If you’re looking to enter the world of business or finance, the CPA professional accounting credential can open doors and enhance your prospects.

Becoming a CPA is a wise decision. Canadian CPAs are well-paid professionals who are in demand around the world in all sectors. They are CEOs, board members, management consultants and more—and are critical to the success of any business or organization.

Why become a CPA?

Demand

Highly qualified professionals in accounting, business and finance fields will always be in demand. With a Canadian CPA designation, you will be trained to meet Canadian and international market needs and provided with continuous opportunities to grow.

Compensation

A CPA designation can help secure a high starting salary and opportunities for advancement over time. According to the 2019 CPA Member Compensation Survey, the median* compensation of Canada’s professional accountants in all sectors, age ranges and regions was $112,000. CPAs who work in mining, oil and gas, and pharmaceutical sectors had the highest median compensations of $155,000, and $149,000 and $135,000, respectively. These results are based on voluntary responses from members who self-report their compensation. This survey is conducted every two years, 2021 results will be available soon.

*CPA Canada uses median rather than average numbers as a small portion of responses may skew the average much higher than it would be otherwise.

Growth

The CPA designation can take you from the beginning of your career to the top position in any type of organization, in any sector of the economy. Along with comprehensive financial management skills, a CPA designation provides you with critical knowledge, analytical and decision-making skills, and an ethical mindset that can make you an effective senior executive.
CPAs hold many executive positions, including:

CEO or president

A CPA background and experience is highly respected, and many CEOs and presidents come up from the accounting and finance department.

CFO

CFOs are responsible for advising the board and CEO on the financial direction of the company, and a CPA background can be the key to a CFO’s success.

Treasurer

You need to understand not only what the risks are, but what to do about them. CPAs are trained to see the big picture. Community and not-for-profit associations need this expertise and often seek a CPA first.

Board of directors

The board of directors is the highest governing authority at any company and the insights of a CPA are often sought to provide insightful advice.

Accounting managers

Accounting managers such as budget directors, auditing managers, comptrollers and more, require a special mix of qualifications that can only be learned through a CPA designation.