School of Business

Financial Services

Post-Graduate Certificate
Financial Services

Program Overview

The financial services sector provides critical services to the individuals and organizations that drive Saskatchewan's economy. Career opportunities in financial services are diverse and include working with a bank or investment firm, financial planning and credit counselling. Saskatchewan Polytechnic's Financial Services post-graduate certificate (FSPGC) program will provide you with the foundational knowledge and skills you need to succeed. This program is designed to meet the growing need for qualified intermediate-level planners and supervisors in the financial services sector, particularly in smaller cities.

The one-year post-graduate program gives degree graduates the theoretical and technical knowledge necessary to build a successful career in financial services. Courses provide specialized knowledge and skills in banking, client relationships, consumer credit, insurance, financial advising, income tax, investment funds, and more.

Learn with like-minded young professionals in Saskatchewan Polytechnic's dynamic campus environment. You'll engage in applied learning activities such as case studies, simulations, role plays and mock interviews. Coursework will prepare you to write the Investment Funds in Canada (IFC) compliance exams, which provide graduates with the required credentials to work in a variety of jobs in financial services. You will also develop the critical human skills needed to meet with clients, complete a needs analysis, and build long-term professional relationships.

Career and Salary Information

Your Career

When you graduate with a Financial Services post-graduate certificate from Saskatchewan Polytechnic, you will have the combination of education and work-integrated experience you need to succeed in a variety of financial services jobs. You will be prepared to assume intermediate-level roles with banks, trust companies, investment firms and government. You could work as a financial planner, wealth manager, financial examiner, mortgage broker, loan officer, credit counsellor, bank supervisor, investment advisor and trust officer.

Potential Careers

Sample Job TitleNOC Classification1Earning Potential2
Small Business AdvisorProfessional Occupations in Business Management Consulting (1122)$41,600 - $106,700
Financial Sales and Services OfficerFinancial Sales Representatives (6235)$40,000 - $85,400
Financial Sales and Services SupervisorFinancial Sales Representatives (6235)$40,000 - $85,400

Length and Start Date

Start Date(s):

January (Semester 1 – January to April; Semester 2 – September to December)

September (Semester 1 – September - December; Semester 2 – January to April) 


Length: 32 weeks

Locations

  • Moose Jaw

Admissions

Admission Requirements

Admission Method

First Qualified/First Admitted

The First Qualified/First Admitted (FQFA) process is used for the majority of Saskatchewan Polytechnic programs. When we determine that you meet the program's admission requirements, you will be offered admission based on the date you fully qualify for the program. The earlier you provide the appropriate documents and information that qualify you for admission to the next intake, the earlier you might begin your studies. Your application, once qualified, is always considered for the next intake. 

Applicants to programs with multiple intakes in an academic year remain in the application pool until the last intake for that academic year has begun. Programs using the FQFA process receive applications year round and maintain an application pool for each academic year. Qualified applicants who are not offered a seat must reapply for the next academic year. 

Sponsored programs or programs targeted to specific groups do not accept applications year round or maintain an application pool.

See Admission Processes for more information about this method of admission.

Tuition and Fees

Estimates are based on current rates and are subject to change. Amounts for a program may vary by campus. Totals shown here include all mandatory fees as well as approximate cost for books and supplies. Visit the Tuition and Fees web page for a complete breakdown of tuition and fees for this program.

 

2022/23 Academic Year

$12,055 (Semester 1 and 2)

International Students

View tuition rates for international students.

Courses

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Semester 1

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
FIN 601
Banking Fundamentals
3
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Your studies will provide you with an introductory understanding of banking in Canada. You will learn key topics including fiscal and monetary policy of the federal government and the Bank of Canada, financial industry sectors, personal and business banking products, and government programs that are relevant to financial advising.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
FIN 602
Consumer Credit and Insurance
3
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You will develop an understanding of the various types of consumer credit products and services available to clients, including the terminology and unique characteristics of each type of credit facility. You will review the application and assessment process of various types of credit. You will learn to identify your client’s needs and recommend the products to meet those needs.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
FIN 603
Small Business Banking
3
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Your studies will provide you with the knowledge of how a small business operates. You will also study the relationship of small business to financial institutions in terms of borrowing and cash management.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
IPSK 600
Building Client Relationships 1
3
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You will focus on the development of self-awareness, increased understanding of others and development of effective interpersonal communication skills. You will become more aware of the impact of your own communication choices and patterns. You will develop and use communication techniques that demonstrate personal awareness, respect, and active listening skills. You will explore concepts of culture and diversity as they relate to interpersonal communications and client interactions. You will be able to use appropriate and effective interpersonal communications skills in a variety of workplace settings.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
LEAD 601
Leadership and Professionalism
3
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You will develop knowledge and skills related to professionalism and leadership. You will apply strategies related to leading diverse teams, developing and motivating team members, and guiding teams through change. Additionally, you will reflect on your personal purpose, discover your ‘why’, and plan development activities that will contribute to living your purpose.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Equivalent Course(s): LEAD 600
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
Total semester credits: 15

Semester 2

Code
Name/Description
Credits
 
INVS 600
Financial Advising
3
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You will gain the necessary skills to develop a comprehensive response to a client’s financial needs. You will participate in learning activities such as conducting a financial needs analysis, portfolio planning, reviewing financial advising models, and conducting client interviews.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): FIN 602
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
INVS 601
Investment Funds (IFC) Prep 1
3
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You will develop the required skills and knowledge to advise clients about their mutual fund investments based on their objectives, timeline and risk tolerance. Your studies will include these topics: a mutual fund representative’s legal, ethical, and professional responsibilities. You will learn about the financial markets, the mutual fund industry, your role as a mutual fund sales representative, and different types of mutual funds. You will also gain an understanding in the importance of the “Know Your Client” rule and how to apply it.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
INVS 602
Investment Funds (IFC) Prep 2
3
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You will learn the risk-return relationship of investments as well as be able to explain the process of creating and managing investment portfolios that meets client’s needs. You’ll gain an understanding of the different types of mutual funds. Finally, you will be able to assess mutual fund’s performance and fee structure and be able to explain these features to a client. Upon successful completion of the course, you will be eligible to write the licensing exam for the sale of mutual funds in the Canadian marketplace.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): INVS 601(concurrent)
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
IPSK 601
Building Client Relationships 2
3
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You will develop an understanding of customer service and the skills associated with understanding the needs of clients, meeting those needs, and fostering an environment that encourages clients to return.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Prerequisites(s): IPSK 600
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
TAX 602
Income Tax for Financial Professionals
3
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You will learn important income tax considerations when recommending financial or investment strategies to clients. You will focus on the implications of client advising in the areas of investing, retirement, and estate planning. You will explore tax-deferred strategies using registered plans, and the tax implications of registered and nonregistered investments.
Credit Units: 3
Course Hours: 45.0
Potential Learning Method(s): Lecture/Theory, Online
Total semester credits: 15

Get Credit for What You Know

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition

Saskatchewan Polytechnic recognizes that adults learn in many different ways. This includes acquiring knowledge and skills through life and work experience or non-formal training.

See link(s) below to get more information about PLAR.


Student Awards

Thanks to the generosity of donors and alumni, Saskatchewan Polytechnic gives away more than $2 million in student awards during the academic year.

Saskatchewan Polytechnic offers student awards for every certificate and diploma program at every campus. Not all student awards are based on marks - some are based on financial need or things like community or volunteer involvement.

More about scholarships

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