Labour Market Information
The following chart provides some information about CAs working in Ontario (as of February 2010).
| Total membership in ICAO | 33,948 |
| Number of female CAs | 10,115 |
| Number of male CAs | 23,833 |
| Number of CAs working in Ontario | 25,267 |
| Number of ICAO members working in other provinces in Canada | 1,555 |
| Number of ICAO members working outside Canada | 2,392 |
| Number of CAs from recognized accounting bodies | 1,613 |
| Number of CAs from non-recognized accounting bodies | 378 |
| Number of CA students in Ontario | 4,959 |
| Number of CA students from recognized accounting bodies | 164 |
| Number of CA students from non-recognized accounting bodies | 149 |
| Average annual compensation for a new CA | $74,459 CDN |
| Average annual compensation for a CA with 5 years experience | $116,412 CDN |
| Average annual compensation for a CA with 25-29 years of experience | $293,594 CDN |
| Median annual compensation (2007) | $135,000 CDN |
Finding a Student CA Job
Practical work experience is a requirement for qualifying as a Chartered Accountant. Your work experience outside Canada will be assessed by the Institute and compared with work experience normally gained by an entry-level Chartered Accountant in Ontario. You may be required to work in an Institute-approved Ontario training office for a specified amount of time to complete the practical work experience requirement.
Student positions with approved training offices in Ontario are limited. Your chances of getting a job in a training office will be greater if you have completed all or most of the academic requirements for becoming a CA.
Training offices are very interested in candidates who can develop new business areas. They are also interested in individuals with broad computer software knowledge, especially in the areas of electronic filings, computerized financial systems, electronic data exchange, and auditing within an electronic data processing environment.
In addition, expertise in the following areas is in demand:
- financial analysis
- taxation
- cost accounting
- international and forensic accounting
Employment Agencies
Some employment agencies specialize in recruiting financial services staff. These agencies help employers fill both temporary and permanent employment vacancies. You don't need to have an accounting designation to register with these agencies. They work with employers who need both professional and clerical accounting staff. They include: