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Chartered Accountants of Canada

CA Skills and Competencies

The CA qualification process is designed to make sure you have the opportunity to develop all the skills and abilities you will need to begin your career as a CA. The process is based on professional competency that includes a significant body of knowledge and the skills, values and attitudes needed to analyze, synthesize and apply that knowledge effectively.

You will have many opportunities to develop these competencies – during your university education, your subsequent professional education, your Provincial Institute/Ordre's professional education program, and while on the job as you fulfill your experience requirements.

The UFE Candidates' Competency Map - Understanding the Professional Competencies Evaluated on the UFE – 2010 – effective for the 2011 UFE lays out the specific body of skills and knowledge you must acquire.

The CA Competencies

CA competencies are the specific skills you must perform at a defined proficiency level and in a manner that reflects the professional ethics, skills, knowledge and attitudes of a CA. The UFE Candidates' Competency Map - Understanding the Professional Competencies Evaluated on the UFE – 2010 – effective for the 2011 UFE presents two groups of competencies:

1. Pervasive qualities and skills which include:

  • Ethical behaviour and professionalism,
  • Personal attributes such as accountability, adaptability to change and the ability to self manage, take initiative and add value; and
  • Professional skills such as communication, problem solving and management.

These are the "Hows" of being a CA and all CAs are expected to bring them to all their work.

2. The specific competencies - in six categories:

  • Governance, Strategy, and Risk Management
  • Performance Measurement and Reporting
  • Assurance
  • Finance
  • Management Decision Making; and
  • Taxation

The UFE Candidates' Competency Map - Understanding the Professional Competencies Evaluated on the UFE – 2010 – effective for the 2011 UFE also clearly defines the level of proficiency in each of these competencies that you must acquire and demonstrate on the UFE.