WORKING

Certified General Accountant (CGA)

Working in Ontario

Certified General Accountants (CGAs) are highly skilled financial management professionals who analyze and interpret financial information, think creatively and solve complex problems, and plan, forecast and carry out corporate strategies.

Accounting in Ontario

It is important to understand that accounting in Ontario covers a wide variety of work. For some types of work, strict regulation and special qualifications are required. Designations such as Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified General Accountant (CGA) are separate from Chartered Accountant (CA) and have different professional bodies, qualification requirements, and areas of practice.

Tools and Information

The Ontario Government has partnered with the Certified General Accountants Association of Ontario to create a Career Map for internationally trained accountants. The Career Map explains in detail every step of the registration process including language requirements, industry trends, labour market conditions, credential recognition, licensing fees and other important information.

You can also view the e-career map for internationally trained accountants. E-career maps are interactive guides that outline the process for registering in a profession or trade.

Getting Help

If you are qualified in your profession but new to Ontario, you may benefit from a bridging program. Bridge training programs help qualified immigrants move more quickly into their professions without duplicating what they have already learned.

Fanshawe College of Applied Arts and Technology
Bridge to Licensing for Internationally Educated Accounting Professionals Pilot Project

This project will help participants get their CGA license and find employment by offering them courses in sector-specific language, academic training, math, computer skills training, employment preparation and Canadian work experience.

Contact: Mary Pierce
Acting Chair, School of Business and Management
Phone: (519) 452-4430 ext. 4007
Fax: (519) 452-9522
E-mail: mpierce@fanshawec.ca

Halton Multicultural Council
Bridge-to-Work Service for Internationally Trained Accountants and Bookkeepers

This project is developing a training program for internationally-trained accountants and bookkeepers. Participants receive an individual assessment of needs and information, and referral for licensure and registration. The project also provides occupation-specific language training, as well as accounting and bookkeeping-specific computer application training. Working with area employers, participants have the opportunity to undertake paid or volunteer work placements in order to gain experience in the Ontario workplace.

Contacts:
Oakville: Micky Gotla
Phone: 905-842-2486 ext 238
Email: mgotla@halton-multicultural.org

Mississauga: Norma Emberley
Phone: 905-290-2365
Email: nemberley@halton-multicultural.org

Website: www.halton-multicultural.org

Ryerson University
Bridge to Accounting Credentials

This project helps internationally trained accountants move toward registration and employment. The project develops individual action plans for each participant, and provides:

• Courses in Canadian business law and taxation
• Occupation-specific language and cultural literacy training
• Work placements, coaching and mentoring

Ryerson also helps participants with completion of other approved academic credits accepted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario, the Certified General Accountants of Ontario, or the Society of Management Accountants of Ontario.

Contact:
Salman Kureishy, Program Manager
International Accounting and Finance Professionals (IAFP) Program
Phone: 416-979-5000 ext. 2628
E-mail: salmank@ryerson.ca
Website: www.ryerson.ca/ce/gateway

Settlement and Integration Services Organization (SISO)
Bridging for Accounting, Banking and Finance

This program helps internationally trained individuals in the accounting, banking and finance sectors advance towards certification or employment. You will receive:

• An introduction to the banking/finance industry in Ontario
• Language training specific to your occupation
• Communication skills commonly used in Ontario workplaces
• Training in commonly-used computer applications
• Help in finding job shadowing, internships or mentoring opportunities, and
• Referrals for technical training or upgrading that may be required for employment or certification.

Contact: Radenka Lescesen
Phone: (905) 667-7483
E-mail: rlescesen@siso-ham.org
Website: www.siso-ham.org/

See also: Bridge training programs in the financial services sector.

Regulatory Body

Certified General Accountants Association of Ontario
240 Eglinton Avenue East
Toronto, ON
M4P 1K8
Phone: 416-322-6520
Fax: 416-322-6481
Email: info@cga-ontario.org
Website: www.cga-ontario.org

Learning More

To learn about occupations in Canada, visit the Working in Canada website. This site will help you identify the name of your occupation in Canada. It will also give you important information about your profession in many regions of Canada, including job duties, skill requirements and wage rates. To learn about your occupation, visit the website and click the ‘Start’ button on the main page.

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