Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) Program (B302)

Program Description

Program Overview

This program is eligible for an entrance scholarship.

Designed with employers, the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and the FP Canada, the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) is a four-year business degree that prepares you to succeed in today’s financial services industry. After completion of the first year, students can choose to specialize in either Accounting or Financial Planning. Professional accountants, financial planners, and other exciting careers await graduates of this degree program.

Full Description

Our Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) program will help you succeed in your career by giving you skills, knowledge, and real-world experience. With network-ready wireless classrooms and study areas, you'll love learning in our state-of-the-art facility. You'll learn about accounting, banking management, administration, and financial planning theory, as well as how to apply it. And to top it off, our field education partners will give you valuable work-integrated learning experience (no less than 14 weeks of full-time equivalent work) that's sure to impress potential employers.

Here are some skills you’ll be able to show off after completion of the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) program:

  • Analyzing qualitative and quantitative data to solve business problems
  • Preparing financial reports for individuals or organizations
  • Creating business reports, analyzing financial data, and managing data using business software
  • Assessing risk, economic, environmental, ethical, legal, political, sociological, and technical factors
  • Using relevant business and statistical models to solve financial problems 

This Centre for Business program is part of our School of Accounting and Finance.

ACBSP Global Business Accreditation logoEarn Your College Credential from a Business School Accredited by ACBSP

Fourteen programs at the Centre for Business have earned international recognition from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Advanced diploma and diploma programs at the Schools of Accounting and Finance, Human Resources, Management, and Marketing and the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) program at the School of Accounting and Finance have ACBSP accreditation. George Brown is now one of only two colleges in Ontario to have earned ACBSP accreditation.   

Your Field Education Options

Work experience is required as part of this program.

Work Experience

The Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) degree includes co-op experience(s) that amounts to no less than 14 weeks of full-time equivalent work (420 hours), either in one block or in multiple cumulative blocks appropriate to achieving the learning outcomes.

The co-op experience usually occurs between your sixth and seventh semesters if taken in one block, and all 420 hours must be completed before the seventh semester. This work experience provides you with the practical experience employers value. Organizations in the following categories are engaged as field education partners for the Financial Services degree:

  • financial institutions
  • accounting and accounting-related organizations
  • small businesses
  • not-for-profit organizations
  • government offices
  • major corporations

George Brown works with employers and industry partners to identify potential work experience opportunities. Students are also strongly encouraged to pursue self-directed industry work experience opportunities they believe will provide the learning experiences they value and meet the learning outcomes of the program. This valuable work experience can, in turn, be added to your resumé.

In addition to on-the-job work experience, George Brown College endeavours to provide field education opportunities with real-world challenges and clients. Find out more about field education at the Centre for Business.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

Graduates of the Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) degree are prepared for careers in a wide range of business sectors and organizations including banks, other financial institutions, federal, provincial and municipal government offices, and service organizations.

Graduates of the program have found employment as:

  • financial services representative
  • associate financial planner
  • personal bander
  • financial advisor

Educational Pathways

Core Designations

The B302 Accounting major is accredited by Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) of Ontario as meeting the CPA Preparatory (PREP) requirements. Graduates of the Accounting major may be eligible for admission into the CPA Professional Education (PEP)* program. Additional information regarding admission requirements, including GPA, can be found here.

For more information regarding the CPA designation, please visit the CPA website.

The B302 Financial Planning program is an approved program through FP Canada, and covers the core and advanced curriculum required to take the CFP®* examination.

For more information regarding the CFP® designation, please visit the FP Canada website.

Note: Effective April 1, 2022, CFP® Certification requires a minimum bachelor’s degree.

Other Certifications

Graduates of this program may wish to pursue the following additional credentials or certifications in the financial services sector:

  • Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP®) may be obtained through FP Canada.
  • Canadian Securities Course (CSC) may be obtained through the Canadian Securities Institute.
  • Life License Qualification Program (LLQP) may be obtained through Oliver’s Learning (or another approved provider) followed by the Provincial Licensing exam.

*Note: The requirements for each designation/certification are set by the granting body, not George Brown College. This includes the CPA and the CFP®. In order to qualify for any of these designations/certifications, you need to follow the process listed on its website and meet all the requirements applicable to you.

Future Study

For information on additional future study options, see our transfer guide.

Alumni Impact

We are immensely proud of the contributions of our alumni in Toronto and around the globe.
 
From Michelin-starred restaurants to major construction, entertainment, community and financial organizations, our graduates are truly making an impact across a range of industries.

Latest alumni stories 

Ministry Consent

George Brown has been granted a consent by the Ministry of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting October 4, 2023. 

I was able to take the Canadian Securities Course as part of my degree. Also, the program prepared me to write the Certified Financial Planner exam right after graduation, which saved me a lot of time.

My education helped me to move up at TD very quickly, much faster than I would have without it. George Brown was the right choice for me. I would recommend the program to anyone.

Hussain Mirza
Honours Bachelor's Degree

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