RPA: STRENGTHENING CANADA’S ACCOUNTING LANDSCAPE FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

ZUBAIR CHOUDHRY, RPA, APA President & CEO | RPA Canada

Small businesses are the backbone of Canada’s economy, yet they face significant financial and accounting challenges. With a shortage of qualified accountants, the demand for accessible and affordable expertise has never been greater. Addressing this gap, the Registered Professional Accountant (RPA) designation, reintroduced by the Society of Professional Accountants of Canada (RPA Canada), provides a timely solution focused on supporting small businesses.

Although RPA Canada has existed since 1978 as a true Canadian accounting designation—and its predecessor, the Canadian Institute of Accredited Professional Accountants (CIAPA) since 1938—the RPA program underwent significant modernization in 2019 to integrate emerging technologies. Under the leadership of Zubair Choudhry, President & CEO of RPA Canada, a new RPA Education Program was introduced in 2020 following extensive consultations with academics, industry leaders, and head-hunters. This renewal ensures the designation remains relevant and complements existing accounting credentials in Canada.

RPAs serve as small business-focused accountants, offering bookkeeping, accounting, taxation, advisory services, and compilation engagement reports. They also hold key roles in government, not-for-profits, and corporations as management accountants and controllers. What sets the RPA designation apart is its inclusive pathways—welcoming students, experienced professionals, and internationally trained accountants looking to align with Canadian standards. It also provides a viable option for career changers and those managing accounting practices without an accounting designation.

By expanding access to the accounting profession, the RPA designation fills a crucial gap left by the phase-out of the CGA and CMA designations, ensuring a steady supply of well-trained accountants for small businesses. This benefits small businesses by increasing access to expert financial guidance, fostering business growth, and strengthening Canada’s economic landscape.

“At RPA Canada, we recognize the vital role small businesses play in driving Canada’s economy. The RPA designation is designed to bridge the gap in accessible and affordable accounting expertise, equipping professionals with the skills to meet the evolving needs of the business landscape. Our commitment is to provide high-quality financial guidance, support small businesses, and protect the public interest.”