Finance
The Ontario Tech’s Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Finance Program offers students a foundation in finance that allows them to pursue various career paths in the financial services industry or a higher degree in finance.
Our Finance major is affiliated with the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute and partnered with the Canadian Securities Institute, helping you prepare for the CFA and CSI exams.
With extensive training in various databases for trading and research, such as Bloomberg, Data Stream, Capital IQ, and SDC, as well as financial modelling in Python, simulated trading and portfolio management, you will get a technical and analytical background that will set you up for success. Our students participate in various external case competitions, gaining hands-on experience and meeting industry practitioners. Our finance faculty is involved in a variety of research projects that interested students can engage in, gaining experience invaluable in further graduate education.
Graduates of our finance major are prepared to join investment companies, banks, and finance departments of various private and government entities as financial analysts, portfolio managers, traders, and consultants.
Career Opportunities
A career in finance offers diverse opportunities for individuals interested in financial markets, investments, business strategy, and wealth management. Finance professionals play a critical role in helping organizations and individuals make informed financial decisions, manage risk, allocate resources, and achieve long-term financial goals. As one of the largest sectors in the Canadian economy, particularly within the Greater Toronto Area, finance continues to create strong demand for skilled graduates across banking, investment, insurance, corporate finance, and financial consulting. Students who complete a finance major or minor can pursue careers as financial analysts, security analysts, portfolio managers, traders, financial planners, investment advisors, loan officers, credit managers, insurance representatives, investment bankers, directors of finance, budget directors, and treasurers. These career paths offer opportunities for professional growth, competitive compensation, and meaningful involvement in shaping financial decisions across a wide range of industries.
The university's Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Finance major became an official Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)-affiliated program in September 2017.
Our Finance program, which prepares you for an exciting and successful career in the financial services industry, provides a strong base for students interested in pursuing the CFA designation. Through our commitment to best professional and ethical practices, you will have the tools necessary to succeed and thrive in your career.
The program met a number of criteria to be eligible for CFA affiliation, such as covering at least 70 percent of the CFA Program Candidate Body of Knowledge in the curriculum and promoting ethics-based investment education.
We have mapped the BCom Finance major to the CFA curriculum so you will benefit from access to sample exams and CFA Institute publications. Please consult your student advisors for advice and suggestions regarding course choices that will help in CFA preparations.
Our university was granted seven annual Awareness Scholarships for the Level 1 exam, each valued at approximately US$1,000. Each scholarship waives the one-time CFA Program enrollment fee (if applicable) and reduces the exam registration fee (including access to the curriculum e-book) to US$350.
To learn more about the scholarships and application process, interested students are encouraged to contact Karolina Krystyniak, PhD, Assistant Professor, and CFA Principal Contact.
The CFA Charter is the most reputable investment management designation across the globe. Becoming a charterholder demonstrates a commitment to the mastery of financial knowledge and integrity. It can provide a significant career and salary boost as it is recognized and respected by employers from a variety of fields. They perceive the CFA designation not only as an indication of investment management expertise but also as a sign of perseverance, high motivation, and commitment to ethical standards. CFA charter holders have access to amazing networking opportunities.
To become a CFA charterholder, a candidate must pass three exams and acquire four years of professional work experience. Each exam requires approximately 300 hours of preparation. Learn more about the CFA Charter.
Our University focuses on innovation and market-oriented programming. Program advisory committees and accrediting bodies support this focus, resulting in curriculum changes that ultimately enhance program outcomes. Therefore, from year to year, minor modifications may be made to courses, program maps and/or program progression requirements.
To be eligible for the Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree in finance, students must successfully complete 120 credit hours, including all courses outlined in the Finance program map. For further program information, please visit the university's Academic Calendar.
The Finance minor is available to students in the university's Bachelor of Commerce program. Students can apply to have a business minor added to their program in the winter semester of their second year in the program. Admission is competitive and based on performance in the program as well as previous business courses.
Your advisor can provide you with program checklists and course schedules to assist you as you progress through your program. Designed to be used together, checklists and course schedules will help you select the courses required to progress toward the completion of your degree.
Checklists and course schedules are distributed to you as a guide for course planning assistance. It is your responsibility to confirm the current prerequisite and course requirements for your degree program.
You are always advised to meet with your academic advisor regularly to ensure they are meeting graduation requirements.
The OTU Finance Association's objective is to bridge the gap between academia and the workplace while creating a medium for networking for FBIT students.
@outfinance
@OTUFinance
A voice for FBIT's undergraduate students, the Business and IT Society aims to build relationships between students and encourage learning, growth, and create an enjoyable University experience for its members.
@bitsociety
@bitsoc
A committee at Ontario Tech University that focuses on bringing together women in business to network, develop their skills and focus on the achievements of women everywhere.
@wib_ontech
@womeninbusinessUOIT