CPA Edgar Valaguez Moreno shares how he took his career from Mexico to BC through the mutual recognition agreement pathway and how he supports others on the same journey.
What’s it like to become a chartered professional accountant (CPA) in British Columbia as an internationally trained accountant? One pathway to this goal is through mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) and other credential recognition programs – CPABC supports the international credential recognition process and employers in BC play a key role too.
CPA Edgar Valaguez Moreno, manager of risk and compliance services with Invictus Accounting Group in Vancouver, has navigated the MRA process with purpose, planning, and support from his employer. Edgar, who is from Jonacatepec, Mexico and holds the CPC accounting credential from the Instituto Mexicano de Contadores Públicos (IMCP), chatted with us about becoming a CPA in BC and how he supports others who are on the same path.
Starting the CPA journey
“I originally chose between pursuing a career in gastronomy or accounting – completely different worlds” says Edgar. “But I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers, so accounting made more sense.”
After studying at Universidad Panamericana, he worked at KPMG Mexico and Banco Azteca, then joined Nissan North America’s financial entity in Mexico as part of the internal audit team, with the aim of improving his English and gaining exposure to different international regulations. In 2021, Edgar moved to Canada to pursue an MBA while working at the Consulate General of Mexico in Vancouver. After completing his MBA, he began working with Invictus as a senior business associate.
Decision to pursue the CPA designation in BC
Edgar decided to pursue the CPA in BC after a conversation with a coworker who was also from Mexico. “We were chatting about our professional goals and what it would take to build a long-term career in Canada,” he says. “The answer was clear, we needed to become CPAs.” From there, Edgar and his colleague researched requirements in the mutual recognition agreement between Mexico and Canada and spoke with advisors from IMCP and CPABC to confirm details. “After that, we put together a plan on how we could obtain our CPA designation, including a timeline, learning resources, and study plan,” say Edgar. “We presented it to the partners at Invictus – and they accepted it.”
Employer support during the MRA process
Edgar calls his employer’s support during the MRA process fundamental to his success. “From the very beginning, Invictus helped me think through the whole MRA process by asking what I needed and how they could support me. They covered fees, provided learning resources, and gave time off so I could focus on studying,” says Edgar. “It was clear that my success was a priority.”
The whole journey took about two years, and, Edgar says, “It was the toughest professional challenge I’ve faced.” When he obtained the CPA designation, “It was a moment of immense happiness,” he says. “It represented all the discipline, sacrifices, and hard work, and it showed me that with a clear goal and the right people around you, you can accomplish meaningful things.”
Balancing management and mentorship in the CPA journey
Since earning the CPA designation in BC, Edgar has taken on greater responsibility at Invictus. Today, he manages a team that evaluates and improves companies’ risk management practices and internal controls. Of his management style, he says, “I try to live by the quote ‘Be the leader you wish you had,’ so I make sure my team knows that they can count on me any time for guidance and feedback.”
Edgar also mentors other CPAs and has supported two teammates who are also from Mexico to earn their CPA in BC. “Seeing their success has been special,” he says. “When I was completing the MRA process, I didn’t know anyone who had followed that pathway. Sometimes it was frustrating, wondering, ‘How can I do this?’ or, ‘What’s the next step?’ Being able to answer their questions and provide specifics to make their process less complicated is where I saw that I made a difference.” A social committee lead as well, Edgar took this role on because “sometimes as a foreigner it’s tough to be away from home, so we focus on making everyone feel connected.”
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Advice for international accountants seeking the CPA designation in BC
Thinking of other professionals who want to become CPAs in BC, Edgar says, “I would say go for it. It is challenging, but it’s absolutely worth it. There will be moments when you will feel overwhelmed, but just remember that success is built one step at a time. Make a plan in advance because that will save you tons of time. And bring your A-game.”
Thoughts for BC employers supporting CPA candidates
As for his advice to employers thinking of supporting an international accountant to earn the CPA in BC, Edgar notes, “Help them and coach them. It’s not an easy process, so if someone is considering taking it on it means they are motivated and have great potential. Supporting them is really an investment for both the employee and the organization’s success.”
Photo courtesy of Bobo Zhao Photography.
Leah Giesbrecht is a communications specialist at CPABC.
