Quebec’s thriving financial services sector offers exceptional opportunities for aspiring accountants and CPAs. With major financial institutions like Desjardins Group and National Bank of Canada headquartered in the province, Quebec provides a robust foundation for accounting careers. This comprehensive guide outlines the current requirements, educational pathways, and career prospects for becoming an accountant in Quebec in 2025.
Whether you’re considering entry-level accounting positions or pursuing the prestigious CPA designation, Quebec offers diverse educational programs and career advancement opportunities in its dynamic financial landscape.
Quebec’s Accounting and Financial Landscape
Quebec’s financial sector has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with employment expansion outpacing the province’s overall economic growth. This robust development has created substantial demand for qualified accounting professionals across various specializations.
Quebec’s financial industry growth has consistently exceeded provincial economic expansion rates, creating abundant opportunities for accounting professionals at all career levels.
Major Employers in Quebec’s Financial Sector
The province hosts numerous prestigious financial institutions that actively recruit accounting professionals:
- Banking Institutions: Desjardins Group (Levis and Montreal), National Bank of Canada (Montreal), Laurentian Bank of Canada (Montreal)
- Insurance Companies: Groupe Promutuel (Quebec City), La Capitale (Quebec City), Industrial Alliance (Quebec City), SSQ (Quebec City)
- Asset Management: Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (Montreal), PSP Investments (Montreal), Fonds de solidarité FTQ (Montreal)
- Capital Markets: Montreal Exchange (TMX Group)
Beyond traditional financial services, accounting opportunities exist across Quebec’s diverse economy, including tourism, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors. Companies like Cirque du Soleil, GlaxoSmithKline, and Canadian Salt Company regularly seek experienced accounting professionals.
CPA Requirements in Quebec
To practice as a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Quebec, candidates must meet specific educational, examination, and experience requirements established by CPA Quebec (Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec).
Educational Prerequisites
The foundation for CPA certification in Quebec requires:
Academic Requirements
Quebec CPA candidates must complete specific coursework covering:
- Financial Accounting and Reporting
- Management Accounting
- Audit and Assurance
- Finance
- Taxation
- Information Technology
- Economics
- Business Law
- Ethics and Professional Conduct
Students who haven’t completed these prerequisite courses through their undergraduate program can take CPA preparatory courses before entering the Professional Education Program.
Practical Experience Requirements
All CPA candidates must complete 30 months of qualifying practical experience, which can be obtained through:
- Public practice (accounting firms)
- Industry positions (corporate accounting roles)
- Government organizations
- Non-profit entities
This experience must be supervised by a CPA mentor and documented through the CPA Practical Experience Requirements (PER) program.
Educational Pathways and Programs
Quebec offers multiple educational routes for aspiring accountants, from traditional university programs to flexible online accounting degrees that accommodate working professionals.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Most Quebec universities offer accounting-focused bachelor’s programs that fulfill CPA educational requirements:
- McGill University: Bachelor of Commerce with Accounting Major
- Université de Montréal: Baccalauréat en sciences comptables
- Concordia University: Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy
- Université Laval: Baccalauréat en sciences comptables
- UQAM: Baccalauréat en sciences comptables
Graduate Programs
For career advancement and specialization, Quebec institutions offer graduate-level accounting programs:
- Master of Accounting (M.Acc)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) with Accounting Focus
- Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting
Alternative Pathways
Professionals with degrees in other fields can pursue accounting careers through:
- CPA Preparatory courses to fulfill prerequisite requirements
- Graduate-level certificate programs in accounting
- Professional development courses for career transitions
Salary Expectations for Quebec Accountants
Accounting salaries in Quebec vary significantly based on experience level, specialization, geographic location, and professional designation. Entry-level positions offer competitive starting salaries with substantial growth potential as professionals advance their careers.
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Specialized Accounting Roles
Specialized accounting positions command premium salaries reflecting their expertise requirements:
- Tax Specialists: $65,000 – $110,000
- Financial Auditors: $60,000 – $100,000
- Management Accountants: $70,000 – $120,000
- Forensic Accountants: $75,000 – $130,000
- Controller Positions: $90,000 – $150,000
Geographic Salary Variations
Salaries within Quebec vary by location, with Montreal typically offering the highest compensation due to its concentration of major financial institutions:
- Montreal: Premium salaries 10-15% above provincial average
- Quebec City: Competitive salaries with lower cost of living
- Regional Centers: Moderate salaries offset by significantly reduced living costs
The CPA designation typically increases earning potential by 25-40% compared to non-designated accounting professionals.
Career Opportunities and Advancement
Quebec’s diverse economy provides accounting professionals with numerous career pathways across multiple industries and organizational types. The province’s bilingual business environment often provides additional opportunities for professionals fluent in both French and English.
Public Practice Opportunities
Public accounting firms in Quebec range from international “Big Four” firms to specialized boutique practices:
- Large International Firms: Audit, tax, and advisory services for multinational corporations
- Regional Firms: Full-service accounting for mid-market clients
- Specialized Practices: Niche services in areas like forensic accounting or tax specialization
- Solo Practices: Entrepreneurial opportunities serving small business clients
Industry Accounting Roles
Corporate accounting positions offer stability and career advancement within specific industries:
- Financial Analyst positions
- Management Accounting roles
- Internal Audit functions
- Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)
- Treasury and Cash Management
- Controller and CFO track positions
Government and Non-Profit Opportunities
Public sector accounting provides excellent work-life balance and comprehensive benefits:
- Provincial government accounting positions
- Municipal finance roles
- Federal government opportunities
- Non-profit organization financial management
- Educational institution finance roles
Professional Development and Continuing Education
Maintaining CPA designation requires ongoing professional development to stay current with evolving accounting standards, technology, and business practices. Quebec CPAs must complete continuing professional education (CPE) requirements annually.
Continuing Education Requirements
CPA Quebec mandates specific CPE requirements:
- Annual Requirement: 40 hours of verifiable learning
- Three-Year Cycle: 120 hours total with structured learning components
- Ethics Component: Minimum ethics training every three-year cycle
- Measurement Standards: Specific criteria for qualifying educational activities
Specialization Opportunities
CPAs can pursue specialized certifications to enhance career prospects:
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): Investment and portfolio management
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): Internal audit expertise
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): IT audit specialization
- Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE): Forensic accounting focus
Getting Started: Next Steps for Aspiring Accountants
Beginning an accounting career in Quebec requires strategic planning and systematic progression through educational and professional requirements. Here’s a practical roadmap for success:
Immediate Action Steps
- Assess Current Education: Evaluate your existing academic credentials against CPA prerequisite requirements
- Research Programs: Compare Quebec university accounting programs and admission requirements
- Plan Finances: Investigate tuition costs, living expenses, and available financial aid options
- Network Professionally: Join student accounting organizations and attend industry events
- Gain Experience: Seek internships or entry-level positions to build practical experience
Long-Term Career Strategy
- Develop strong technical competencies in accounting software and data analysis
- Build communication skills for client interaction and team collaboration
- Stay informed about industry trends and technological developments
- Consider specialization areas aligned with personal interests and market demand
- Cultivate professional relationships within Quebec’s accounting community
Success in Quebec’s accounting profession requires dedication to continuous learning, professional excellence, and ethical practice. The province’s dynamic business environment offers rewarding career opportunities for committed professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the language requirements for accountants in Quebec?
While Quebec is primarily French-speaking, most major accounting firms and financial institutions operate bilingually. Fluency in both French and English significantly enhances career opportunities, particularly in Montreal’s international business community.
How long does it take to become a CPA in Quebec?
The typical timeline is 5-7 years: 3-4 years for a bachelor’s degree, 18-30 months for the CPA Professional Education Program, and 30 months of practical experience (which can be completed concurrently with education).
Can international students pursue accounting careers in Quebec?
Yes, international students can study accounting in Quebec and pursue CPA designation. However, they must meet immigration requirements and may need additional coursework to fulfill CPA Quebec’s educational prerequisites.
What is the job outlook for accountants in Quebec?
The job outlook is positive, with steady growth expected due to regulatory requirements, business expansion, and retiring professionals. The financial services sector’s continued growth particularly benefits accounting professionals.
Are online accounting degrees accepted for CPA qualification in Quebec?
CPA Quebec accepts degrees from accredited institutions, including reputable online programs. However, the degree must cover all prerequisite coursework and be from a recognized university.
What specializations are most in-demand in Quebec?
High-demand specializations include tax accounting (due to complex Quebec tax regulations), financial auditing, management accounting, and forensic accounting. Technology-focused roles combining accounting with data analytics are increasingly valuable.
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for Accountants and Auditors reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2025.
