Graduates of Sault College's Business Accounting program now have an additional option to earn a professional designation, and with it increased opportunities in the job market.
Currently, students of the two-year Business Accounting program have the option to earn either a Chartered Professional Accountant or Certified Professional Bookkeeper designation after graduation, but a third fast-track route to a Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation for graduates was announced Tuesday at Sault College.
Program coordinator Barb Bringleson told SooToday that graduates are not required to seek a professional designation upon graduation, but doing so validates the skills that they learned in the program.
"It really does and it's really going to look good on their resume," said Bringleson. "It's going to set them apart from someone that does not have it."
The number of graduates in last year's class was not enough to meet the need for jobs in the field, said Bringleson, as more and more industries are attending the networking events she organizes for students.
"Mining companies are starting to come to our networking events because they can't get accounting positions filled," she said.
Graduates of the program who choose the RPA designation path will graduate with all but two course requirements and will be offered to obtain those courses through online learning.
Sault College president David Orazietti and Zubair Choudhry, president and CEO of RPA Canada, were on hand during Tuesday's announcement to sign a memorandum of understanding, paving the way for graduates to work toward the RPA designation.
In his remarks, Choudhry emphasized the growing demand for accounting professionals in Canada, particularly in small and medium-sized businesses.
"Our collaboration with Sault College is more than a formal agreement, it is a vibrant partnership that promises to unlock the countless opportunities for students, faculty and practitioners alike," said Choudhry.
Orazietti said the partnership will bode well for students.
"It's going to help Sault College in terms of our recruitment efforts, as students see a clear line of sight or pathway to a professional designation, which is something that students look for more and more in their learning, regardless of the program area that they're pursuing," he said.
The full news release from Sault College can be seen below:
Sault College Partners with RPA Canada to Offer Pathway for Graduates
(Sault Ste. Marie, ON November 19, 2024) – Today, representatives from Sault College and Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) Canada joined together to sign an exciting new pathway agreement offering Sault College’s Business Accounting graduates an additional option for earning a professional designation.
Complementing existing pathways to the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) designations, this agreement with RPA Canada offers graduates a fast-track route to the RPA designation designed to prepare graduates for roles in small and medium-sized enterprises. RPA designation enhances graduates' resumes, validates their knowledge and skills, and provides ongoing opportunities for professional development and networking with industry professionals.
“Sault College is committed to creating opportunities for our students to thrive and succeed,” said David Orazietti, President, Sault College. “This agreement is another way we are equipping our Business Accounting graduates with pathways to professional designations in addition to the skills and knowledge needed to excel in today’s job market. By adding more options for professional development, we’re ensuring our students have the flexibility to pursue the careers that best suit their goals.”
Business Accounting graduates who choose the RPA designation path will graduate with all but two course requirements with the option to obtain these through online learning.
"Today marks a significant milestone as we welcome Sault College graduates to pursue the Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing a relevant education, equipped with emerging technologies and a strong emphasis on continuing education, to empower graduates for the demands of the modern accounting landscape. With the RPA designation, Sault College graduates can broaden their career opportunities, enhance their expertise, and either secure rewarding employment or establish their own practices to support small and medium-sized businesses across Canada. Together, we are shaping the future of accounting with accessible and impactful pathways for professional growth, " said Zubair Choudhry, President & CEO of RPA Canada.
Sault College’s Business Accounting program introduces learners to accounting practices and business fundamentals needed to succeed in today’s business environment. To learn more about our amazing program and its various pathways, visit Business - Accounting | Sault College.
To learn more about the RPA designation, visit RPA Canada.