8 Career Paths for CPAs

1. Artificial Intelligence Assurance

New technologies like agentic AI represent a major disruptor to every sector of the economy, and CPAs have an important role to play in leading that change. The CPA profession is one that is constantly evolving, and all signs indicate that the shift to a more technologically driven approach is here to stay.

Iliana Oris Valiente, CPA, CA, Managing Director and Innovation Lead at Accenture Canada, is another example of a CPA working on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence, leading her clients through technological change.

“Most organizations are totally inadequately prepared for AI – who is your responsible AI officer? What are your policies? Responsible AI needs to be baked in - it’s not a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have,” says Iliana. “There is an opportunity here for CPAs who are often relied upon to be stewards of responsibility.’

2. Forensic Accountant

Forensic accounting involves using traditional accounting practices and investigative techniques to examine and understand the finances of individuals or businesses. It includes prevention and investigation of financial crimes, like money laundering, insurance fraud and securities fraud.

Forensic accountants may also be involved in searching for hidden assets or working on cases involving high-profile financial crimes like Ponzi schemes.

We spoke with Daniel Tourangeau, FCPA, FCA, from the Ontario Securities Commission about uncovering fraud in the age of cryptocurrency and how to navigate the accounting world in the age of technology.

“By thoroughly investigating potential wrongdoing and exposing wrongful conduct when it is found, forensic accountants are in a very unique position to contribute to protecting the public,” Daniel says.

His work uncovering a major crypto-currency fraud was featured in the Netflix documentary Trust No One: The Hunt for the Crypto King.

3. Sustainability Leader

CPAs working in the sustainability space can combine their reporting and strategy skills with their passion for sustainability.

In today’s business landscape, sustainability information has come to be viewed as just as important as financial information, and there are a number of ways CPAs can apply their skillset, including sustainability reporting, assurance standards and regulations, and professional ethics. They can work as consultants to provide technical knowledge of greenhouse gas accounting standards, evaluate operations and understand and interpret climate data.

According to Sarah Keyes, FCPA, FCA, Partner of Sustainability Strategy at PwC Canada, “The true value of sustainability is that it is connected to the company’s operational and financial performance, and that’s why CPAs should raise it no matter what organization they are working in – public or private.”

4. Auditor

Auditors can take on a variety of roles, but in general, they review financial statements and other records to ensure financial compliance and check for irregularities.

Auditors can specialize in forensic auditing to investigate financial crimes. They can also work as internal auditors to check for mismanagement of an organization’s funds, check for wasteful spending and recommend ways to improve processes.

Conversely, external auditors are unbiased external representatives, and they evaluate the records of other companies and check for irregularities and compliance issues.

5. Tax Specialist

Experts in tax law and federal and provincial regulations, tax specialists help businesses and individuals prepare and submit their tax filings every year. They ensure that their clients are meeting their obligations, while checking that they aren’t missing out on any benefits or write-offs.

Beyond the technical aspects, tax specialists have the potential to help people who need it the most by guiding them through complex tax systems - because at the end of the day, working in tax is about helping people.

Jamie Golombek, FCPA, FCA is the Managing Director of Tax and Estate Planning at CIBC and is one of the country’s most respected tax specialists, with a weekly column in the National Post. He says that his mission is to educate the average Canadian on Canada’s complex and changing tax policies.

“As CPAs, we can really help clients understand the tax system...what do they need to know and how can they make sure they’re getting all the various deductions and credits they are entitled to.”

6. Sports

Have a passion for sports? CPAs can bring their financial and strategic expertise to major and minor leagues. They often handle payroll for players, coaches and staff, as well as complex tax reporting for the team.

In a management position, CPAs may have the opportunity to work with executive teams to provide strategic recommendations and insights on sponsorships, advertising deals, ticket sales and sports merchandise.

7. Educator

It’s important for CPAs to guide and support aspiring professionals, and one way to do that is through formal education. It’s not uncommon for CPAs to teach at universities or colleges as full-time professors, or part-time in addition to other roles.

Michelle Causton, FCPA, FCGA, spent more than two decades teaching accounting students at two different Canadian colleges, using her experience working in public accounting.

“I was able to take [my passion for accounting] into teaching at Canadore College and Nipissing University. I like to think I was instrumental in encouraging students to become CPAs,” says Michelle.

8. Entrepreneur

Finally, a CPA designation is invaluable as an entrepreneur, and applicable regardless of the industry. When it comes to starting and growing a business and managing business finances, you will be positioned to make effective and strategic decisions.

Anik Seth, CPA, CMA, one of CPA Ontario’s 2023 Emerging Leaders, is the founder and CEO of AI start-up HU/EX Labs, a voice recognition tool for the hospitality and retail industries. He says that CPAs are uniquely positioned to explore the areas of entrepreneurship and evolving technology like AI.

“Obviously accounting and financial expertise remains central to the CPA profession, but its nature will evolve in the age of AI,” Anik explains. “Even as AI handles more tasks, CPAs must ensure they’re adding value through deeper analysis and data-driven improvements.”

This list highlights just a few of the different paths that a CPA designation can lead to, but the options are truly limitless. No matter what industry or sector you want to explore, a CPA designation will give you the skills you need to succeed, lead change and drive business forward.

Learn more about why and how to become a CPA, or register for one of our information sessions to get started.