Negotiating Salary as a CPA Canada Member Outside of Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are a CPA Canada member considering negotiating a salary with a Canadian employer while living outside of the country, it's important to understand the legal and practical barriers you might face. This guide will provide a detailed overview of the steps and challenges involved, ensuring you are well-equipped to make a strategic salary negotiation.

Introduction to the Challenges of Hiring Outside Canada

When looking to work in Canada from outside the country, particularly as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), a series of intricate steps and legal hurdles must be overcome. These challenges include ensuring the desired employer has the necessary authorization to hire from outside the country, understanding the specific requirements for hiring, and dealing with the potential difficulties in negotiating a salary.

How to Get to Canada

Even if you are a member of CPA Canada and looking to work with a Canadian firm, legally transitioning to a new position in another country is not a straightforward process. Typically, you need to first secure a permit or visa that allows you to enter and work in Canada. Among the most common options are:

Temporary Work Visa: Obtain a work permit that allows you to legally work in Canada without fully settling as a permanent resident. Permanent Residency: If you plan to work for a significant period, applying for permanent residency could be an option. International Mobility Program: This program provides a pathway for internationally trained accounting professionals and auditors to work in Canada after completing a designated licensing jurisdiction course.

Each of these routes has its requirements and limitations, so thorough planning and research are essential.

Getting Talking About a CPA Job in Canada

For CPA Canada members outside Canada, the road to negotiation often starts with finding the right employer. Once you have a potential employer, here are some steps to take:

Explain Your Situation: Clearly communicate your current status as a CPA Canada member and your interest in working in Canada. Highlight Your Value: Emphasize your qualifications, experience, and any relevant certifications or specializations. Discuss Probable Travel Requirements: Mention that you will need to apply for a work permit, which involves a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Understand Employer's Willingness to Sponsor: Determine if the employer is willing to sponsor you for a work permit, as this can significantly affect the negotiation process.

What Kind of an Employer Are You Dealing With?

The nature of the employer you are dealing with plays a crucial role in the negotiation process. Here are some considerations:

Employer's Capabilities: If the company is capable of sponsoring you for a work permit and is prepared to handle the additional costs associated with an LMIA, they are more likely to be open to discussing salary terms. Industry Standards: Understand the typical salary ranges within your field in Canada. This information can help you prepare a reasonable salary expectation. Sponsorship Terms: If the employer offers to sponsor you, negotiate on the terms of the sponsorship, including the salary, job position, and work permit conditions.

It's important to begin these discussions early in your job application process to avoid any miscommunications or potential roadblocks.

Hiring Outside Canada Requirements

Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Employers hiring from outside Canada must obtain an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This ensures the company is unable to find suitable Canadian workers for the position. Additional Costs: The LMIA process can be quite expensive, often costing the hiring company around $2,000 to $4,000 CAD. Timeline: From initial application to issuance of the work permit, this process can take several months, during which you might need to secure alternative employment or financial support.

Alternative Pathways to Employment

If hiring outside Canada is not possible, other options such as immigration or provincial nomination programs can be explored. These include:

Express Entry: A fast-track system for skilled workers, including CPAs, to apply for permanent residency based on points scored in various categories. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Ten provinces and territories offer PNPs, which can help CPAs find work while securing residency directly from within Canada.

Ensure you thoroughly research which of these routes best fits your qualifications and career goals.

Final Considerations and Recommendations

Carefully assess your circumstances and the potential opportunities before deciding on a course of action. Engage in long-term planning and consider the broader implications of relocating for a new career. It's also advisable to consult with immigration attorneys, recruitment agencies, and other professionals who specialize in cross-border employment and immigration issues.

By following these steps and understanding the complexities involved, you can improve your chances of negotiating a fair salary and successfully transitioning to a new career as a CPA Canada member in Canada.