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.
Applications for the Program are now closed.
Dates & Eligibility
Important Dates
Recruitment for this program occurs during Summer each year for roles that begin in Autumn of the following year.
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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RBC’s CPA Program has helped me to connect and bond with a wide network of current and former associates throughout the organization. This network has helped me better understand my career options and the organization, leading to a sense of confidence and comfort around my career journey. The program cultivates a truly welcoming and supportive culture that will stay with you long after you finish the program
David Fernandes CPA Program Associate
This program has been instrumental in shaping my career. The exposure to diverse assignments, the guidance from knowledgeable leaders, and the collaborative environment have all contributed to my development. As an RBC CPA Associate, I feel appreciated, supported, and inspired every day. I am truly grateful to be part of this journey.
Thiva Tharmakulasekaram Manager/CPA Program Associate
The CPA Program has unlocked unique and invaluable development opportunities through multiple rotations across the bank, enabling me to advance my career with confidence. Balanced with a strong mentorship culture from senior leadership and a highly connected alumni network that has been instrumental in shaping my growth, I’ve gained the confidence and perspective to take on challenges I once thought were out of reach!
Inshya Shaikh Manager/CPA Program Associate
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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Lea joined RBC as the Senior Manager of Talent Development Programs in Internal Audit in August 2025.
Prior to joining RBC, Lea worked in Human Resources, Campus Recruitment, and Program and Project Development, with experience leading national Early Talent initiatives at one of the big 4 accounting firms, as well as UBC Sauder School of Business.
Lea holds an Honors Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto, where she studied Social Justice and Equity Studies, an experience that continues to shape her values-driven and inclusive approach to work. She’s passionate about creating meaningful experiences and helping people grow into their full potential.
Lea Gashi Senior Manager, Talent Development Programs, Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Group
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 VP, Enterprise Performance 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
Jacqueline Bukaluk serves as the Executive Sponsor of the CPA Pre-Approved Program across Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Group.
A recognized champion of talent development, she fosters a supportive and enriching environment for aspiring CPA candidates through strategic relationship-building opportunities and personalized support. Through regular check-ins and meaningful development opportunities, she ensures aspiring CPAs have the resources and guidance they need to thrive professionally.
As Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for CAE Group (which includes the Internal Audit, Credit Risk Review, and Client Complaints Appeal Office teams), Jacqueline brings extensive leadership and operational acumen to her role. Since joining RBC in 2018, she has been instrumental in driving the governance, operational excellence, and strategic alignment across the global audit function, consistently delivering significant value by ensuring audit strategy supports RBC’s broader organizational objectives. Jacqueline holds an MBA from Ivey Business School and a BCom (Accounting) from McMaster University. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CMA).
Jacqueline Bukaluk Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, CAE Group
Nicola is an Early Talent Recruiter at RBC supporting student recruitment for the Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Group, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Group, and the Brand, Marketing, Communications, and Citizenship (BMCC) groups. She joined RBC in 2020 through one of RBC’s new graduate programs, and has worked in Human Resources ever since, supporting a range of business groups across the bank. Originally from Ottawa and a graduate of Nipissing University, Nicola is passionate about helping students and new graduates discover rewarding career opportunities at RBC.
Nicola Christie Recruiter, Early Talent Corporate Functions
slide 5 of 5 Don joined RBC in 2019 as a Career Edge Intern supporting the Inclusive Recruitment and Early Talent Acquisitions team. He successfully secured a full-time offer shortly after and has been a permanent part of the Early Talent team since. As part of the CPA Program team, he leads the coordination of recruitment operations and student engagement events. Prior to joining RBC and entering into the world of HR, Don was a caseworker for a pro-bono Law & Business clinic and also spent a year working in Mortgage Operations. Don holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson University, with a major in Law & Business and a minor in Human Resources Management. Don Lam CPA Program Recruiter
Hear from our CPA Program Alumni
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This program has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory, offering invaluable experiences across various facets of internal controls and finance. Backed by a supportive leadership and exposure to high-impact initiatives, it helps aspiring professionals thrive, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning.
Rachel Ni Associate Director, Capital Markets Performance Management
The CPA program accelerated my career by deepening my audit and finance expertise while expanding my understanding of the broader business. Being part of an innovation-focused organization allowed me to contribute to shaping the future of our function and developing the leadership skills needed to drive meaningful change. The mentorship and coaching from CPA program alumni were invaluable in guiding my growth and helping me navigate each step with confidence
Rahul Sirimanna Senior Director, Delivery and Performance Excellence, CAE Group
The RBC CPA-Rotational Program offered a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience across diverse areas of the bank, fostering both technical and leadership skills essential for my career growth. One of the program’s standout benefits was the chance to network with accomplished alumni who have since advanced into key roles across RBC, creating a powerful professional community that continues to support my development to this day. The program directly paved the way for my current role, equipping me with the skills, confidence, and connections to excel in my job.
slide 5 of 5 Don joined RBC in 2019 as a Career Edge Intern supporting the Inclusive Recruitment and Early Talent Acquisitions team. He successfully secured a full-time offer shortly after and has been a permanent part of the Early Talent team since. As part of the CPA Program team, he leads the coordination of recruitment operations and student engagement events. Prior to joining RBC and entering into the world of HR, Don was a caseworker for a pro-bono Law & Business clinic and also spent a year working in Mortgage Operations. Don holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Ryerson University, with a major in Law & Business and a minor in Human Resources Management. Don Lam CPA Program Recruiter
