Many prospective students will ask, “Why should I become a professional accountant?” My answer always starts with a discussion of the flexibility and versatility provided by a career in accounting. A professional accounting education provides one of the most diverse and adaptable pathways for an individual, and it will allow you to explore many different areas of interest and find a rewarding role that is right for you.  

What is an accountant?

An accountant is an analyzer and a communicator. Accountants use their analytical skills to solve business problems and communicate results. Communication is essential as business decisions require an input of clear, relevant, and understandable information.

What types of roles are available for accountants?

Accountants possess a broad range of skills that are transferable to many different types of occupations. The types of roles accountants can fulfill include:

• Assurance and audit
• Corporate finance
• Financial reporting
• Managerial accounting
• Entrepreneurship
• Forensic accounting
• Corporate treasury
• Internal audit
• Risk management
• Taxation
• Accounting information systems
• Fiduciary (trust) accounting
• Government accounting
• Not-for-profit accounting
• Performance measurement
• Sustainability reporting
• Business valuation
• Education

Where do accountants work?

Everywhere! Any organization—whether it is profit-oriented, not-for-profit, or government—needs information to make decisions. Accountants are part of the team that provides this information, and they play a key role in the decision-making process. Accountants hold a highly transferable skill set that allows them to work in any type of organization anywhere in the world.

How can I decide what path is right for me?

There is no need to choose a focus area immediately. The journey to becoming a CPA starts with an undergraduate degree from an approved post-secondary institution (PSI). If you earn a business degree with an accounting emphasis, you will have the foundational knowledge upon which a specialized career can be built. The required work experience component will expose you to many different aspects of the professional accountant’s role. Curiosity and an open mind will allow you to explore multiple pathways to find the one that is right for you.

Some students will have a clear idea of their intended path early in their journey, while others may require several years of work experience to discover their calling. The portability of the CPA designation allows you to change your focus throughout your career. Some of the most rewarding career experiences can start with the question “Why don’t I try that?”

The CPA designation will give you the confidence and skills to make that decision.     

What’s the next step?

Reach out to a PSI to explore the program that is suitable for you. CPA Alberta provides a Transfer Credit Guide that identifies the options available in Alberta. The journey to a successful career begins with a commitment to learn and grow, and CPA Alberta’s PSI partners are the perfect places to start that journey.