How is Getting a Job as an Accountant in Canada Like for an Immigrant?

Getting a job as an accountant in Canada as an immigrant can be a rewarding but challenging process, it requires careful planning and preparation. Finding a new job as a fresh-off-the-boat immigrant without any Canadian experience, you will be dragged through hot coals, before you get your first job. Accountants immigrate to Canada and struggle quite a bit to land their dream job but it is certainly achievable with the right approach.

Challenges Faced by Accountants Immigrating to Canada

Credential Recognition

It is advised before immigrating to Canada as an accountant or even starting to look for jobs, do your research on job requirements. Learn the steps/licenses/certifications you may need to work as an accountant in Canada.

• Foreign Credentials: If your accounting degree or certification is from outside Canada, it may not be immediately recognized by Canadian employers. You might need to have your credentials assessed and potentially complete additional coursework or certification exams (like the CPA).
• Bridging Programs: These programs can help bridge the gap between your foreign credentials and Canadian requirements, but they require time and financial investment.

Canadian Experience

Before focusing on a job search, learn why someone would hire you, what a typical job posting lists its minimum requirements, and what the salary ranges they offer. Do not go into an interview with your crude back-home knowledge/experience, they will know in the first 30 seconds of the interview that you lack Canadian Experience. There are so many free courses available online, invest time in those. It would be best if you opted for the following to step on the path:

• Volunteering/Internships: Gaining Canadian work experience is often crucial. Volunteering or internships can provide valuable experience and references.
• Entry-Level Positions: Be open to starting in entry-level positions to build experience and prove your skills.

Factors Influencing the Level of Difficulty Accountants Face After Immigrating to Canada

No matter how much seniority you have in your home country, you will drop several levels in job status and may end up closer to entry-level.

 This is because you will not be able to transfer your licenses to Canada. You will not have the necessary local experience to fully understand how Canadian businesses do things and why Canadian businesses do things in particular ways. Be prepared to start in entry-level or lower-paying positions to gain Canadian experience and prove your capabilities.

Some of this will be because you don’t know local tax laws, something generally important for an accountant to know. Some will be because you don’t understand how locals do business in Canada, resume requirements, hiring preferences of the employers. Adapting to the Canadian workplace culture, including communication styles, work ethics, and professional norms, is essential for success.

The good thing is all this is learnable. Look for an accounting academy that will teach this, take some classes on Canadian tax law, accounting, and bookkeeping practices, and welcome to Canada. 

Overall, getting a job as an accountant in Canada as an immigrant requires preparation, perseverance, and a proactive approach to networking and job searching.  The “Canadian experience” or the lack thereof is still a big stigma against immigrants. So, if you have to take a job at the grocery store, stacking milk crates, do it. At least for a few weeks, until you get your foot in the door. The process can be time-consuming and require persistence. It may take several months to a few years to secure a stable accounting position, depending on individual circumstances. Many immigrants eventually succeed in their job search and build successful careers in accounting, particularly those who actively pursue certification, network effectively, and adapt to the Canadian job market.

Conclusion

While finding an accounting job in Canada as an immigrant can be challenging, especially in the initial stages, it is achievable with the right preparation, persistence, and utilization of available resources. The difficulty level can vary based on individual factors, but many immigrants have successfully navigated this path and built rewarding careers in Canada.

If you need any assistance in preparing your resume or you need more specific interview guidelines that best suit your personal requirements to have a breakthrough in the Canadian job market reach out to Gettrainedgethired.com to book a free 30-Minute career counseling 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 Randhawa and Gettrainedgethired.com will not be held liable for any problems that arise from the usage of the information provided on this page.