HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
A common path is to finish secondary school with strong math, business and computer skills, then take a college or university program in accounting, business, or commerce. Some people start with an accounting certificate or diploma, while others complete a bachelor’s degree, depending on the employer, province, and type of role. Early experience often comes from co-op, internships, entry-level bookkeeping, or junior accounting work. Many students also build skills in spreadsheets, accounting software, and financial reporting. Over time, they may move into preparing statements, checking records, tax work, and advising businesses.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Plan, set up and administer accounting systems and prepare financial information for an individual, department, company or other establishment
- Examine accounting records and prepare financial statements and reports
- Develop and maintain cost finding, reporting and internal control procedures
- Examine financial accounts and records and prepare income tax returns from accounting records
- Analyze financial statements and reports and provide financial, business and tax advice
- May act as a trustee in bankruptcy proceedings
- May supervise and train articling students, other accountants or administrative technicians.
SKILLS TO BUILD
Skills used in this Career
Financial computer programsInternational trade financeLegal aspects of international tradePresentation skills