STIC - Accounting: Facilitator's Introduction

Introduction to the Accounting Occupational Terminology Workshop

The Accounting Occupational Terminology workshop begins with three lessons in the "Communication and Terminology for the Workplace" module, continues with three lessons in the "Communication and Terminology for Licensing" module, and concludes with four lessons in the module "Communication and Terminology for Work Search". Each module and each topic are self-contained, but together they form a comprehensive program for occupation-specific second language learning.

Module 1: Communication and Terminology for the Workplace

The first two lessons in the workplace module use two kinds of financial reports, the Balance Sheet and the Income Statement, in order to introduce two types of business letters. The financial reports are accounting tasks in themselves that are incorporated into a workplace context. They become the basis for and the subject of correspondence documents. (Balance Sheets are enclosed with a letter to a client substantiating a recommendation on a purchase. The Income Statement is included with a letter requesting further information from a client. The last lesson in this module is on accounting cycles and accounting reports and requires participants to complete and solve an accounting case for a full accounting cycle.

Within each lesson in the workplace module, relevant terminology is first examined to either increase vocabulary or to confirm that participants have the vocabulary knowledge necessary to accomplish the tasks. Familiar accounting tasks are extended or fulfilled within an unfamiliar context.

Module 2: Communication and Terminology for Licensing

The licensing module examines brochures and documents from all three accounting bodies. In lesson one, information and terminology related to the CGAO (Certified General Accountants of Ontario) is introduced within a functional context of asking for clarification. Participants share information and seek clarification from each other as they learn about obtaining a CGA designation.

The second lesson has two topics. The Occupational Fact Sheet for Chartered Accountants forms the basis for the first topic. Participants read the text and scan for specific information and then apply their knowledge of the process for obtaining a CA (Chartered Accountant) designation to the professional situations of their colleagues in the workshop. The next topic is on accounting-related positions and the terminology that is used to advertise positions that do not require a designation. Some participants may feel that CA (or CGA or CMA) positions are part of their long-range plans. As a result, they may need information on short-term employment goals in accounting before they obtain a designation. This lesson is therefore designed to meet the varying needs of the participants.

The last lesson in the licensing module also includes two topics. The first focuses on some of the specific management aspects of the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) designation. It allows participants to do some self-directed reading of brochures for this designation. The second topic in this lesson is a preparation for the work search module. Participants are given a chart that contains verbs and nouns related to accounting. Participants must choose which verbs and nouns are commonly used together. In this way, participants can start listing their own accounting skills.

Module 3: Communication and Terminology for Work Search

The work search module contains four lessons. In the first two lessons, participants gain critical skills in reading job ads for employer requirements and then matching their skills, personal attributes, educational background, and experience to those required by employers. In addition, participants expand their vocabulary in order to describe their own skills and personal attributes.

In the third lesson, participants examine accounting résumés in order expand their knowledge of verbs traditionally used in résumé-writing, including more powerful verbs that suit the needs of current workplaces. The last lesson focuses on employment interviews. While the task involves a role-playing exercise, the lesson also has participants critically analyze the script of a job interview for sociolinguistic and sociocultural errors.

Cumulatively, the three modules provide an introduction to the communication and terminology needed by internationally-trained accounting professionals to perform tasks related to the workplace, licensing, and work search.

Downloads

• Download Facilitator's Introduction [110 KB, 7 pages]

Download the complete Facilitator's Guide and Participant's Workbook.

• Full Facilitator's Guide - Occupational Terminology [1.3 MB, 271 pages]