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

Becoming a CPA is a wise decision. While stereotypes still exist framing accounting as dull and overly precise, the fact is that Canadian CPAs are well-paid professionals who are in demand around the world. 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 the accounting, business and finance field will always be in demand. With a Canadian CPA designation, you can be sure that you’re trained to meet Canadian and international market needs and that there is always room to grow.

COMPENSATION

A CPA designation can help ensure a high starting salary and opportunities for advancement over time. According to the CPA Profession Compensation Survey, the mean average compensation of Canada’s professional accountants in all working sectors, age ranges and regions in the country was $141,000. CPAs employed in industry topped the compensation list with an average of $163,000, followed by professional services at $142,000. CPAs in mining, and oil and gas led most sectors with mean averages of $194,000 and $203,000, respectively. Statistics Canada estimates average yearly earnings in Canada in 2013 to be about $47,000.

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 the soft skills 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. When community and not-for-profit associations need help, they go to 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 always welcome.

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.