What programs do the accounting bodies have in place to help me?

The Certified General Accountants Association of British Columbia

The Certified General Accountants of British Columbia (CGA-BC) have prepared a multi-lingual fact sheet for internationally educated accountants. It can be found on the CGA-BC website and provides a wealth of information relevant to newcomers to Canada, including much of the information included in the previous sections on becoming a CGA in BC. In addition to English, the fact sheet has been translated into Chinese, French, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Punjabi, Spanish, and Tagalog.

CGA-BC and CGA-Alberta

Foreign Designated Accountants Fast Track to CGA

Members of foreign designated accounting organizations (ACCA, CPA, CA, CMA, etc) that are part of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) are eligible for advanced standing in the CGA Program of Professional Studies.  Advanced standing varies from one country to the next and is based on individual assessment of your academic and professional qualifications and experience. More information can be found on the CGA-BC website or CGA-Alberta website.

Students of Other Professional Accounting Programs (Canadian & Foreign) Fast Track to CGA

If you are currently enrolled or were previously in another professional accounting program (Canadian or foreign) you may be eligible for admission to the CGA Program of Professional Studies.  CGA awards exemptions for completion of previous post-secondary education and professional accounting education as it relates to the requirements of the CGA program. More information can be found on the CGA-BC website or CGA-Alberta website.

CGA International – Taking the CGA Program Outside Canada

Students in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Hong Kong and China can enroll in the CGA Program of Professional Studies. In addition, through an agreement between the Association and the University of Monterrey Technology, students in Mexico may also be able to enroll in the CGA program. More information for prospective international CGA students can be found through the CGA-BC website and then following the links for your specific country or region.

The Certified Management Accountants of British Columbia

CMA QuickStart and CMA Accelerated Program

The Certified Management Accountants of British Columbia (CMA BC) have developed the CMA QuickStart program, in consultation with the Immigrant Services Society of BC, to provide an introduction to accounting in Canada.  This QuickStart Program provides new immigrants to Canada with CMA course credits for Introductory Financial Accounting and Introductory Management Accounting within a college environment (Langara College).  Students will be in class with both students who are new to Canada and long-time residents.

Once the CMA QuickStart Program is completed, students can enter the CMA Accelerated Program. This program will provide the students the comprehensive course requirements to be eligible for the CMA National Exam.

The Certified Management Accountants of Alberta

CMA Accelerated Program for Internationally Educated Accountants

The Certified Management Accountants of Alberta (CMA Alberta) have modified their accelerated program to the needs of internationally educated accountants. Offered through Bow Valley College in Calgary, Alberta, the CMA Accelerated Program for Internationally Educated Accountants provides training in accounting-specific topics, occupation-specific ESL upgrading, intercultural competence training, essential computer skills, and employment readiness.

Regular information sessions provide potential Accelerated Program participants with additional detail on the program and entrance requirements. Past programs have been held in Edmonton through the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers, but for the time being Bow Valley College is the sole provider of this program. Continue to monitor the CMA program website for updates and future program locations.

CMA BC and CMA Alberta

Members of foreign designated accounting organizations (CIMA, CPA, CA, CGA, etc) are eligible for either mutual recognition or advanced standing in the CMA Program of Professional Studies.  Advanced standing varies from one country to the next and is based on individual assessment of your academic and professional qualifications and experience.