There are a lot of accounting jobs in Canada that are open for applications 2023/2024. This article has been specially prepared for those who possess accounting skills and experiences, preparing for a career in the field and are ready to work with Canadian employers.
If you belong to any of these categories of individuals, ensure you do not skip any information contained in this article.
Accounting is one of the popular career choices that more than 20000 potential employees find jobs readily every year in Canada. See Jobs in Canada For Foreigners.
To be part of these many beneficiaries, you have to prepare yourself to continue your accounting career in Canada with this helpful overview of job requirements, salaries, and job search techniques.
Accountants play an essential role in helping organizations manage the financial function of their business. Currently, many companies need professionals to fill accounting jobs. So, there is a great opportunity for newcomers and internationally trained professionals.
Requirements to Continue Your Accounting Career in Canada
The process to become an accredited accountant in Canada depends on your status.
Are you a professional accountant in your home country?
Are you a new graduate from an international accounting school?
Do you have foreign accounting work experience?
Are you licensed in another country?
Your current status will determine your next steps. These steps could involve credential recognition, upgrading your skills, completing a bridging program, or pursuing further accounting education.
Therefore, the general requirements to work as an accountant in Canada are as follows:
Credential Recognition to Meet Accounting Job Requirements in Canada
If you are applying to a Canadian university, you may need your academic credentials assessed. And in some cases, an employer may request your academic assessment. You can contact one of the following agencies for assistance:
- World Education Services (WES) – Ontario
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) – Alberta
- The International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES) – British Columbia
- The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC)
- The Alliance of Credential Evaluation Services of Canada
- Upgrading Your Skills to Meet Accounting Job Requirements
To become a licensed accountant, you will have to complete an accredited program of study, supervised work experience, and a professional ethics exam. Skills upgrading courses and bridging programs can help you to obtain your license.
Employers in Canada require accountants to have advanced math and finance skills. You are also expected to have strong communication and interpersonal skills, business and report writing skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. You’ll also be expected to be familiar with accounting software programs and applications.
Language Training for Accounting Careers in Canada
Even though accountants work with numbers, communication is a vital part of working in accounting careers. Improving your verbal and written language skills can help.
You may be eligible for Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) program. Otherwise, you can find free or affordable classes in English as a Second Language (ESL) or French as a Second Language (FSL) classes through school boards or settlement agencies.
There are even language courses to teach you professional terminologies, such as job-specific language training and Occupation Specific Language Training (OSLT) in Ontario.
And, if you already speak one of Canada’s two official languages at a high level, learning the other one is a good option, as it may offer you better job opportunities.
Accounting Salary in Canada
In Canada, the average salary for accounting jobs can vary based on factors such as your specific role and the city that you reside. However, salaries can be quite high and many positions have opportunities for advancement over time.
As well, accountants are in demand across Canada and this will also influence salaries. For immigrants to Canada, this can be a benefit as companies will look to recruit new employees from around the world.
Below is accounting salary information by province.
| Province | Low ($/hour) | Median ($/hour) | High ($/hour) |
| Alberta | 25.00 | 44.18 | 67.33 |
| British Columbia | 22.12 | 35.00 | 55.29 |
| Manitoba | 20.51 | 35.00 | 54.95 |
| New Brunswick | 20.51 | 31.25 | 54.95 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 22.00 | 38.46 | 61.54 |
| Northwest Territories | 27.43 | 51.37 | 90.98 |
| Nova Scotia | 19.95 | 32.97 | 58.97 |
| Nunavut | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Ontario | 23.00 | 37.98 | 65.87 |
| Prince Edward Island | 20.00 | 34.35 | 57.69 |
| Quebec | 24.04 | 36.81 | 57.69 |
| Saskatchewan | 22.67 | 40.87 | 61.79 |
| Yukon | 22.62 | 36.65 | 55.14 |
Average Accountant Salary by Province (2022): Source Government of Canada Job Bank.
While these figures show an average wage per hour, this will vary based on the following factors:
- Your specific accounting role and specialization (for example payroll; taxation; auditing; etc.)
- Your level of experience, education, and designations you hold
- The job outlook for accounting and finance jobs
- Provincial and regional labour market conditions.
Benefits of Working as an Accountant In Canada
In addition to a yearly salary, you can expect to receive a benefits package from your employer. Most employers offer accountants a generous benefits package as part of a total compensation package.
These benefits may include things such as:
- Dental Insurance
- Supplemental medical insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance
- Pension plan for your retirement
- Bonus pay
- Stock options
- And other incentives.
With these additional benefits, an average salary for accounting jobs in Canada is very rewarding.
Major Employers for Accounting Jobs in Canada
There are over 20,000 businesses offering accounting services in Canada. Some of the top accounting employers in Canada include:
- Deloitte LLP
- KPMG LLP
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
- Ernst & Young
- MNP LLP
- BDO Canada LLP
You can also visit Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. The award recognizes Canada’s best employers for diversity and inclusion programs. See Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Canada.
How to Find Accounting Jobs in Canada
Getting account jobs in Canada is not as easy as some people might have told you. you need to apply some basic principles before you can be employed as an accountant in Canada. If you really desire to get the job, do everything that I am going to show you in this section.
- Search for Accounting jobs online
- Update your resume
- Tailor your resume to Canada accounting job requirements
- Depending on the country you are applying from, you can apply through recruitment agencies in Canada for foreign workers.
If you apply these principles, it will be easier for you to find accounting jobs in Canada.
Now that you read this article to this end, I believe you have found it helpful. For any other questions about accounting jobs in Canada 2023/2024, kindly make use of the comment section below.
