Expert: Consuelo Herrera, International Accountant and Fraud Examiner - 10/12/2008

Question
Hi! I'm migrating to Canada soon. I am from the Philippines and I've heard how difficult it is for immigrants to land a job, considering they don't have "Canadian experience". Because of this, I am thinking of taking the CIA exam, as this is at least recognized internationally. My question is: Would this be a good idea to pursue? Would it be a good match for me given my work experience and educational background.  Or would I be just wishful thinking?

Work experience - I've been in management consulting since 1995. My work involved business process analysis, policies and procedures development and implementation, with productivity and controls in place as the main objective of the engagement. Routine activities involve analysis and auditing of the the whole business operation.
Educational background - BS Industrial Management Engineering and MBA from one of the top universities here. I have a basic knowledge of accounting and the whole accounting process but I'm no CPA.

I can see myself applying for an internal auditor position but I believe I need to be a CIA to be able to qualify even if i would rather do more operations audit and not financial audit. This is the only reason why I'm considering CIA. My only fear is that the effort and cost would be a waste, since I really do not have a deep background of accounting principles.

Any advice on this matter would be greatly appreciated. As I am terribly confused right now.

Thanks so much.
Jo

Answer
Dear Jo,

Thank you for contacting me.

You are very proactive and you have an exceptional background which for sure, will open many doors for you.

The CIA designation is an excellent designation, however, given the knowledge and experience you already have, I would focus my efforts in making contacts with Canadian governmental institutions that have developed programs to help immigrants to reach their maximum potential in Canada.

If you decide to pursue the CIA designation, it will be a great addition to your actual knowledge, however, I do believe that you could land a great job without that designation because you already have international experience in the consulting field.

Here are some sites that you check out and find additional information.

1) http://www.elsnet.org/orgs/0052.html
Call Centre Management Association (Canada) 1 416 218 1113

2) The Operations Centre of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. An experienced officer is always available to respond to emergency calls from anywhere in the world.

Canadian citizens outside Canada can call collect to(613) 996-8885
   
For calls originating in Canada, call
1 800 267-6788 or (613) 944-6788.  
   
In a number of countries, you can also call the 24/7 Operations Centre toll-free.  
   
You can also communicate with us via TTY by dialling
1 800 394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.) or
(613) 944-1310
   
Contact us directly via our online e-mail form

   
You can also reach the Operations Centre by e-mail at: sos@international.gc.ca
   
Fax: (613) 943-1054  

I wish you success in your professional endeavors and your new life in this side of the world!

Sincerely,

Consuelo Herrera, CAMS,CFE