Use of Accounting Designations –
NOTES & NEWS
Use of Accounting Designations –
Reminder to Members and Firms
CPA With CPA graduates now in the marketplace , there ’ s a potential for some confusion about the need for “ tagged ” designation usage . So this is a reminder that those of you who became CPAs through legacy membership or legacy certification programs must list your credentials as “ CPA , CA ”; “ CPA , CGA ”; or “ CPA , CMA .” Only new members who wrote the Common Final Exam are entitled to use “ CPA ” only . In addition , CPAs from other provinces are not permitted to use the CPA designation in BC unless they are CPABC members . Similarly , if you are a member working or residing in a jurisdiction outside of BC , you must check with that jurisdiction to determine whether you ’ re permitted to use your CPA designation there . Note that firms are also required to use “ CPA ” in their firm names or descriptors , in the reports they issue , on business cards and letterhead , and on their websites . Please note that firm office signage must be converted to “ CPA ” no later than the end of December 2017 .
Use of foreign designations While the vast majority of CPA members know how the CPA designation should be used , an area where there may be less clarity is with respect to the use of foreign accounting designations — that is , showing letters after a name signifying membership with a professional accounting organization . You may be asking “ Why does this matter ?” Ensuring appropriate use of designations is a matter of public protection as contemplated in our legislation and bylaws . If an individual is using an accounting designation in BC , the public ’ s expectation is that the individual is subject to regulation that is consistent with BC ’ s regulatory standards . However , the completion of a foreign accounting body ’ s certification program does not ensure that an individual is subject to regulation that meets BC standards . Therefore , use of foreign designations , unless combined with the use of the CPABC designation , creates a risk to the public and is not appropriate . This discussion is in respect of designation usage ( as described above ). If an individual has a foreign accounting qualification but has not joined CPABC , it is acceptable for that individual to reference their foreign accounting credential in the body of their resumé or in their bio on a firm or company website , provided , of course , that any such reference is factually correct .
In a nutshell , a foreign accounting designation may be used by a CPA member provided it is used in a prescribed style . Additionally , a foreign accounting designation may not be used by a non-CPA member . A few examples :
1 ) CPA members – If a CPA member in good standing holds a foreign accounting designation , they can show that designation , together with , and after , their CPA designation : Acceptable – Mary Lee , CPA , CA , CPA ( Illinois ) Note that Mary must show the jurisdiction in which she was granted authorization to use the non-Canadian accounting designation : Not acceptable – Mary Lee , CPA , CA , CPA ( US ) Acceptable – Annie Jones , CPA , CGA , ACCA ( UK ) Not acceptable – Annie Jones , ACCA
2 ) Non-CPA members – Someone holding a foreign accounting designation who is not a member of CPABC is not permitted to show that foreign designation in BC , whether or not the jurisdiction is included : Not acceptable – John Smith , CA ( New Zealand ) Not acceptable – John Smith , CA Not acceptable – Joy Wong , CPA ( Washington ) Not acceptable – Henry Lew , ACCA ( UK ) Not acceptable – Henry Lew , ACCA Not acceptable – Ray Fast , CPA ( Alberta )
We are aware that some firms are listing the names and foreign designations of foreign-designated staff in their firm directories . Please note that it is not appropriate to list foreign designations for staff members who are not also members of CPABC . It is appropriate to list foreign designations for staff who are also CPABC members , provided such disclosure complies with the requirements noted above .
A final note If you come across a non-CPA using the CPA designation , please email ethics @ bccpa . ca . The matter will be looked into and , if appropriate , cease and desist action will be taken . Our legislation provides for the protection of the usage of our CPA designation . We need to be vigilant in managing its use , and we rely on members and firms to support that vigilance .
12 CPABC in Focus • Mar / Apr 2017