Do Accounting Degrees Matter When Job Hunting in Canada

When it comes to job hunting, many people wonder if having an accountancy degree really makes a difference. Do employers in Canada care about those fancy pieces of paper? 

Whether you are an accountant or considering accounting to be your profession looking at the job market, you might be wondering whether you only need hands-on experience or whether a university qualification will improve your chances of getting your dream accounting job.

Let’s discuss how important it is for accountants to have degrees when looking for jobs in Canada…

The Job Market Landscape: Experience vs. Qualifications

Not having a degree can actually prevent you from getting on the road to training with a larger accountancy firm in many cases because it’s often a prerequisite.

Many companies seek candidates with formal training in accountancy. An accountancy degree shows you understand crucial concepts like balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and budgeting. It’s like a toolkit; the more tools you have, the better equipped you are for the job.

When you dive into the job market, you’ll notice a sea of candidates. Some may have work experience, some may have connections, but those with accountancy degrees often stand out. Why? Because they have the qualifications employers crave.

While some employers might prioritize experience over education, a degree can open doors. It can get you into interviews and give you a chance to prove your skills. In competitive fields, that degree often tips the scales in your favor.

For many employers, experience can be the deciding factor, so any opportunities to get into the different accountancy environments will work in your favor. However, there are other variables to consider.

Employer preference

Every employer, organization, or recruitment agency is different and has varying eligibility criteria for the vacancies that are available to them at any time.
There are several factors, which will influence the decision-making process of a hiring manager. An employer’s vision, mindset, preference, or biases may play a role as well as the culture and history of an organization and the working mechanism of a particular department will all count towards this.

Job Suitability

Sometimes hiring new individuals or getting hired are not simple equations with perfect answers. Quality candidates are not always reflected by their degrees or experience of working at a big firm.

An individual may have gone to the best schools, but his/her skill set and mindset may not be suitable for the job. An individual with years of experience and no degree in a particular field might be the best choice as he/she will know the working mechanism inside out.

Skills Beyond the Degree

It’s not all about the degree. Employers are also looking for skills that can’t be taught in a classroom. Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities are essential. If you can take complex financial concepts and explain them in simple terms, you’ll be ahead of the pack.

Remember, the job is often about more than just crunching numbers. It’s about building relationships and helping clients achieve their goals. So, while the degree matters, your soft skills matter just as much.

Conclusion: Is It Worth It?

In the end, do accountancy degrees matter when job hunting? Absolutely. While experience is vital, having a degree gives you a solid foundation and improves your chances of landing interviews. It's a crucial part of your career toolkit. Employers look for candidates who can prove their knowledge and skills.

So, if you’re considering an accountancy degree, think about your future career. It could be the first step towards achieving your professional goals.

Embarking on an accounting career in Canada offers a world of opportunities. With the right qualifications and experience, you can secure a vital role in any sector of your interest.

Reach out to Get Trained Get Hired, and book a free 30-minute career counselling meeting. At Gettrainedgethired.com we provide you with the necessary training to learn practical skills to become an accountant. Our training is based on practical real-life cases.  After the training, we work on your resume and try to place you in accounting firms through our network. You will also get access to like-minded individuals who are looking for jobs through our WhatsApp group. Please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Or call us at 647-275-7150.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is intended to provide general information. The information does not consider your situation and is not intended to be used without consultation from professionals. Salman Rundhawa and Gettrainedgethired.com will not be held liable for any problems that arise from the usage of the information provided on this page.