Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
Overview

Resources

Chartered Perspective is pleased to offer various resources to help guide you on your CPA journey.

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CPA Competency Map Template (FREE)
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CPA PERT, Free
CPA Competency Map Template (FREE)
CPA PERT, Free

This free Excel-based template displays the CPA Technical Competency Map and allows candidates to input their target proficiency levels (1 and 2) to plan out their journey. The template will automatically check whether the three competency requirements are met, so feel free to test out combinations and see which works best for you while allowing you to meet the CPA Canada requirements!

CPA PERT, Free
PERT Basic
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CPA PERT
PERT Basic
CPA PERT

PERT Basic is the perfect guide to help you get started with the CPA Practical Experience Reporting Tool (PERT). This PDF guide includes a brief overview of the CPA Experience Verification Route reporting process as well as example answers with commentary and explanations for both Technical and Enabling competencies at levels 0 and 1.

This guide is well suited for a new CPA Candidate getting started with experience reporting, particularly those reporting under the Experience Verification Route (EVR).

CPA PERT
PERT Advanced
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CPA PERT
PERT Advanced
CPA PERT

PERT Advanced offers assistance where CPA Candidates typically need it most - achieving Level 2 proficiency. Increase the odds of your experience reports being approved on your first try by leveraging the PERT Advanced guide which includes several Level 2 example answers and analysis for both Technical and Enabling competencies.

This is a great resource to help candidates navigate the Practical Experience Reporting process, particularly those reporting under the Experience Verification Route (EVR).

CPA PERT

My CPA Journey/Background

The Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) pathway involves a series of grueling study modules, a common final exam (CFE), and finally, an experience verification process in which candidates must prove their demonstration of the competencies laid out by the relevant CPA governing body.

During my CPA journey I was surprised to find the experience verification to be particularly difficult, especially as I had to follow the Experience Verification Route (EVR) and submit multiple reports using the Practical Experience Reporting Tool (PERT).

After much research, many drafts, and some trial and error, I devised an approach to PERT experience reporting which helped me present my experience in a way which aligned with the CPA reviewer expectations. This was instrumental to a smooth Experience Verification Route process and ultimately allowed me to meet the required competencies to obtain the CPA designation.

  • I graduated from a CPA-accredited undergraduate program in Ontario.

    • Bachelor of Accounting

    • Brock University

  • Successfully completed the CPA modules while working full-time.

    • Core 1 and 2

    • Electives: Finance and Performance Management

    • Capstones 1 and 2

    • Common Final Exam (CFE)

  • Have held several roles in my early career and have successfully had PERT reports CPA-reviewed and approved in the following:

    • M&A Advisory at Deloitte

    • FP&A in the CPG industry

    • Strategy & Corporate Development in the CPG industry

    • Corporate Banking at HSBC

  • For my full profile, please click here to visit the About page.

Perspectives: CPA

Explore further topics and discussion related to the CPA in Canada and beyond:

Blog
PERT Level 2: Examples vs. Coaching
PERT Level 2: Examples vs. Coaching

CPA Canada candidates struggling with PERT have several options including coaching and PERT Level 2 Report Examples. These options are compared and disussed.

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Is There Value in Passing the CFE Without Having Completed PERT? (CPA Canada Practical Experience)
Is There Value in Passing the CFE Without Having Completed PERT? (CPA Canada Practical Experience)

Is there value in passing the CFE without completing PERT? Yes, passing the CFE is one of the strongest signals to employers in the Canadian job market that the candidate is committed to obtaining the CPA designation and a career in a related field.

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CPAs in Canada: Recession Resilience
CPAs in Canada: Recession Resilience

How recession-proof are CPA members in Canada? Canadian CPAs often perform essential functions, have diversified clients and industries. CPAs in Canada are generally well-positioned to avoid being impacted by a recession however consideration should still be given to the exact role or function being performed.

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