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CPA Canada's key activities

Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) supports our members by conducting research into current and emerging business issues and supports the setting of accounting, auditing and assurance standards for business, not-for-profit organization and government. We also issue guidance and publish professional literature on business and financial topics important to our members.
CPA Canada is one of the largest national accounting organizations in the world. It represents and supports more than 210,000 members as the Canadian profession unites under a single designation, Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).

In October 2014, the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada (CGA-Canada) joined Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) to complete the integration of the country’s national accounting bodies. CPA Canada was established the previous year by the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) and The Society of Management Accountants of Canada (CMA Canada).

Our key areas of activity include:

Promoting the excellence and value of Canada’s CPAs through:

  • the media and advertising
  • government relations
  • community and stakeholder engagement via:
    o  outreach
    o  sponsorship
    o  programs and initiatives
  • corporate and public-sector awards of excellence

Education development — offering a wide range of programs and courses that include:

  • the CPA certification program:
    o  CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP)
    o  CPA Prerequisite Education Program (CPA PREP)
  • professional development courses,conferences,  webinars and online learning

Informing — through the provision of publications, guidance and professional literature that includes:

  • Pivot Magazine
  • the CPA Canada Standards and Guidance Collection
  • resources for understanding and applying financial reporting and assurance standards
  • financial and sustainability reporting materials
  • not-for-profit sector assistance
  • support for boards of directors and audit committees

Advocating — on behalf of the profession for policies that serve:

  • consumers
  • businesses
  • not-for-profit organizations
  • government
  • the public
  • international financial and accounting bodies  

Advising — working with:

  • key federal government ministries and organizations
  • regulatory bodies
  • leading policy organizations

Setting standards — supporting an independent standard-setting process through the provision of:

  • funding
  • staffing
  • other resources