About This Job
Accounting is a globally recognised profession which provides numerous pathways towards building and developing a successful career. Accountants provide tangible value within public, private and non-profit organizations around the world.
The accounting profession lends itself well to leadership roles within an organization, equipping people with a toolkit of skills. Accounting job titles include, but are not limited to: Staff Accountant, Consultant, Treasurer, General Manager, Actuary, Controller, Investment Advisor, Partner, Vice-President and CEO. In addition, many accountants own their own businesses.
Studying accounting will provide you with the necessary competencies and skills to work anywhere in the world. The profession is in high demand by top organizations globally, and Yorkville University is your pathway to this dynamic career.
A Day in the Life of a CPA
Key Duties
- Auditing financial information
- Preparing personal and corporate tax returns
- Compiling and presenting reports, budgets, business plans, financial information, financial statements
- Financial forecasting
- Analyzing risk
- Reconciling financial discrepancies
- Providing financial information to management
- Researching and analyzing accounting data
- Recommending financial actions
Critical Skills
- Knowledge of accounting software(s)
- Knowledge of current taxation laws and accounting procedures
- Analytical
- Attention to detail, monitoring
- Reading comprehension
- Active learning, critical thinking
- Numeracy
- Adaptable
Work Environment
- Office setting
- Regular and moderate ongoing sensory exertion
- Minimal physical exertion required
- Minimal exposure to disagreeable or hazardous working conditions
Professional Certifications/Licenses
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
- Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP)
- Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)
- Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- Certification for Bank Auditors (CBA)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP)
- Advanced Certificate in Accounting and Finance (ACAF)
The Chartered Professional Accounting designation includes over 210,000 members in Canada with an additional 44,000 students studying in the CPA certification program. It is one of the most recognized and respected accounting designations in the world. Yorkville University’s Accounting Specialization courses offer a transfer credit pathway toward the CPA designation.
Job Search Tips - Where to Focus Your Time
Building Professional Relationships (80%)
- Meet with a YU Career Services Advisor
- Gain experience and expand your network by volunteering
- Attend company designation/info sessions, recruitment events, job fairs
- Join professional associations, find one in your region, participate actively to maximize benefits of membership
- Join LinkedIn groups, meetup groups
- Aspiring entrepreneurs can join a business networking group
- Attend conferences and events
- Get matched with a mentor
- Start conversations with new contacts
Online Activities (20%)
Build a Strong Resume:
Created a LinkedIn Profile:
Accounting (and Other) Job Portals:
The average salary for a Canadian CPA is $146,000 domestically and $271,000 while working internationally, according to the CPA Profession Compensation Study Report.
