Do we have an MRA with CPA Canada?

Currently there is no Mutual Recognition Agreement with CPA Canada. The MRA we had with CPA Canada was not renewed as of 2021 as the terms they proposed did not compare to the standard and formal recognition status of the ACCA Qualification and would place significantly more onerous terms on members than the preceding MRA. Their terms did not reflect the prestige and quality of the ACCA designation in either the Canadian or global context and would have set a risky precedent for ACCA's future agreements both with CPA and other bodies.

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Why couldn’t you come to an agreement with CPA Canada?

The principles that we follow are that any reciprocal agreement would need to: 

  • Reflect the quality, rigor, and global status of the ACCA Qualification, and the experience and achievements of those who attain it. 
  • Represent our standing in educational and regulatory frameworks globally and be consistent with other reciprocal agreements we have in place around the world. 
  • Apply the same recognition principles and evaluation approach to the ACCA Qualification that have been applied in reciprocal agreements already in place with comparable chartered accountancy bodies. 
  • Not impose requirements and exams that will disadvantage our members or future members.

We have not been able to agree on a way forward with CPA Canada which we feel adequately reflects these principles.

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Will we negotiate an MRA with CPA Canada soon?

At this time, as the Canadian profession continues to go through changes, it is not feasible for ACCA to pursue any discussions on a mutual recognition agreement, given the break-up of CPA Canada and continued uncertainty in the market, particularly around formal recognition at the provincial level. This situation will need greater clarity in the medium term, so that the international profession understands how and where MRAs fit into the redefined landscape of professional bodies in Canada. We, and others, will monitor the developing situation carefully.

In the meantime, we will continue to foster a positive relationship with CPA Canada, and will cooperate in other areas, such as thought leadership for the benefit of the profession.

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Can ACCA members still become members of CPA Canada?

ACCA members deciding to become members of CPA Canada or the local provincial body are eligible through the IFAC member body route. Details can be found on the CPA website. Note that ACCA members are not required to have their local CPA designation to undertake many roles that fall outside the public accounting domain. We encourage our members to follow ACCA Careers where thousands of roles are posted across Canada annually. Again, should members decide to work in regulated areas we recommend they connect with the local provincial body.

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Can CPA members still become members of ACCA?

ACCA supports an open and inclusive global profession. Find out about the route available for CPA Canada members to become ACCA members.

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What does this mean for me as a member, affiliate or student?

For the vast majority of members, affiliates and students, this will have no impact. However, there are certain regulated roles in Canada which require CPA membership, such as public accounting. Any member, affiliate or student wishing to undertake such roles will need to contact the relevant CPA provincial body as described above. 

In Canada, there are provincial regulations governing the use of the ACCA designation. Up to date information is available on your myACCA Portal. Log in and access the 'Use of the ACCA qualification in Canada' document. Review the document to ensure your compliance.

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What does this mean for the future of ACCA in Canada?

We’re dedicated to excellence, innovation, and a global perspective, all of which are essential qualities in this dynamic and rapidly evolving business environment.  

We have a locally based team that will continue to support by providing opportunities to further the skills and careers of our members and future members across the market.

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What is ACCA doing to support recognition in Canada?

ACCA is focused on market recognition in Canada. ACCA will continue to leverage its expertise and resources to support the profession and drive progress in the Canadian market. 

We will also continue to focus strongly on our cutting-edge policy and insights research in areas such as sustainability, talent, AI and technology, working with our many partners here to push forward the agenda on these crucial issues. 

ACCA remains heavily committed to exploring employability pathways to support our members’ careers across North America. Our local activities are focused on market recognition, which includes efforts to increase recognition with employers, academic institutions, and the larger business community to ensure ACCA’s reputation and value are well-known. This includes:

  • Government advocacy: advocating at various levels of government for internationally trained professionals
  • Employer recognition: through our Approved Employer program, of which we have many across the region and growing; ACCA Careers, ensuring that employers are adding to and searching our database for talent and recruitment support
  • Public relations: marketing campaigns, press releases and roundtables, showcasing our talented members and their careers across North America
  • Partnerships: with finance/accounting private and public sector organizations to raise awareness of ACCA and our members with senior finance professionals
  • Recruitment: through HR, recruitment and employment-based organizations to improve the career opportunities for our members
  • Educators: through our 15 accredited schools, driving a student pipeline and educating faculty on the benefits of the ACCA qualification, improving ACCA’s reputation & credibility.

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What opportunities will ACCA bring me?

ACCA is a global professional body with a huge global network, and we’ll continue to support you wherever you may choose to study and work. You can be confident that your ACCA Qualification and membership continues to be valued by employers, and that the qualification is robust, being governed by the highest standards. 

Our members hold a wide range of senior positions and enjoy successful, flexible careers, while for future members the ACCA Qualification opens doors to an increasing range of career opportunities globally. 

Our global network and influence is unrivalled, offering many opportunities for members, future members, employers and others who partner with us. We recently hit our quarter of a million global membership landmark and continue to grow. 

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Can you tell me more about ACCA’s reciprocal arrangements with other accountancy bodies around the world?

Accountancy is a truly global profession, and our unrivalled global network means we’ve been able to put together a number of agreements with other bodies around the world which make it easier for you to access their membership. Find out more about our member recognition agreements.

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Where can I find out more about ACCA’s formal recognition around the world?

The ACCA Qualification is widely recognized by governments, regulators and educational authorities across the world. You can read more about this in our Formal recognition overview (PDF 236KB). 

The skills of ACCA members in audit are also recognized through audit recognition in countries such as the UK, Ireland, South Africa and Zimbabwe. This may require members to demonstrate practical experience, meet additional examination requirements and/or hold a practicing certificate. Our accountancy body partnership network and our reciprocal arrangements also provide a range of opportunities for members in other countries to access the requirements they need to undertake regulated roles.

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