Program Overview

Introduction to the Chartered Professional Accountant Designation

The Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is the most highly prized and universally recognized accounting designation in Canada. It was introduced in 2013, following the merger of the three professional accounting bodiesCA, CMA, and CGA.

Fast-Track to Your CPA

With the Smith Graduate Diploma in Accounting, students can qualify to write the CPA Professional Exams (CFE) in only 15 months, which is a much shorter timeframe than certifying through the CPA's Professional Education Program, which can take up to 27 months.

CPA Professional Education Program

The CPA Professional Education Program typically takes up to 27 months to complete and includes:

• Undergraduate Accounting Degree
• Core 1 & 2
• Elective 1 & 2
  • Common Modules:
    1. Financial Reporting
    2. Strategy and Governance
    3. Management Accounting
    4. Audit and Assurance
    5. Finance
    6. Taxation
  • Elective Modules:
    • Assurance
    • Performance Management
    • Tax
    • Finance
    • Public Accounting Candidates must choose:
      • Assurance
      • Taxation

Smith GDA Timeline

The Smith GDA program can be completed in 15 months and includes:

• Undergraduate Accounting Degree
• Core 1 & 2
• Elective 1 & 2
  • Students take the following courses satisfying Cores 1 and 2, and the Assurance and Tax Elective Modules of the CPA PEP:
    1. Accounting Theory
    2. Income Tax Practice: Corporate and Individual
    3. Information Systems Control, Management and Audit
    4. Audit Effectiveness: An Evidential Approach
    5. Integration and Analysis

Chartered Professional Accountants

The CPA Competency Map lays the foundation for the CPA certification program, including education, accreditation, examinations, and practical experience requirements, and describes the knowledge, skills, and proficiency levels required to become a Canadian CPA.

Competency Map

The CPA Competency Map outlines the necessary knowledge, skills, and proficiency levels for Canadian CPAs.

Program Testimonial

A past student of the GDA program noted that the program's knowledgeable and diverse faculty, convenient schedule, and ability to receive tailored feedback on cases were key differentiators. The student also appreciated the integration of cases and feedback from Densmore, a well-respected CFE preparation program, which played a pivotal role in their success on the CFE.