Job requirements Accountant in Canada

National Occupational Classification update

We have updated this page to reflect the transition to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This means that the occupation "accountant" was moved from the group Financial auditors and accountants (NOC 1111) to the group Financial auditors and accountants (NOC 11100).

Find out what you typically need to work as an accountant in Canada. These requirements are applicable to all Financial auditors and accountants (NOC 11100).

Employment requirements

This is what you typically need for the job.

  • Chartered professional accountants, chartered accountants (CPA, CA) require a university degree and completion of a professional training program approved by a provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants and, depending on the province, either two years or 30 months of on-the-job training and membership in a provincial Institute of Chartered Accountants upon successful completion of the Uniform Evaluation (UFE).
  • Chartered professional accountants, certified general accountants (CPA, CGA) and chartered professional accountants, certified management accountants (CPA, CMA) require a university degree and completion of an approved training program and several years of on-the-job training and certification with a regulatory body is required in all provinces and territories.
  • Auditors require education, training and recognition as indicated for chartered professional accountants, chartered accountants (CPA, CA), chartered professional accountants, certified general accountants (CPA, CGA) or chartered professional accountants, certified management accountants (CPA, CMA) and some experience as an accountant.

Source National Occupational Classification

Professional certification and licensing

You might need to get a certification from a regulatory authority before you start working. Find out if this occupation is regulated in your province or territory.

Table listing provincial regulation requirements
Location Job title Regulation Regulatory body
Alberta Chartered Professional Accountant, (chartered Accountant Or Certified General Accountant Or Certified Management Accountant) Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants of Alberta
British Columbia Accountant (Certified General) Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia
Accountant (Certified Management) Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia
Accountant (Chartered) Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia
Auditor (Public Accountant) Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia
Manitoba Chartered Professional Accountant Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants of Manitoba
New Brunswick Chartered Professional Accountant Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants New Brunswick
Newfoundland and Labrador Chartered Professional Accountant Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants of Newfoundland and Labrador
Northwest Territories Chartered Professional Accountant Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants - Northwest Territories / Nunavut
Nova Scotia Chartered Professional Accountant Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants of Nova Scotia
Public Accountant Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants of Nova Scotia
Ontario Public Accountant Regulated Public Accountants Council for the Province of Ontario
Chartered Professional Accountant Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario
Prince Edward Island Chartered Professional Accountant Regulated Chartered Accountants of Prince Edward Island
Québec Chartered Professional Accountant Regulated Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec
Saskatchewan Chartered Professional Accountant Regulated Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants of Saskatchewan
Yukon Chartered Professional Accountant Regulated Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia

Source Foreign Credential Recognition Program - ESDC

Do you want to work in another province or territory?

If you are already certified to work in a regulated occupation in your province or territory, it will be easier for you to have your certification recognized in another province or territory. See the Workers Mobility's website to learn more.

Labour Market Information Survey
Date modified: