JOIN THE PROS.
P AS IN
PROACTIVE PRODUCTIVE PROFICIENT PROSPEROUS PROFESSIONAL In May 2012, 35,600 professional accountants in Quebec turned pro. As CPAs Chartered Professional Accountants they united around their strength: the letter P.
EARN A globally RECOgNIzED business CREDENTIAL. Take your place among an elite group of strategic and financial decision-makers, whose counsel is sought at the very highest levels of business. TAP INTO A POwERFUL AND INFLUENTIAL NETwORk. With 35,600 members, the CPA Order is the third largest of the 44 professional orders in Quebec. TAkE ADVANTAgE OF ExCEPTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. CPAs are highly employable, and their job prospects are excellent: in fact, the placement rate for CPAs in the industry of their choice is close to 100%.
POwER TO THE PROS
gaétan Roy, CPA, CgA Partner, Tax Services - PwC Quebec, Quebec, Canada Gaétan Roy has amassed a wealth of experience: lawyer, Chartered Professional Accountant, with a Master s degree in taxation, his long-time passion. I realized that an understanding of tax rules and a solid command of the subject is key to creating added value for our clients. Gaétan is also passionate about travel, photography, sailing and good wines.
what IT MEANS TO be A PRO. CPA competencies are in high demand in industries of all sizes, across virtually every sector of the economy, including high tech, the arts, sports and finance. Currently 75% of the Ordre des CPA du Québec membership is active in industry, while the other 25% works in public practice. Like doctors, lawyers and engineers, CPAs can choose to enhance their expertise and advance their careers, by specializing in a specific area of practice: Forensic Accounting Taxation Finance Information Technology Business Valuation Internal Audit Insolvency and Restructuring Assurance
PROS know HOw TO PROTECT THE NET. CPAs have the knowledge, skills and experience to optimize organizational performance and deliver superior results. Highly valued for their financial expertise, strategic vision and business insight, they impact decisions and provide leadership in all functional areas, from finance and operations to sales and marketing, information technology and human resources. In fact, research shows that many companies perform better when the Chief Financial Officer is a CPA. With their solid business management competencies, CPAs have what it takes to become successful entrepreneurs and leaders of economic development.
Anna Martini, FCPA, FCA President - groupe Dynamite Montreal, Quebec, Canada After 19 years in public practice, Anna Martini became President of Groupe Dynamite. Since then the company s sales have tripled, as have the number of head office employees. In addition, the group has opened boutiques in the United States and 9 other countries. Product development, distribution and logistics were new areas for me. But at the same time, my experience as an accounting professional in public practice prepared me well. I learned leadership and strategy development skills, and how to surround myself with the best people.
PROACTIVE
CPAs who own accounting firms spend very little time in the office. They are busy meeting with executives at organizations of all sizes, in a wide range of industries, providing strategic counsel on management, taxation or business issues. Professionals who hold the CPA auditor designation offer assurance services, preparing reliable financial information for company stakeholders.
PROS HELP where IT COUNTS. CPAs in the public sector and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are changing the world. Putting their skills to work for society in fields ranging from health, education and the environment to economic development, international relations and finance, both here and in emerging countries, CPAs are implementing innovative solutions and making a real difference in people s lives.
Adam koniuszewski, CPA, CA Chief Operating Officer green Cross International geneva, Switzerland Adam Koniuszewski is the Chief Operating Officer of Green Cross International, a Geneva-based NGO that promotes sustainable development and environmental protection. Being a CPA is, above all, having the power to choose the job that suits me in any country I want, and to balance my sports activities and my passion for the environment, while taking on new and rewarding challenges.
Isabelle Pigeon, CPA, CMA Financial Director of the French Mill Cascades Inc. La Rochette, Savoie, France As the Financial Director of Cascade s mill in La Rochette, Savoie, Isabelle Pigeon had to adapt quickly to a new culture and a new way of thinking. It is an exciting learning experience. I think this type of career path provides you with an opportunity to grow. A lover of the outdoors, Isabelle finds Savoie a kind of paradise. This region is a magnificent playground where I can bike, ski, snowboard, snowshoe and also hike in summer, she says.
专 业 的, FACHMANN, PROFESSIONNEL, професионнал, PROFESSIONAL As one of the most respected designations in the world, the CPA credential is your key to exceptional international opportunities.
DO you HAVE what IT TAkES TO be A PRO? As a CPA, you will have a breadth of business and accounting expertise, with core competencies in six areas. Financial Reporting Strategy and Governance Management Accounting Audit and Assurance Finance Taxation
Eduardo Schiehll, FCPA, FCMA Associate Professor, Department of Accounting Studies HEC Montréal Montreal, Quebec, Canada Eduardo Schiehll had never considered a career in education until he found himself in a situation where he had to share his knowledge. With a Master s in Finance from Brazil, he ended up in Montreal, where he earned his PhD, and was immediately hired by HEC Montréal. When he isn t working, Eduardo is likely to be seen on a ski slope, tennis court or in a pool. I love sports for the team spirit and because, as with any human endeavour, the result largely depends on the effort invested.
A [PRO]SPEROUS CAREER CPA graduates are highly sought after by recruiters. The CPA designation allows you to take your pick among internship opportunities in industry or public practice.
On average, CPAs earn higher starting salaries, which can include a wide range of employee benefits packages, performance bonuses and/or business expenses such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, gym memberships and travel. The value of the CPA designation translates into average annual earnings of $119,123*. Most CPAs enjoy flexible work schedules. * Source: weighted average of the compensation surveys conducted by the three unified orders (CA 2011, CGA 2011, CMA 2009)
get with THE [PRO]gRAM. Become a CPA in 4 steps.
1 Complete 3 gain 4 obtain a recognized undergraduate degree. the graduate-level professional education program. practical experience and enhance knowledge and skills during a paid training period. pass the Cpa entrance exam. (a bachelor s degree in Accounting Sciences or a Bachelor of Business Administration, concentration in Professional Accounting) To advance to the next stage, you will be required by the university to maintain a GPA of 2.8/4.3 or higher at the undergraduate level. Under the Charter of the French Language, Anglophones and Allophones wishing to obtain a permit form a professional order must prove their knowledge of the French language
TRAIN LIkE A PRO. The paid training period is a vital part of the CPA candidate s education. It provides the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned at university and prepare for professional life. It also means working in a real-life management and decision-making context. The training period enables you to develop the most highly valued skills, while benefitting from the insight and expertise of experienced mentors on a daily basis.
CHOOSE your PLAyINg FIELD: TRAININg PERIODS IN INDUSTRy, PUbLIC PRACTICE OR government. Students wishing to practice public accountancy and use the CPA auditor designation must complete their training period in an accounting firm and accumulate the mandatory hours in assurance and auditing services. However, some CPA firms also offer training positions in taxation, advisory services or other areas which, like those in industry and the public sector, qualify for the CPA designation but not for the practice of public accountancy.
we CAN HELP.
A number of scholarships are awarded to students every year in recognition of academic excellence and community involvement. Visit our Web site regularly to find out how the Foundation of Quebec CPAs can help.
CONSULT THE PROS. 514 982-4606 1 800 363-4688 Web site: cpa-quebec.com E-mail: candidat@cpa-quebec.com facebook.com/devenircpa Watch for our contest!