Education · 1 of 4

The path

An accounting-heavy degree, then a government hiring process.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 math is essential. Accounting or business courses give you a head start.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Accounting, commerce, business administration or economics with enough accounting credits to meet hiring requirements.

3. 3

   Co-op or student term

   During your degree

   The CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) and provincial finance ministries hire students, and it is the easiest door in.

4. 4

   Apply and be assessed

   6 to 12 months

   Written tests, an interview, reference checks and a security clearance through the GC Jobs (Government of Canada Jobs) system.

5. 5

   Training on the job

   First 1 to 2 years

   New auditors get months of formal tax training before running their own files.