How to Become a Top Accountant in Canada: Skills, Certifications and Open Jobs

What does it take to stand out in a field built on precision, trust and strategy?

Behind every smart business decision is an accountant who can read the story behind the numbers. And with new reporting requirements, evolving regulations and AI technology reshaping workflows, the profession is changing fast — which means there’s no shortage of opportunity for skilled accountants.  

In this guide, we’re breaking down why the CPA path continues to open doors, the roles employers are hiring for right now, the courses and certifications that give you a competitive edge plus the soft skills that turn accuracy into impact. If you’re looking to grow your accounting career, here’s what matters most today.

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Why CPAs stay in demand and likely always will

The field of Accounting has many directions, but one designation continues to rise to the top. Becoming a CPA is one of the most reliable, respected and rewarding career moves with clear benefits for your career:

Strong job security
Organizations rely on designated accountants to manage audits, compliance, tax planning and financial oversight, making CPAs in demand regardless of market conditions.

Higher earning potential
While salaries vary by role and province, CPAs typically out-earn non-designated peers, with compensation rising quickly at senior and leadership levels.

Career flexibility
Your designation travels well. Work in public practice, corporate finance, government, non-profit, consulting or private industry — the CPA opens doors across sectors.

A pathway to leadership
From Controller to Director of Finance to CFO, many senior financial titles list a CPA as a preferred or required credential.

National recognition
The CPA remains Canada’s gold standard in accounting, giving you credibility, transferability and mobility across provinces.

So, if you’re aiming for stability, earning power and long-term growth, the CPA route continues to deliver.

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What accountants earn across Canada: Top 3 common roles

Curious what a career in accounting can look like from a compensation standpoint? Below, we’ve highlighted salary data for three of the most in-demand roles — from early career to management — so you can see how earnings stack up across major cities in Canada.

To ensure accuracy, this data comes from Payfactors by Payscale, the compensation tool we trust to provide reliable market benchmarks for both candidates and employers.

Keep in mind that salaries can shift based on experience, required certifications (including CPA), bilingual expectations, industry and whether the role is remote, hybrid or onsite.

In the table below, we’ve included the 50th percentile base salary along with typical salary ranges. Total compensation may be higher when employers factor in bonuses, commissions or other incentives.

Table 1: Across roles and regions, accounting offers strong earning potential — especially as experience and certifications grow.

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Accounting roles we’re hiring for right now

From entry-level roles to senior leadership, demand for accounting talent is strong across Canada. At Altis, we’re currently hiring for a range of positions that span industries and skill levels. Here are some of the top opportunities available today:

1. Junior Accountant (Contract, Hybrid, North York, ON): Kick-start your accounting career inside a global, high-volume finance environment where month-end, reconciliations and ERP work become hands-on experience every day.

2. Controller (Permanent, On-site, Ottawa, ON): Lead financial operations, audit preparation and strategic reporting as the interim Controller for an education-focused non-profit.

3. Accounting Analyst (Contract, Hybrid, Toronto, ON): Join a purpose-driven grants team where your financial analysis directly strengthens donor outcomes and supports mission-focused work.

4. Finance Manager, External Reporting (Permanent, Hybrid, Ottawa, ON): Lead quarterly and annual external financial reporting, technical accounting and disclosure compliance for a large corporate finance function.

5. Payroll & Accounting Coordinator (Contract, On-site, Winnipeg, MB): Step into a fast-paced payroll seat where your attention to detail ensures smooth pay cycles, compliant processing and confident employee support.

6. Senior Accountant (Contract, On-site, Scarborough, ON): Step into a short-term role with real impact — shape documentation, support reporting and help tighten up core accounting functions during year-end.

7. Manager, Strategy & Finance (Permanent, Hybrid, Brampton, ON): Lead financial strategy, modelling, and performance oversight for major capital and operational projects with national impact.

8. Bilingual Project Accountant (Permanent, Hybrid, Gatineau, QC): A hands-on accounting role supporting construction projects through invoicing, billing, financial tracking and invoice validation to keep project finances accurate and moving on schedule.

9. Senior Accountant CPA (Contract, Remote): A fully remote role providing high-level financial support, year-end execution, reporting and technical accounting guidance for a public sector organization.

10. Comptable immobilier / Property Accountant (Permanent, Hybrid, Montreal, QC): A bilingual Real Estate/Property Accountant role where you’ll own full-cycle accounting for a commercial property portfolio and drive financial reporting that shapes asset performance.

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Accounting courses to boost your skills

Standing out in today’s accounting landscape means levelling up beyond the basics. Along with the CPA designation, specialized training in finance, ESG, data tools, leadership and communication can accelerate your career and make you more competitive for higher-level roles. Here are some of the most valuable programs to consider:

1. Accounting for Decision Making (Intermediate). A 3-week program focused on preparing and interpreting core financial statements (income statements, balance sheets, cash flows) and using that insight to guide business decisions.  

2. Principles of Financial Leadership (Intermediate). A University of Cambridge Coursera specialization that builds skills in valuation, cash-flow modelling, capital markets and ESG-aligned financial strategy.

3. A Masterclass in ESG and Sustainability Accounting. This course covers modern ESG reporting frameworks including GRI, IFRS S1 & S2, Scope 1-3 emissions, carbon tax considerations and sustainability accounting techniques.

4. Beginner to Pro in Excel: Financial Modeling and Valuation. Learn advanced Excel modelling, from building P&L statements and valuation models with scenario analysis to producing polished, professional-quality visuals.

5. Strategy Execution by HBS Online (Certificate). An 8-week Harvard program that teaches you how to allocate resources, manage performance, mitigate risk and turn strategy into measurable execution.

6. Financial Accounting by HBS Online (Certificate). A foundational 8-week program covering financial statements, GAAP/IFRS standards, cash-flow analysis and key ratios used to evaluate business health.

7. Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Professional Certificate. Learn how to turn raw data into powerful insights using Power BI, connect and clean data, build models and dashboards, and prep for the PL-300 certification exam.

8. Communication & Presentation Skills for Analysts and Managers. A 365 Financial Analyst course focused on storytelling, structuring clear insights, visual communication and presenting data confidently to decision-makers.

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Top soft skills every exceptional accountant needs

Technical know-how and certifications will get your foot in the door, but it’s soft skills that set you apart and move you forward. Employers are looking for accountants who think critically, communicate clearly and handle complexity with confidence. Here are the traits that make great accountants stand out, and how they show up in practice:

Communication
The ability to turn complex data into clarity.

Example: Presenting quarterly results to non-finance stakeholders using visuals and plain language, so everyone leaves with the same understanding.

Critical thinking & problem-solving
Not just tracking numbers — interpreting them.  

Example: Investigating an unexpected expense spike, finding the root cause and recommending cost-saving solutions.

Adaptability
Regulations shift and technology evolves. Businesses pivot. Top accountants stay flexible and evolve with it.

Example: Learning a new ERP system quickly during a company-wide transition and becoming the team’s go-to resource.

Attention to detail
Small errors can have big consequences. Precision matters.

Example: Catching an invoicing discrepancy that prevents a costly mistake from going unnoticed.

Ethical judgment & integrity
When you work with sensitive information, trust is non-negotiable.

Example: Declining to sign off on a report that doesn’t meet compliance — even under pressure.

Collaboration
Accounting today is cross-functional. Teams win together.

Example: Working closely with HR to align payroll processes and ensure accurate, timely pay.

Time management
From tax season crunch time to year-end close, busy seasons happen. The right structure keeps work moving.

Example: Prioritizing multiple client filings with a clear schedule that hits every deadline — without cutting corners.

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Where accounting careers can take you next

Great accountants aren’t just number experts — they’re adaptable, ethical, collaborative professionals who bring real value to every organization.

If you’re already working in accounting or on the path to earning your CPA, this is a strong moment to grow. Roles in financial reporting, payroll and benefits and management accounting continue to offer clear paths for advancement, competitive salaries and a chance to make meaningful business impact.

If you’re considering your next move, now is the time to lean in, sharpen your skills and step toward the future you want.

Ready for what’s next? Explore open accounting roles on our Job Portal.