Book accounting tutoring in Edmonton

Start a Career in Accounting in Edmonton

When you were a young child, someone probably asked you the age old question: ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’ You may have chosen a slightly far fetched and totally awesome career - something along the lines of astronaut, NBA player, princess, or pop star - the thought of being an accountant was probably not something you considered.

Years later you realize you are fantastic at math, love working in teams, and want a stable career that will enable you to support a family and have some creature comforts. The job of accountant enters your list of career options: it’s a job that nearly every business and organization needs, not to mention the millions of Canadians filing tax returns. Some areas of specialization for accountants include: financial analysis, internal auditing, information technology auditing, international trade, tax accounting, and management accounting.

Accountants are in Demand

Accounting is a broad field with numerous opportunities for employment. An accountant does the work of keeping and interpreting financial records, ensures compliance, often communicating financial information to other stakeholders. An accountant may work for a large corporation or have a portfolio of individual clients. Math and business skills are a must: accountants need to understand how to apply sophisticated formulas within complex business environments, as well as the numerous accounting related terms.

If entering the accounting field brings to mind a boring life of desk work and number-crunching, you should know that accountants are some of the most valued employees of any organization. Documenting and reporting on the funds an organization has is critical to its operation: companies and charities fail when money is not tracked properly. Even non-profit organizations require accounting to stay afloat. Your local ballet, opera house, and art gallery all need someone to do the work of bookkeeping. A long-term accounting career can lead to positions like CFO or even CEO. 

While the types of certifications and designations for accountants will vary, there is surely a program and a job out there that suits your strengths and personality. Let’s take a closer look at what it takes to become an accountant in Edmonton. We will explore what kind of academic background you’ll need, how you can get licensed, and where you can take accounting courses around Edmonton.

Accounting Certifications in Canada

Certifications go a long way in your accounting career. In many cases, a certification is mandatory for landing an accounting job. So what are the main accounting certifications in Canada?

Chartered Professional Accountant

The Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) is the top professional designation for accountants in Alberta. Getting your CPA designation starts with an academic pathway that includes the completion of a Business or Commerce degree with an Accounting major, or the completion of CPA preparatory courses after an undergraduate degree. Candidates then need to complete a two year CPA professional education program, pass the common National Exam, and then obtain approximately 30 months of practical work experience.

Getting your CPA in Canada is a long process with hard work, but you will be rewarded with access to some of the most lucrative jobs in finance. Some career options for CPAs include: 

• Auditor
• General Accountant
• Information Technology CPA
• Tax Specialist CPA
• Financial analyst
• Accounting Manager
• Fund Controller

Non-CPA Accounting Certifications

Getting a CPA may not be necessary: you may be looking for foundational skills in finance to run your own business, or your role in a company may be more focused on bookkeeping. If the CPA pathway isn’t what you had in mind, check out some of the other accounting and finance certificates offered in Edmonton. Get professional certification in bookkeeping, earn an accounting diploma, or take a business program to achieve your career goals. Some career options for accounting professionals and bookkeepers include:

• Accounts Payable/Receivable
• Staff Accountant
• Tax Associate
• Assistant Accountant
• Payroll Specialist

Do I need Accounting Certification in Edmonton?

The short answer is no - but having certification would certainly make you stand out from other job candidates and help you develop an accounting skillset. That being said, many people work in jobs like accounts payable/receivable with a high school diploma or GED, good math and organizational skills, and a strong work ethic.

Where to Learn Accounting in Edmonton

Learning accounting in Edmonton couldn’t be easier given the amount of programs available for aspiring professionals. If you are looking at the pathway to become a CPA, you will need a business degree from a university with a major in Accounting: check out Bachelor of Commerce programs (BCom) at the University of Alberta, MacEwan University, or The King’s University. Athabasca University offers preparation for the CPA, and the North Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) also has a Bachelor of Business Administration that can take you a step closer to getting your CPA.

For college diplomas and certificates in accounting and bookkeeping, check out NAIT’s accounting diploma program and Certificate in Applied Bookkeeping. MacEwan University’s Continuing Education program offers a professional development certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounting Technology: an excellent choice for those looking for a skills upgrade. Schools like The Academy of Learning, Norquest, and Robertson College also offer accounting and payroll programs that can also set you up with a solid career in business.

Private Tutoring

Once you find the program of your dreams, make sure you get the most from your educational investment by getting the support of a tutor to help you through your program and support you as needed. If you are aiming to complete your CPA, a tutor can be a game-changer as the program is demanding and competitive.

Accounting tutors have completed business programs and courses and can help you get through a semester of rigorous classes. An accounting tutor can provide you with advice, help you study the numerous accounting terms, show you best practices, and help with the formulae and equations you need to master to report on a company’s finances. Another perk of having a private tutor is that they can meet you at a time that is convenient, give you one-to-one attention, and focus on your greatest areas of needs.

Sites like Superprof can help you find a tutor that can help you with your accounting program. Check out Superprof today!