A friend told me she just wasted a ton of money, and I had to ask how. Turns out, she signed up for this accounting training program that promised the world but delivered less than a dusty abacus.
It had out-of-date material, unqualified instructors, and did not even provide basic CPA exam prep. All in all, a total bust.
Naturally, I was outraged on her behalf. So, to save all you aspiring CPAs from a similar fate, I’ve put together a list of the best accounting training courses in Toronto—get ready to conquer those debits and credits with confidence!
How much does an accounting training course cost in Toronto?
On average, an accounting training course in Toronto can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000 for a comprehensive course.
More specialized or advanced courses, particularly those that prepare you for certifications like CPA, can be on the higher end of the scale.
How We Chose the Best Accounting Training Courses in Toronto
1. Professional Accounting Supplementary School
Professional Accounting Supplementary School or PASS has over 25 years of experience. In fact, they even handle CPA training within major accounting firms like PWC, EY, and Deloitte.
First off, they have PEP Module Exam Courses, where you’ll have the chance to write hundreds of practice objective format questions. And for those gearing up for the CFE, they offer live online case and technical courses, and practice exams that get marked.
PASS also has specialized programs for Indian/Pakistani CAs, designed so you can live anywhere in the world and work full-time while studying for your Canadian CPA.
As a bonus, they offer personal counseling and mentorship—essential, especially if you need a bit of guidance or motivation.
One thing we’ve heard is that some topic areas could be a bit more elaborate—a deeper dive into certain subjects could enhance the learning experience.
I cleared my CFE in my first attempt
“Hi Michael & Ira, I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I cleared my CFE in my first attempt. Although I wasn’t sure before but PASS made it possible. Being an Indian Chartered Accountant it’s really hard to adopt new exam pattern but Michael & Ira made it Possible starting from developing strong technical base to most important applying case techniques. Joanne (Tax Professor) helped a lot by answering every tax question on timely basis.”
Amu Chauhan, Google Review
Finest school for students looking to write their CFE
“PASS is the finest school for students looking to successfully write their CFE. Both Michael and Ira work diligently to put together the most relevant reading material in their binder which you get as a student. They choose the case studies very carefully to test their students on all the topics in every subject. They are very approachable outside the class time and ready to provide you guidance on everything related to CPA – which elective roles to choose, where to find past cases, etc. I would also recommend to get the cases marked by their panel of examiners and go for the counselling which is invaluable. The examiners are also very helpful and provide real-life example towards approaching case writing. I recommend PASS for all students who want to succeed in their first attempt. Shafi Shaikh. CPA 2022.”
Shafi Shaikh, Google Review
2. George Brown College
George Brown College offers a range of accounting programs designed to get you career-ready.
They have a one-year Financial Services program that prepares students to tackle the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute Level I exam. It’s perfect if you’re aiming to become a Fund Accountant.
If compliance and risk management are more your speed, they also have a program for these. It’s a comprehensive course that keeps you up-to-date with industry standards.
For those who need flexibility, the online Accounting Foundations and Bookkeeping Program is a great option.
Financing is available. From the Canada Learning Bond and tuition payment plans to work-study programs and external loans, they’ve got multiple ways to ease the financial burden.
While the programs are impressive, some students told us it can be tough to get a response from the college if you have questions.
Best school ever!
“Best school ever! Really care about their students ts success. I have nothing but good things to say about GBC. So happy I chose to study here (Business-Accounting).”
Jamey Gaudet, Google Review
George College has been the best experience for me
“I’ve been to several post secondary places to study, and hands down George College has been the best experience for me. It’s high quality education, intense, fast, and the instructors are super helpful. It’s been the best educational time for me. I highly recommend this college.”
Alb Vas, Google Review
3. FinTech College of Business and Technology
FinTech College of Business and Technology, founded in 2014, has helped over 2,500 students.
They offer a comprehensive Accounting & Bookkeeping Career Pathway with full-time and part-time courses. For instance, their signature accounting courses include the Accounting and Bookkeeping Course, perfect for beginners.
Also, the QuickBooks Online Course is designed to enhance your skills in cloud bookkeeping using QuickBooks.
Other courses include Sage Accounting, Xero Course, Sales Tax, Canadian Payroll, and Career Success. They cover everything from Xero bookkeeping to mastering Canadian payroll and sales tax, rounding out your skill set for the job market.
FinTech also offers free online workshops that cover the basics, and their online career hub helps students with building portfolios, targeted job searches, and more.
While the courses are beginner-friendly, those looking for more advanced, in-depth training might find the offerings a bit basic.
One of the best colleges to be certified in Accounting
“FinTech College is One of the best colleges to learn and be certified in Accounting, Bookkeeping, QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, T1 Taxation’s, Payroll Administrator, GST/HST , Sales Tax as well as T2. I learned Accounting and Bookkeeping from Beginning in this College and I am very very happy with FinTech College specially with “ Harsh “ one of Best Accounting instructor in Canada. I always appreciated for all his supports, kindness and his hardworking. Sincerely, Allen ( Jan. 27, 2023 ).”
K V, Google Review
These courses were perfect for achieving those goals!
“I enrolled in several courses at FinTech College with the goal of quickly learning Canadian bookkeeping, Sales Tax, Payroll, QuickBooks Online (QBO), and the tax preparation process for businesses, individuals, and the self-employed. I can confidently say these courses were perfect for achieving those goals! Harsh is a fantastic teacher. His teaching style incorporates hands-on exercises and clear explanations based on real-life cases and examples. This approach made the learning process engaging and effective. I highly recommend FinTech College for anyone new to the bookkeeping industry, business owners who want to better understand their finances, and even established professionals looking to refresh their knowledge. You won’t be disappointed!”
Mykhaylo Okarynskyy, Google Review
4. Citi College Of Canadian Careers
Established in 1991, Citi College of Canadian Careers has campuses in Mississauga and Toronto. Their job-ready diploma programs are taught by industry experts who bring years of practical experience to the classroom.
They have an Accounting and Payroll Administration program, preparing graduates for computerized accounting and payroll jobs. It’s ideal for students who enjoy working with calculations and formulas, are detail-oriented, and have strong analytical skills.
Another notable program is the Office Administration and Accounting course. Students will gain knowledge of accounting principles using software applications, making them well-prepared for the job market.
As a bonus, they offer weekday, weekend, evening, and online classes.
While the instructors receive high praise for their expertise, there have been some complaints about the quality of student services, which have been described as dreadful.
One of the finest educators I’ve encountered
“I am pleased to share my experience with Ms. Ketna Idicula, my instructor for Accounting, QuickBooks, and Sage 50. Her accountability, clear teaching, and respect for students distinguish her as one of the finest educators I’ve encountered. Ms. Ketna’s passion for teaching and genuine interest in her students’ success have truly set her apart as an exceptional teacher. I am immensely grateful for the invaluable knowledge, guidance, and inspiration she has provided throughout my educational journey. Her commitment to excellence and genuine concern for her students’ success make her an outstanding educator and a true asset to our college community. I really appreciate her support and dedication to the students.”
Yasamin Nazari, Google Review
The best decision ever!
“Hey everyone! I just had to share my incredible experience with my teacher, Ms.Ketna Idicula, for the Accounting and Payroll Administration program at Citi College! 🎉 Ketna is seriously amazing! Her teaching style is so detailed and enthusiastic, making every class engaging and enjoyable. She goes above and beyond to assist her students, no matter how many times you ask a question. Her level of patience is truly outstanding! I was initially skeptical about joining the college, but after reading her reviews, I decided to give it a shot. And let me tell you, it was the best decision ever! Whether you’re new to Accounting or not, Ketna will make sure you understand everything clearly. I highly recommend her for this course at Citi College. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! Thank you Ms.Ketna”
Farhana Bilal, Google Review
5. University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies
If you’re thinking about beefing up your accounting skills, the University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies boasts a heavyweight lineup of courses—18 to be exact.
They’ve got options for all levels, from introductory courses to advanced topics like “Financial Accounting” where you’ll dissect complex business entities and foreign currency transactions. Sounds intense!
But if you’re more into the management side of things, they have courses on “Advanced Management Accounting” and “Management Accounting.” These will help you use accounting data to make boss-level decisions.
UofT SCS also offers 4 certificates in Internal Auditing and Professional Accounting (at various levels). These programs sound perfect if you’re looking to add some serious credentials to your resume.
Now, let’s talk about the not-so-great news—UofT SCS ain’t cheap. So, make sure you’re aware of the pros and cons of this hefty investment.
One of the best places for ECA
“This is one of the best places for ECA. Whenever I send an email to them, they always responded timely.”
Asaad, Google Review
Got my credentials assessed on time
“I got my credentials assessed on time and received my document promptly. The service was great, organized and efficient.”
Marivic Tanguin, Google Review