Accountancy qualifications
 

Hi All

I am seriously considering emigrating in about 3 years time and im thinking of Canada .

I dont have any family links so would be applying for a skilled visa.

I have the following qualifications:-

LLB(hons) law
AAT Technician level + member status
ACCA stages 1 and 2 (currently doing level 3)
I will also have an oxford brookes degree in applied accounting later this year.

I currently work as an accounts assistant for a small company which is my only accountancy experience so far.

Is the above enough to qualify for entry and if not what should I be doing to ensure my application is successful?

Thanks in advance

Claire

Re: Accountancy qualifications
 

Hi

I recruit for Accounting staff in Vancouver, the main thing here is Designation, either CGA, CMA or CA but I believe that there is now an international link between ACCA & the CGA, so if you qualify for one the you would have CGA in Canada.

Hope that helps a little bit!!

Re: Accountancy qualifications
 

Hi

Thanks for replying. Any idea how I go about finding out for definate? And also is it a good qualifications to have with good job prospects?

thanks in advance

Claire

Re: Accountancy qualifications
 

The AAT is not recognized in Canada.

The way to go is to gain the ACCA designation in the UK. This will give you the points you need for the skilled worker visa (If the LLB is not sufficient). You can then do a short conversion course (it only takes a weekend and costs $200) to get a CGA designation in Canada.

In BC there are lots of jobs for qualified accountants.

Re: Accountancy qualifications
 

Hi everyone

Im not thinking of moving until my son finishes school in 3 years time. By then I will be ACCA qualified. My current job is an accounts assistant and mainly involves maintaining the ledgers, payroll and credit control as well as other bits. Is this role too basic and should I be looking for a new job in order to gain the necessary work experience and if so what duties do I need to be doing?

Claire

Re: Accountancy qualifications
 

Hi Claire

First off, I would check with the ACCA as to what practical experience you need to become a member after you have passed the exams. If there are experience requirements you may have to change jobs in the UK to meet these.

In the CGA program in BC you need to demonstrate progressive practical experience with some management responsibility before graduation even if you have passed all the exams. I don’t know what the ACCA requirements are but you should follow these first. The figures I quoted above (a weekend and $200) is what it takes for a CGA to become an ACCA. I can’t imagine it is very different the other way round. I would definitely make the effort to get your ACCA designation in the UK as you have the time you need.

As a CGA in BC you would expect to have a senior role with management responsibility. You will need the to ability to choose accounting policies, produce statutory financial statements, complete tax returns, analyze financial data and produce management reports, and supervise junior staff. Therefore, I think you will need experience at a more senior level than you currently have. If these opportunities are not available with your current employer you could consider working as an unqualified accountant for a small company – this can be a quick way to get hands-on experience with many aspects of accounting in a business.

It might be worth being nice to Tigger1 (:wub:) as she will have up to date information on what larger businesses are looking for. There are also many thriving small companies here that do not use recruitment consultants so there are lots of opportunities.