Does it seem like everyone in Toronto either has their CPA or is on track to get it? I realize that the numbers might not be as high for the older generations, but among my peers in their 20s, it feels like everyone has either passed the exams or is just one exam away. I went to a decent school in Toronto, and the trend seems pretty clear.
Those who haven’t pursued their CPA have usually shifted to consulting roles, but that’s often because they were even more academically inclined than my friends in Accounting, so I have no doubt they could have passed if they chose to.
I work for a small nonprofit organization, and all of my colleagues there have also passed the exams. I’m pretty sure that if you’re in a Big 4 firm, almost everyone has made it through as well!
When I check out the US CPA subreddit, it paints a different picture, making it sound like passing the CPA exams is a significant challenge that many struggle with. I suspect there’s some bias in play here, especially considering Toronto’s competitive environment and the high number of immigrants, which might skew the statistics.
One response
It does seem like there’s a trend in Toronto among younger professionals leaning towards obtaining their CPA, especially given the city’s competitive job market and the prominence of Accounting as a stable career path. The educational landscape here tends to produce a lot of candidates who are motivated to pursue these credentials, especially in fields where having a CPA can significantly boost career opportunities.
You bring up a good point about the difference in perspectives between the Canadian and US CPA experiences. The perception of the difficulty of the exams can vary widely based on the structure of the programs, the support systems in place, and even cultural attitudes towards certifications in different countries. In Toronto, the sheer number of people pursuing their CPA might create a sense of normalcy around the process, making it feel like everyone is on that path.
It’s also interesting to note the pivot to consulting. Consulting careers can attract some of the brightest from Accounting pathways, often because of the variety and pace of work, so it’s no surprise that some of the people you know who didn’t follow the traditional CPA route still seem to be excelling.
Overall, while it might seem like a CPA is almost a rite of passage among your peers in Toronto, it’s important to recognize that different regions and job markets have varying standards and expectations surrounding professional certifications. It could be a great conversation point to discuss the differences further with your friends, especially those from different backgrounds or areas!