In Canada, there is a significant demand for qualified accountants, and there are many job prospects in a variety of industries, including accounting, taxation, auditing, and financial management. Knowing more about immigrating to Canada will be beneficial for those who are considering beginning, finishing, or continuing their accountancy education.
JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN CANADA FOR ACCOUNTANTS AS PER PROVINCES
Below are the selected job listings for various financial auditors and accountants in demand. These postings aim to present prospects within the financial and accounting field along with the disclosed salary packages offered by the companies.
| Province | Available Jobs/ Post | Salary Package |
| Alberta | Accountant | $55,000 – $65,000 Annually |
| Alberta | Project Accountant | $55,000 – $65,000 Annually |
| Alberta | Assistant Controller | $50,000 – $80,000 Annually |
| British Columbia | Assistant Controller | $1,00,000 – $1,10,000 Annually |
| British Columbia | Chartered Accountant | $25 to $35 hourly |
| British Columbia | Supervisor, Auditors (Remote work available in some companies) | $73,855.42 – $84,134.34 Annually |
| Manitoba | Senior Accountant | $18 – $25 Hourly/ 40 hours Per week |
| Manitoba | Property Accountant | $20-$25 Hourly/ 40 per week |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant (CPA, CA) | $70,000 – $80,000 Annually |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Public Accountant | $50,000 – $80,000 Annually |
| Nova Scotia | Accountant Controller | $70,000 – $95,000 Annually |
| Ontario | Financial Control Officer | $35.50 Hourly/ 40 hours per week |
| Ontario | Cost Accounting Officer (CAO) | $39 Hourly/ 40 hours per week |
| Ontario | Property Accountant | $65,000 – $75,000 Annually |
| Ontario | Junior Accountant | $38,000 – $48,000 Annually |
| Quebec | Financial Management Officer | 16.50 hourly / 35 to 40 hours per week |
| Quebec | Tax Accountant | $35 Hourly |
| Quebec | Management Accounting Chief | $40,000 Annually |
| Quebec | Tax Consultant | $70,000 – $90,000 Annually |
| Quebec | Chief Accountant | $65,000 – $70,000 Annually |
| Saskatchewan | Internal Auditor | $92,265 – $1,10,723 Annually |
| Saskatchewan | Financial Auditors and Accountants | $87,097 – $1,16,128 |
Why Accountants opt for Relocating to Canada
The primary incentive for moving is the prospects and competitive salaries offered by Canadian firms. Accountants have the potential to secure more substantial earnings in Canada. Skilled professionals are consistently sought after.
Nevertheless, the availability of positions is notably lower compared to less skilled roles. Thus, when seeking a sought-after position in Canada, it’s crucial to emphasise resume development and relevant experience during the application process.
IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS TO CANADA
A globally certified accountant has the option to migrate to Canada through different initiatives presented by the Canadian Government. Individuals possessing sought-after qualifications are urged to seek permanent residency (PR). If you intend to relocate to Canada as an accountant, you have the opportunity to select from a variety of PR programs.
FSWP – Federal Skilled Workers Program
Through the Express Entry system’s Federal Skilled Worker Program, accountants with global credentials have the chance to secure permanent residency in Canada. In this program, applicants are evaluated and selected based on a comprehensive ranking system, rather than solely their occupation.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is calculated by taking into account variables including age, educational attainment, and language competence. If a candidate has a job offer, Canadian work experience, a province nomination, or educational credentials, their chances of selection increase.
RSWP – (Quebec Regular Skilled Workers Program)
Quebec Province actively invites competent, skilled, trained, and capable individuals to settle and work within its borders. Through the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program, individuals interested in relocating to Quebec can express their interest, regardless of their occupation.
The province employs a comprehensive set of criteria to select applicants, encompassing factors such as work experience, education, proficiency in English or French, and age. Those who are chosen will be granted a Quebec Selection Certificate, and their permanent residency applications will subsequently be processed by the IRCC.
AIP – (Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program)
A skilled international worker or a foreign student who has completed their education in Canada has the opportunity to establish permanent residence in the Atlantic provinces, including New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador, through the utilization of the Atlantic Immigration Program.
PNP – Provincial Nominee Program
Individuals who satisfy the required criteria are eligible to submit an application for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), a process through which Canadian provinces and territories put forth nominations for potential permanent residency (PR) candidates. This endorsement is exclusively granted to applicants possessing the essential training, qualifications, and expertise to potentially address labour shortages. Almost all provinces and territories in Canada, apart from Nunavut and Quebec, operate their own PNPs.
LICENSE TO WORK IN CANADA AS ACCOUNTANT
In Canada, accountants are mandated to possess the CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) designation. However, it is not obligatory for a variety of positions at the entry and intermediate levels, such as staff accountants, accounting technicians, bookkeepers, and receivables clerks.
It’s essential to undergo an Education Credentials Assessment (ECA) if you’ve completed your education outside of Canada and wish to ascertain the comparability of your qualifications with those of Canadian graduates.
For roles in accounting, finance, and auditing, CPAs are typically the preferred choice among candidates. Some companies may choose CPA candidates for mid-level positions as a means to propel their career growth.
How to get Canadian CPA Designation if you don’t have International CPA / CA
Obtaining the Chartered Professional Accountant designation is essential for practicing as an accountant in Canada, with some potential exceptions. The process of obtaining the CPA designation takes a minimum of two to three years, which includes completing the examinations and gaining practical experience.
To begin, you need to enroll as a student with your respective provincial CPA organisation. Your academic transcript will undergo evaluation, and subsequently, you must submit an application for the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP).
The CPA Canada website not only furnishes details about CPA certification but also supplies contact details for provincial CPA entities. In many provinces, you can commence your enrollment in PEP and have your transcript assessed before needing to travel.
The Second stage is to submit the credentials. Submitting duplicates of your educational and professional qualifications is a mandatory step for individuals who plan to relocate to Canada as an accountant and practice as a CPA in a specific province or territory. The guidelines for submitting your documentation vary for each provincial CPA organisation, outlining the procedure for sending your documents.
Proficiency in English is a prerequisite for joining the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), as the program is conducted in English. A proficient command of all four language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking—is necessary.
It’s likely that CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) level 8 results will be necessary regardless of the particular prerequisites of each province. In the case of Quebec, a demonstration of French proficiency is obligatory before enrolling in a CPA program.
Within the CPA Professional Education Program, students engage in studies across six technical competency domains: financial reporting, taxation, audit & assurance, performance management, accounting management, and assurance (offered as electives). However, student CPAs have limited flexibility in opting between assurance and taxation.
If you are engaged in any part-time jobs, then you can fulfill the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) and meet the work experience prerequisites within approximately two years.
Throughout the span of three days encompassing the CPA PEP Common Final Examination, students are tasked with handling business case simulations and showcasing their expertise in technical subjects. The students have to attend and pass the above-mentioned subjects.
The Common Final Examination is not enough to get the CPA designation. After the examination, you’ll have to undergo practicals for a minimum of 30 months. This practical experience can be obtained under the guidance of a CPA mentor while you’re enrolled in the CPA PEP program. Furthermore, if within the past seven years you’ve demonstrated proficiency in two CPA technical domains at level one, you can credit up to 12 months of previous experience (8 months in Quebec).
Upon successfully finishing the final examination and fulfilling the necessary practical experience, you’ll be eligible to commence using the designation of Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
In addition to the federal government’s Express Entry Program and Provincial Nominee Program, there are various immigration assistance initiatives provided by the Canadian government. These programs offer opportunities for individuals who satisfy the criteria and successfully navigate the process to work and reside in Canada as an accountant.
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