8 Great Canadian Universities for Accounting and Finance

Finance expert and CPA Judy Fitzgerald shares her top schools across the country for studying accounting and financial services.

Jobs in finance and accounting have always been in high demand due to the top-tier salary, job stability, and recognition they offer. A degree in accounting or finance from a renowned university can open the doors to several top career opportunities in the field.

The finance and accounting field has several specializations and is required in several institutions, including banks, government agencies, and financial entities. To pursue a career in the area, one needs to have a strong liking for numbers with the ability to analyze, compare and interpret figures and facts.

Canada is the top destination for studying finance, given its many work opportunities, scholarship options, and world-class educational institutions. Having a degree from a leading Canadian university makes you eligible for job opportunities not just in Canada but around the world.

Here is a list of the 8 Canadian universities that offer exceptional courses where you can study accounting and finance in 2021:

1. University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is a premier global institution offering higher education in several disciplines. The university has over 90 programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate level, with finance being one of its leading fields. The institution ranks #16 for graduate employability as per QS rankings (2020) and is ideal for careers in finance, accounting, economics, and more.

2. McGill University

Located in Montreal, Canada, McGill University was founded in 1821 by King George IV under the vision of James McGill. The public university is your best bet for quality education and ranked #35 by QS World University Rankings 2020 and offers 400+ programs. Well known for its MBA and programs in finance, analytics, law, and other fields, McGill deserves to be on your list of schools if you're considering a career in banking.

3. University of British Columbia (UBC)

The University Of British Columbia (UBC) is the top educational institution in Vancouver, Canada. The school has a stellar on-campus recruitment program and ranked #3 for graduate employability in the QS 2019 survey. It offers a wide range of graduate and postgraduate degrees in international economics, business administration, and more. With industry-relevant programs and an experienced faculty, you're sure to score a great accounting or finance job after graduating from UBC.

4. York University

York University in Ontario, Canada, is a public institute that was established in 1959. It is the 2nd largest institute in Ontario and 3rd largest in Canada, with over 11 faculties in various streams. The university has some great law, management, and finance programs and is also well-known for providing good financial aid to students. The university was voted as the #1 business school in The Economics, 2019, while it is ranked 5th in Time Higher Education Rankings (2019).

5. Queen’s University

Located in Ontario, Canada, Queen's University was founded in 1841 by the royal charter of Queen Victoria and consistently finds mention among the top universities in Canada. The university offers 150+ graduate and undergraduate courses, with finance, accounting, and business administration being some of its most popular courses. Queen's also has the Smith School of Business in Kingston, which is focused on providing programs in business management and includes finance, commerce, and accounting.

6. McMaster University

McMaster University is a prestigious institution located in Hamilton, Ontario, and home to over 4000+ international students. Established in 1887, it offers 3000+ programs with more than 70 research centers and institutes in Canada. McMaster University offers several graduate and postgraduate degrees in economics, commerce, accounting, and finance. The school ranked #4 in Canada as per QS (2020).

7. Université de Montréal

If you're exploring a career in accounting, and you've got a flair for French, consider the Université de Montréal (UdeM). The public institution was founded in 1878 in Montreal, Canada, and offers specializations and graduate programs in finance, management, mathematics, and economics. UdeM ranked #7 in the list of Best Universities in Canada by Shanghai Ranking (2019).

8. Université Laval

Université Laval, located in Quebec City, is the first French-language university in North America. They offer 500+ programs with over 1000+ online courses and have intakes for fall, winter, and spring. For finance and economics, the university offers several distance learning programs around financial data management, analytics, and more, including a Master of Science in Business Administration (M.Sc.) and a Specialized Graduate Studies Degree (DESS).

In closing

As one of the world's strongest economies, Canada offers a high standard of living and houses some of the best financial organizations across the globe. What's more, you can even get a partial or full scholarship from the university or other institutes in Canada, ensuring that your learning experience is as enjoyable as ever.

Kickstart your journey in the world of finance and study in Canada for accounting, business management, commerce, economics, and more today!