Background
I’m an internationally trained accountant and obtained my Philippine CPA designation in October 2015. I worked in assurance at a professional services firm for almost three years before coming to Canada in 2019. I studied two more years and obtained my business management post-degree diploma at the Northern Lights College and then started working at Eclipse LLP in January 2022.
Why move to Canada?
The Canadian dream – Besides furthering my education, I moved to Canada for better career opportunities and to help my family live a better life.
Challenges
- Immigration – Getting my study permit, post-grad work permit, and eventually my permanent residency took a lot of research, careful planning, and processing. Oh, and a lot of patience too!
- Language and cultural differences – We were trained mainly for the Philippine and Asian business landscape. When I moved to Canada, I had to adapt to the nuances of the Canadian workplace and develop my English communication skills further. I’m just relieved I didn’t have to pick up a British or Australian accent!
- Education and credential recognition – Internationally trained accountants like me need additional professional training and exams to earn the Canadian CPA designation, and this whole process can be costly and time-consuming. Fortunately, Eclipse LLP is accredited to offer pre-approved program routes (PPR) for practical experience and covers both the CPA PEP costs and professional dues for its CPA students. Whew!
- Being away from family – Living alone meant not having the same support system I had in the Philippines. Eclipse LLP, along with friends from the community, became my family and they stepped in to fulfill that role. They have been and continue to be indispensable, offering crucial guidance, companionship, and resources that are key to my success.
Transitioning to Become a CPA in Canada
- Education – My academic background is playing a significant role in my journey towards the CPA designation. I earned my bachelor’s degree in accountancy from the Mariano Marcos State University in the Philippines, and we lived and breathed the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). It’s a huge relief that Canada also follows IFRS which is what the Philippines Financial Reporting Standards (PFRS) is based on. Simply put, and borrowing James Franco’s famous words, they are “same same but different.”
- Training – The Philippine CPA licensure examination was purely an objective type test which would test one’s technical knowledge in financial reporting, management accounting, auditing, tax, and business law subjects. The Canadian CPA program is structured differently in that the bulk of it is case writing. Facing the challenge of intense case writing under exam conditions has been my greatest hurdle in the CPA PEP journey so far but the support from my colleagues and mentors at Eclipse LLP has made all the difference.
In closing
My CPA journey in Canada is not yet over and navigating the CPA designation process has certainly been challenging, with moments of struggle and sometimes self-doubt. However, each hurdle has been an opportunity for growth and learning. With determination and the right mindset, I remain optimistic about reaching my goal and successfully becoming a CPA in Canada in 2026. Let’s do this!
