Posted on: 02-01-10 19:06:58
Hi everyone, i am an international student with work permit, have a basic support job. Now i am thinking to do CGA. I have studied accounting but never practiced it.
Please guide as this is my last gamble for a better life.
My action plan includes going back to college to study subjects which are part of CGA.
My questions are
1)How much time does one take to do CGA (normal intellect student)
2)What costs are involved.
3)What to expect after completing CGA interms of opportunities.
please guide
Quote:
Originally posted by ritz3645
Hi everyone, i am an international student with work permit, have a basic support job. Now i am thinking to do CGA. I have studied accounting but never practiced it.
Please guide as this is my last gamble for a better life.
My action plan includes going back to college to study subjects which are part of CGA.
My questions are
1)How much time does one take to do CGA (normal intellect student)
2)What costs are involved.
3)What to expect after completing CGA interms of opportunities.
please guide
The best I could understood from above is that you are a graduate only.
If that is the case then you need to write few papers (could be 10-12) alongwith finishing the assignments before writing the papers. At least 3-4 years is your best bet with an annual expenditure of $1500 to $2500.
CGAs are not better off. It is least respected designation in the province of ontario. Though all three designations should be equally treated by the employers but that is not is case except Government.
For more info on CGA....you can visit CGAONTARIO.ORG
I would suggest try your hands on CMA.
If you are required to take 8 or more courses, then I will go for the CMA instead.
CGA requires a lot of effort and like Desi#1 mentioned it is the least reputable accounting designation in Ontario.
Remember, you will be competing with hundreds if not thousands of Canadian university accounting degree holders and foreign designated accountants who are automatically placed in the advanced stages (Level 4 and up) of the CGA program.
To be honest, if you don't have relevant work experience then you will have a tough time finding a suitable job whether you are a CGA level 4 or a CMA SLP candidate.
There are many cases of students postponing their enrollment in the CMA Strategic Leadership Program till they find a qualifying position.
Just want to add something
Many mistakenly assume that you have to complete all CGA courses to start looking for an accounting job. This is incorrect, you must have at least one year of experience at a senior level in Canada to become a CGA.
The hardest part for most is not the exams/courses but finding the right job.
Afterall, it's the fierce competition to get an offer with one of the approved training offices what makes the CA designation the most sought after in the accounting field.
I invested some hard earned money of mine by doing a certificate course in Toronto, the only jobs are basic paying (i am presently employed in a desk job), so i thought i will invest in a license course which can provide for a better life.
My action plan is this CGA course ...by doing an in class Diploma in accounting full time and CGA side by side from a scratch.
My expectation are not high after CGA course, but basic like atta dal and may be one Air India trip to India in two years.
First is the initial barrier of English which i crossed, now is this second barrier of better qualification (CGA) my question is achievable and feasibility..
