A hub for anyone considering or building a career in accounting: CPA path, firm culture, and life at RHN.
Note: CPA pathway updates coming
Canada’s CPA profession is moving to a new CPA Professional Program (aligned with Competency Map 2.0), expected to launch in early 2027, with a transition window through 2028. The education, exam, and experience path described on this page and in linked articles reflects the current program. Details may change as the new model rolls out. For the latest requirements, check CPA Canada or your provincial body (CPABC / CPAWSB).
What this guide covers
Whether you are in university, finishing a co-op term, or comparing firm types before you apply, accounting careers in BC follow a clear but demanding path. You need the right education, practical experience, and exam success to earn the CPA designation. Along the way, the firm you choose shapes the clients you see, the hours you work, and how quickly you build real skills.
This page ties together RHN content on the CPA path in BC, interview preparation, and what it is like to grow a career at a mid-sized firm.
In this guide:
CPA path and getting your designation in BC
Becoming a CPA in British Columbia means meeting three core requirements: education, examination, and experience. Most candidates complete a recognized degree and prerequisite courses, enter the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) through the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB), accumulate at least 30 months of relevant practical experience, and pass the Common Final Examination (CFE).
The full journey often takes four to five years, depending on whether you study full time or work while you learn. You can gain experience in industry or in public practice. A CPA firm like RHN can support you through PEP modules, mentorship, and exam preparation time.
Choosing between a Big Four international firm and a mid-sized regional firm is a separate decision. Big firms offer scale and mobility; mid-sized firms often give you broader client exposure, closer relationships, and a clearer path to responsibility early in your career.
Articles in this topic
Interviews and references
Junior accounting interviews in BC are often a mix of in-person and video calls. Firms want to see that you show up prepared, understand what they do, and can explain why you want to work there. Technical readiness matters, but so does fit: can you learn, communicate clearly, and work on a team during busy season?
Strong references help, especially when a past manager can speak to your reliability and attention to detail. If you are interviewing while still in school or on a co-op, bring a copy of your resume, research the firm’s practice areas, and be ready to connect your coursework and work experience to the role.
Articles in this topic
Life and growth at RHN
RHN is a mid-sized CPA firm with offices in BC and the Okanagan. Team members often describe a culture where people know each other by name, managers make time to teach, and co-op students can grow into long-term roles. Several career stories on our site follow that path from student hire to CPA candidate to manager.
We hire co-op students and junior accountants regularly and attend CPABC career events to meet candidates face to face. If you want a firm that invests in your CPA journey without the anonymity of a very large organization, the articles below offer a window into what that looks like in practice.
Articles in this topic
- RHN CPA: Work-Life Balance (Young Entrepreneur)
- Lots of Learning and Room for Career Growth – Crystal Pang
- RHN: The Supportive Team You Need During Your CPA Career – Roger Laguerta
- From Co-Op Student to Manager – William Situ
- Meet RHN CPA – CPABC CareerConnect Employer Showcase
FAQ
How long does it take to get your CPA in BC?
Most candidates need about four to five years from starting prerequisite coursework through PEP, 30 months of practical experience, and the CFE. Some finish faster; others take longer if they study part time while working. See How to Get Your CPA in BC.
What is the difference between working at a Big Four vs a mid-sized firm?
Big Four firms offer global mobility, large clients, and structured advancement paths, often with longer hours. Mid-sized firms typically provide wider variety in client work, closer client relationships, and earlier responsibility. See Big Four vs. Mid-Sized Firms: Which Is the Better Choice?.
Does RHN hire co-op students or junior accountants?
Yes. RHN regularly hires co-op students and junior staff and supports candidates through practical experience and PEP. See From Co-Op Student to Manager – William Situ or Meet RHN CPA at CPABC Career Events.
How do I ace a junior accounting interview?
Show up on time (in person or online), know the firm’s services, bring your resume, and tie your strengths to the work they actually do. See 7 Ways to Ace Your Junior Accounting Interview.
Below is a full list of everything in this topic, grouped by category. When building this page in WordPress, add this shortcode here so the list stays up to date:
CPA Careers & Culture
- From Co-Op Student to Manager: William Situ Details His Career at RHN CPA
- How to get your CPA in BC
- Big Four vs Mid-Sized Firms: Which is the better choice?
- RHN the supportive team you need during your CPA career, says Roger Laguerta
- Lots of learning and room for career growth: Crystal Pang happy to call RHN CPA home.
- Asking for a professional reference? Here’s how to make sure you get a glowing review.
- 7 Ways to Ace Your Junior Accounting Interview
- RHN CPA the perfect place to enjoy work/life balance, says young entrepreneur
- Meet RHN CPA at CPABC Career Events
Careers & Recruitment
This page is part of RHN’s Careers & Recruitment topic cluster. To explore opportunities at RHN, visit our careers page or get in touch.
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