
ACC0014
Accounting for Small Business
Course Outline
2025-2026
- Pre-requisite(s)
- QUA0002
- Co-requisite(s)
- N/A
- Prepared by
- Jaswinder Kaur
- Approved by
- Heidi Upson Ferris, Academic Chair, School of Business and Hospitality
- Approval date
- Thursday, June 19, 2025
- Normative hours
- 42.00
- Grading system
- A+ Through F
Applicable Program(s) | Level | Core/Elective |
---|---|---|
0242X01FWO - Business - Management & Entrepreneurship | 2 | Core |
0242X03FWO - Business - Management & Entrepreneurship | 2 | Core |
Land Acknowledgement
Algonquin College campuses in Ottawa, Perth and Pembroke are located on the traditional unceded, and unsurrendered territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands since time immemorial. We take this time to express our gratitude and respect to them and to the land for all that it has provided and will continue to provide.
As a post-secondary institution, we acknowledge the harms done to Indigenous Peoples and are committed to learning from the past. We pledge to promote healing and resilience as we move forward in partnership with the Algonquin Nations, First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Peoples in a spirit of reconciliation.
While we recognize that territorial acknowledgements are only one step in cultivating greater respect and inclusion of Indigenous Peoples, we commit to accompanying these words with actions. We are dedicated to building a future and community that is better for all.
We pledge to continue exploring and making meaningful contributions to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.
Learn more about the College's commitment to Truth and Reconciliation: https://www.algonquincollege.com/tri
Course Description
Students develop the ability to collaborate and work effectively with their accountant and bookkeeper through their business launch and operations. Topics include balance sheets, income statements, journalizing in the general journal, general ledger and special journals, proper banking procedures, cash control protocols and government related employee payroll and tax requirements.
Vocational Learning Outcomes
This course provides the opportunity for you to achieve the following outcomes:
0242X01FWO - Business - Management & Entrepreneurship
VLO 3 | Use current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization's business initiatives. (T, A) |
---|---|
VLO 6 | Perform work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations and business practices. (T) |
VLO 7 | Explain the role of the human resource function and its impact on an organization. (T, A) |
VLO 8 | Use accounting and financial principles to support the operations of an organization. (T, A) |
VLO 11 | Outline and assess the components of a business plan. (T) |
VLO 13 | Develop strategies for the operation and management of entrepreneurial ventures and small business enterprises. (T, A) |
0242X03FWO - Business - Management & Entrepreneurship
VLO 3 | Use current concepts/systems and technologies to support an organization's business initiatives. (T, A) |
---|---|
VLO 6 | Perform work in compliance with relevant statutes, regulations and business practices. (T) |
VLO 7 | Explain the role of the human resource function and its impact on an organization. (T, A) |
VLO 8 | Use accounting and financial principles to support the operations of an organization. (T, A) |
VLO 11 | Outline and assess the components of a business plan. (T) |
VLO 13 | Develop strategies for the operation and management of entrepreneurial ventures and small business enterprises. (T, A) |
Essential Employability Skills
This course contributes to your program by helping you achieve the following Essential Employability Skills:
EES 3 | Execute mathematical operations accurately. (T, A) |
---|---|
EES 4 | Apply a systematic approach to solve problems. (T, A) |
EES 6 | Locate, select, organize and document information using appropriate technology and information systems. (T, A) |
EES 7 | Analyze, evaluate and apply relevant information from a variety of sources. (T, A) |
Course Learning Outcomes / Elements of Performance
When you have earned credit for this course, you will have demonstrated the ability to:
1. Describe accounting concepts, identify its goals and uses in regards to small business management.
- Identify the users of financial information and how they interpret accounting information. Describe the types of business organizations and how accounting information is reported within different legal structures. Explain the building blocks of accounting, including the accounting equation and components of financial statements. Calculate and analyze the effects of business transactions on the accounting equation.
2. Prepare financial statements for a sole proprietorship in a small business venture, including:
- Identify and explain components of a balance sheet - assets, liabilities and owner's equity. Classify elements of an income statement - revenues and expenses. Determine and calculate changes to owner's equity as a result of business operations - statement of owner's equity. Recognize the relationship and linkages between the financial statements over a period of time and explain the key indicators, such as profitability and net worth.
3. Prepare and explain each step in the accounting cycle including an adjusted balance sheet.
- Explain and demonstrate the recording process, journalizing business transactions and the trial balance. Describe the adjusting process and prepare adjusting entries for a small business, including the principle of revenue and expense recognition. Prepare closing entries and a post-closing trial balance used in financial reporting. Illustrate and interpret measures of liquidity in a small business enterprise.
4. Identify elements of payroll accounting from both the employee and employer perspectives (including CPP, EI, WSIB, Federal and Provincial Income Taxes, etc.).
- Calculate and record an employer's payroll expenses and prepare the payroll summary. Demonstrate how employer's remit and record employees' deductions to Canada Revenue Agency. Review an employer's annual responsibilites for filing tax summary forms. Explain and summarize small business banking procedures and cash control mechanisms.
5. Apply computer skills and knowledge of accounting information to manage the bookkeeping records of a small business.
- Recognize the value of accounting information systems and software in the management of a small business. Compare and contrast different accounting software systems used by small businesses. Identify the functions of accounting software and its ability to automate accounting functions such as invoice and sales tracking, inventory management, payroll, and expense management.
Learning Resources
Required Textbook:
Slater, J. & Good, D. (2023). College Accounting – A Practical Approach: 15th Canadian edition. Don Mills, Ontario: Pearson.
Hardware and Software:
Microsoft Excel
Pearson My Accounting Lab (MAL)
Quickbooks Online Accountant (Student Edition)
To access your course list, learning resources and costs, visit Booklist.
Please note that a learner must be registered in a specific course or program to view this information.
Program tuition and fees can be found on the Tuition and Fees Estimator for Full-time Programs page.
Learning Activities
- Lectures and demonstrations
- Class discussions
- Assignments
- Homework
- Tests
Pre-defined Evaluation / Earning Credit
The following list provides evidence of this course's learning achievements and the outcomes they validate:
Assignment(s) (15%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 2, CLO 4, CLO 5, EES 3, EES 4, EES 6
Hybrid Assignment(s) (25%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, EES 3, EES 4, EES 6, EES 7
In-class Work (20%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 5, EES 3, EES 4, EES 6
Test(s) (40%)
Validates Outcomes: CLO 1, CLO 2, CLO 3, CLO 4, EES 3, EES 4, EES 6, EES 7
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
Students who wish to apply for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) need to demonstrate competency at a post-secondary level in all outlined course learning outcomes. Evidence of learning achievement for PLAR candidates includes:
- Challenge Exam
- Project/Assignment
Other Information
Grade Scheme
Final Grade | Mark Equivalent | Numeric Value | Final Grade | Mark Equivalent | Numeric Value |
A+ | 90% - 100% | 4.0 | A | 85% - 89% | 3.8 |
A- | 80% - 84% | 3.6 | B+ | 77% - 79% | 3.3 |
B | 73% - 76% | 3.0 | B- | 70% - 72% | 2.7 |
C+ | 67% - 69% | 2.3 | C | 63% - 66% | 2.0 |
C- | 60% - 62% | 1.7 | D+ | 57% - 59% | 1.4 |
D | 53% - 56% | 1.2 | D- | 50% - 52% | 1.0 |
F | 0% - 49% | 0 | FSP | 0 | 0 |
Course Related Information
Program Information
0242X01FWO - Business - Management & Entrepreneurship
In Business Management and Entrepreneurship Program, we have deliberately embedded group collaboration into the curriculum of each course. This structural integration ensures that every student not only masters the theoretical knowledge in their field but also excels in practical, interpersonal skills essential for the contemporary business environment. Through mandatory group projects, students enhance their ability to work effectively with diverse teams, resolve conflicts, and lead initiatives, preparing them for the complexities of real-world business challenges. This approach cultivates not just skilled professionals, but adept leaders ready to thrive in dynamic team settings.
0242X03FWO - Business - Management & Entrepreneurship
In the Business Management and Entrepreneurship Program, we have deliberately embedded group collaboration into the curriculum of each course. This structural integration ensures that every student not only masters the theoretical knowledge in their field but also excels in practical, interpersonal skills essential for the contemporary business environment. Through mandatory group projects, students enhance their ability to work effectively with diverse teams, resolve conflicts, and lead initiatives, preparing them for the complexities of real-world business challenges. This approach cultivates not just skilled professionals, but adept leaders ready to thrive in dynamic team settings.
College Related Information
Algonquin College’s policies have been developed to ensure the health, safety and security of all students, faculty and staff, and the proper and fair operation of the College as an academic institution and employer. Please refer to the Algonquin College Policies website for the most current policy information available at http://www.algonquincollege.com/policies/.
Students are especially encouraged to be aware of the following College expectations
Academic Integrity
Algonquin College is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity, and students are expected to uphold these standards throughout their learning journey with the College and post-graduation. Any academic work submitted by a student is expected to be their own work, unless designated otherwise, all human and technological assisted generated sources must be attributed. Refer to the College's Library web site for attribution support and resources. All students are expected to be familiar with the College’s AA48: Academic Integrity policy which outlines student and staff roles and responsibilities, the process for addressing, determining and ruling final academic decisions regarding violations of academic integrity as well as what represents academic misconduct. Students with any questions about academic integrity course expectations including but not limited to use of technology, generative AI and other resources to support completion of coursework, are encouraged to speak to their professor and refer to the course weekly schedule, assessment instructions, course announcements and materials.
Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL)
Students with visible and/or non-visible disabilities are encouraged to register with the Centre for Accessible Learning (CAL) in order to be eligible for appropriate learning supports and/or accommodations. Students are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with the Centre for Accessible Learning as early as possible when starting a program. Once your needs are identified, a Letter of Accommodation (LOA) will be issued which you can share with your professors through the CAL Student Portal. If you are a returning student, please ensure that professors are given a copy of your LOA each semester.
Test Accommodations for Students Registered with CAL
Students who require testing accommodations will book their tests/exams through the CAL Student Portal. It is important to note the posted test/exam booking deadlines for the term. Test booking deadlines are communicated through CAL Disabilities Counsellors, CAL Testing Services, and other college wide communication. Additional information on the steps to book accommodated tests/exams with CAL Test Services can be found at Step-by-Step Overview.
Retroactive Accommodations
Students are expected to meet evaluation and completion deadlines as stated in course outline and weekly schedule documents. In circumstances where evaluation deadlines are missed or student performance has been affected by a temporary, significant and/or unanticipated change in functional ability related to disability (including mental health), interim or retroactive accommodations may be considered. For these instances it is advised you reach out to CAL or your professors as soon as possible. For other situations where deferral of evaluations may be warranted, please consult Algonquin College Policy AA21: Deferred Evaluation.
Network Credentials and College Email
Students at Algonquin College are provided with a college email account. This is the address that will be used when the College, your professors, or your fellow students communicate important information about your program or course activities. Your network credentials can be found in the ACSIS portal and you are expected to check your Algonquin email regularly and to use it to send and receive college-related email. Students are required to maintain the privacy of their AC login credentials. Sharing network credentials poses a security risk and is subject to disciplinary action. Your responsibility to protect your login credentials is governed by the Information Security Policy IT01. Support is available through the college Information Technology Service (ITS) at: https://www.algonquincollege.com/its/
Mental Health and Wellness Supports
Canada has launched a national Suicide Helpline at www.988.ca and a wide range of mental health and wellness resources for Algonquin students are available at www.algonquincollege.com/SSS/student-health-wellness.
Student Course Feedback
Algonquin College invites students to share their course experience by completing a student course feedback survey for each course they take. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA25: Student Course Feedback.
Use of Mobile Devices in Class
With the proliferation of small, personal mobile devices used for communications and data storage, Algonquin College believes there is a need to address their use during classes and examinations. During classes, the use of such devices unless authorized by your professor can be disruptive and disrespectful to others. During examinations, the use of such devices is generally prohibited unless authorized by your professor. Otherwise use is considered academic dishonesty in the form of cheating. For further details consult Algonquin College Policy AA32: Use of Electronic Devices in Class
Technology Requirements
Students are required to have access to a computer and to the internet. There may also be additional technology-related resources required to participate in a course that are not included in the course materials fee, such as headphones, webcams, specialized software, etc. Details on these requirements can be found in the Weekly Schedule document of the course for each course available on Brightspace.
Transfer of Credit
It is the student’s responsibility to retain course outlines for possible future use to support applications for transfer of credit to other educational institutions.
Safe Harbour
In the event of an unexpected major event (pandemic, etc.), your course may have changes that are not reflected in the Course Outline. Should this happen, the Weekly Schedule document will have updated information about your course.