Course Levels
To assist members in deciding if a course is right for them, a course "level" is included in the course description.
A 'level' is based on the information the course will disseminate and an assumed pre-requisite knowledge of the potential participant. For example:
'Introductory' - the information in the course is basic yet thorough. The potential participant does not deal with the topic area on a day-to-day basis, or they may wan to refresh their knowledge on the topic, such as a new handbook.
'Intermediate' - the information in the course builds on the basic topic and tends to be more issue based. The potential participant deals with the topic area on a day-to-day basis and need to be updated on any changes in the topic area. It is assumed the potential participant has the basic knowledge an dis familiar with the issues in the topic area.
'Advanced' - the information in the course is in-depth on a specific area of a topic and tends to be more technically specialized. The potential participant deals with the topic area on a day-to-day basis and needs more in-depth information in a specific issue of the topic area. It is assumed the potential participant has a solid background knowledge and is very familiar with the issues in the topic area. They may also specialize or want to specialize in the area.
'General' - the information in the course is appropriate for all participants and requires no specific knowledge level or job function. These are often overview or topical sessions of general interest or focus on the development of professional skills.
CA Competency Map
The CA profession has analyzed the core knowledge and skills expected of CAs by businesses, government and the public. Many clear expectations or competencies of the profession have been identified. These competencies have been laid out in the CA Competency Map. The Map is useful in shaping your PD opportunities to meet your career goals.
PD courses may vary under more than one competency, as many courses address more than one area. To learn more about the map refer to teh CICA website: http://www.cica.ca/index.cfm/ci_id/7032/la_id/1.htm
Organizational Effectiveness, Control and Risk Management: competencies related to the evaluation and development of an entity's ability to enhance its decision making and maximize its organizational performance, including its governance, structure, policies, systems and resources. Theis would include courses that are lised in topic areas such as general management, human resource management, and personal financial planning.
Taxation: competencies related to taxation planning, compliance and reporting for various entities.
Assurance: competencies related to statutory and regulatory audit/assurance requirements as well as broader validation and assurance services.
Performance Measurement: competencies related to the evaluation, development and interpretation of an entity's financial and non-financial information that measures and enhances an entity's organizational performance. This competency has been split into two catagories: PM - Financial Reporting, which will be courses listed in Accounting and PM - Management Reporting, courses that fall into the topic area of balanced scorecard and performance tools.
Information Technology: competencies related to the evaluation fo an entity's information needs and the development and use of information technology in achieving its strategic and operational goals and objectives. This would also include topices dealing with knowledge management issues.
Professional Skills: professional competencies will help you continue to enhance your professional effectiveness. This includes some topics that may have been in the general management topic listing like communication, time management, career planning, and leadership seminars.
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