Accounting is a stable, high-demand profession with clear advancement opportunities. While many assume you need a university degree to get started, that’s not always the case – especially if you’re changing careers, immigrating to Canada, or looking for faster pathways into the workforce.
While becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) without a degree is possible, it’s a longer and more complex path. The good news is that you don’t need to be a CPA – or have a degree – to launch a meaningful accounting career. With a focused diploma and work experience, you can build the skills employers are looking for today.
How to Be an Accountant in Canada Without University
There has been some confusion about the types of available accountancy jobs in recent years. When Canada combined three previously separate designations (Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified General Accountant (CGA), and Certified Management Accountant (CMA)), the confusion grew, especially for hopeful individuals who wanted to break into the industry.
All these professionals have joined forces and now coexist under the label of Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA). But not everyone needs to follow this path. There are many in-demand accounting roles you can pursue without a CPA designation – especially if you start with a diploma and build from there.
Is Accounting a Good Career in Canada?
Salaries vary by role and region, but many accounting professionals in Canada earn an average of $58,500 per year – even in roles that don’t require a degree.
It might take a few years to complete the training required to become a chartered accountant, but it is ultimately worth it. And if you do not complete a university degree, you will enter the field with far less debt than those who do. Ergo, you can enjoy the fruits of your labour.
Do I Need a University Degree to Become an Accountant in Canada?
Many people think you need a university degree to work in accounting. This isn’t true for many roles in the field. The confusion comes from the difference between accounting staff and CPAs.
Bookkeepers and accounting clerks can do many accounting tasks, but can’t perform certain regulated services like audits. CPAs have extra training and certification that allows them to offer these services. Many CPAs have university degrees, but you can still have a rewarding career in accounting without one.
Starting with an Accounting and Payroll Administrator diploma is a common path for those without university degrees. These programs teach the basics and can help you land your first job in the field.
What Are the Steps to Becoming an Accountant in Canada?
In general, most chartered accountants follow these steps:
- Obtain a university degree from a recognized university
- Traditionally, the path to becoming a CPA starts with a university degree. However, there are alternative accounting certifications—such as AAT, PCP, or Certified Payroll Manager (CPM)—that don’t require a university background and are recognized by Canadian employers.
- Enrol in the CPA Professional Education Program
- Have 30 months of accounting experience under their belts
- Complete four education modules while taking part in full-time work experience
- Pass the Uniform Evaluation (UE) exam
CPA PEP Explained
If you want to learn how to become an accountant in Canada, you need to learn all you can about the CPA PEP program.
This program is designed to support adult learners who are working full-time or balancing other commitments. It is a two-year, part-time course for people already working in accounting. It is comprised of the following:
- Two core modules – Choose two from six technical competencies: strategy and governance, finance and taxation, audit, management accounting, financial reporting, and assurance.
- Two elective modules – Choose from assurance, performance management, and tax and finance.
- One integrative module – allows participants to develop their networking and leadership skills.
- One exam prep module – This gives participants a chance to hone their skills before the final exam.
The important thing to remember here is that each module has an exam at the end. If you do not pass the module, you will not move on to the next one.
After completing all the modules, you must complete the Common Final Examination.
Common Final Examination
The Common Final Examination (CFE) is the final hurdle in the CPA PEP, lasting for three days.
During this exam, you will be tested against competencies on the CPA Canada Competency Map. This map outlines the skills and knowledge you need to become a Canadian CPA. You can find a link to the CFE overall exam blueprint on the website.
Before you start revising, take a look at the exam regulations.
How Do I Become an Accountant Without a University Degree?
It is normal for chartered accountants in Canada to have university degrees, but determined individuals can occupy the role without one.
You do not technically need a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for Canada CPA exams. If you do not have a degree, you need to:
- Provide evidence of at least eight years of work experience in CPA technical competency areas
- Complete the CPA PEP prerequisite courses
- Provide three letters of reference
- Provide a personal statement
As you can see, there are a few more steps. This does not mean that your dream career is out of reach; thousands of people who do not have a bachelor’s degree pass the exam every year. Focus on your studies, complete the modules, and work towards the CFE.
What If I’m Not Canadian?
If you’re new to Canada, your first step is to have your credentials assessed by CPA Canada or the relevant provincial body. Starting with a diploma from a Canadian college like AOLCC can help you gain local experience and build toward future certification.
Start Your New Accounting Career With AOLCC
Now you know how to be an accountant in Canada, you need the learning materials.
Academy of Learning Career College is Canada’s largest career college network. Our Integrated Learning System is unique to us, providing learners from all over Canada with easy-to-follow teaching modules. Since we began teaching, learners have completed over one million courses.
Before delving into the accounting world, you must find reliable, accurate information. Our programs are designed to get you from point A to B quickly and seamlessly. Choose your province and find accounting programs in your local area.
Not sure where to start? Contact us to request more information.