Canada’s three professional accounting organizations have presented their members with a framework outlining a proposed unification of the accounting profession under one designation.
The unification would see Chartered Accountants (CAs), organizations (CGAs) and Certified Management Accountants (CMAs) united under a new designation – Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
The three organizations have consulted with members, regulators, governments, businesses and students to develop the framework.
Gordon Ruth, CEO of CGA-BC, said this is a significant milestone for the profession, and it will likely affect the perception of Canadian accountants globally.
“This will make us one of the largest accounting bodies in the world,” Ruth said, referring to the 170,000 members currently in the three professional organizations.
“Canada has always had significant input into the international stage.”
Currently, the three professional organizations have different certification processes for potential members.
The three organizations said the unification is intended to better meet the needs of accountants, businesses and the public by providing a single certification program and common standards.
“This is about CGAs and the accounting profession looking to the future,” Ruth said.
CAs, CGAs and CMAs in Quebec have already started the process of unification under the CPA designation.
Emma Crawford