Services statement
The Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec (Quebec CPA Order) has 41,000 members and 5,000 future CPAs, making it the 3rd largest professional order in Quebec. It represents all areas of expertise of the accounting profession at the service of enterprises, organizations and the general public:
- Financial reporting
- Management accounting
- Strategy and governance
- Audit and assurance
- Finance
- Taxation
Since its creation in 2012, the Order has already made history and is counting for the future on the extraordinary dedication of its employees and countless volunteers who contribute continue to ensure the CPA designation is synonymous with rigour for the public and a symbol of pride for CPAs and future CPAs.
Our mission
The CPA Order is a professional order as defined by the Professional Code, that is, a body whose primary mission is to protect the public. It is also an order whose members practise an exclusive profession, such that only individuals who hold the CPA auditor designation may practise public accountancy (compilation engagements, perform audit or review engagements, and issue special reports).
Like Quebec’s other professional orders, the CPA Order must carry out specific functions related to issuing practice permits to candidates for the profession, keeping the roll of the Order current, supervising the practice of the profession and detecting illegal practice. It must also comply with a set of operating rules imposed by the Professional Code.
The Professional code
The umbrella legislation of the Quebec professional system applies to all orders. The main responsibilities of the Office des professions du Québec are tied to the application of the Code. The Professional Code also mandates the Quebec Interprofessional council to provide advice to the government.
The Office des professions
It's a government organization responsible for ensuring that each professional order offers the public a guarantee of competence and integrity. The organization’s responsibilities include supervising professional orders and approving regulations adopted by them.
Quebec Interprofessional council
The QIC is made up of all the professional orders. The council is consulted on such matters as general and specific guidelines for the professional system, draft legislation or regulations regarding the system, proposals to constitute a new professional order or the integration of a profession into an existing order.
Our values
In order to maintain confidence in the CPA designation — the hallmark of the quality of professional services provided by CPAs — among enterprises, organizations and the general public, the Order provides support and guidance to its members by upholding its core values: Integrity, excellence, commitment, innovation and respect.
Our role
- Monitoring the competency development of aspiring candidates to the profession, whether trained in Quebec, in Canada or abroad.
- Ensuring the continuing competency of members through compulsory continuing education, professional inspection and support for public practice.
- Ensuring member compliance with regulatory and ethical obligations.
- Providing the contact information and confirming the status of Order members.
- Addressing questions from the public regarding CPAs’ obligations and informing it of the rights and remedies available, namely:
Inquiry
Asking the syndic to conduct an inquiry into ethical or regulatory breaches leading to a disciplinary complaint, where appropriate.
Learn more >Conciliation and arbitration
Availing itself of conciliation and arbitration services in the event of dispute over a statement of fees.
Learn more >Illegal practice
Requesting an inquiry into the reporting of illegal practice, leading to criminal proceedings instituted by the Order, where appropriate.
Learn more >Our commitments
- Place the protection of the public at the heart of the Order’s every action and leverage the expertise of the accounting profession to serve the collective interest.
- Demonstrate discipline, professionalism, competence, objectivity and transparency in the conduct of our activities.
- Offer courteous and respectful service and provide a personalized timely response to all requests from the public, members or candidates.
- Acknowledge receipt of all requests and promptly forward them to the right person or department, as appropriate.
- Handle all requests we receive with fairness, care, diligence and transparency.
- Demonstrate consideration and openness to encourage dialogue.
- Provide the information and support required to facilitate effective and quick resolution of issues brought to our attention.
- Ensure that accurate information is disseminated and that the Order staff have the required competencies to respond to requests from the public, members and candidates.
- Communicate in a timely manner any decision affecting a member, a candidate or any other person.
- Protect the confidentiality of the information provided to us and permit its disclosure only where authorized by law.