Canada adds up to a great move for accountants, financial managers

Recognised worker shortage in the banking and financial sector in Canada

LONDON, 18 March 2010 – Canada’s labour productivity grew at its fastest rate in more than 12 years in January, and signs that the economic recovery is deepening and taking on a healthy glow has further fuelled jobs in Canada’s finance sector.

Canada is facing a recognised shortage of accountants and financial managers, and with the country’s economy picking up steam it is hoped the Canadian Immigration program will be able to attract UK accountants, articling students, and financial managers with at least 12 months’ experience to fill the gaps.

Earlier this week it was announced that labour productivity in Canada grew at its fastest rate in more than 12 years and manufacturing sales rose more than expected in the month of January, with the Canadian dollar reaching US98.55 cents, its highest level since July 2008.

Canadian Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty also delivered a confident message on the Canadian economy, saying the Canada’s resilient banking system and the way the nation watches over banks warrants global attention and that in Canada "relatively speaking, we have sound fiscal strength”.

Accountants and financial managers are listed on Canada’s Priority Occupation List, which identifies occupations that are needed across the country. Due to the high demand for workers in these occupations, the government offers expedited visa processing for these applicants.

Canadian Visa Bureau Case Work Manager, Nigel Smith, said accountants and financial managers or articling students could be eligible to emigrate and arrive in Canada between 10 and 12 months from lodging an application.

“The requirement is simply that they have 12 months’ full-time or equivalent part-time work experience, with reference evidence, and they pass the Canadian immigration points test,” he said.

Mr Smith said that these occupations are in demand, with job placement opportunities in many Canadian provinces including British Columbia, Ontario and Manitoba.

“We are seeing job placements for accountants and financial managers in many provinces and the Canadian Government’s Priority Occupations List is based on occupational evidence of dire need for specific skills,” he said.

The Canadian Immigration processing time for applications is on average between 10 and 12 months, and once a visa is granted there is a year allowed for entry into Canada giving time to finalise any personal details in the UK.

Therefore, it is now the ideal time to apply for anyone in these occupations who are considering immigrating to Canada within the next one or two years.

Financial auditors and accountants eligible may be employed by auditing and accounting firms throughout the private and public sectors, or they may be self-employed. Articling students in accounting firms are also eligible.

Some example titles of those eligible for emigration under the financial auditors and accountant’s group include: accountant; certified general accountant (CGA); certified management accountant (CMA); chartered accountant (CA); chief accountant; financial auditor; income tax expert; industrial accountant; and internal auditor.

Those eligible for migration under the Financial Managers group include those who have experience in a management role in financial or accounting departments in the private sector and in government.

Some example titles under this group include: controller; director – financial services; director of accounting; finance director; financial administrator; manager; financial control manager; financial planning and analysis manager; internal audit services; and treasurer.

The Canadian Visa Bureau can also offer assistance in finding Canadian jobs for migrants working in any of the occupations that feature on the Canadian Visa Bureau Job Seeker Opportunities List, provided they have the qualifications and experience required by the Canada employer.

The Canadian Skilled Migration Program is a points-based system, with points awarded according to age, education, work experience, and language skills. Applicants aged 20 to 50 are awarded maximum age points, a higher age limit than most other countries. British workers wanting to emigrate to Canada also have a number of advantages including English language points as well as a similar cultural heritage. Online assessments to determine points and eligibility can be found at the online assessment.

ENDS

About Canadian Visa Bureau
Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent immigration advisory service specialising in visas and immigration for British and Irish nationals looking to live and work in Canada. Based in central London, the company offers a range of services and free online assessments for individuals and families considering a new life abroad. Visit https://visabureau.com/canada for up-to-date news, information and free online visa assessments.