Scope of CA (ICAP) in US & Canada?

[Nauman]

What is the scope of Pakistani CA in US and Canada? I know a Pakistani CA can find a job quite easily in middle east but I am inquiring specifically about US, Canada and Europe? Are you supposed to give any extra examinations, any extra qualification?

Regards

[Nauman]

So if a Pakistani qualified CA goes to US or Canada he would have to become a member of either CPA (US) or CICA (Canada)? If yes are Pakistani CAs given expemption by these institutes?

[Toronto_Boy]

Hi

Pakistani accounting designations CMA (of ICMAP) and CA (ICAP) are non-recognized designations in US, Canada, and UK. Though some courses or other requirement exemptions are available. But those exemptions are very little in comparison to overall requirements of the designation.

For example, please refer to CICA (Ontario), Canada web page.
<http//www.icao.on.ca/Admissions/OccupationalFactSheet/page1361.aspx>
You also need 30 months experience in Canadian CA firm.

For US CPA, most of the States have 150 credit hour rule now.

From Canadaian or US designation point of view its better one should take ACCA rather than Pakistani CA. Because, if a person is ACCA, he/she can get CGA (Canada) based on mutual recognition, also satisfies course requirements of Canadian CA and US CPA. Further, if someone is a member of ACCA for 5 years in good standing, can get ICAEW's membership too. Also, job prospects are better for ACCA than Pak. CA in Canadian / US markets. This is the reason that most of Pakistani CA do not prefer Canada or US as their CA is NOT recognized here, and they have to start from scratch.

Regards

[usmanaftab24]

dude, can u kindly ellaborate on how should an ACCA affiliate
go about pursuing the CPA (USA). How can one satisfy the entry
requirements?

Regards

[alishan]

HEY DUDE!
CANADA IS ADOPTING IFRS in 2011 and ACCA is respoected in CANADA but in USA the US GAAP is still working and by 2016, US will also be IFRS compliant which means opportunities for ACCA there aswell.