Careers

Public practice firms have always been the gold standard for CPA designations within the finance and accounting industries. They provide a rich learning environment across industries and types of companies, spanning the range from private and public-sector businesses to non-profits and publicly traded organizations. Such varied exposure often proves to be invaluable in helping a young professional decide where they want their career to take them. Public practice firms allow for attentive training, close mentorship and industry exposure, all of which are fundamental first steps in defining the decades-long trajectory of an accounting career.  

At Smythe, we take immense pride in the deep roots we have grown in British Columbia. For decades now, since 1980, we have served local businesses with dedication and passion, and along the way, we have built a respected brand that we can all be proud of. Our people are known for their professionalism, warmth, expertise and experience, and we always look forward to welcoming additions to our team who share our values, ethics and goals.  

For articling students, the deadline to apply for the September 2024 articling program is April 30, 2023 at 11:59PM.

Our timelines for September 2024 articling applications are as follows: 

• Application deadline – April 30, 2023, at 11:59PM 
• First-round interviews – week of May 7, 2023 
• Second-round interviews – week of May 14, 2023 
• Offers extended – week of May 21, 2023 
• Offer acceptance deadline – June 16, 2023 

We offer a Pre-approved Program Route (PPR) for articling students in the areas of Canadian Tax, Audit and ACT (Assurance, Compilation and Tax). 

In order to apply, you’ll need to: 

• Ensure that your program or your credentials cover the prerequisites for the PPR program; 
• Combine in one document your cover letter, your resume and a copy of your unofficial transcripts; 
• Find a suitable articling role here on our website and upload your application package to complete the process 

It is critical that you answer all the questions in the application, so be sure to plan ahead, take your time and consider the application fully and carefully. 

We suggest combing through the information and resources presented on the CPABC website so that you can best understand the shape your personal CPA journey might take, as well as the requirements of the program route that is right for you. On the site you will also be able to access experienced advisors who may be able to answer any questions you have. You can find them at: www.bccpa.ca

As an articling student at Smythe, you will benefit from mentorship, coaching and training from highly qualified and experienced accountants. We use both classroom and on-the-job practical training to help you develop the necessary technical skills, as well as learn about business development and project management.

You will be partnered with a coach, who will closely monitor your progress as you begin your modules and during all modules of the CPA program. We take into account your learning style and career goals when assigning you a mentor, who will ensure a good balance in assignments to shore up all areas of knowledge as you prepare for exams. You can expect open communication across all levels, timely feedback and a supportive cohort of peers and leaders.

For Professional Education Program (PEP) study purposes, Smythe supports CPA students through a combination of paid fees, paid time off and time off permitted as a leave of absence without pay.

During Core Modules 1–4 students will be given two days (up to four days if needed) unpaid leave for study time, for which they can use their banked overtime or vacation entitlement.

CFE writers are allowed a maximum of 10 weeks (50 working days) of time off in their CFE year which includes Capstone 1, Capstone 2 and Common Final Exam days through a combination of paid and unpaid time (students may use banked overtime or vacation entitlement for paid time). The 10 weeks apply toward the calendar year of the CFE date between January 1 and December 31.  

All our students progress through the audit and assurance path, which means they will gain experience in a wide variety of sectors and industries. We also believe that learning how to communicate with clients is a critical component of being a successful accountant. For this reason, we introduce our junior staff to clients very early in their careers, so they can begin honing these essential skills and developing necessary relationships.

At Smythe we value our employees’ mental health and work life balance. Team members are allowed to take personal and vacation days as suits them. Smythe has also instituted a firm-wide “Summer Days” program that consists of additional days during the summer months when the office will be closed, and employees are given a bonus day off to relax and recharge. Employees can also opt for voluntary banked overtime, should they desire. 

Smythe also offers flexibility in working through our hybrid work arrangement. To allow for effective collaboration, staff are encouraged to be physically present at the office or at client’s site for a minimum of two days a week. For the remaining workdays, Smythe offers the flexibility of working where they would like – whether from home, their primary office or one of our other office locations.  

Being a mid-sized firm with just over 200 employees, there are plenty of opportunities available to all team members to socialize and network. We have several active committees including a Social Committee that regularly coordinates social events, such as afternoon office socials and various holiday activities, in addition to firm-wide events organized by our People & Culture team. 

Our Health and Safety Committee promotes resources and activities that boost employees’ health and wellness, and our Betterment Brigade coordinates initiatives around sustainability and giving back, to ensure we do our part as members of the society and communities we live and work in. Employees are granted paid time to participate in volunteer activities. 

We also have various recreational and intramural sports teams, including a stellar softball team that plays in a city-wide league. Employees also get together and organize running groups when the weather permits, as well as biking, hiking and skiing adventures. 

Smythe is extremely proud of our ongoing partnership with our hometown team, the Canucks, and we endeavour to support the team as much as we can every season. 

At Smythe we care about assisting our employees financially for key life events. In order to assist employees in saving towards their future goals, Smythe offers a Group Registered Retirement Savings Account (RRSP) to support retirement (or First-Time Home buyers). In addition, Smythe supports our employees as they grow their families by offering employees maternity and parental leave benefits under Employment Insurance with “top-up” payments.