Information for foreign-trained bookkeepers
(1231) Verified: 2010 03 08
Information on requirements to practise
The occupation of bookkeeper is not regulated in Canada. Requirements for employment may vary from one province or territory to another, and qualifications and requirements are set by individual employers. As one field of accounting, bookkeeping involves the collection, analysis, and recording of financial data. Therefore, employers may require a college diploma or completion of the first level of a recognized professional accounting program, combined with several years of experience as a financial or accounting clerk.
Membership in and certification through professional associations is voluntary. For further information on training and certification, contact:
- Canadian Institute of Bookkeeping (CIB)
- P.O. Box 963, 31 Adelaide St. E.
- Toronto ON M5C 2K3 Canada
- Phone : (416) 925-9420
- Fax : (416) 929-8815
- Email : info@cibcb.com
- http://www.cibcb.com/
- Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada (IPBC)
- 10185 164 Street
- Surrey BC V4N 2K4 Canada
- Phone : (604) 637-9607
- Email : info@ipbc.ca
- http://www.ipbc.ca/
You may also contact the Canadian Bookkeepers Association for additional information and guidance about the profession of bookkeeper in Canada.
Information on assessment of qualifications
Through enrolment with their Registrar, the Canadian Institute of Bookkeeping (CIB) will review qualifications for those already settled in Canada. After successful completion of the academic and work experience requirements, students may request certification, allowing them to use the designation Certified Bookkeeper (CB). Contact the CIB directly for more information on assessment of your qualifications: info@cibcb.com.
The Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada (IPBC) has a program specifically designed for those planning to settle in Canada. IPBC offers a standardized national exam for professional certification to IPBC members. The designation of Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) can be earned before arriving in Canada. Contact the IPBC directly at info@ipbc.ca for more information on their program, and for reviewing your qualifications.
If you are asked or wish to have your credentials assessed before coming to Canada, you may contact an evaluation service and consult our Fact Sheet No. 2, "Assessment and recognition of credentials for the purpose of employment in Canada." Although the evaluation services offer expert advice on how qualifications obtained abroad compare with credentials obtained in a Canadian province or territory, the evaluation is advisory only and does not guarantee recognition of your qualifications for employment or certification purposes in Canada. Please note that they charge a fee for their services.
Other relevant information
For a general description of duties and employment requirements, you can refer to the information prepared by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada regarding:
Specific Provincial/Territorial Information
You may also be interested in the CICIC information pages for: