Filipino CPAs to Canada, What are your plans?

[mimi0713]

hello!

halos naubos ko rin lahat ng pages dito sa forum hehehe.

mukhang karamihan leaning towards CGA and part of the reason e dahil mahirap makapasok sa approved training office.

pero parang sa nababasa ko mas konti rin ang requirements sa CA. so is this not a better option for CPAs na nasa audit for more than 7 years and also to those in Big 4 in Europe and Australia?

marami ring options for exemptions sa CKE, SOA, and practical experience (see links below). so eventually enrollment lang sa business law and the UFE tama ba?

http://www.icao.on.ca/Admissions/InternationallyTrainedAccountants/MemberAcctgBodyOutsideCanadaNoDegree/1010page13643.aspx

http://www.icao.on.ca/Admissions/InternationallyTrainedAccountants/MemberAcctgBodyOutsideCanadaNoDegree/Exemptions/1010page13544.aspx

tama ba ang pagkakaintindi ko? comments most welcome!

if u have enough experience in both accounting and assurance, there's a very big possibility na ma waive ang SOA. My experience is mostly in accounting so CA required me to sit for the SOA. Pag mostly eh assurance naman ang experience mo, u will still be required to take the SOA. they want kasi na you show proficiency in both areas, accounting and assurance.

i guess most of CPA pinoys take either CGA or CMA because of the 3-year CATO experience requirement. baka kasi they haven't tried requesting for an exemption for the practical experience reqmt. mahirap ngang pumasok dito sa mga CATO as a CA student, because of competition. most CATO's prefer those who are fresh from schools, as a matter of fact, the BIG 4 are recruiting candidates from different universities. I know because i have a mentor who is an audit manager at KPMG. in charge sya sa recruitment sa universities. but if you work for them previously before you came here, I think that's a different story.

CA required me to enroll in Business Law. But the SOA and eventually, the UFE, will also test ur technical knowledge of canadian taxation. so nag enroll na lang din ako sa tax. and like I said, taxation here is VEERRRRYYY complicated.

 

[mimi0713]

i just want to update everybody, finally, I landed a job at an accounting firm managed by a CA!!!

di man lang ako naghirap to make my resume stand out, kasi di man lang ako hiningian ng resume. it's like, small talk lang kahapon (but of course, I know I'm talking to someone who might be heaven sent kasi CA sya and he owns an accounting firm, so I recalled my sessions on how to make a 30-second elevator speech, that is, telling him of my accounting background, experience and qualifications) at today eh interview then job offer na

it was very fast, i am still overwhelmed! truly, God works in mysterious ways! pag gusto NYANG ibigay sa iyo eh, right there and then, ibibigay sa you, in unexpected ways....

 

[jho111]

i just want to update everybody, finally, I landed a job at an accounting firm managed by a CA!!!

di man lang ako naghirap to make my resume stand out, kasi di man lang ako hiningian ng resume. it's like, small talk lang kahapon (but of course, I know I'm talking to someone who might be heaven sent kasi CA sya and he owns an accounting firm, so I recalled my sessions on how to make a 30-second elevator speech, that is, telling him of my accounting background, experience and qualifications) at today eh interview then job offer na

it was very fast, i am still overwhelmed! truly, God works in mysterious ways! pag gusto NYANG ibigay sa iyo eh, right there and then, ibibigay sa you, in unexpected ways....

Congrats mimi!!! ang galing mo naman, i'm sure na impress talaga ang CA/employer sa qualifications mo.. ;D ;D ;D
so one day in the future magiging CA ka na nyan...you made us, fellow forumers proud.. indeed, God never runs out of sweet surprises...

 

[Pachochay]

Congratulations, Mimi! So happy for you deserving ka naman talaga with all the hard work, preparation, diligence at sa kabaitan ng pag-share info sa mga ka-forum. Goodluck both sa work at studies.

 

[carladavid16]

Hi po,

One year na ako sa Toronto, fresh grad and fresh CPA ako sa Pilipinas nung umalis po ako papunta dito sa Canada. Just wondering. Gusto ko mag-aral leading to CGA. Ano po ba ang mga requirements na kailangan ipasa sa CGA Ontario aside po sa official transcript, diploma and course description? Medyo mahal din pala mag-request from my school sa Manila. Sana hindi masayang ang lahat ng babayaran. Sa sinulat po ni Mr. Patrick medyo mas naging interesado ako dahil 6 subjects na lang ang kukunin. Salamat po sa thread na ito, malaking tulong.

hello any news sa mga nagpaassess sa cga kung talagang onti nalng ang tatakeupin mong subjects as an effect of CGA-philippines "talks".

sa mga nasa pinas pa po... ang nabasa ko po ay ang CGA ay on its "pilot project" so selected lang muna yung makukuha. in any case dapat PICPA member ka. at if ever na hindi ka makapagexam(CGA) sa PI edi dito ka nalng mageexam ofcourse (hoping, mapapatunayan natin yan) with lesser subjects just like in the phils. meron kasi akong frend recently lang ata cya nagpassess( fresh grad sa pinas. fresh CPA din then lipad agad sa canada).. ayun 6 subjects nalang daw ang kukunin nya... i cant find an article for filipino CPA residing in Canada already, hope my theory is correct.

 

[Pachochay]

Na-cancel yata yung pilot project sa Pinas for whatever reason

 

[meanne]

i just want to update everybody, finally, I landed a job at an accounting firm managed by a CA!!!

di man lang ako naghirap to make my resume stand out, kasi di man lang ako hiningian ng resume. it's like, small talk lang kahapon (but of course, I know I'm talking to someone who might be heaven sent kasi CA sya and he owns an accounting firm, so I recalled my sessions on how to make a 30-second elevator speech, that is, telling him of my accounting background, experience and qualifications) at today eh interview then job offer na

it was very fast, i am still overwhelmed! truly, God works in mysterious ways! pag gusto NYANG ibigay sa iyo eh, right there and then, ibibigay sa you, in unexpected ways....

Congrats. Mimi!

 

[charlie5]

Super sorry guys, ngayon lang ulit ako nakavisit dito. Congrats sa mga nagka-work na. Been busy with life. Pero gusto ko sana magshare ng mga learnings ko. I hope you find it useful. I have been writing in my blog pero eto, i-paste ko dito dahil very specific sa Bridging Programs for CPAa.
http://iliveiconquer.blogspot.com/2012/03/ryerson-university-bridging-program.html

Ryerson University Bridging Program
I just gave up being "Iskolar ng Bayan"...my new 'bayan' being Toronto. I was granted the Bursary Program of Ryerson University but it came in too late. So if you fall in the following category, you better stick around, read and learn from this experience.

If you are:
1. An International Accounting Professional
2. Migrating to Canada or a New Migrant in Canada
3. Looking for an Accounting Job
4. Planning to get an Accounting Certification in Canada

You may want to visit Ryerson University Continuing Education, The Chang School (website). They are 1 of the few universities which offer a Bridging Program subsidized by the government, for new migrants. The subjects included in the Bridging Program can be used in your certifications.

Bridging ProgramStream 1 – Bridge to Accounting Credentials
For professionals whose goals are certification, employment, or career advancement in accounting
Stream 2 – Bridge to Employment in Financial Services
For professionals whose goal is employment or career advancement in their areas of direct or related expertise or experience

All requirements are in the website, simply follow the steps and the paper requirements.
They will not mention about the OBPAP (Ontario Briding Participant Assistance Program), but be sure to ask about this. I learned about this program from fellow Pinoys. The Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program (OBPAP) provides bursaries of up to $5,000 to cover direct education costs. See this website for more info: OBPAP Website

I have spent a lot of time thinking about this program and here are the PROS/CONS to consider;

PROS:
1. $5,000 free education
2. The program links you with the different organizations (CGA, CA, CMA, etc)
3. There is a Work Placement program for deserving students.
4. Ryerson is one of the Top U in Toronto
5. There is a support group.

CONS:
1. Time Consuming - in order to get a credit for 1 CGA course, you will be required to take 2-3 subjects.
2. You have to go to the university and complete your attendance.
3. When your $5,000 bursary is used up, you will have to shed out your own money.

WATCH OUTS:
1. To be accepted and be granted with the bursary, be sure to have all the requirements on hand.
2. Follow-up on your status. Make sure that the admin person in Ryerson has your name on the list. This is where I had a problem. All along, I thought I was part of the program and will be granted the OBPAP, but turned out that the admin person lost my file. She was apologetic and was too kind and made sure I get my OBPAP granted, but it was already too late. I decided to pull out because I got a job and did not think I will get the OBPAP. I was informed that the $5,000 was already in my student account, but I made a choice and decided to prioritize my new work.

But looking back, I do not regret it. I do not think I have and will have the time and capacity to attend university for the moment. Dots just got connected.

 

[pfcastelo]

Super sorry guys, ngayon lang ulit ako nakavisit dito. Congrats sa mga nagka-work na. Been busy with life. Pero gusto ko sana magshare ng mga learnings ko. I hope you find it useful. I have been writing in my blog pero eto, i-paste ko dito dahil very specific sa Bridging Programs for CPAa.
http://iliveiconquer.blogspot.com/2012/03/ryerson-university-bridging-program.html

Ryerson University Bridging Program
I just gave up being "Iskolar ng Bayan"...my new 'bayan' being Toronto. I was granted the Bursary Program of Ryerson University but it came in too late. So if you fall in the following category, you better stick around, read and learn from this experience.

If you are:
1. An International Accounting Professional
2. Migrating to Canada or a New Migrant in Canada
3. Looking for an Accounting Job
4. Planning to get an Accounting Certification in Canada

You may want to visit Ryerson University Continuing Education, The Chang School (website). They are 1 of the few universities which offer a Bridging Program subsidized by the government, for new migrants. The subjects included in the Bridging Program can be used in your certifications.

Bridging ProgramStream 1 – Bridge to Accounting Credentials
For professionals whose goals are certification, employment, or career advancement in accounting
Stream 2 – Bridge to Employment in Financial Services
For professionals whose goal is employment or career advancement in their areas of direct or related expertise or experience

All requirements are in the website, simply follow the steps and the paper requirements.
They will not mention about the OBPAP (Ontario Briding Participant Assistance Program), but be sure to ask about this. I learned about this program from fellow Pinoys. The Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program (OBPAP) provides bursaries of up to $5,000 to cover direct education costs. See this website for more info: OBPAP Website

I have spent a lot of time thinking about this program and here are the PROS/CONS to consider;

PROS:
1. $5,000 free education
2. The program links you with the different organizations (CGA, CA, CMA, etc)
3. There is a Work Placement program for deserving students.
4. Ryerson is one of the Top U in Toronto
5. There is a support group.

CONS:
1. Time Consuming - in order to get a credit for 1 CGA course, you will be required to take 2-3 subjects.
2. You have to go to the university and complete your attendance.
3. When your $5,000 bursary is used up, you will have to shed out your own money.

WATCH OUTS:
1. To be accepted and be granted with the bursary, be sure to have all the requirements on hand.
2. Follow-up on your status. Make sure that the admin person in Ryerson has your name on the list. This is where I had a problem. All along, I thought I was part of the program and will be granted the OBPAP, but turned out that the admin person lost my file. She was apologetic and was too kind and made sure I get my OBPAP granted, but it was already too late. I decided to pull out because I got a job and did not think I will get the OBPAP. I was informed that the $5,000 was already in my student account, but I made a choice and decided to prioritize my new work.

But looking back, I do not regret it. I do not think I have and will have the time and capacity to attend university for the moment. Dots just got connected.

Thanks for the very informative post. Been following your blog for quite sometime.

 

[Pachochay]

Thanks, Charlie for sharing!

 

[mr.patrick]

Hi po,

One year na ako sa Toronto, fresh grad and fresh CPA ako sa Pilipinas nung umalis po ako papunta dito sa Canada. Just wondering. Gusto ko mag-aral leading to CGA. Ano po ba ang mga requirements na kailangan ipasa sa CGA Ontario aside po sa official transcript, diploma and course description? Medyo mahal din pala mag-request from my school sa Manila. Sana hindi masayang ang lahat ng babayaran. Sa sinulat po ni Mr. Patrick medyo mas naging interesado ako dahil 6 subjects na lang ang kukunin. Salamat po sa thread na ito, malaking tulong.

Im not sure about the requirements, but Im sure you will just have to take taxation1, bc2, 2 electives, 2 pace level then "bwala" your a CGA. i forgot u also need "the 2 years of experience". Im sure because i know 2 fresh cpa who were assessed recently... but for the not so fresh cpas i duno... hope your wait of one year is worth it (coincidence?) anyway I just write Taxation 1. God help me! Kelangan pang magintay ng 2 mos!

 

[charlie5]

Para sa mga gustong mag-CGA, learn from my experience :http://iliveiconquer.blogspot.com/2012/03/cga-pre-student-processing.html

It took me a total of 9 months to finalize my CGA Assessment. The 9 months include all the planning, researching, data gathering and finally the enrollment. If you read back in my blog, I really considered the fact that CGA is straight-forward, easier than the other (based on internet feedback) and faster to achieve. After all, at the end of the day all I really want is a Canadian Certification to carry on my name. The steps, procedures, requirements and everything else can be found in the CGA website but I will be writing about things I learned from experience which I did not find in their website or I simply missed because I wasn’t following instructions.


All of these apply as long as you are sure you will be getting the CGA:
1. Do all your data gathering while in your home country – I thought I did this but apparently I still missed some required documents because it was not clearly stated in their requirement. So there were a lot of back & forth with my family members in Manila who are kind enough to process everything on my behalf.
a. Certified PRC Grades – this was not part of the required documents, but it can come in handy if in case you want to appeal for more transfer of credits.
b. Course Syllabus/Description – you may need this if you want to appeal your transfer of credits.
c. School Transcript sent directly to WES – if you decide on having your degree assessment from WES, they will require your school to send your transcript directly to them. They will not accept sealed envelopes that you have.


2. Do not settle
When you receive your first assessment from CGA, and you think they should have given you credit in other subjects --- APPEAL! You don’t have to pay for anything. Be sure you have your supports and lastly, they have an appeal form, which I did not see and so I appealed to them by writing a personal letter (haha)


3. Check their website often – they usually change their requirements and some procedures (for example: they now accept notarized documents, no need for the originals because they have recognized how hard it is to get documents from home country)


4. While waiting – look for a school. Research financial help options. Read (Ryerson Bridging Program)

5. Be Prepared - Financially, Mentally. What if you don't get financial help, will you still pursue? It's $1,000 per course and that's a lot of money.


I've spent a tremendous amount of time on this. But finally, processing is over. I am a student! Off to a new stage of learning

 

[angelrock]

Hi guys!

First time ko sumali sa forum. Natuwa ako kase i learned a lot by just reading this thread. PH CPA din ako and just landed in Canada last year. God is good kase He gave me an opportunity to work in 1 of the Big 4 firms. I will be starting the CA program this year...

Mimi, i know na magtatake ka na ng CA exam, any tips would be appreciated. Inadvise kase ako to take taxation, but its not required. Meron ka bang info about sa business law, if super kailangan din natin? Thanks in advance. God bless!

 

[mimi0713]

charlie5----> very informative! keep it up ;D

angelrock---> congrats sa u!

In my case heto at tuliro na naman ako. I can't write the SOA or UFE this year because I'm still taking up technical course on Canadian Business Taxation 2 and hopefully finish it by the 2nd week of April. SOA exam prep has started early Feb pa at di ko kayang pagsabayin work, study, and exam prep.

Business law is a requirement. It's 3 out of the 51-credit hour requirements by ICAO. Taxation is not but you need this if you want to write the exams. As a CA student, I'm privileged to access previous years' exam questions, and boy, gusto ko talagang umatras! I'm not scaring you, guys, it's just that I don't feel confident yet. Taxation is definitely one of the areas you'll gonna need to attack the exam questions in the right corners.

So I would have to postpone the SOA/UFE next year. But on another note, pag nag CGA ako, there's a big chance I can finish it this year.

Since you are working for one of the Big 4, I believe these firms have great packages for CA students working with them. Kaya grab mo na opportunity, baka malibre ka pa sa exam fees + you'll get coaching from your colleagues at the firm, right?

For me-I don't think I need to choose between CGA/CMA/CA because 3 years from now CPA na lang ang accounting designation dito.

It's a bit ironic. From CPA to CGA ??? CMA ??? CA ??? and at the end of the day balik CPA din tayo. Kaya ayoko ng mamili at ma-stress sa kakapili. Kung ano ang mas madaling abutin doon na ako ;D ;D ;D

 

[mimi0713]

Just wanna share with you the latest email I received from ICAO re: unification of CA/CMA/CGA


Dear CA Students:

I'd like to update you on some possible changes to our qualification program that will be coming if the profession is ultimately united. In addition to our current university-based education program, we will also be introducing a new profession-based CPA Certification Program, which will give people two attractive pathways to the CPA designation.

Our university-based pathway will continue to be attractive to those who decide early in their educational careers to pursue the CPA designation. Graduates of ICAO-accredited programs, as well as those who complete the 51 credit-hour requirement outside of accredited programs, will continue to proceed directly to the Common Capstone Module, like they currently do for the ICAO's School of Accountancy.

The new profession-based pathway complements our traditional educational system and will be particularly attractive to those who decide to pursue the CPA designation later in life while working full time. Details on this new profession-based program can be found on the ICAO Unification microsite at:
http://www.icao.on.ca/Unification/KeyDocuments/Documents/CPA_Certification_Program.pdf.

If unification ultimately proceeds, it will take at least 18 months to develop and launch the new Canadian CPA Certification Program. That means that the earliest possible offering of the first module of the new two-year, part-time modular program would be in the fall 2013. The first CPA common examination would follow two years later in fall 2015.

Given that the new CPA Competency Map will not be significantly different from the existing competency maps of all three professional bodies, the changes required in either the ICAO accredited programs or the 51 credit hours will not be significant. Furthermore, as the new CPA Common Exam will continue to provide a licensing path similar to that of the current UFE, future students will be as rigorously prepared as those graduating under the current system.

In the meantime, a significant number of students will be completing a legacy CA, CMA or CGA qualification program. In this regard, all CA students currently registered with the ICAO, as well as those who register prior to all new CPA government legislation that may come into effect, will become CAs upon successful completion of all of the education, examination and experience requirements. Should unification proceed, these students will acquire two designations – the CA and CPA. Those registering after all new CPA government legislation authorizing the unification of the accounting profession will become CPAs.

The ongoing unification discussions will not have any negative impact on the nature or value of the existing CA designation and students should continue to pursue it with every confidence that upon completion they will have earned a leading, internationally-respected accounting designation.

Please continue to monitor the ICAO's microsite to keep informed of the latest developments on this strategically important initiative and feel free to provide any comments or suggestions by e-mailing Student_Viewpoint@icao.on.ca.

For more information:
Over the past several weeks, the following updates on the proposed unification of the CA, CMA and CGA professions were sent to members:

A Framework For Uniting the Canadian Accounting Profession (January 17, 2012). (Download details at http://www.icao.on.ca/Unification/KeyDocuments/Documents/Unification_Framework.pdf;
The Canadian CPA Certification Program (January 17, 2012). (Download details at http://www.icao.on.ca/Unification/KeyDocuments/Documents/CPA_Certification_Program.pdf); and
Member Vote on Unification and Other Updates (E-Brief on February 28, 2012)

These updates, along with Ontario-specific information about the proposed unification, are now available on the ICAO's new microsite. The microsite also includes:

Myth Busters – videos addressing common misconceptions about unification;
Frequently Asked Questions;
A Calendar of Events; and
Have Your Say – which allows students and members to communicate directly with Institute staff.