UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
#16
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
Hi SJL,
I'm an Australian CA with 13 years experience who immigrated to Canada a year ago.
I think the best advice on this thread has already been given - ie move to the country you would like to live in; period.
In reality Australia vs Canada in terms of jobs for public practice accountants and general standard of living are largely the same. The particualr city you choose to live in is really what drives the differences.
Canada just like Australia is crying our desperately for Public Practice accounts across all provinces and I would doubt you would have any problems finding work very quickly.
I can't comment on how difficult it would be for a scottish CA to become a Canadian CA, for me it would involve sitting 1 exam but in reality my area of specialisation (SOX/Internal Audit) has other qualifications more important than a Canadian CA so I haven't bothered with it so far.
In my particular situation I took a year off and within a week of looking for work was offered 3 jobs in Calgary paying more than I was earning in Sydney, and my specialisation cuts down the job opportunities versus those available to a general practitioner.
I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was but of course in our profession for senior roles it really boils down to your experience and how well you interview - not what qualifications you have. But with 10+ years of experience and Big 8/6/5 experience on your resume I'd be surprised if you couldn't find a good role.
I'm an Australian CA with 13 years experience who immigrated to Canada a year ago.
I think the best advice on this thread has already been given - ie move to the country you would like to live in; period.
In reality Australia vs Canada in terms of jobs for public practice accountants and general standard of living are largely the same. The particualr city you choose to live in is really what drives the differences.
Canada just like Australia is crying our desperately for Public Practice accounts across all provinces and I would doubt you would have any problems finding work very quickly.
I can't comment on how difficult it would be for a scottish CA to become a Canadian CA, for me it would involve sitting 1 exam but in reality my area of specialisation (SOX/Internal Audit) has other qualifications more important than a Canadian CA so I haven't bothered with it so far.
In my particular situation I took a year off and within a week of looking for work was offered 3 jobs in Calgary paying more than I was earning in Sydney, and my specialisation cuts down the job opportunities versus those available to a general practitioner.
I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was but of course in our profession for senior roles it really boils down to your experience and how well you interview - not what qualifications you have. But with 10+ years of experience and Big 8/6/5 experience on your resume I'd be surprised if you couldn't find a good role.
Last edited by Budgie1; May 31st 2008 at 11:42 pm.
#17
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
Hi SJL,
I'm an Australian CA with 13 years experience who immigrated to Canada a year ago.
I think the best advice on this thread has already been given - ie move to the country you would like to live in; period.
In reality Australia vs Canada in terms of jobs for public practice accountants and general standard of living are largely the same. The particualr city you choose to live in is really what drives the differences.
Canada just like Australia is crying our desperately for Public Practice accounts across all provinces and I would doubt you would have any problems finding work very quickly.
I can't comment on how difficult it would be for a scottish CA to become a Canadian CA, for me it would involve sitting 1 exam but in reality my area of specialisation (SOX/Internal Audit) has other qualifications more important than a Canadian CA so I haven't bothered with it so far.
In my particular situation I took a year off and within a week of looking for work was offered 3 jobs in Calgary paying more than I was earning in Sydney, and my specialisation cuts down the job opportunities versus those available to a general practitioner.
I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was but of course in our profession for senior roles it really boils down to your experience and how well you interview - not what qualifications you have. But with 10+ years of experience and Big 8/6/5 experience on your resume I'd be surprised if you couldn't find a good role.
I'm an Australian CA with 13 years experience who immigrated to Canada a year ago.
I think the best advice on this thread has already been given - ie move to the country you would like to live in; period.
In reality Australia vs Canada in terms of jobs for public practice accountants and general standard of living are largely the same. The particualr city you choose to live in is really what drives the differences.
Canada just like Australia is crying our desperately for Public Practice accounts across all provinces and I would doubt you would have any problems finding work very quickly.
I can't comment on how difficult it would be for a scottish CA to become a Canadian CA, for me it would involve sitting 1 exam but in reality my area of specialisation (SOX/Internal Audit) has other qualifications more important than a Canadian CA so I haven't bothered with it so far.
In my particular situation I took a year off and within a week of looking for work was offered 3 jobs in Calgary paying more than I was earning in Sydney, and my specialisation cuts down the job opportunities versus those available to a general practitioner.
I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was but of course in our profession for senior roles it really boils down to your experience and how well you interview - not what qualifications you have. But with 10+ years of experience and Big 8/6/5 experience on your resume I'd be surprised if you couldn't find a good role.
You are right that a lot depends on your type of experience, your interpersonal & communication skills and of course also contacts. Many people tend to make the quantum leap with very little information about their prospective destinations perhaps because they think that everything will be roses when they get to their intended destinations. This attitude will lead to disaster. Proper research is required and alternative options have to be in place in case things don't work out.
#18
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
I moved from UK to Canada 3 yrs ago with my wife. We are both Chartered Accountants (ACA - from ICAEW).
Both of us have had no problems whatsoever finding work. She now works as Financial controller of a large Canadian retail company, and I'm CFO of a startup, backed by a US private equity firm.
The market here is crying out for good accountants. I really don't understand where the "you'll end up shovelling snow" c*$p comes from, I'm guessing its those who believe they have right to walk straight into a job?? If you want to move to Canada it can be done, but be prepared that obviously a Canadian CA is going to have an advantage over you.
ICAEW is recognized by CICA, you have to sit a few conversion exams (I haven't done this - might get round to it at some point). I expect its the same for Scotland but not 100% sure. Doing this means you can put CA behind your name, and might open a few extra doors.
I also know about 20 expats who are over here working for PWC & KPMG, either permanently or on secondment. If you're in practise that is your best bet.
There is a poster on the Canadian branch (burton bunch) whose husband recently moved over from UK to Calgary as a partner in a firm. Might be worth a PM to her.
Both of us have had no problems whatsoever finding work. She now works as Financial controller of a large Canadian retail company, and I'm CFO of a startup, backed by a US private equity firm.
The market here is crying out for good accountants. I really don't understand where the "you'll end up shovelling snow" c*$p comes from, I'm guessing its those who believe they have right to walk straight into a job?? If you want to move to Canada it can be done, but be prepared that obviously a Canadian CA is going to have an advantage over you.
ICAEW is recognized by CICA, you have to sit a few conversion exams (I haven't done this - might get round to it at some point). I expect its the same for Scotland but not 100% sure. Doing this means you can put CA behind your name, and might open a few extra doors.
I also know about 20 expats who are over here working for PWC & KPMG, either permanently or on secondment. If you're in practise that is your best bet.
There is a poster on the Canadian branch (burton bunch) whose husband recently moved over from UK to Calgary as a partner in a firm. Might be worth a PM to her.
#19
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
I moved from UK to Canada 3 yrs ago with my wife. We are both Chartered Accountants (ACA - from ICAEW).
Both of us have had no problems whatsoever finding work. She now works as Financial controller of a large Canadian retail company, and I'm CFO of a startup, backed by a US private equity firm.
The market here is crying out for good accountants. I really don't understand where the "you'll end up shovelling snow" c*$p comes from, I'm guessing its those who believe they have right to walk straight into a job?? If you want to move to Canada it can be done, but be prepared that obviously a Canadian CA is going to have an advantage over you.
ICAEW is recognized by CICA, you have to sit a few conversion exams (I haven't done this - might get round to it at some point). I expect its the same for Scotland but not 100% sure. Doing this means you can put CA behind your name, and might open a few extra doors.
I also know about 20 expats who are over here working for PWC & KPMG, either permanently or on secondment. If you're in practise that is your best bet.
There is a poster on the Canadian branch (burton bunch) whose husband recently moved over from UK to Calgary as a partner in a firm. Might be worth a PM to her.
Both of us have had no problems whatsoever finding work. She now works as Financial controller of a large Canadian retail company, and I'm CFO of a startup, backed by a US private equity firm.
The market here is crying out for good accountants. I really don't understand where the "you'll end up shovelling snow" c*$p comes from, I'm guessing its those who believe they have right to walk straight into a job?? If you want to move to Canada it can be done, but be prepared that obviously a Canadian CA is going to have an advantage over you.
ICAEW is recognized by CICA, you have to sit a few conversion exams (I haven't done this - might get round to it at some point). I expect its the same for Scotland but not 100% sure. Doing this means you can put CA behind your name, and might open a few extra doors.
I also know about 20 expats who are over here working for PWC & KPMG, either permanently or on secondment. If you're in practise that is your best bet.
There is a poster on the Canadian branch (burton bunch) whose husband recently moved over from UK to Calgary as a partner in a firm. Might be worth a PM to her.
Thanks for your post. First, congratulations to you and your wife on successfully estabilishing yourselves in Canada. In the case of going to Canada, I'm not trying to scare anyone here. This is the most common issue talked about where Canada brings in 1000s of qualified immigrants and after that just dumps them. You might want to look at *********.com, sorry that I'm not able to show the link here as it does appear when I try to post it. It tells you about all the immigrants' plights, those who emigrated to Canada with high hopes, about doctors driving cabs, engineers working in fast food etc. Of course, they have themselves to blame for not doing enough to find out about the advantages and pitfalls about their intended destiantion and probably thinking that its their birth right for people to wait for jobs in silver platters the moment they touch down in Toronto. Even here in Oz, many Asians especially Indians and third world country migrants with CA, Bachelors and Masters degrees are driving taxis, working as security officers or sales assistants in supermarkets but there are others who do very well for themselves as well. If you ask me for example, I'll not share the same opinion that a Sri Lankan CA driving a taxi might have about Oz. It depends on the person at the end of the day. Which is why contacts are very important. What I'd advice anyone on moving to places like Oz and Canada is that, try to mingle around as much as possible. Your contacts could come from any where, your local church friends, your neighbours, your family members, the professional accountancy orgnaization, charity organization or even the people whom you play soccer with or anyone for that matter. That will enhance your chances of finding a job fast.
As you are in Canada now, you might want to consider moving to the US? There are more opportunities there as opposed to Canada.
Last edited by Hellboy663; Jun 25th 2008 at 11:24 pm.
#20
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
Hi Rob:
Thanks for your post. First, congratulations to you and your wife on successfully estabilishing yourselves in Canada. In the case of going to Canada, I'm not trying to scare anyone here. This is the most common issue talked about where Canada brings in 1000s of qualified immigrants and after that just dumps them. You might want to look at *********.com, sorry that I'm not able to show the link here as it does appear when I try to post it. It tells you about all the immigrants' plights, those who emigrated to Canada with high hopes, about doctors driving cabs, engineers working in fast food etc. Of course, they have themselves to blame for not doing enough to find out about the advantages and pitfalls about their intended destiantion and probably thinking that its their birth right for people to wait for jobs in silver platters the moment they touch down in Toronto. Even here in Oz, many Asians especially Indians and third world country migrants with CA, Bachelors and Masters degrees are driving taxis, working as security officers or sales assistants in supermarkets but there are others who do very well for themselves as well. If you ask me for example, I'll not share the same opinion that a Sri Lankan CA driving a taxi might have about Oz. It depends on the person at the end of the day. Which is why contacts are very important. What I'd advice anyone on moving to places like Oz and Canada is that, try to mingle around as much as possible. Your contacts could come from any where, your local church friends, your neighbours, your family members, the professional accountancy orgnaization, charity organization or even the people whom you play soccer with or anyone for that matter. That will enhance your chances of finding a job fast.
As you are in Canada now, you might want to consider moving to the US? There are more opportunities there as opposed to Canada.
Thanks for your post. First, congratulations to you and your wife on successfully estabilishing yourselves in Canada. In the case of going to Canada, I'm not trying to scare anyone here. This is the most common issue talked about where Canada brings in 1000s of qualified immigrants and after that just dumps them. You might want to look at *********.com, sorry that I'm not able to show the link here as it does appear when I try to post it. It tells you about all the immigrants' plights, those who emigrated to Canada with high hopes, about doctors driving cabs, engineers working in fast food etc. Of course, they have themselves to blame for not doing enough to find out about the advantages and pitfalls about their intended destiantion and probably thinking that its their birth right for people to wait for jobs in silver platters the moment they touch down in Toronto. Even here in Oz, many Asians especially Indians and third world country migrants with CA, Bachelors and Masters degrees are driving taxis, working as security officers or sales assistants in supermarkets but there are others who do very well for themselves as well. If you ask me for example, I'll not share the same opinion that a Sri Lankan CA driving a taxi might have about Oz. It depends on the person at the end of the day. Which is why contacts are very important. What I'd advice anyone on moving to places like Oz and Canada is that, try to mingle around as much as possible. Your contacts could come from any where, your local church friends, your neighbours, your family members, the professional accountancy orgnaization, charity organization or even the people whom you play soccer with or anyone for that matter. That will enhance your chances of finding a job fast.
As you are in Canada now, you might want to consider moving to the US? There are more opportunities there as opposed to Canada.
There are just as many well qualified professionals driving taxies in the UK/ USA/ Australia and any other western country.... Canada is no different.
As for the US, why on earth would I want to move there? Into a dying economy????? Yeah that would be smart. Vancouver is booming right now, and offers a lifestyle no other city can match.
#21
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
Originally Posted by Blendin
I am a Canadian citizen by birth and a US CPA. The problem is that the requirements to become a CPA are extremely lenient. In some states you could be a licensed CPA without any work experience, other states consider book-keeping as acceptable work experience. The CPA designation should only be awarded to individuals with 2-3 years in public accounting
#22
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
http://www.icabc.com/kb.php3?catid=9
The U.S. CPA exam is not done "via the internet" as you suggest, but instead at secure Prometric test facilities. There are four papers - 3 of which are multiple choice in part with simulations, the fourth which is multiple choice. Sounds easy but the pass mark is higher than the Canadian CA exam.
As for work experience, depends on the state. Illinois is one of the few states remaining (until 2010, at least) which allows someone to become a certified CPA without work experience. Such CPAs are not allowed to practice public accounting.
, but US CPA is a joke. I've just recruited a CPA for our Chicago office. Most of the applicants had minimal work experience, and almost all of them had no audit experience. At interview I asked each applicant exactly what exams they'd taken to get CPA. Every exam is done via the internet, with all but one being multiple choice.
As for work experience, depends on the state. Illinois is one of the few states remaining (until 2010, at least) which allows someone to become a certified CPA without work experience. Such CPAs are not allowed to practice public accounting.
#23
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
Is this a deliberate piss take?
There are just as many well qualified professionals driving taxies in the UK/ USA/ Australia and any other western country.... Canada is no different.
As for the US, why on earth would I want to move there? Into a dying economy????? Yeah that would be smart. Vancouver is booming right now, and offers a lifestyle no other city can match.
There are just as many well qualified professionals driving taxies in the UK/ USA/ Australia and any other western country.... Canada is no different.
As for the US, why on earth would I want to move there? Into a dying economy????? Yeah that would be smart. Vancouver is booming right now, and offers a lifestyle no other city can match.
Sorry, I did not mean to be offensive in any way and my apologies if it had appeared that I was. I'm not really sure about the real situation in Canada now, as I have not been there recently. My opinion was from websites, news articles, by talking to some people and from my observation during my visit to Toronto about 6 years back. I'm not very sure about what's going on there now. Of course, if you are happy in a place and doing well for yourself, that's what matters at the end of the day.
Cheers
#24
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
http://www.icabc.com/kb.php3?catid=9
The U.S. CPA exam is not done "via the internet" as you suggest, but instead at secure Prometric test facilities. There are four papers - 3 of which are multiple choice in part with simulations, the fourth which is multiple choice. Sounds easy but the pass mark is higher than the Canadian CA exam.
As for work experience, depends on the state. Illinois is one of the few states remaining (until 2010, at least) which allows someone to become a certified CPA without work experience. Such CPAs are not allowed to practice public accounting.
The U.S. CPA exam is not done "via the internet" as you suggest, but instead at secure Prometric test facilities. There are four papers - 3 of which are multiple choice in part with simulations, the fourth which is multiple choice. Sounds easy but the pass mark is higher than the Canadian CA exam.
As for work experience, depends on the state. Illinois is one of the few states remaining (until 2010, at least) which allows someone to become a certified CPA without work experience. Such CPAs are not allowed to practice public accounting.
As for work experience, I guess that it matters a great deal as to which state you've got your CPA from. When I applied for a job here in Oz, believe it or not, when I said that I had a US CPA, my employer wanted to know which State I had got it from. I guess getting the CPA from a state that is somewhat relaxed in its requirements can put you at a distinct disadvantage.
Last edited by Hellboy663; Jul 1st 2008 at 11:28 pm.
#25
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Calgary
Posts: 146
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
Hi Guys,
I've just registered so i can ask a question on the topic being discussed. I was in the process of filling in my visa application and i happened across this thread. I'm considering moving to Toronto to work as an accountant. I'm ACCA qualified and work in a Building Society (similar to Bank for those who don't know) in the UK. Obviously i'd be looking for a similar type of job but would also be happy to work in any industry.
You guys have got me a tad worried about the prospects of me finding a job when i get there. Over the last couple of years I've been concentrating on FSA Regulatory Reporting and am currently in charge of getting Basel II Advance IRB accreditation for our Society.
From what i've read i get the impression that Canadian employers aren't really going to be bothered with what i'm capable of because what they're really looking for is a locally trained accountant or someone who has experience of working in the Top4 behind them. Couple that with the fact that my last couple of years of work has been more of Management Account rather than Financial Accountant would i be making a mistake thinking i haven't got an uphill struggle?
...i'll hold off finishing the application until i get some replies....
Can anyone recommend any recruitment guys i can have a chat with ?
I've just registered so i can ask a question on the topic being discussed. I was in the process of filling in my visa application and i happened across this thread. I'm considering moving to Toronto to work as an accountant. I'm ACCA qualified and work in a Building Society (similar to Bank for those who don't know) in the UK. Obviously i'd be looking for a similar type of job but would also be happy to work in any industry.
You guys have got me a tad worried about the prospects of me finding a job when i get there. Over the last couple of years I've been concentrating on FSA Regulatory Reporting and am currently in charge of getting Basel II Advance IRB accreditation for our Society.
From what i've read i get the impression that Canadian employers aren't really going to be bothered with what i'm capable of because what they're really looking for is a locally trained accountant or someone who has experience of working in the Top4 behind them. Couple that with the fact that my last couple of years of work has been more of Management Account rather than Financial Accountant would i be making a mistake thinking i haven't got an uphill struggle?
...i'll hold off finishing the application until i get some replies....
Can anyone recommend any recruitment guys i can have a chat with ?
#26
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
Building Societies are call "Credit Unions" here, make sure your resume (CV) has these kind of changes before sending out to employers. Regulatory & compliance will also differ, so experience there is less of an advantage. Highlight your skills that will be relevant for Canada - management accounting for example is the same wherever you are...
I don't have top4 background or locally trained, and I've had no problem finding work. I did work for a major US brand back in the UK, so that might have helped....
Robert Half Management Resources are worth speaking with - very good for temporary work. IMO this is the best way to break into the market, as it get's that all important Canadian experience on your resume.
Don't give up on the application, just give it some thought. You can make the transition, just don't expect it to be as easy as getting a job in the UK.
I don't have top4 background or locally trained, and I've had no problem finding work. I did work for a major US brand back in the UK, so that might have helped....
Robert Half Management Resources are worth speaking with - very good for temporary work. IMO this is the best way to break into the market, as it get's that all important Canadian experience on your resume.
Don't give up on the application, just give it some thought. You can make the transition, just don't expect it to be as easy as getting a job in the UK.
#27
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Calgary
Posts: 146
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
Thanks for the reply Rob. Its 23.50 here and my wifes just told me to fill the application in now!
But seriously, that gives me a bit more confidence. Not afraid of hard work as i started out contracting many years ago and am a real people person (like taking the pi55 some would say!).
Do you know the general state of the employment market in Toronto, do you guys feel the economic slowdown of America yet?
...ps who ever said getting the right job in the UK was a walk in the park
But seriously, that gives me a bit more confidence. Not afraid of hard work as i started out contracting many years ago and am a real people person (like taking the pi55 some would say!).
Do you know the general state of the employment market in Toronto, do you guys feel the economic slowdown of America yet?
...ps who ever said getting the right job in the UK was a walk in the park
#28
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Calgary
Posts: 146
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
p.s. would you recommend getting the ACCA:CGA equivalence thing done. I understand they do on-line courses.
Any tips on making myself more marketable would be appreciated ...and that includes doing further studying.
Any tips on making myself more marketable would be appreciated ...and that includes doing further studying.
#30
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Calgary
Posts: 146
Re: UK Chartered Accountant - jobs in Canada
Yes, I have a BA Hons in Accounting&Finance.