The crash course issue
Professionals explain some of the basics of being a CPA and joining the business world
Did you know that, in 2026, there will be a demand for approximately 1,000 new Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) in Alberta? A need to replace retired CPAs, projected population and economic growth, existing unmet demand, and other environmental factors mean the job opportunities for CPAs are only going to continue to grow.*
If you’re intrigued by this prospect and the CPA designation, look no further than this handy guide! We asked Alberta CPAs and other business professionals to help demystify the designation and the business world.
Read on for quick primers on the various accounting specialities, how to find the right employer for you, the ins and outs of total compensation, tips for avoiding burnout, business writing advice, and more.
And thank you to our models for this article: Emily Parker and Jay Park, future CPAs!
CPA 104: Introduction to accounting specialties
Many prospective students will ask, “Why should I become a professional accountant?” My answer always starts with a discussion of the flexibility and versatility …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 …
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CPA 117: How to screen an employer for fit
Employees often wonder how they can screen an employer before applying for a role. As a Career Advisor, one of my goals is to …Employees often wonder how they can screen an employer before applying for a role. As a Career Advisor, one of my goals is to help avoid “buyer’s remorse.” You want to do everything you can to ensure a role …
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CPA 130: Total rewards for beginners
Imagine this: you are a recent graduate, and your hard work has paid off by receiving two job offers. The first offer has a …Imagine this: you are a recent graduate, and your hard work has paid off by receiving two job offers. The first offer has a $5,000 higher annual salary than the second offer. Should the second job offer even be …
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CPA 242: Avoiding burnout
Tax season deadlines? I thrived in the collaborative energy and repetitive tasks. Mediation? I would rather eat grass. Long hours don’t always lead to …Tax season deadlines? I thrived in the collaborative energy and repetitive tasks. Mediation? I would rather eat grass. Long hours don’t always lead to burnout, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to self-care. Take me, for example. Reasons I …
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* Source: “CPA Alberta Five-year Labour Market Study”