Repetitive work, endless numbers, a male profession, a future darkened by artificial intelligence… Everything we hear about CPAs does not correspond to reality. When it comes time to do the math, those concerned first and foremost make it their duty to dismantle old stereotypes and re-establish some facts.
The president and CEO of the Certified Public Accountants of Quebec is the first to realize this. “There are some myths that still cling to the profession,” says Genevieve Motard, who has made it her mission to “debunk” these clichés. The president, an accounting graduate from Concordia University, has led numerous campaigns aimed at shattering prejudices since assuming the helm of the CPA in 2016.
Getting things right is a major challenge for the future of the profession, while we must ensure a generation of baby boomers ready to pass the torch. There are old stereotypes that die more often among young people. “All professions face a purely demographic challenge,” analyzes MI Motard. “But we also have challenges specific to the CPA profession. Because young people still see us as a dull and boring profession.”
Distinguished position
Contrary to what is still widely held belief, CPAs do not have endless columns of numbers as their only horizon. Their skills, like their field of activity, go beyond just compliance and financial statements. “The CPA is the only person in the company who has a 360-degree view. He must understand operations, finance, strategy and communications. This means that the CPA has influence on all types of activities,” emphasizes M.I Motard.
“Training to become a chartered accountant is very cross-sectional. Accounting is important, but we also take training courses to develop our thinking skills and make recommendations to CEOs,” says Pierre-Alexandre Corriveau-La Rochelle, CPA and Vice President of Finance and Operations at Duvernois Esprits. We become managers, not simple accountants, real businessmen involved in the company's strategy. »
Social issues
Often associated with boring shadow work, the CPA career is much more valuable than one might think. And not just within companies. We may not know it, but CPAs play an important role in protecting the public on key issues such as combating financial exploitation of the elderly. “We have made it our duty to sit at the table with the government and work on the bill
“The Order has consulted with several partners in the financial sector to develop mechanisms that allow CPAs to sound the alarm when they observe instances of financial abuse. Because of our roles, CPAs are often on the front lines of these types of situations. We have to make our voice heard on the issues.” Social,” continues the head of the system, who also worked to create a legislative framework aimed at better regulating credit agencies.
“I work with many companies throughout the year, and it is a great opportunity to learn from different backgrounds. My days are never the same, nor are my weeks.” — Arian Fillmore, CPA
Choose variety
In recent years, the association has also worked to highlight work in private practice, a somewhat “unpopular” profession in the profession. It is a fact that at the end of their training, young Certified Public Accountants prefer a career in business, which is generally considered more rewarding. But pursuing a practice can be just as fulfilling and enriching.
“Working in a firm allows you to be surrounded by a large team of all levels whose members have very diverse experiences. “So we learn very quickly and it is very educational,” confirms chartered professional accountant Ariane Fillmore.
After passing her professional exam in 2020, the 26-year-old certified public accountant found her place at MNP, one of Canada's leading professional services firms, where she works as an auditor and certification manager. WmI Fillmore does not regret his choice.
“I decided to work for a company because of the variety it offers me. I work with several companies throughout the year, and it's a great opportunity to learn from different backgrounds. My days are never the same, and neither are my weeks,” she says.
A career in full development
Like Arianne Fillmore's experience, the CPA profession is increasingly attracting more women. Long gone are the days when accounting was considered primarily a man's business. “We have almost reached parity today,” confirms Genevieve Motard. “We even expect things to change in the coming years, because we have a majority of female students in our faculties. We are one of the most diverse professions, but we are also the most equal in Quebec.”
When we talk about the future of the profession, another question emerges from the discussions. Isn't it risky to train for a profession whose death is expected to be planned? The rapid development of artificial intelligence has brought its share of dark omens, with some not hesitating in predicting the end of CPAs in the more or less long term. But as happened with the advent of the first computers in the early 1980s, accounting professions are particularly likely to evolve with technological innovations rather than disappear altogether.
“150 years ago, we worked with manual records. Today, we work with technological tools such as artificial intelligence. It is an adaptable profession,” concludes M.I Motard. “AI allows greater focus on other areas of CPA skills, namely professional judgment and business development, rather than on bookkeeping and tax returns. AI is just a tool, and cannot replace professional judgment.”
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at duty In cooperation with the advertiser. Editorial team at duty He had no role in producing this content.
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