Applying to Chartered Accounting Firms

Chartered accounting firms recruit earlier than other firms for the first work term 

In your applications to CA firms, higlight relevant skills:

• List any accounting or spreadsheet software with which you are familiar.
• Many firms look for students who are skilled in Excel, which you can learn through PRISM
• You may try Caseware on a student computer in the Co-op Office.
• If you have access to a car, be sure mention the fact in your cover letters and interviews.

National CA firms tend to send one or two representatives to campus to hire for the GTA (including Markham, North York and Mississauga.) While they usually ask students for their location preference, they cannot guarantee where you will be assigned.

There is considerable competition for chartered accounting positions. Because chartered accounting firms recruit earlier than other firms for the first work term, you may seek work in another functional area if you don’t obtain a CA position. Non-CA jobs require a commitment of only one work term, so you can try to obtain a CA position for the second work term.

 Varied work term sequence

For many CA firms, January to April is the busiest time. You may be asked by a firm to work one summer and two winter terms. If so, please speak with your co-op coordinator to learn whether you can vary your work term sequence. Only the first 30 students who request a varied work term sequence will be allowed by SBE to do so. Most firms who request this hope that you will stay with them for all three work terms, and return permanently after graduation.

Students in Honours Economics may find that varying the work term sequence is not possible. Please consult with the Undergraduate Economics Program Director.

Workload

Some CA firms may not be as busy in the summer term. If you find you don’t have enough assignments, ask whether the scheduling manager or human resources manager can find you additional work. You may also offer to assist other staff, managers and partners. There may be opportunities for you to attend professional development seminars or learn new software.

Chartered accounting firms tend to be extremely busy in the January to April term, so you may be expected to work some evenings and weekends. Firms do not normally pay overtime for the extra work. 

CA Training Offices 

On the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario website, you can find lists of CA Training Offices by region.

Registering as a CA Student with the ICAO

 Register with the ICAO as soon as you start work. This ensures that your co-op work term counts towards the 30 months of work experience required to become a CA. Some firms will pay for all or part of the cost. As co-op students you need to complete an application for registration as a student. (You do not have to complete the application for course credit recognition form.)

Extra Academic Term

To get your CA designation, you will need to take five half credits beyond your degree. Most students do this in the fall after they finish their degree.

Seeking Permanent Employment

You may post a CACEE form on the ICAO Web site. The CACEE form is a standardized application form use primarily for hiring graduates. Be sure to indicate that you are a co-op student looking for a work term for May to August.