You can work in most types of accounting jobs in Ontario, and you can call yourself an "accountant" on your business card and résumé. However, there are only three types of professional accountants who have an official accounting designation.  These are accountants who are members of a recognized professional accounting regulatory body in Ontario. They are:

• Certified General Accountants (CGAs). This designation is offered by Certified General Accountants of Ontario.
• Chartered Accountants (CAs). This designation is offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario.
• Certified Management Accountants (CMAs). The CMA designation is offered by Certified Management Accountants of Ontario.

In order to use any of these three accounting designations—CGA, CA, or CMA—you must be an accredited member of the accounting body that awards the designation. Each accounting body has a professional education program that candidates must complete before they are accredited.

To help you decide which accounting designation you may want to pursue, you should study the websites of the three regulatory bodies and attend their community information sessions. It would also be helpful to speak to accountants working in the field who have different accounting designations.

Please note that this e-career map contains information only about becoming a Certified General Accountant (CGA) through Certified General Accountants of Ontario. For more information about the other accounting regulatory bodies and the accounting designations they offer, please visit their websites or visit the e-career maps for Certified Management Accountants and Chartered Accountants.