Labour Market Information
The following chart provides some information about CAs working in Ontario.
| Number of CAs in Ontario | 31,000 |
| Number of CAs from designated accounting bodies (February 2004) | 1,530 |
| Number of CAs from non-designated accounting bodies (February 2004) | 105 |
| Number of CAs from non-assessed accounting bodies (February 2004) | 21 |
| Number of CA students in Ontario | 3,000 |
| Number of CA students from designated accounting bodies (February 2004) | 160 |
| Number of CA students from non-designated accounting bodies (February 2004) | 81 |
| Number of CA students from non-assessed accounting bodies (February 2004) | 10 |
| Number of Ontario CAs working abroad | 2,000 |
| Average annual salary for a new CA (2004) | $68,000 CAN |
| Average annual salary for an experienced CA (2004) | $136,000 CAN |
| Number of public accounting offices in Ontario approved for training CA students | 600 |
| Approximate number of student CA job openings per year in Ontario | 800 |
Finding a Student CA Job
Practical work experience in public accounting is a requirement for qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. Your work experience outside Canada will be assessed by the Institute and compared with work experience normally gained in a public accounting office in Ontario. You may be required to work in an Institute-approved Ontario public accounting office for a specified amount of time to complete the practical work experience requirement.
Student positions with approved public accounting offices in Ontario are limited. Your chances of getting a job in a public accounting firm will be greater if you have completed all or most of the academic requirements for becoming a CA.
CA firms are very interested in candidates who can develop new business areas. They are also interested in individuals with broad computer software knowledge, especially in the areas of electronic filings, computerized financial systems, electronic data exchange, and auditing within an electronic data processing environment.
In addition, expertise in the following areas is in demand:
- financial analysis
- taxation
- cost accounting
- international and forensic accounting
For information about programs and resources that assist newcomers to Ontario in finding employment, click here.
Employment Agencies
Some employment agencies specialize in recruiting financial services staff. These agencies help employers fill both temporary and permanent employment vacancies. You don't need to have an accounting designation to register with these agencies. They work with employers who need both professional and clerical accounting staff. They include: