CPABC Post-Secondary Recruitment Guidelines
CPABC Post-Secondary Recruitment Guidelines

Public Practice Recruit for Students

30 months of relevant work experience in the accounting profession is required to achieve the CPA designation. This is known as the Practical Experience Requirement (PER).  While no prior work experience is required to enter the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), up to 12 months of work experience prior to entering PEP can be counted towards the total 30 months. To help candidates secure opportunities during and after post-secondary education, CPABC works closely with public practice firms and post-secondary institutions to coordinate student recruitment and provide students with career information and resources.

How to Get Required Work Experience

There are two paths to gain experience and satisfy the PER: the Pre-Approved Program Route (PPR) and the Experience Verification Route (EVR).

Pre Approved Programs ICON

Pre-Approved Program Route (PPR)

Candidates work in CPABC validated positions that meet the PER competency requirements. See a list of Pre-Approved Program Offices.

Experience Verification ICON

Experience Verification Route (EVR)

Candidates work in relevant accounting positions and their experience is regularly assessed by CPABC.

On-Campus Recruitment

Public Practice Recruit happens twice a year for post-secondary students to apply for PPR positions with public practice firms. Participating firms hire for PPR positions that begin the following calendar year, typically with start dates in January, May, or September. Firms may hire for co-op, summer internships, and full time positions (post-graduation).

Approximate timelines for the two public practice recruitment seasons are:

Spring Recruit

March - June

Fall Recruit

August - Mid-October

During both recruitment seasons, participating firms will offer recruitment events, as well as networking and information sessions. More events can be found at your career centres, relevant student clubs, and academic departments.

How to Prepare For Public Practice Recruit

Timeline

What You Can Do

Mid-October to February

  • Have your cover letter and resume reviewed at your career centre.
  • Get recruitment advice and tips from peers and alumni.
  • Participate in accounting clubs and business association events like case competitions and networking sessions.
  • Share these relevant accounting experiences in your resume and cover letter and when networking

March to Mid-October

Post-Secondary Recruitment Framework and Guidelines by Region

CPABC post-secondary recruitment frameworks and guidelines provide information on how students, employers, post-secondary institutions (PSIs), and the BC accounting profession should all effectively and productively engage in the post-secondary recruitment process. It demonstrates the profession’s strong commitment to best practices, professionalism, as well as ethical intent and behavior.

Each BC region may create an annual framework, and certain public practice firms will adhere to it. Please review your region’s framework (where available) when applying.

Lower Mainland

Thompson Okanagan

No 2024 Framework. Please refer to CPA Recruit 2024 Guidelines for Lower Mainland which will also be applicable to your region.

Vancouver Island

No 2024 Framework. Please refer to CPA Recruit 2024 Guidelines for Lower Mainland which will also be applicable to your region.

Take the Lead in a Changing World

CPA Professional Education Program Brochure

The CPA Professional Education Program is a two-year graduate-level program leading to the Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

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