There is a common misconception in the profession that the pre-approved route (PPR) is more applicable to public practice or that candidates in public practice are more likely to be successful in the CPA Certification Program. However, CPA Alberta continues to see an increase in the number of industry employers offering pre-approved programs, and along with this, we are seeing candidates excel in positions outside of public practice.
In Alberta we currently have just over 40 employers training candidates through pre-approved programs in a variety of industries, including oil and gas, banking, health care, telecommunications and construction, and more. These organizations are approved for over 500 positions cumulatively.
The ways in which these industry employers structure their programs to both satisfy business needs as well as provide candidates with the required practical experience varies greatly. For example, some employers have rotational programs; others have their programs set up solely in one department. But the key is flexibility, and employers can design a program that can be tailored to their specific needs. Common departments included in the pre-approved program include internal audit, external reporting, corporate tax, and financial planning and analysis.
The practical experience requirements and education program are designed to work for a variety of different environments and employers—not just public practice. It is important that CPAs, candidates, and employers realize the vast opportunity for training in industry positions. In fact, the proof is in the results from the May 2021 CFE: two Alberta-based writers were named to the National Honour Roll, both of whom are from industry employers in pre-approved programs. One of those successful writers was even named the National Gold Medallist, an honour that is given to the top writer in all of Canada.
If you are interested in learning more about how a pre-approved program could work for your company, please email ppr@cpaalberta.ca. We are currently in the process of developing and improving resources to support industry employers and we want to work with you to design a program that will work for you.
