Professional Bookkeeper

As business practices come under more scrutiny, the need for bookkeepers is increasing. Bookkeeping is the field of accounting that involves collection, analysis and recording financial data. Qualified bookkeepers are in high demand for various roles in organizations of all sizes. 

Many bookkeepers are self-employed and/or establish their own practices. The Professional Bookkeeper Short Certificate provides students with the foundation to face the challenges in today's business environment, integrating bookkeeping concepts with the changing technology.

Graduates of the Professional Bookkeeper Short Certificate program will be able to enter the job market with confidence in a role that requires bookkeeping skills. This program is designed for individuals who have no knowledge of bookkeeping or are currently working in a bookkeeping role but are missing the educational requirements for certification. 

International students are required to comply with Academic, English Proficiency and Study Permit requirements. Please contact Langara Global for more information.

It is possible to complete the entire Professional Bookkeeper program through online courses. Access to the internet and an internet-enabled device is required to participate. Online courses will use Brightspace, Langara's online course management system. Some courses may also use Zoom, a free video conferencing software, to conduct live virtual class sessions. Students should ensure they have their student account information and access to Brightspace prior to the beginning of the course.

There are two types of online course in the program:  

Synchronous – Online classes will be held live on Zoom at scheduled times. Attendance is required. Additional course information will be provided through Brightspace or other online platforms.

Asynchronous – There are no scheduled online classes. Coursework will be done at your own pace. Homework and assignments may still have weekly deadlines. Course information will be provided through Brightspace or other online platforms. Exams may be scheduled at set times. 

Note: Final exams are always scheduled to be written in-person at Langara main campus at set date and time, regardless of delivery method. For students who reside outside of Metro Vancouver, exam proctor in Canada can be used instead of traveling to Langara. There is also no option to write the exam online unless specifically instructed by the course instructor.

For the May (Summer) 2025 semester, the following courses are offered online:  

Synchronous:

• CRN 60076 BSAD 1029 Microsoft Office (also offered in-person, CRN 60080)
• CRN 60147 CSFW 1000 Sage 50-1
• CRN 60149 CSFW 1004 Sage 300-1
• CRN 60151, 60153, 60157, 60159 CSFW 1030 Quickbooks 1
• CRN 60148 CSFW 2001 Sage 50-2
• CRN 60150 CSFW 2011 Sage 300-2
• CRN 60152, 60154, 60158, 60160 CSFW 2030 Quickbooks 2
• CRN 60145 BSAD 1094 Cost Management for Bookkeepers
• CRN 60146 BSAD 1095 Payroll Administration
• TBA BSAD 1093 Income Tax for Bookkeepers

Asynchronous:

• CRN 60141 ADMN 1021 Bookkeeping Level 1 (also offered in-person, CRN 60142)
• CRN 60143 ADMN 2001 Bookkeeping Level 2 (also offered in-person, CRN 60144)
• CRN 60155 & 60156 GBSC 1004 Business Communications 

Students who complete the Short Certificate in Professional Bookkeeper program can also fast-track toward the nationally recognized Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designation, aligning you with Canada's largest and fastest-growing certifying body of bookkeepers.

Graduates will also have access to a preferred student membership rate, full of member benefits that will provide access to continuing education and networking opportunities with bookkeeping professionals across Canada.

Graduates of our program are put at Apprentice Level with CPB Canada and those who are interested in obtaining the CPB designation will need to contact CPB Canada on how to meet further requirements for certification.