CPA Program

Join our team of finance and accounting professionals to obtain your Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation with the City of Toronto.

The City of Toronto is Canada’s largest municipality serving 2.9+ million residents & thousands of communities in Toronto. We have consistently been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. As a leading public sector employer, the City of Toronto provides meaningful opportunities for aspiring professionals to develop their skills while contributing to the communities we serve.

An exciting pathway for building this experience is the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Rotational Program, which is currently recruiting for CPA Associate positions. Over a 30-month term, this program will provide CPA Associates with the experience needed to qualify as a Chartered Professional Accountant.

In alignment with the new CPA Professional Program which will launch in January 2027, CPA Associates will gain professional experience through two rotational assignments in either Accounting Services or Financial Planning, with an optional rotation in Internal Audit. The City of Toronto also supports CPA Associates in preparing for CPA examinations by providing training and study support, including ample study leave when preparing for and writing exams.

The Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Program Office at the City of Toronto is dedicated to empowering aspiring professionals, current CPA Ontario Students, and designated CPAs to reach their fullest potential through a comprehensive program designed to support your journey every step of the way. The City’s CPA program offers guidance throughout the entire CPA certification process, supported by our network of CPAs.

At the City, you will be part of a community committed to inclusion, accessibility, and excellence. Join us and be inspired to make a lasting impact, as we build a workforce that reflects Toronto’s rich diversity and serves its communities with integrity and pride. Your path to a professional future starts here!

The City of Toronto provides its CPA candidates with access to the following supports during their CPA journey:

Resources – Gain access to a detailed study plan outlining recommended timelines and milestones, a case writing tracker to help you structure and monitor your case study development, and a practical experience tracker customized for CPA Ontario requirements, allowing you to log and assess your progress throughout your CPA journey.
Study Leave and Financial Support – Take advantage of financial assistance that may cover expenses such as exam fees, textbooks, and prep courses. In addition, receive dedicated study leave during exam periods to ensure you have adequate time to prepare and succeed in your assessments.
CPA Mentorship Program – Be paired with a CPA mentor working at the City of Toronto to help you meet all CPA requirements and advance your professional development.
CPA Community of Practice – Engage with a network of fellow CPA candidates at the City of Toronto. This community enables you to ask questions, share knowledge, and exchange resources with peers who are also navigating the CPA process.
One-on-One Consultations – Access personalized guidance on educational requirements and practical experience reporting through consultations that are available upon request, ensuring you receive the support you need when you need it.

Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Rotational Program

The City’s CPA Program Office began welcoming CPA Candidates under the Pre-Approved Program Route (PPR) since 2022. The CPA PPR is a structured, employer-based training pathway allowing CPA Candidates to fulfill their mandatory practical experience in 30-32 months. At the City, the PPR is structured as two 16-month rotations within either Accounting Services, Internal Audit or Financial Planning. Under the PPR you will be matched with a mentor who will help guide and support your journey. The practical experience gained through these rotations, combined with the candidates’ Professional Education Program (PEP) will ensure their successful completion of the Chartered Professional Accounts (CPA) certification.

To qualify for our CPA Rotational Program, you must have completed the academic prerequisites (see below) and be eligible for the new CPA Professional Program prior to onboarding in September as a City of Toronto CPA Associate.

Before you are accepted into the new CPA Professional Program, you must meet all the following requirements:

hold a recognized degree or equivalent
have completed at least 120 credit hours or equivalent
achieve a minimum 70% GPA based on those 120 credit hours
successfully completed the Knowledge Assessment or CPA Qualifying Courses
evidence of good character

The prerequisite learning requirement can be completed at a recognized PSI or through CPA Ontario preparatory courses or through a mix of both.

Please refer to the website for more information on the prerequisites for PEP.

UPDATE:

We are now currently recruiting for CPA Associate positions! Please refer to the live job posting for the CPA Associate position.

In alignment with the new CPA Professional Program which will launch in January 2027, CPA Associates will gain professional experience through two rotational assignments in either Accounting Services or Financial Planning, with an optional rotation in Internal Audit. The City of Toronto also supports CPA Associates in preparing for CPA examinations by providing training and study support, including ample study leave for preparing for and writing exams.

Information Session – Join Us!

If you are interested in learning more about the CPA Associate role, you can participate in a virtual information session with City of Toronto CPA Program staff on October 8, 2026 from 4pm – 4:45pm.

Please register to participate in the information session.

It is important to note that this is a public information session. To remain anonymous, participants must join through web browser and ensure their login name reflects that preference.

Date modified: October 3, 2026