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PROGRAM OFPROFESSIONAL STUDIES

CERTIFIED GENERAL ACCOUNTANTS OF CANADA

06 |07The language of business

06/07 PROGRAM OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES CERTIFIED GENERAL ACCOUNTANTS OF CANADA 3

Where everyou want to go,

CGA gets you there.

The CGA professional accounting designation offers aspiringprofessionals a distinctive edge — opening doors of unlimitedcareer opportunity. Enrolling in the CGA program of professional studies will provide you with the skills to succeedwherever your business career will take you.

LI XIAOGANG, CGAFinance & Administration ManagerR-Biopharm China

CGA has only three letters; but, with these three letters behindour names, we are respected as qualified finance professional andindispensable business partners, who have acquired not onlyfinancial expertise but business management capabilities as well.These three powerful letters make us more distinct, flexible, andthus more competitive in today’s increasingly competitive jobmarket. All these benefits result from the completion of the CGAProgram of Professional Studies, which is unparalleled in the profession of accountancy.

From my own experience, I have to say that it is not an easy jobto earn the CGA designation. Enormous time, effort, diligence, aswell as continued commitment are required as the CGA programmaintains a high standard of true excellence and professionalism.

However, for those serious career pursuers, the CGA designationis worth your while to pursue since it can equip you with market-oriented specialized knowledge and skills as well as the dedicationand integrity to be an effective business leader.

Among the features that make the CGA program unique andattractive are its flexible entrance, integrated degree opportunities,as well as technology and ethics integration. You can study at yourpace while working full-time. With the designated website, youcan access to the study materials whenever and wherever you want.

4 06/07 PROGRAM OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES CERTIFIED GENERAL ACCOUNTANTS OF CANADA

CANADA’S MOST RESPECTEDACCOUNTING EDUCATIONPROGRAM

CGA’s professional designation offersyou a distinctive edge, opening doorsof unlimited career opportunity.Enrolling in the CGA program of professional studies provides you thetools to succeed, no matter where inthe business world your career takesyou. You will demonstrate toemployers that you have specializedknowledge and skills, as well as thededication, vision, and ethicalintegrity to be an outstanding leader.

You will learn from a comprehensiveand dynamic competency based curriculum that is developed by CGACanada’s renowned educational team,with the support of leading accountingand business specialists and academicsfrom across Canada. The CGA programis proven to deliver the highest standards in leading-edge financialmanagement competencies, integratedcomputer technologies and independent learning support.

Real world experience is an integralcomponent of your development asa financial professional. While progressing in the CGA program youwill have the opportunity to enjoyrapid career advancement with full-time employment. This practicalon-the-job-experience will effectivelycomplement your studies and assistyou in understanding and applyingthe competencies expected of adeveloping professional – leading youto increasingly senior positions ofresponsibility and earning potential.

CAREER ADVANTAGES BEGINWITH ENROLLMENT

CGAs are recruited for the most seniorfinancial management positions andcommand maximum earning power.But you don’t have to wait until youachieve your CGA designation tobegin enjoying the career benefits.Enrolling in the CGA program offersyou immediate career advantages.As a CGA student you will developthe abilities to analyze and interpretfinancial information; the skills tothink creatively and to solve complexproblems; the expertise to plan, forecast, and implement corporatestrategies; and to communicateeffectively. Employers recognize thatCGA students demonstrate high levelsof dedication and competence, andare being professionally groomedunder Canada’s most demandingfinancial management curriculum.

UNLIMITED ADVANCEMENT & EARNING POTENTIAL

As a CGA your career offers unlimitedadvancement and earning potential!CGAs hold financial executive positions, as Presidents, CEOs, CFOs,Directors, Partners, etc. and rank inthe top five per cent of income earnersin Canada. Recent salary surveys showthat CGA incomes range between$40,000 and $1 million annually!

LEARN RELEVANT AND LEADINGEDGE PROFESSIONALCOMPETENCIES

There is a growing demand for highlyskilled financial professionals. CGA’songoing practice analysis researchensures that its competency basedcurriculum always meets the emergingneeds in today’s business world.With the CGA designation you bearthe mark of professional competence,proof that you have what it takes toexceed employer expectations.

The CGA designation is recognizedthroughout Canada and around theworld as a pre-eminent standard ofexcellence and professionalism in allaspects of finance and business management. CGAs are committed tocontinuing professional developmentand strictly adhere to one of Canada’smost highly respected codes of professional conduct. It is this levelof attention to the development andmaintenance of professional competence that has led the business,academic, and professional communities to hold the CGA designation in the highest regard.

ETHICS INTEGRATION

Ethics is the cornerstone on whichprofessionals build their reputationand instill trust in those they serve.CGA members must closely adhereto the Association’s strict Code ofEthical Principles and Rules ofConduct. This renowned code is oneof the main reasons why businesseshold the CGA designation in suchhigh esteem. CGA incorporatesethics studies throughout all coursesin the program.

Why choose CGA?

“In many provinces CGAs and CGA students enjoy an employment rate of over 99%!”

A FLEXIBLE EDUCATIONPROGRAM

The cga program adapts to yourlearning style, career goals andlifestyle.

Flexible Entrance

The CGA program accommodatesentry at a level that is consistent withyour educational background. Youcan enter the program at Level 1 ifyou are new to accounting education,or, if you have already completedsubstantially equivalent courses at anapproved post-secondary institution,you may apply for transfer credits toenter at a more advanced level.

Innovative Online Course Delivery

CGA’s use of innovative educationaltechnologies provides students withan efficient and flexible learningenvironment. Web-based technologiesoffer students the advantages ofindependent and collaborative learning.CGA’s technology integration keepsyou connected with course lecturers,tutors, and other CGA students fromvirtually any location.

PACE Elective Courses

As a CGA student, you not only havethe choice to work in any businessarea, but you also have the uniqueopportunity to tailor your professionalstudies to complement your personalcareer path. At the certification level,PACE, you can choose from over 15 different course combinations —allowing you to complete coursesrelated to your chosen field — whetherit is in the corporate sector, non-profit,government, or public practice.

Integrated Bachelors or

Masters Degree

To maintain open access and flexibility, CGA’s degree requirementis administered as a certification, notan entrance requirement. And, whileyour degree may be obtained fromany approved degree granting institution and in any field, if you enterthe CGA program without a degreeyou can take advantage of CGA’sexclusive integrated opportunities —allowing you to efficiently completea bachelors or masters degree concurrent with your CGA studies.For more information about CGA’sdegree opportunities see page 7.

Portability Across Canada

The CGA designation is recognizedthroughout Canada and around theworld. In fact, CGA-Canada representsa network of 60,000 members andstudents working in Canada andabroad. CGA’s exclusive program givesyou the portability of transferringyour designation or studies from yourinternational region to any region onthe back cover of this publication.

Earn While You Learn

The CGA program encourages you to work full-time in an accounting orfinancial management related position,concurrently while you completeyour CGA studies — providing youthe opportunity to enjoy the benefitsof a full-time salary and careeradvancement while continuing youreducation as a part-time student.

Flexible Practical Experience

CGA’s practical experience standardallows you the choice of determiningwhere you pursue your financialcareer. You will find exciting andrewarding opportunities for CGAs inall economic sectors.

SUNNY TANG, B.SC., B.ACCS, CGAAssistant Manager-Fund ServicesState Street Bank and Trust Company

There are so very many reasons to become a CGA — focus on competencies, high recognition, competitive advantage.

The CGA program not only provided me with solid accounting foundation, but helpeddevelop my problem-solving, management and communication skills and this has beenintegral to my professional success.

The Program exceeded all my expectations and opened up a career path of unlimited possibilities.



ACADEMIC

Pre-Certification: Foundation &Advanced Studies

The CGA foundation and advancedstudy levels are comprised of 15 course and 2 business caserequirements, as outlined by thecourse sequence diagram on page 8.The course materials and examinationsare developed by CGA-Canada withthe support of over 100 leading academics and professionals. CGA’srigorous development process provides students with the most up-to-date, relevant, and functionallearning resources. These programrequirements may be satisfied by CGAexamination or by transfer credit.

Business Cases

CGA’s business cases are designed tohelp you apply financial managementconcepts in a practical and professionalmanner. The accounting case (BC1)is completed following theFoundation Studies, while the auditingcase (BC2) may be completed in conjunction with or following theAuditing 1 (AU1) course.

Certification: PACE

The academic capstone of the CGAprogram is PACE, ProfessionalApplications & CompetenceEvaluations. PACE courses are delivered through an interactivelearning environment that includesonline teamwork, business simulations, and in-depth case studies.The PACE courses are designed toprovide students with the technical, professional, leadership, and generalmanagement competencies requiredof a newly certified CGA.

PACE requires the completion of fourprofessional applications courses —two electives and two capstones.The capstone courses are Issues inProfessional Practice (PA1) andStrategic Financial Management (PA2).In these two courses, studentsadvance and demonstrate their abilitiesto integrate and apply professionalcompetencies from the broad spectrum of financial managementknowledge (including accounting,tax planning, assurance, finance,management information systems,strategy, etc.) they have studied andexperienced; from the perspective ofan external business advisor in PA1to an organization’s internal financialmanager in PA2.

The PACE elective componentrequires two courses selected fromsix options, allowing for 15 differentcombinations. These electives willprovide you the opportunity to focusyour professional preparation in thearea that supports your personalcareer goals and interests.Recommendations on differentcourse combinations in different sectors are shown on page 8.

All PACE examinations must be writtenthrough the CGA Association, ensuring that all students demonstratethe professional knowledge andcompetencies expected of a newlycertified CGA.

CGA program at a glance

CGA professional certification consists of three main components;

Academic (foundation, advanced, and PACE levels), Degree, and Practical Experience.


DEGREE

All CGA students are required to obtain a Bachelors degreeprior to certification as a CGA. The degree may be fromany approved post-secondary degree-granting institutionand may be obtained in any field. The CGA degreerequirement is an exit, not an entrance, requirement andmay be achieved while enrolled in the CGA program.

CGA’s Exclusive Integrated Degree Opportunities

Students choosing to enter the CGA program without aBachelors degree are provided several options. The degreecourses are designed for part-time distance learning and arecompleted as students study towards their CGA designation.

CGA students can complete an Honours Bachelor ofCommerce degree, a Bachelor of Applied BusinessAdministration degree, or a Master of BusinessAdministration degree. CGA jointly administers the degreecourse registrations and delivery processes for all threeopportunities — offering efficient and affordable paths toboth achieving an accredited business degree and satisfyingCGA’s degree standard.

The Honours Bachelor of Commerce offered by LaurentianUniversity (LU) combines versatile management educationand core business skills that compliment CGA’s accountingand financial management professional studies, providingstudents a breadth of highly relevant professional businesscompetencies. For further details, visit www.cga.laurentian.ca.

The Bachelor of Applied Business Administration degree,conferred by the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology(SAIT), allows students to combine their professionalaccounting designation with information technology skillsand training. For further details, visit www.cga-saitdegree.ca.

The Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree, alsooffered through Laurentian University, may be completedconcurrently with or following completion of the CGAprogram. Admission to this graduate level business degreeis competitive, based on an applicant’s portfolio ofdemonstrated experience and education. For further detailsof this exceptional educational opportunity, visitwww.cga.laurentian.ca.

PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

The application of knowledge through practical experience,concurrent with the study of conceptual knowledge, isintegral to developing a well-rounded professional. Further,the freedom to obtain experience in a variety of accountingand financial management positions is one of the majoradvantages of CGA’s certification process.

CGA practical experience is assessed on the basis of professional competencies. To qualify for certification, allcandidates must demonstrate a specific set of competenciesthrough approved work experience. This generally requires36 months of full-time employment experience, however,depending upon a student’s rate of advancement, may beachieved within a minimum period of 24 months.

Where your accounting and financial management experience is gained is largely up to you. CGA studentsenjoy a wide range of career opportunities throughout thebusiness community, while employed in corporate entities,governments, public accounting firms and not-for-profitorganizations.

As examples, the practical experience portfolios of CGAstudents at the advanced studies level may include suchactivities as financial statement interpretation, financialanalysis, annual budgeting, investment management, taxplanning, small organization audits, and systems analysis.Typical PACE level student experiences may include complex financial analysis, forecasts, strategic planning,policy recommendations, project leadership, business re-engineering, client relations, corporate audits, andother senior management functions. As a student youmay have your experience assessed from time to time asyou advance through the program ensuring that you areprogressing satisfactorily towards this certificationrequirement.

Recognizing that many organizations will only employregistered CGA students, the Association allows studentsto enroll in the CGA program prior to obtaining relatedemployment.

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4

Corporateand Small-Medium

Enterprise

FN2 Finance 2MS2 Management

Information Systems 2or

MU1 ManagementAuditing 1

InformationTechnology

MS2 ManagementInformation Systems 2MU1 Management

Auditing 1

Government and Not-for-Profit

PF1 Public SectorFinancial Management 1

MS2 ManagementInformation Systems 2

orMU1 Management

Auditing 1

Public Practice

TX2 Taxation 2AU2 Auditing 2

FOUNDATION STUDIES

ADVANCED STUDIES

PROFESSIONAL STUDIES (PACE LEVEL)

CGA CERTIFICATION2

ALL STUDENTS MUST COMPLETE:PA1 Issues in Professional Practice

and PA2 Strategic Financial Management

1 You may also design a personal career option: it must include PA1 and PA2 and may include only one advanced auditing.2 Bachelor degree and practical experience requirements must be completed before certification.

Level 1 FA1 Financial Accounting 1EM1 Economics 1LW1 Law 1

Level 2 FA2 Financial Accounting 2QU1 Quantitative Methods 1

MA2 Management Accounting 1CM1 Communications 1

Level 3 FA3 Financial Accounting 3 FN1 Finance 1 MS1 Management Information Systems 1

BC1 Business Case 1

Level 4 FA4 Financial Accounting 4 MA2 Management Accounting 2

TX1 Taxation 1 AT1 Accounting Theory 1 AU1 Auditing 1

BC2 Business Case 2

There are a total of 14 possible course combinations in the PACE level to meet your needs in every accounting and financial management position in every sector.

Choose one of the following Financial Management Career Options or assemble your own two course combination1:


CGA program at a glance


THE CGA LEARNING PROCESS

CGA’s program of professional studiesis designed to offer students theopportunity to study part-time whilepursuing full-time employment andcareer advancement. The programoffers four sessions annually (Fall,Winter, Spring, Summer); studentsnormally register for one course in asession.

CGA’s innovative course design integrates technology, using onlinelearning resources for delivery and a wide range of leading business software to provide students the‘hands-on’ opportunity to use technology as an effective businessdecision tool.

Lectures

CGA offers weekly online audio lectures that facilitate the entire CGAprogram being completed by independent and collaborative distance learning.

Online Support Resources

A variety of online learning supportresources are provided for eachcourse. In addition to the audio lectures mentioned above, studentshave access to a national tutor, study groups/chat lounges, practice examination blueprints, interactivemodule notes, and model financialstatements.

Modules and Course Work

Each CGA Course has 10 weeklymodules with required readings andmay include an assignment, quiz,and/or online discussion. In theFoundation studies courses, onlineassignments and quizzes will beassessed for 30% of your final coursegrade. In the Advanced Studies andPACE level the assignments and/oronline discussions will be used toqualify you for the national courseexamination. Each module also provides a set of review questions andsuggested solutions to reinforce theconcepts and skills you have learned.

Examinations

Three-hour national examinationsare written at the end of each coursein the Foundation and Advanced studylevels. At the PACE Level, the examsare four hours in length. To assistexamination preparation, you areprovided with a practice examinationand previously written CGA exams.In-person review sessions may beavailable for courses provided within-class support, in addition to onlineaudio review files.

Students must achieve a minimumfinal grade of 65% to earn credit fora course. For Foundation Studiescourses, the final grade is a blend ofthe results from the term work andfinal examination. For the AdvancedStudies and PACE level courses, thefinal course grade is based solely onthe final examination.

Study Workload

The CGA program prepares you forcertification as a financial professional.To be successful you will need commitment, self-discipline andorganization skills. You should anticipate devoting approximately 20 hours per week to your studies.CGA recommends that you take onlyone course per session while you areworking full-time.

Foundation Studies in Accounting Diploma

CGA-Canada awards students aFoundation Studies in Accountingdiploma upon completion of all thecourse requirements in the CGAFoundation Studies, Levels 1 through3, by CGA examination or transfercredit. As a minimum residencyrequirement, students must havepassed the CGA Financial Accounting3 examination, Business Case 1, andone other CGA course examinationto be eligible for the diploma.

PD NETWORK

CGA-Canada has developed theProfessional Development Networkat www.cga-pd.net. This site is available to students and CGA members and is a compilation ofinformation targeted to answer thequestions that CGAs face in theirday-to-day work. Resources on thissite are chosen for their relevance,depth and integrity. They include avirtual library of articles, a bibliographyof books and publications, and continuing professional developmentopportunities such as online seminarsand courses.

Study Method


FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING 1 [FA1]

Prerequisite: None

An introductory course in financialaccounting that reviews the fullaccounting cycle and the preparationof financial statements.

LAW 1 [LW1]

Prerequisite: None

An introduction to the Canadian legalsystem and its relation to businessoperations from a financial manager’sperspective.

ECONOMICS 1 [EM1]

Prerequisite: None

This is a principles course in theissues, concepts, and theories ofmicroeconomics and macroeconomics.


Prerequisite: FA1

This is an intermediate financialaccounting course that focuses onthe asset side of the balance sheet.

QUANTITATIVEMETHODS 1 [QU1]

Prerequisite: None

With a focus on business andauditing, this course covers the fundamental concepts in the use ofstatistical analysis.

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING 1[MA1]

Prerequisite: FA1 (course taken butnot necessarily passed)In this course the student is introducedto the main concepts and practicesof management accounting.

COMMUNICATIONS 1 [CM1]

Prerequisite: None

The writing skills that professionalsrequire to succeed in business communications are developed inthis course.


Prerequisites: FA2 (course takenbut not necessarily passed)This intermediate level financialaccounting course emphasizes liabilities, equities and the analysis offinancial statements.

FINANCE 1 [FN1]

Prerequisites: FA1, EM1

This foundation course in managerial finance focuses on themajor decisions made by the financialexecutive.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATIONSYSTEMS 1 [MS1]

Prerequisite: FA1 (course taken butnot necessarily passed)This is an introductory course in theuse of computer-based informationsystems in management andaccounting.

BUSINESS CASE 1 [BC1]

Prerequisite: Completion of Level 3

Students will apply and integrateknowledge from various subjectareas to solve business problemsencountered by a sample companyand produce high-level managementreports. This business case will requirestudents to commit approximately50 hours and has no final examination.

Course descriptions

The following are brief course summaries plus a reference to course prerequisites. For detailed descriptions of the courses,required textbooks and software, visit www.Thinkcga.org.


MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING 2[MA2]

Prerequisites: MA1, QU1

In this advanced course, studentsdevelop a conceptual understandingof the role of management accountinginformation in the analysis of businessoperations, implementation of effectivemanagement control systems andsupport of management decisions.

AUDITING 1 [AU1]

Prerequisites: FA3, MS1, QU1

The auditing principles and proceduresapplicable to external auditing arecovered in this introductory course.

BUSINESS CASE 2 [BC2]

Prerequisites: FA3, MS1, QU1, AU1(course taken but not necessarilypassed) May also be completed concurrently with AU1.Students will obtain hands-on experience in preparing audit workingpapers required to support the auditopinion reached by an auditor. Thisbusiness case will require students tocommit approximately 30 hours andhas no final examination. It is normallycompleted concurrently with theAuditing 1 course.

ACCOUNTING THEORY 1 [AT1]

Prerequisites: FA3, FN1

This is an advanced financialaccounting course providing an in-depth treatment of current issuesand problems in the professionalfinancial management field.

TAXATION 1 [TX1]

Prerequisite: FA3 (course taken butnot necessarily passed)The fundamental principles, concepts,and application of Canadian federalincome tax legislation, in both individual and corporate taxation,are covered in this course.


Prerequisites: FA3, BC1

An advanced course providing an in-depth study of the six major areasof advanced financial accounting.

AUDITING 2 [AU2]

Prerequisite: AU1, BC2

An advanced audit course providingan in-depth study of concepts relatedto all aspects of external auditing aswell as other types of audit and non-audit engagements, and a discussionof current issues and future directionsin auditing.

FINANCE 2 [FN2]

Prerequisite: FN1

This advanced course provides an in-depth study of issues and toolsthat will assist financial managers intheir decision-making.

MANAGEMENT AUDITING 1 [MU1]

Prerequisites: AU1, BC2

Objectives, concepts, principles, procedures and techniques of management auditing, as well as therole of the management auditor intoday’s business systems are coveredin this course.

MANAGEMENT INFORMATIONSYSTEMS 2 [MS2]

Prerequisite: MS1

This advanced course in analysis,design, and implementation of computer-based information systemsis presented from a managementend-user perspective.

TAXATION 2 [TX2]

Prerequisite: TX1

This advanced course covers corporatereorganizations, tax planning, andthe application of tax principles andconcepts to complex tax situations ofindividuals, trusts, partnerships, andcorporations.

PUBLIC SECTOR FINANCIALMANAGEMENT [PF1]

Prerequisites: FA2, MA2, AU1

This advanced course deals withfinancial management concepts,methods, and standards in use in thepublic sector.

ISSUES IN PROFESSIONALPRACTICE [PA1]

Prerequisite – Level 4 & two PACE Electives

Prepares students to integrate andapply the competencies that a professional accountant external to anorganization and providing businessadvisory services should possess.Using case studies and business simulations, students will develop anddemonstrate their ability to anticipateand solve real world problems. Thecourse introduces emerging issueswhile emphasizing competencies infinancial accounting, taxation, andassurance. Online discussion groupsare used to further develop suchcompetencies as communications,teamwork and time management.

STRATEGIC FINANCIALMANAGEMENT [PA2]

Prerequisites – Level 4 & two PACE Electives

Develops the professional competencies a CGA requires toeffectively manage an organization’sfinancial affairs from an internal perspective. In this course students areintroduced to strategy and leadershipcompetencies. They are also requiredto demonstrate their ability to integrate and apply knowledge frommanagement accounting, finance, andmanagement information systems.Online case discussion groups andbusiness simulations are used tohone core professional competenciesin communications, teamwork andtime management.


Technology requirements

The CGA program has earned global respect for its leadership in technology-integrated training.CGA’s integration of the latest in business software, and web-based technologies provide learningsupport and a hands-on software experience – accelerating students’ efficiency of learning, whileequipping them with the practical skills to effectively compete in today’s technological world.

COMPUTER ACCESS

All CGA students must have access to, and the familiarityto use the appropriate computer hardware, operating system software, and the Internet. Students must ensurethat these requirements are met prior to enrolling in theprogram.

COMPUTER TUTORIALS

To ensure you are prepared to use the necessary computerapplications, the Association has developed self-studyComputer Tutorials, presented in three modules. Eachmodule is designed for self-study and requires approximately10 to 15 hours to complete and there are no examinations.The tutorials are designed to introduce students to the basicfeatures of: Microsoft Windows (CT1); Microsoft Excel (CT2);and ACCPAC (CT3).

The computer skills demonstrated within CT1 & CT2 areprerequisite knowledge for the CGA program. Studentsare strongly recommended to complete the tutorials priorto beginning their first CGA course. CT1 and CT2 may bepurchased from the CGA office.

LEADING BUSINESS SOFTWARE

CGA has integrated a wide range of leading software incourses throughout the program, including: ACCPAC,Excel, Access, CANTAX, CaseWare, and Audit CommandLanguage. Most required software is included with theapplicable course registration.

MICROSOFT OFFICE PROFESSIONAL

All students must have access to Microsoft Office 2000, XP,or 2003 Professional Edition. These packages include Excel,Word, Access, Power Point and Internet Explorer. Studentswithout licensed access to this software may purchaseMicrosoft Office 2003 – Professional Edition from theAssociation.

VIRUS & FIREWALL PROTECTION

All students are required to protect their computers withreputable and current virus checking and firewall software.This requirement minimizes the risk of system failure dueto a virus infection and the spreading of viruses to othercomputers. Students are able to purchase Trend MicroSystems antivirus software at a reduced price.

MINIMUM COMPUTER SYSTEM

Students who already own or have access to an oldergeneration of computer should determine the appropriateness of their system for use during the 2006/07academic year. Briefly, the minimum system for studentsincludes a Pentium 233MHz processor; 128MB RAM; 650MB hard drive space; 4X CD-ROM drive; 56 Kbps modem;Super VGA or higher video card; 15” SVGA colour monitor;sound card/speakers, Windows 2000 with SP3 or XP;Security software with regular updates; and a Windowscompatible printer. This minimum system configuration isnot recommended for new purchases and may not beadequate for future academic years.

RECOMMENDED COMPUTER SYSTEM

Students who plan to purchase new computers and printers for use in the CGA program are recommended toacquire systems that include the following features: 3 GHzor faster Intel Celeron, Pentium 4, or AMD processor; 512 MB RAM or more; 80 GB hard drive or larger; 48x orfaster CD-RW or combo DVD/CD-RW drive; four or moreUSB ports; sound card/speakers; 64 MB AGP Video; cableor ADSL Internet connection; 10/100 Mbps Network interface; 17” LCD panel; Windows version XP; Securitysoftware with regular updates; and a quality inkjet orlaser printer.

The CGA Association reserves the right to require CGAstudents to upgrade their hardware configuration in futureyears to meet new software requirements. For currentinformation on computer system requirements visit theCGA-Canada website www.CGA-online.org/canada.


CORPORATE

Careers in the corporate sector offer you an unparalleled choice ofopportunities and unlimited advancement. Corporate employersrange from small businesses tomultinational entities and deliver aninfinite variety of products and services.Regardless of their size and product,however, businesses rely on CGAs tomeet their complex and ever changingfinancial and management needs.

Opportunities in the corporate sectorrange from entry level student positions in accounts receivable to themost senior executive positions asPresident or Chief Financial Officer.In between, CGA students and members may advance through suchcareer steps as Financial Analyst,Internal Auditor, Controller, Directorof Finance, Vice-President, and thelist goes on.

PUBLIC PRACTICE

A career in public practice offers youthe opportunity to deliver a widerange of business services that includeaccounting, auditing, tax planning,and business consulting, to a varietyof personal and corporate clients.This career supports unlimited personal and financial career growthin a continuously challenging andchanging environment. It also offersthe opportunity of achieving practiceownership as a partner or sole proprietor.

If you want to control your own careerdestiny, are looking for a flexiblelifestyle, and possess an entrepreneurialspirit, then public practice may befor you!

GOVERNMENT/NOT-FOR-PROFIT

This broad sector employs almost35% of the accounting profession!

It encompasses all levels of government — federal, provincial, andmunicipal; association management;charitable/non-profit organizationmanagement; health service organizations; and education, andoffers a variety of interesting andchallenging professional careeropportunities.

Career profiles

CGA supports career opportunities across the profession.

WHERE CGAS WORK

27% Government

7% Non-Profit

43% Corporate/SME

20% Public Accounting

3% Education

ROWENA LIANG, BA, CGAChief Information Officer and Vice President, ITVancity Savings Credit Union

CEO Inventure Solutions

My CGA designation really helped me to appreciate the businessareas that my role as a Chief Information Officer demands of me.You would think that a CIO’s job is mostly IT in nature, but I amfinding more and more that my time is spent dealing with the different business areas of my organization. As a matter of fact,the very first year of my job had very little to do with technologyand everything to do with mergers, acquisitions and workingthrough the accounting in that type of seconds.

The CGA Program has provided me with the knowledge and language needed to present my ideas and solutions to the rest ofthe business. The role of IT is to bring value to the business andin order to do that you have to understand the business and thelanguage of the business. The CGA program has provided mewith a well-rounded body of expertise in these different businessareas. I enjoy being able to participate at the executive level andbeing able to contribute to the direction of my organization.Completing the CGA program took a lot of determination. Youget as much out as you put in, and it’s well worth it.


ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

CGA’s Program of Professional Studies accepts applicantswith a variety of educational backgrounds. Applicants mayapply with a university degree, a college diploma, partialpost-secondary credits, or with a high school diploma.

COMMUNICATION AND MATHEMATICS COMPETENCIES

Effective communication skills and a solid background inbusiness mathematics and algebra are essential to anaspiring professional accountant. Accordingly, upon enteringthe CGA program you should have a minimum Grade 12level of mathematics and English writing and comprehensionskills. You will be expected to use appropriate vocabulary,grammar, spelling and punctuation in your written workin the CGA program. While CGA courses provide aresource to develop effective writing techniques, studentswho are not proficient in English writing should considerupgrading courses prior to applying for admission to theCGA program.

HOW TO ENROLL

Step 1: Apply for Advanced Standing

This Step applies if you have completed courses at a university or college whose content and standards may bedeemed by the Association as substantially equivalent tocourses in the CGA program; and/or completed a Bachelorsor Masters degree.

If this does not apply to you proceed to Step 2.

Students requesting advanced standing must completeand forward an Application for Advanced Standing,accompanied with official transcripts of marks, payment,and a CV to the CGA office. Students who have completed courses at institutions outside of Canadashould also provide a course syllabus, if available. Workexperience is not accepted as a basis for granting transfercredits, but may be considered in assessing CGA’s practicalexperience requirement.

Allow up to two weeks for the Association to processyour evaluation. Once completed, an evaluation letterconfirming your advanced standing, eligible course transfercredits and a student ID number will be mailed to you.

Where doubt exists about course content or educationalstandards completed, a challenge examination may beoffered to students.

Enrolling in the CGA program

PENGQUAN ZHAOGraduate in 2005 from CGA Undergraduate program in NanKai University Accountant, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.

The CGA program has opened up a new world for me. A world ofprofessional challenges, opportunities and a supportive communityof colleagues.

After successfully completing all the courses, I have obtained in-depth knowledge in a wide range of areas — accounting, auditing, taxation, finance, technology — that will help me succeed professionally.

I have learned about the importance of integrity and ethics, thiswill stay with me throughout my entire life.

www.cga-online.org

06 |07

The language of businessAssociation Offices

INTERNATIONAL

CGA-Canada International800-1188 W. Georgia StreetVancouver, BCV6E 4A2T 604 669-3555F 604 689-5845E [email protected]

CGA-Hong KongUnit A, 10/F211 Johnston RoadWanchai, Hong KongT 852 2858-1712F 852 2559-4536E [email protected]

Beijing Representation OfficeRoom 304, Tower B, Jia Li Building180 Beiyuanlu, Chaoyang DistrictBeijing 100101, P.R. ChinaT 86 10 6491-6570F 86 10 6492-1279E [email protected]

Shanghai Representation Office7H, Apong Mansion,585 Ling Ling RoadShanghai 200030, P.R. ChinaT 86 21 6481-4855F 86 21 6439-3298E [email protected]

Guangzhou Representation OfficeRoom 305, Main BldgKingold Education BaseNo. 533 Tianhe RoadGuangzhou 510630, P.R. ChinaT 86 20 8551-0783F 86 20 8750-6507E [email protected]

Zhuhai Representation OfficeBuilding 30, Australia Villa,No. 2 Longxing StreetJiuzhou AvenueZhuhai 519015, P.R. ChinaT 86 756 813-7903F 86 756 813-7902

Caribbean and the BahamasCGA Student Services Inc.Suite 23, In One Accord PlazaWarrens, St. Michael, BarbadosT 246 424-8617 / 246 424-8596F 246 424-8496E [email protected]

St. Lucia Representation Officec/o Institute of Business andTechnologyL’Anse Road, P.O. Box 1777Castries, St. LuciaT 758 451-6675F 758 451-6674E [email protected]

Bermuda Program Officec/o CGA-Canada, International800-1188 West Georgia StreetVancouver, BCV6E 4A2T 604 669-3555F 604 689-5845E [email protected]

INTERNATIONAL MEMBER AFFILIATES

CGA-BarbadosPO Box 1071Suite 21, In One Accord PlazaWarrens, St. Michael BarbadosE [email protected]

CGA-BermudaPO Box HM 3385Hamilton HM PXBermudaE [email protected]

CGA-BahamasPO Box N 777729 Retirement RoadNassau, BahamasE [email protected]

CANADIAN OFFICES

CGA-Canada800-1188 W. Georgia StreetVancouver, BC V6E 4A2T (604) 669.3555F (604) 689.5845www.cga-online.org

CGA-AlbertaSuite 900-926 5th Avenue SWCalgary, AB T2P 0N7T (403) 299.1300F (403) 299.1339www.cga-online.org/ab

CGA-British Columbia300-1867 West BroadwayVancouver, BC V6J 5L4T (604) 732.1211F (604) 732.1252www.cga-online.org/bc

CGA-Manitoba4 Donald Street SWinnipeg, MB R3L 2T7T (204) 477.1256F (204) 453.7176www.cga-online.org/mb

CGA Maritime Region –Student Services236 St. George Street, Suite 403Moncton, NB E1C 8R2T (506) 857.2204F (506) 852.4450www.cga-online.org

CGA-New BrunswickCommerce BuildingP.O. Box 139510-236 St. George StreetMoncton, NB E1C 1W1T (506) 857.0939F (506) 855.0887www.cga-nb.org

CGA-Newfoundland & LabradorSuite201, 294 Freshwater Rd.St. John’s, NL A1B 1C1T (709) 579.1863F (709) 579.0838www.cga-online.org/nl

CGA-NWT/NunavutP.O. Box 128, 3rd Floor5016 50th AvenueYellowknife, NT X1A 2N1T (867) 873.5620F (867) 873.4469www.cga-online.org/nt

CGA-Nova Scotia1801 Hollis Street, Suite 222Halifax, NS B3J 3N4T (902) 425-4923F (902) 425-4983www.cga-online.org/ns

CGA-Ontario240 Eglinton Avenue EastToronto, ON M4P 1K8T (416) 322.6520F (416) 322.6481www.cga-ontario.org

CGA-Prince Edward IslandP18 Queen Street, Suite 105Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4A1T (902) 368.7237F (902) 368.3627www.cga-online.org/pe

Ordre des comptablesgénéraux licenciés du Québec500 Place d’armes, Suite 1800Montreal, QC H2Y 2W2T (514) 861.1823F (514) 861.7661www.cga-online.org/qc

CGA-Saskatchewan114-3502 Taylor Street ESaskatoon, SK S7H 5H9T (306) 955.4622F (306) 373.9219www.cga-online.org/sk

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