of Accounting Issues and Problems
COMM 421.3 | External Auditing
COMM 433.3 | Accounting for Equity Interests
COMM 438.3 | Management Planning and Control Systems
COMM 447.3 | Entrepreneurship and Venture Development
You choose
- One course (3 cu) as a free senior elective (200-level or higher non-COMM OR 300-level or higher COMM)
Academic tips
- Apply for Edwards scholarships, awards and bursaries
- Complete the Graduation Survey and Employment Census
- Update your PAWS contact information upon graduation
Consider applying to a graduate program
- Accounting (M.P.Acc.)
- Business Administration (M.B.A.)
- Finance (M.Sc.)
- Marketing (M.Sc.)
Gain relevant experience
- Consider running for a leadership position with the USask Students' Union (USSU) or the Edwards Business Students' Society (EBSS)
- Apply for funding for a competition or conference through the Edwards Co-Curricular Fund
- Consider becoming a tutor – watch for opportunities in “The Latest” e-newsletter at the beginning of each term
Create local and global connections
- Stay connected with Edwards Alumni and Friends
- Join the USask Alumni and Friends community
- Consider attending a conference abroad; funding opportunities may be available through the Hanlon Centre
- Grow your network by joining CPA Saskatchewan with a student membership
Get career ready
- Check out Edwards Career Services and meet with a career advisor to receive guidance and access resources related to achieving your career goals
- Check out all the career resources and information available through the Edwards Career Services Canvas resources page
- Develop your Career Action Plan. Book a career development appointment with an Edwards career advisor to get your Career Action Plan started
- Edwards Career Services provides resume books to interested employers. For more information, including how to participate, email: careers@edwards.usask.ca
- View the Edwards CareerLink Events Calendar for upcoming workshops, employer information sessions and additional professional development opportunities
- Learn about how to search for a job in Canada
- Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflective of your career goals
- Book your appointment to get your picture taken using Edwards Professional Self-Serve Photo Station to use for your LinkedIn profile
- If you are new to Canada, participate in the Edwards International Career Development Program. Information will be emailed to eligible students in November
Career readiness competencies
Career Readiness Competencies are transferable skill sets that will prepare you for the world of work and include the top attributes that employers are looking for:
- Career & Self-Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity & Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
Possible destinations
People with an accounting degree take their knowledge and skills into many different industries and occupations. Note that some of the career paths listed here require further education and training.
Designations
Most students who major in accounting choose to pursue a professional accounting designation after completing a B.Comm. degree.
Professional accountants in Saskatchewan are represented by a single, self-regulating body called the Chartered Professional Accountants Saskatchewan (CPA SK).
Students have the option of applying to the Edwards MPAcc program or to the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) to complete the requirements of the CPA designation.
Graduates of the Edwards School of Business wishing to proceed toward full professional recognition as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) will be granted substantial credit toward the professional designation. The extent of the credit granted depends on the courses selected for the degree and the level of performance achieved. In any case, it will be necessary for you to complete additional study and examination requirements as may be determined by the University Boards of Examiners in Accounting and the governing body of the professional organization concerned. It will also be necessary for you to complete such service requirements as may be determined by these professional bodies.
Students considering a professional accountancy career should consult with the Edwards Student & Faculty Services Office before registration.
USask alumni career paths
- Accountant, Financial Reporting
- Accounts Receivables Coordinator
- Analyst, Corporate Reporting
- Assurance Associate
- Auditor
- Business Auditor
- Chief Executive Officer
- Controller
- Corporate Accounting Analyst
- Director, Financial Reporting
- Excise Tax Auditor/Examiner
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Systems Coordinator
- Internal Auditor
- Inventory Control Specialist
- Investment Banking Analyst
- Manager, Financial Operations
- Risk Consultant
- Royalty Analyst
- Senior Associate
- Wealth Planning Specialist
The best thing that the B.Comm. degree did for me was that it gave me a deep understanding of my major and field (accounting) which was critical to start my career, but it also was well rounded and exposed me to all of the other majors which has been extremely beneficial for me as I've advanced my career.
—Andrew, Bachelor of Commerce '16 in accounting, Master of Professional Accounting '17
Where do USask alumni work?
- ATB Financial
- BDO Canada
- Buckberger Baerg & Partners LLP
- Canada Revenue Agency
- CIBC
- City of Saskatoon
- Cenovus Energy
- Deloitte
- EY
- Federated Co-operatives Limited
- First Nations Bank of Canada
- KPMG LLP
- Lafarge Canada
- Lingard + Dreger
- MNP LLP
- Nutrien
- Provincial Auditor of Saskatchewan
- PwC LLP
- Saskatchewan Blue Cross
- Saskatchewan Health Authority
- Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority
- Saskatchewan Ministry of Finance
- Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation
- Stewart, Gee & Murray CPA LLP
- Suncor Energy
- University of Saskatchewan
- Virtus Group LLP
- Viterra
Recent graduates with a bachelor of commerce degree in accounting earn, on average, $53,344 (Edwards School of Business B.Comm. 2023 Employment Statistics).
"My degree gave me the prerequisites and the skillset to obtain and excel in a job I love. The teachers at Edwards want to see you succeed and they will do everything they can to help you learn the technical requirements of your future job and have discussions with you on your career path. I can't imagine starting off my career anywhere else!"
—Michael, Bachelor of Commerce '17 in accounting
"I chose accounting because accounting matches my personality perfectly. I enjoy analyzing numbers and organizing financial statements. Working in a public accounting firm allows me to perform various tasks in diverse kinds of business."
—Jessica, third-year accounting student