Nigerian accountants who are members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) will soon find it easier to become certified to practice in Canada, thanks to a new agreement with the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada). This arrangement, starting in February 2025, simplifies the process for ICAN members to obtain the Canadian CPA designation, promoting professional recognition and mobility between the two countries.
CPA Canada – Your Hub for Accounting News & Resources
Looking to keep pace with the accounting world in Canada? You’ve landed on the right spot. Whether you’re a student, a newly minted CPA, or a seasoned professional, this page pulls together the most useful info about CPA Canada, the certification path, career moves, and the tools that make the job easier.
How to Become a CPA in Canada
The CPA designation isn’t a mystery. First, you need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Next, you complete the CPA Prerequisite Education (PPE) – that’s a set of courses covering financial reporting, audit, tax, and strategy. After the coursework, the CPA Practical Experience Requirements (PER) kick in. You’ll log 30 months of relevant work, split between technical and enabling competencies. Finally, the CPA Common Final Examination (CFE) tests your knowledge in three days of case‑based questions. Pass the CFE, meet the PER, and you’re officially a Chartered Professional Accountant.
Many candidates wonder whether they can fast‑track the process. The answer is yes, if you have prior experience or a master’s degree that covers some PPE modules. Check the CPA Canada website for articulation agreements with universities – they can shave off a semester or two.
Top Resources for Canadian CPAs
Staying current is part of the job. CPA Canada offers an Online Learning Portal packed with webinars, short courses, and on‑demand videos. The portal covers everything from IFRS updates to emerging tech like AI in finance. For networking, the CPA Community forum lets you ask questions, share best practices, and connect with peers across provinces.
If you need study material for the CFE, the CPA Exam Prep app is a game‑changer. It breaks down complex topics into bite‑size quizzes you can do on your phone during a commute. And don’t overlook the CPA Magazine, which publishes monthly articles on regulation changes, tax tips, and career advice specific to Canadian markets.
Job seekers can tap into the CPA Career Centre. It lists openings from entry‑level audit roles to senior finance leadership positions. The centre also offers resume reviews and interview coaching tailored for the accounting sector.
Lastly, keep an eye on the CPA Newsroom. It aggregates press releases, policy updates, and research reports that affect the accounting profession. Subscribing to the weekly digest means you’ll get the most relevant headlines right in your inbox.
In short, CPA Canada is more than a credential – it’s a whole ecosystem designed to help you succeed. Use the tools above, stay curious, and you’ll find your career climbing faster than you imagined.