CPA Pre‐Approved Program

Our pre-approved Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) training program delivers a unique combination of specialized training and wide exposure for the program Associates. During this 30 month rotational program you will complete your CPA experience requirement and CFE examination, while being mentored by senior leaders and gaining exposure to real problems and innovative solutions.

Exploring Your Journey

Internal Audit – 15 months

By the end of this rotation, you will be able to lead audits and initiatives from start to finish with minimal supervision, and develop and apply professional judgement and expertise at level equivalent to CPAs.

You will be required to complete all prerequisite CPA examinations in the first year of the program.

Finance – 15 months

Obtain first-hand experience through various Finance rotation options, including Head Office, Personal & Commercial Banking and Capital Markets.

You will be mentored based on your short/mid-term career goals with us upon program completion.

What’s In It For You?

Supporting Your Goals

We’ll help you obtain the necessary work experience to fulfill the regulated CPA practical experience requirements through rotations pre-approved by CPA Ontario, and give you access to internal and external training resources as you prepare for the Common Final Examination (CFE). Compensation is provided to complete the modules and examination fees. The result of this approach is a 100% success rate from our previous Associates.

Unlocking Your Potential

You will complete rotations within Internal Audit and Finance roles during this 30 month Program, obtaining in-depth experience in assurance forecasting, financial reporting and performance management. You will be closely mentored by a Program Manager, a Mentor and Sponsors, who are part of our successful CPA network with years of audit and business experience, to ensure your experience and development plan are aligned. By joining diverse teams, you’ll gain a unique perspective of the entire organization and build strong connections. (icon)

Setting You Up For Success

We provide a subsidy to complete a graduate diploma in accountancy before you start the Program.
On top of that, we offer a very competitive compensation and benefits package. Our commitment to our Associates is reflected in a retention rate upon completion of the Program close to 100% and our alumni are thriving in many senior leadership positions at RBC.

International Experience

After completing the 30-month Program, you will have the opportunity to apply for an additional rotation in one of Internal Audit’s international offices in New Jersey, London or Luxembourg. This experience will give you the opportunity to gain knowledge of a new market and continue to build your network globally across RBC, all while immersing yourself in a new culture.

Dates & Eligibility

Important Dates

Recruitment for this program occurs during August each year for roles that begin in Autumn of the following year. Please check your school’s Career Centre for our job posting.

Applications are now closed. The application period for 2021 positions will open in August 2020.

Eligibility criteria

Students entering their final year of studies (Bachelor’s, post-grad or Master’s) with an interest and passion in obtaining their CPA designation
Completion of academic pre-requisites or admission to the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) prior to starting the Program
Top quartile standing from a post-secondary institution
Diverse range of leadership activities, such as student club involvement and financial case competitions
Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills
Proven relationship-building experience, conflict resolution and teamwork skills

Hear From Our Associates

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I chose RBC's CPA Pre-Approved Program because of the availability of opportunities after the program. I chose RBC specifically due to the positive experience I had over the four terms I spent as an intern at the bank. There are plenty of opportunities for community involvement and social impact at RBC, which aligns with my personal interests. I believe that the CPA Pre-Approved Program will provide me with many transferable skills, experiences and relationships that will accelerate my career growth in the financial industry.

Shannon Worona
CPA Associate 2019

I am proud to say that I am a member of the CPA Pre-Approved Program at RBC. My favourite aspect of the program is the comprehensive support that we receive. I am enthusiastic to come into work as I feel welcomed and encouraged to do my best. The smaller cohort size allows for more one-to-one mentorship, and the program leaders provide guidance and help you create a development plan that suits your needs. It is an incredible feeling to know that you are being supported every step of the way in attaining your CPA designation and creating the foundation for your career.

Vick Rasie
CPA Associate 2018

For a recent graduate with plans to pursue a CPA designation, the exposure that this program provides to multiple areas and roles in RBC, and the skills you develop throughout, are extremely valuable. Graduating university, I knew I wanted to get my CPA designation; however, I was unsure of the type of work I wanted to pursue. Being in a program that allows me to explore various roles in internal audit, capital markets, wealth management, and other finance areas has been a great way to develop my long-term career goals. Moving forward with my career, I know that the wide-variety of skills I’ve developed, exposure I’ve had to different groups, and connections I’ve made across all areas of the bank will propel me forward.

Alexandra Nielsen
CPA Associate 2018

As part of the program, I had the opportunity to work in the Luxembourg office on a 9-month international rotation, which was an incredible personal and career experience. Not only did I have the privilege to work with colleagues from different cultures and business backgrounds, I was also exposed to various business segments, the local operations, and the European regulatory environments. Better yet, being able to travel and make new friends, as well as working with the strong and supportive team we have in Luxembourg, has made this exchange a truly enjoyable experience.

Amy Qian
CPA Associate 2016

slide 4 of 4 As part of the program, I had the opportunity to work in the Luxembourg office on a 9-month international rotation, which was an incredible personal and career experience. Not only did I have the privilege to work with colleagues from different cultures and business backgrounds, I was also exposed to various business segments, the local operations, and the European regulatory environments. Better yet, being able to travel and make new friends, as well as working with the strong and supportive team we have in Luxembourg, has made this exchange a truly enjoyable experience. Amy Qian CPA Associate 2016

Meet The CPA Team

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Adam joined RBC in 2015 as Senior Director, Finance Audit, and became Vice President, Finance, Corporate Treasury, Tax and SOX Audit in 2018. He has led major enterprise transformational work, including the IFRS 9 implementation. He is also the executive sponsor and program leader of the CPA Pre-Approved Program. Prior to joining RBC, Adam was an external auditor for 10 years with Ernst & Young.

Adam holds an Honours Business Administration degree in Accounting from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a CPA, CA.

Adam Burke
CPA Pre-Approved Program Leader and Executive Sponsor

Lauren joined RBC in 2018 and is responsible for managing talent development programs in Internal Audit, including the CPA Pre-Approved Program and the Internal Audit stream of the Leadership Development Program. Prior to joining RBC, Lauren managed the legal student program at a large corporate law firm.

Lauren holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Queen’s University, her Human Resources Management Certificate from Humber College and has her CHRL designation.

Lauren Flack
CPA Program Manager

Christopher Chan is an alum of the RBC CPA Pre-Approved Program and is now a Program Advisor. After joining RBC in 2015, Chris started his professional career on rotational assignments within Internal Audit and Finance, with a specialization in retail banking, capital markets and treasury services. He is currently an Associate Director within the Capital Markets Performance Management team, overseeing strategic analysis and analytics for key stakeholders and management.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from York University and is a CPA, CA. He was the first individual from the RBC CPA Pre-Approved Program to be awarded on the National CFE Honour Roll.

Christopher Chan
CPA Program Advisor

Griffith joined RBC in 2017 with the Early Talent Acquisition team after experiencing a handful of industries: starting off in higher education; to briefly in event management; then to sponsorship marketing; and finally financial services. This exposure to HR & recruitment in various businesses has proven to give him a holistic approach to navigating the school-to-work transition. In addition, he is the lead Recruiter for the CPA Pre-Approved Program and supports the Indigenous Peoples Development Program.

Griffith holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMaster University, with a major in Psychology & Economics and a minor in Business.

Griffith Dias
CPA Program Recruiter

Katherine’s first ever real job began at RBC as a co-op student which eventually led her to where she is today – a proud full-time RBCer supporting the Early Talent Acquisition team. Working with her colleagues who oversee the CPA Program has truly helped her realize once again how genuinely passionate experienced RBCers are in rooting for the success of young people who are transitioning into the real-world. It is a very rewarding experience to be a part of the student recruitment and hiring process— especially when you can feel the excitement, both from current RBCers and students simultaneously!

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Calgary and her Human Resources Management Certificate from George Brown College.

Katherine Lim
CPA Program Recruiter

slide 5 of 5 Katherine’s first ever real job began at RBC as a co-op student which eventually led her to where she is today – a proud full-time RBCer supporting the Early Talent Acquisition team. Working with her colleagues who oversee the CPA Program has truly helped her realize once again how genuinely passionate experienced RBCers are in rooting for the success of young people who are transitioning into the real-world. It is a very rewarding experience to be a part of the student recruitment and hiring process— especially when you can feel the excitement, both from current RBCers and students simultaneously! Katherine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Calgary and her Human Resources Management Certificate from George Brown College. Katherine Lim CPA Program Recruiter

CPA Pre‐Approved Program

Exploring Your Journey

Internal Audit – 15 months

Finance – 15 months

What’s In It For You?

Supporting Your Goals

Unlocking Your Potential

Setting You Up For Success

International Experience

Dates & Eligibility ​​​​​​​

Important Dates

Eligibility criteria

Hear From Our Associates ​​​​​​

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Meet The CPA Team

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Dates & Eligibility

Hear From Our Associates