Certified Professional Bookkeepers (CPBs)
What is a CPB?
The CPB designation is a national bookkeeping standard set and maintained by CPB Canada - the largest and fastest-growing association for professional bookkeepers in Canada. This designation reflects the level of knowledge, education, and skills required to carry out all key functions through Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Payroll, Sales Taxes, Inventory, general bookkeeping, and so much more. A professional bookkeeper must successfully pass an exam in advanced bookkeeping to become certified and achieve their CPB designation from CPB Canada.
To maintain their designation with CPB Canada, CPBs are required to continue their learning and growth through continuing professional development and need to work hard to stay relevant in an ever-changing world of business and technology. CPBs specialize in accounting technology, streamlining business and financial workflows, and provide a different perspective in financial & business best practices - a worthwhile investment for any business.
Why hire a CPB?
The role of bookkeepers has changed over the years, evolving into that of a professional who is highly valued by their clients for their knowledge and expertise. CPBs know that there is so much more to responsible bookkeeping than simply knowing how to complete one task or input data. They provide specialized accounting and business advisory services. They analyze data, look for trends, and provide accurate and timely reporting for their clients.
CPBs have advanced knowledge and skills and can provide insights into the health of your business, helping understand your financial story. In fact, CPBs often have a better understanding of a business than their clients do since they work with their financial and business information on a weekly, or even daily basis.
What is the difference between CPBs and CPAs?
CPBs provide specialized accounting advice to their clients, often in partnership with a CPA, to present options and solutions to help Canadian businesses grow and succeed. The business world is constantly evolving, and so are the roles of financial and accounting professionals. National bodies like CPB Canada are integral in supporting accounting professionals to ensure they have the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to keep up with industry trends and government requirements.
Yes, CPBs are “certified” accounting professionals. Like CPAs, continuing professional development for CPBs is required - not optional. Unlike CPAs, the bookkeeping profession is unregulated which makes the leadership of CPB Canada vital in establishing and maintaining a national standard. Clients requiring the services of a bookkeeper are entrusting their most important possession to an individual – an intimate knowledge of their business or personal finances. Having the knowledge, skills, and insights of a CPB is vital to helping Canadian businesses grow and succeed.
Find a qualified bookkeeper
With over 2,000 members across Canada, CPB Canada gives you access to qualified bookkeeping professionals so you can hire with confidence! All bookkeepers listed in the Find A Bookkeeper database have met the CPB Canada requirements and testing to achieve their certification level and are active members in good standing. Learn more about the requirements and knowledge expectations for the certification pathway to CPB designation.
Post A Job
Looking to hire a qualified candidate for your role? Choose from one of our affordable posting options. Want to post your job for free? Hire a CPB Canada member in good standing, contact us to let us know, and we’ll refund the posting fee. Support your hiring process and assess a bookkeeping applicant’s level of knowledge with the Bookkeeper Knowledge Assessment Tool.