Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada

CPA Canada, also known as Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, is the national organization that represents the accounting profession in Canada. It is responsible for establishing the country's accounting, auditing and ethical standards that guide the work of professional accountants. The organization develops and delivers continuing professional education programs, certification pathways and learning resources for its members. CPA Canada also maintains the national competency framework that defines the skills and knowledge required for the CPA designation. Through advocacy, it presents the profession's perspective to government, regulators and the public on matters affecting business and the economy. By working with provincial and regional CPA bodies, it serves members in all provinces and territories, ensuring a cohesive professional community across the country.

The organization operates as a not-for-profit entity, governed by a board of directors elected by its membership. It holds the exclusive right to grant the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in Canada, which is the recognized credential for accountants nationwide. CPA Canada contributes to thought leadership by issuing research, guidance and commentary on emerging issues such as sustainability reporting, technology and tax policy. It is an active member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and collaborates with global accounting organizations to promote high standards worldwide. Its activities are funded primarily through member fees, service revenues and partnerships, without reliance on government appropriations.

In April 2020, CPA Canada disclosed a cyberattack that compromised personal information of approximately 329,000 members and stakeholders. The breach involved unauthorized access to the organization's website, exposing names, addresses, email addresses and employer names linked to CPA Magazine distribution, while encrypted passwords and financial data remained protected. Following the incident, CPA Canada reported the breach to law enforcement and privacy regulators and advised affected individuals to remain alert to potential phishing attempts using the stolen data.