Careers with an accountancy degree
Studying accountancy means you will learn to drive business success by solving problems, building sound financial strategies and ensuring strong fiscal health. Our graduates can fulfill the education requirements to become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and consistently achieve strong results on national accounting exams.
What can I do with my degree? This allows you to become a licensed accountant and work auditing, financial management, consulting, tax planning and beyond.
Skills you'll develop
Your degree builds more than academic knowledge, it shapes the way you think, communicate and collaborate. Throughout your studies, you'll develop key skills for your career, such as:
Functional knowledge:
Prepare, interpret and analyze financial statements in accordance with accounting standards and regulations
Communication:
Present complex financial data and recommendations in a clear and accessible way
Management and organization:
Manage competing deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
Teamwork:
Collaborate on group case studies to analyze real-world business problems and present financial solutions
Critical thinking and problem solving:
Evaluate the impact of changes in regulations or market conditions on financial performance
As a Concordia student, you will develop valuable skills to bring to any career opportunity.
Beyond the classroom: Build your career path
Getting involved outside of the classroom can help you discover your interests, develop new skills and build a network of peers and professionals in your field.
First year
- Attend events hosted by the John Molson Accounting Society (JMAS) or other JMSB student associations to connect with like-minded peers.
- Improve your language fluency in French or English through conversation sessions.
- Consider Co-op to gain professional work experience during your program.
- Check in with Career Management Services (CMS) to prepare for your internship search.
- Access the Career Intelligence tools to prepare for CPA recruitment.
- Get support for math-based courses from a learning specialist.
Middle years
- Connect with Career Counselling & Education Transitions to start planning your career path.
- Participate in immersive case competitions to develop business solutions across disciplines.
- Participate in the CPA Recruitment Cocktail hosted by JMAS in September to network with firms and learn about the recruitment process.
- Attend the John Molson Career Fair to network with employers from different industries.
- Gain meaningful employment while studying through CAPS online job bank or Concordia’s Work-study program.
- Consider taking graduate level credits if you are planning on pursuing your CPA Graduate Diploma at Concordia after your degree.
Final year
- Check in with Career Management Services (CMS) to prepare for your job search.
- Hone your pitch for investors, employers or competitions with FutureBound’s public speaking series.
- Explore and apply to leadership opportunities in the John Molson Accounting Society (JMAS) or other JMSB student associations.
- Join a professional association such as CPA – Chartered Professional Accountants Canada.
- Explore resources to understand the CPA designation, program requirements and upcoming events.
- Network with potential employers at recruitment events and career fairs.
Specialize your studies
Minors & elective groups
You can customize your degree by adding a minor or elective group. Popular choices with this program include:
Graduate studies and certifications
Graduate studies can help you specialize in a subject you love, engage in meaningful research or open doors to new career paths. Certifications are a great way to build new skills that complement your degree.
Talk to your professors or a career counsellor at the Student Success Centre to find programs that fit your goals.
Start exploring:
- Integrated path in accountancy: Begin graduate-level coursework while completing your bachelor's degree.
- Universitystudy.ca: A data base of graduate programs in Canada
- Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies: Graduate programs offered at Concordia
- Graduate funding and awards: Scholarships and awards, research and teaching assistantships, and other financial supports for Concordia graduate students
- Concordia Continuing Education: Courses, workshops and programs to advance your career
Career exploration resources
Professional organizations
Access professional associations to explore opportunities and expand your network.
Career counselling & advising
Want tailored career advice? Book an appointment with one of our career counsellors or career advisors.
Start your job search
Career Advising and Professional Success (CAPS) can help you find opportunities and support you with networking, applications and interviews.
