The multidisciplinary background for accountants, which includes skills in accounting, financial knowledge and legal expertise, lets them seek jobs with salaries that vary according to several factors. Let’s take a look at them.
The level of experience and certification
To begin in accounting, it is not necessary to have the title of Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). According to the National Occupational Classification of Emploi Québec, the gross salary of an accounting clerk averaged $41,000 per year in 2015 in Quebec. The website of the Randstad recruitment firm reports, for a position as accounting technician in outlying areas and requiring a college diploma in accounting and one year of experience, a gross salary of $45,000 to $50,000 per year in 2018.
The CPA title, obtained after an undergraduate degree recognized by the Canadian Order of Chartered Accountants and a program of professional training, provides access to a higher salary. Emploi Québec indicates an average gross salary of $61,000 per year for an auditor in 2015. In addition, a position as accounting supervisor, requiring 3 to 5 years of experience, offered $60,000 to $70,000 in Laval, Quebec, in 2018.
Finally, a Chief Financial Officer or a Chartered Accountant could expect a gross salary of $87,000 per year in 2015 in Quebec and an accounting manager from $90,000 to $100,000 in 2018 in Montreal, with 10 years experience and an accounting title.
The place where one practices
According to the 2015 CPA compensation survey, the average gross salary for a CPA in Canada was $151,000 in 2014 and $83,000 for those younger than 35 years old. The figures vary depending on the location, the specialization and the type of business.
For example, in 2014 Alberta was the most lucrative province for CPAs ($184,000), followed by Ontario ($150,000) and Saskatchewan ($146,000). In addition, positions in accounting firms, including in the Big Four accounting firms, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young and KPMG, are combined with high salaries, often due to a higher paying specialization and international context.
There is therefore a vast choice depending on responsibilities and the workplace. What is certain is that remuneration is progressing regularly and that this type of profession has a future.