The Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario) has confirmed that Conestoga’s Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting, Audit and Information Technology program provides graduates with the course and degree requirements for direct entry into the new CPA Professional Education Program, the next level of training for those hoping to become chartered professional accountants in Canada.
The Chartered Professional Accountant designation is new to Canada, and results from the unification of three existing accounting designations: Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified General Accountant (CGA). The unification, completed October 1, 2014, provides common educational requirements as well as certification, regulatory and governance processes for all professional accountants across the country.
The confirmation from CPA Ontario is the result of a mapping exercise conducted by the organization in partnership with Conestoga to ensure the Accounting, Audit and Information Technology degree program provides students with grounding both in accounting and finance principles and in business leadership to prepare them for the Professional Education Program that launched in Ontario in September 2014.
In his letter dated September 25, Brian D. Leader, vice-president of learning for CPA Ontario, affirmed that Conestoga’s program provides graduates with “a unique and in-demand skill set,” expressing confidence that they “will be valuable additions to today’s competitive business environment.”
Dave Smiderle, chair in Conestoga’s School of Business, welcomed the news, pointing out that the affirmation that the Accounting, Audit and Information Technology degree meets CPA Ontario’s requirements is just one of the many benefits the program offers to students.
“Courses in the Accounting, Audit and Information Technology program are taught by people with accounting designations and years of experience in the field,” Smiderle said. “As a result, theory provided in class is augmented with real-world knowledge and practical application.”
Conestoga’s strong ties with CPA Ontario and with accounting organizations across the community ensure that the program remains relevant and meets industry needs. Co-op opportunities and hands-on learning give students the applied, practical skills today’s employers need and improve employment prospects for graduates.
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, Audit and Information Technology is a four-year co-operative degree program that addresses the need for professional accountants and auditors with expertise in information technology. The curriculum combines theory, integrated applied projects and paid co-op work terms. Advanced standing is available for graduates from accounting diploma programs.
Applications are now open for Fall 2015 entry. For more information, visit the program website.