Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Leadership Program
If you’re looking to gain meaningful work experience as a CPA while completing your studies, the Sun Life Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) Leadership Program may be the right place for you. Our rotational program is a learning path designed to help you reach your full potential – and you’ll be in good company with a group of motivated peers.
With Sun Life, you will be supported by experienced mentors as you develop critical technical skills and competencies while honing business acumen and expanding your mindset. Learn more about the program below!
Eligibility
Our CPA rotational program is open to students currently enrolled in an accredited accounting, commerce, or business undergraduate program.
Academics and accounting principles are important, but we’re also looking for candidates that bring curiosity and potential to our program, so you’ll have a chance to tell us about your commitment to continuous learning and progression towards CPA accreditation.
Note that program participants must meet pre-requisites for entry into the CPA Professional Educational Program (PEP) as of start date.
Program structure
Develop your skills and advance your career during three rotations across various business units within our Finance and Accounting functions. Each rotation offers unique opportunities to learn and grow over 12 months. When your last rotation is complete, you will be considered for a full-time Accounting or Finance role with us.
What you’ll do
CPAs at Sun Life work across our business in diverse roles. During the rotational program, you will contribute to financial management and reporting to ensure financial integrity and compliance. This can look like preparing and reviewing financial statements, conducting audits and analysis, providing advice and recommendations for decision-making and strategic planning, assisting with taxation, and implementing and maintaining key controls.
Career path
Graduates of the CPA Rotational Program have many potential career paths with Sun Life. You could launch into a role with Treasury, Internal Audit, Finance Transformation and Reporting, Dealer Accounting, Individual Finance and Planning, or Global Investment Portfolio & Analysis to name a few.
Recruitment process
Sun Life recruits for our new graduate programs on an annual basis. CPA Rotational Program opportunities are activated from July through September, and the recruitment process is usually completed by late September. Entry to the program is flexible and arranged on an individual basis with program participants.
Once you complete your application and we receive it, you’ll be considered for the program. If selected during the resume screening process, we’ll reach out for an initial phone call to get to know you better.
Accreditation support
You will have access to all kinds of support during the CPA Rotational program. A Buddy will be at your side to answer your day-to-day questions while a Mentor supports your certification process.
In addition, you will have access to an Alumni Coach who will provide insight into the “launch” process and what your career might look like after the program is completed.
Sun Life will provide you with support and mentorship to help you successfully complete exams at each stage of your career progression.
What our people are saying
Justin Lau
Director, Private Fixed Income Portfolio Management
“Sun Life provided me with the perfect opportunity to kickstart my career as a CPA. I wanted to join a leader in the financial services industry and the informal mentorship I received from Sun Life colleagues while still in university spoke volumes about the culture - I wanted to be part of it.”
Jerina Prabaharan
Financial Analyst, Sun Life CPA Rotational Program
“My initial Sun Life experience as a co-op student assured me that the company was a great fit for me. I feel supported in my career growth and enjoy many learning opportunities that align with my interests. I continue to develop my skillset and gain new perspectives from colleagues with different backgrounds as I work towards obtaining my CPA.”