Accountant Jobs in Canada (2025) | Find High-Paying Accounting Careers

Accountant jobs in Canada are growing steadily, creating opportunities for both local professionals and international applicants. From junior accountant roles to senior-level positions like controllers and CFOs, the finance and accounting sector remains one of the most in-demand career paths. Across cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, accountants are needed in public accounting firms, multinational corporations, government offices, and startups. Whether you are exploring permanent, temporary, contract, or remote accountant jobs in Canada, the market offers competitive salaries, career advancement, and strong demand for skilled professionals with CPA or equivalent qualifications.

Who Hires Accountants in Canada?

Accounting professionals are employed across a wide range of industries. Major employers include accounting firms, banks, insurance companies, and corporate finance departments. Public sector organizations and non-profits also hire accountants to manage budgets, ensure compliance, and handle payroll. Recruitment agencies like ANZ Royal Group, play an important role by connecting job seekers with finance and accounting opportunities across Canada. In addition, technology companies, healthcare organizations, and energy firms are increasingly seeking accountants to manage regulatory reporting and financial planning. This diversity means job seekers can choose roles that fit their expertise and long-term career goals.

Types of Accountant Jobs in Canada

The accounting field in Canada offers roles at different levels.

Entry-Level: Entry-level positions include junior accountant, bookkeeper, and accounts payable/receivable clerk.

Mid-Level: Mid-level roles such as staff accountant or financial analyst require experience with financial reporting, payroll, and tax preparation.

Senior-Level: Senior roles, including senior accountant, controller, and CPA, often involve leadership, audit supervision, and regulatory compliance.

At the top positions like Chief Financial Officer (CFO) demand strategic oversight of company finances. There is also strong demand for remote accountant jobs and contract accounting positions. Having specialization in software like QuickBooks, SAP, or Excel increases employability across these job categories.

How to Become an Accountant in Canada

For most roles, a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required. To advance, completing the CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) program is highly recommended. The CPA pathway includes prerequisite courses, practical experience, and professional exams. Internationally trained accountants can explore bridging programs that align foreign credentials with Canadian requirements. Additionally, certifications in bookkeeping, payroll administration, and auditing strengthen employability. For those new to the field, entry-level jobs such as accounting clerks provide valuable on-the-job experience. Employers in Canada value continuous learning, so short courses in financial modeling, Excel, or tax preparation are often beneficial.

Job Requirements and Skills

Employers hiring accountants in Canada typically look for a combination of technical and soft skills.

• Technical Skills: Financial reporting, tax filing, auditing, budgeting, and accounting software (QuickBooks, Xero, SAP).

• Soft Skills: Communication, problem-solving, attention to detail, and time management. Strong knowledge of Canadian tax laws and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) is a plus.

For remote accountant jobs in Canada, digital literacy and experience with cloud accounting platforms are essential. Many employers also request CPA designation or progress toward it. Having both technical proficiency and professional certifications makes candidates stand out in a competitive job market.

Work Permit and Immigration Considerations

Canada is a popular destination for international accountants due to its immigration-friendly policies. Accountants are often listed under in-demand occupations in Express Entry programs and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Job seekers outside Canada may require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) for work permits. Employers sometimes sponsor skilled accountants when there is proven demand. International students studying accounting in Canada can transition into permanent residency through work experience. This pathway ensures that international talent can contribute to Canada’s economy.

Where to Find Accountant Jobs?

The best way to find accountant jobs in Canada is through trusted recruitment agencies and job portals.

• Recruitment agencies: ANZ Royal Group specializes in finance and accounting roles.

• Job boards: LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor list thousands of postings daily.

• Networking: Professional associations like CPA Canada host career fairs and job boards.

For city-specific searches, use long-tail keywords like “accountant jobs Toronto” or “accountant jobs Montreal” to target local opportunities. Submitting your resume through recruitment platforms like ANZ Royal Group can also help in connecting you with both temporary and permanent roles.

How to Apply: Resume, Cover Letter, and Checklist

To stand out, tailor your resume to each application. Include relevant experience, certifications (CPA, bookkeeping, payroll), and software proficiency. Highlight achievements using metrics, such as reducing errors by a percentage or improving reporting speed. A compelling cover letter should explain why you are a good fit for the role and the company. Here’s a quick checklist:

• Update resume with accounting-specific skills.

• Write a tailored cover letter.

• Add keywords like “finance & accounting jobs in Canada” and “junior accountant roles.”

• Submit through employer portals or recruitment agencies.

Following this structured approach increases your chances of securing interviews.

Interview Preparation Sample Questions

Employers hiring accountants in Canada often test both technical and soft skills. Common questions include:

• “How do you ensure accuracy in financial reporting?”

• “Can you walk me through the process of preparing a tax return?”

• “Tell me about a time you resolved an accounting error.”

Technical assessments may include Excel tasks, reconciliation problems, or financial analysis. Preparing answers with real examples from past work helps build credibility. Candidates should also research company background and be ready to discuss salary expectations, especially when applying for accountant jobs in Canada’s competitive markets.

Remote and Contract Accountant Roles

Remote and contract work opportunities are increasing across Canada. Many employers hire contract accountants for tax season or short-term projects. Remote accounting jobs are especially appealing for those skilled in cloud platforms like QuickBooks Online or Xero. These roles often provide flexible schedules and competitive hourly pay. For newcomers, contract jobs can be a great way to gain Canadian work experience and build a professional network. Long-tail phrases such as “remote accountant jobs Canada” and “temporary accountant positions” are growing in search volume, making them valuable for job seekers targeting flexible opportunities.

Top Certifications and Short Courses

Beyond the CPA designation, short courses can make applicants more competitive. Certifications in payroll, tax preparation, auditing, and bookkeeping are highly valued. Online platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer affordable finance and accounting programs, while Canadian colleges provide continuing education courses. Employers often appreciate candidates with practical certifications in Excel, financial modeling, or QuickBooks. For international students, these programs help bridge the skills gap and align qualifications with Canadian market expectations. Continuous learning signals commitment to professional growth, which is an attractive trait for employers seeking dedicated accountants in Canada.

Conclusion

Accountant jobs in Canada offer strong career prospects, competitive pay, and multiple entry points for both local and international candidates. With opportunities ranging from junior accountant jobs to senior management positions, and options for remote, contract, or permanent employment, the field is diverse and rewarding. Employers value CPA certification, technical skills, and adaptability, while job seekers benefit from a robust network of recruitment agencies and job boards. By tailoring applications, preparing for interviews, and pursuing ongoing certifications, candidates can successfully build a long-term career in Canada’s growing accounting sector.