ENTERING THE CA PROFESSION IN ONTARIO

   There are two ways to enter the chartered accounting stream in Canada. The first is to take a bachelor of accounting degree at your local university. The second is to take the seventeen courses required for the chartered accounting in a post graduate program. York University and Ryerson are the only two universities in Ontario that offer a post baccularette certificate in accounting with the required courses. If you do not need OSAP funding, you can take the courses individually at York, Ryerson or with the Institute of Chartered Accountants. After taking the required courses, you are required to gain three years of practical work experience. Now, if you are now about to embark on your undergrad degree, i would advise you to seek co-op experience. This gives you a familiarity with the firm and makes gaining a full time articling position after graduation easier. If however, you have been around the block already, i.e. you have already finished a degree as i have, then your best bet to landing a position with a firm is to ensure your grades are stellar , i am talking A+ in as many courses as you can muster. Also, joining the accounting firm on campus and familiarizing yourself with you career service center on campus couldn't hurt. Attend as many recruiting events as possible and volunteer with firms come tax season. All this will ensure that your resume is well padded come recruiting time. Since i will be travelling down this path in a few months we can learn from each other, feel free to advice and drop questions any time.