Financial auditors and accountants

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• Financial auditors

• Examine and analyze journal and ledger entries, bank statements, inventories, expenditures, tax returns and other accounting and financial records, documents and systems of individuals, departments within organizations, businesses or other establishments to ensure financial recording accuracy and compliance with established accounting standards, procedures and internal controls

• Prepare detailed reports on audit findings and make recommendations to improve individual or establishment's accounting and management practices

• Conduct field audits of businesses to ensure compliance with provisions of the Income Tax Act, Canadian Business Corporations Act or other statutory requirements

• May supervise other auditors or professionals in charge of accounting within client's establishment.

• Accountants

• Plan, set up and administer accounting systems and prepare financial information for individuals, departments within organizations, businesses and other establishments

• Examine accounting records and prepare financial statements and reports

• Develop and maintain cost finding, reporting and internal control procedures

• Examine financial accounts and records and prepare income tax returns from accounting records

• Analyze financial statements and reports and provide financial, business and tax advice

• May act as a trustee in bankruptcy proceedings

• May supervise and train articling students, other accountants or administrative technicians.

• Chartered Professional Accountants require a university degree (or equivalent work experience), completion of a training program approved by the provincial/territorial regulatory body, 24 to 30 months of on-the-job training depending on the province, and successful completion of summative examinations.

• Auditors require education, training and recognition as indicated for the Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) designation and some experience as an accountant.

• Auditors may require recognition by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

• Progression to auditing or accounting management positions is possible with experience.

• CPA designation gives you the mobility and flexibility to work anywhere in Canada. You can choose to hold membership in any one province or territory, or hold membership in multiple jurisdictions. You can also transfer your membership between jurisdictions.