Public accounting careers in Canada
Canada’s public accounting market is competitive and increasingly selective. Firms are hiring with intent. CPAs are progressing but with higher expectations around balance, development and long-term value.
Public accounting continues to offer strong long-term prospects across Canada. CPA earnings have consistently outpaced national inflation, reflecting sustained demand for professionals who bring both technical depth and commercial judgement.
At Distinct, we work with public accounting firms and CPA professionals across Canada, with a particular focus on Toronto, the wider GTA and key Ontario markets. We bring clarity to a busy market and help both sides make better long-term decisions.
Public accounting jobs in Toronto, the GTA and Ontario
Many of the best roles never reach job boards. We work directly with firms across downtown and midtown Toronto, the core GTA and wider Ontario hubs to access opportunities shaped around people, not just job descriptions.
If the right role isn’t listed – get in touch. We’ll give you a clear view of where you sit in the market.
Why work with Distinct for your CPA job search?
What Tax & Audit professionals say about working with us
Hiring CPAs in Canada
For firms, the challenge isn’t demand – it’s access. Unemployment rates in finance and accounting remain exceptionally low and most high-quality CPAs are not actively looking.
We help public accounting firms tell their story in a way that resonates, providing:
- Access to engaged, well-matched CPA talent
- Context around motivation, capability and progression
- A consultative approach – not CV volume.
We work selectively, introducing the right people at the right time, with context and candour.
Toronto public accounting market insight
Toronto is Canada’s financial centre. Bay Street, midtown and the wider GTA – including Mississauga, Vaughan and Markham – host the country’s highest concentration of public accounting and financial teams. Increasingly, firms are also building specialist teams across surrounding Ontario cities.
Contract and interim hiring continues to rise, with firms turning to flexible talent for year-end reporting, systems projects and AI initiatives. Competition remains strong, with career progression and work-life balance key to attracting and retaining top CPAs.
For CPAs who combine technical expertise with commercial awareness, Toronto and the surrounding Ontario market offer real options.
Your Toronto public accounting recruiter
Jamie is a specialist public accounting recruiter covering Toronto, the GTA and key Ontario markets, supporting CPA professionals and firms across audit and tax since 2009.
Where Jamie adds the most value is in bringing both sides to life – helping candidates understand what firms are really like and helping firms see the person behind the resume. For candidates, that means:
- A clear, honest view of where your experience sits
- Insight into firms beyond the job description
- Guidance on moves that add long-term value.
FAQs
Which locations do you cover?
We support CPA professionals and public accounting firms across Toronto, the Greater Toronto Area and wider Ontario.
This includes:
Downtown and midtown Toronto
Core GTA: Markham, North York, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Mississauga, Oakville, Hamilton, Scarborough, Etobicoke and Brampton
Wider Ontario: Milton, Guelph, Cambridge, Kitchener–Waterloo, London, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, St Catharines and Niagara
Do I need to be actively looking to speak with you?
No. Most of our conversations start well before someone decides to move. If you’re curious about the market, that’s enough.
Do I need Canadian public accounting experience?
Yes. Because firms cover our fees, we only place candidates with hands-on experience in Canadian public accounting, including local audit, tax, advisory, or reporting roles.
What types of firms do you work with?
We work with a range of public accounting firms – from respected boutiques to large regional and mid-tier practices. We don’t work with the Big Four, which allows us to focus on where we add the most value.
How do I know my market value?
A short, no-pressure conversation will give you a clear view of where you sit and what opportunities could make sense next. Get in touch.
Start the conversation
Whether you’re planning a move or just want clarity, get in touch today.