10 CPD Topics Canadian CPAs Must Explore in 2025

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10 CPD Topics Canadian CPAs Must Explore in 2025

Denise Fernandes•May 15, 2025

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

As 2025 unfolds, Canadian CPAs are adapting their professional development strategies to keep pace with rapidly changing technologies, regulatory expectations, and global trends. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) remains the foundation for CPAs aiming to maintain compliance, sharpen their competitive edge, and drive organisational value.

This article highlights ten CPD topics that should top every Canadian CPA’s list in 2025.

1. Generative AI and Intelligent Automation

The integration of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Copilot into accounting workflows is moving beyond automation — it’s becoming a collaboration. CPAs are now leveraging AI for audit planning, tax research, risk analysis, and financial modeling.

Understanding how to prompt these tools effectively, interpret AI-generated outputs, and integrate them responsibly into advisory services is crucial.

CPAs should focus on courses that offer hands-on training in using AI tools for audit procedures, client communications, and data interpretation.

Explore CPD courses on Generative AI and Intelligent Automation:

2. Sustainability Assurance and ESG Regulation Compliance

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is no longer optional — it’s an emerging mandate. With global frameworks like the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) influencing Canadian regulations, CPAs must become proficient in non-financial assurance.

In 2025, Canadian accountants will need to interpret climate-related disclosures, evaluate ESG KPIs, and ensure cross-border compliance. Courses that blend regulatory knowledge with assurance methodology are essential.

Top ESG Courses to Build Expertise in Sustainability Reporting and Compliance:

3. Cybersecurity and Data Privacy

As firms go increasingly digital, the responsibility to protect client and corporate data rests heavily on CPAs. With rising cyberattacks, ransomware threats, and stricter privacy laws like Quebec’s Law 25, cybersecurity has become a financial issue — not just an IT concern.

CPAs must understand data governance, breach prevention, and how to conduct risk-based assessments in cloud-based environments. CPD should focus on real-life case studies, compliance obligations, and risk management strategies.

Critical Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Courses for Today’s Risk-Aware CPA:

4. IFRS Updates & Financial Reporting

From IFRS 18 (Presentation and Disclosure in Financial Statements) to updates affecting sustainability-related disclosures, CPAs must stay sharp on new standards.

Canadian CPAs working with public companies, international clients, or sustainability-related disclosures must stay informed and compliant. Expect IFRS courses to go deeper into interpretive guidance and implementation best practices.

IFRS CPD Courses to Navigate 2025 Reporting and Disclosure Standards with Confidence:

5. Strategic Foresight and Scenario Planning

CPAs are increasingly seen as strategic advisors, not just scorekeepers. Scenario planning, probabilistic forecasting, and stress testing are becoming standard tools for boards and CFOs seeking resilience.

In 2025, CPAs must be able to anticipate shifts in market dynamics, test various risk scenarios, and guide businesses through uncertainty. This requires building capacity in modeling, systems thinking, and big-picture financial leadership.

Explore CPD courses to Strengthen Strategic Foresight, Scenario Planning, and Risk Preparedness:

6. Modern Taxation: Crypto, Carbon, and Global Pillar Two

The tax landscape is evolving rapidly. CPAs must now grasp the tax implications of cryptocurrencies, carbon credits, and the OECD’s global minimum tax (Pillar Two). These are not just buzzwords, they are real issues with reporting, compliance, and planning impacts.

Staying current on taxation frameworks both federally and internationally is essential to advising clients in areas like green investments, digital assets, and cross-border transactions.

Advanced Taxation CPD for Navigating Crypto, Carbon, and Global Regulatory Change:

7. Ethics in a Digital and AI-Driven World

The ethical landscape in accounting is being reshaped by AI, automation, and data manipulation risks. CPAs must now deal with new dilemmas — from AI hallucinations in audit summaries to the use of synthetic data in forecasting.

Courses in 2025 should address digital integrity, algorithmic transparency, and the CPA’s role in safeguarding public interest in a tech-enabled world.

Explore Ethics CPD to Address AI, Digital Integrity, and Evolving Professional Standards:

8. Leadership and Communication

Technical skills are no longer enough. Today’s CPAs must also lead teams, influence stakeholders, and communicate with clarity. Leadership development, particularly in change management, emotional intelligence, and executive presence, is key.

In 2025, CPAs are expected to act as communicators of complex data, using dashboards, data storytelling, and visual analytics to drive action. Invest in CPD that builds these soft power skills.

Leadership and Communication CPD to Elevate Influence and Stakeholder Engagement:

9. Economic Uncertainty and Strategic Advisory

With lingering inflation, higher interest rates, geopolitical instability, and supply chain volatility still impacting markets in 2025, Canadian CPAs are being called upon not just to manage numbers, but to guide strategy.

Clients and employers increasingly rely on CPAs to help navigate uncertainty, not only in budgeting and forecasting but also in broader decisions like pricing, scenario planning, cost control, and liquidity management. This is a shift from historical, backward-looking roles to forward-looking, insight-driven advisory work.

Strategic Advisory Courses to Help CPAs Lead Through Economic Uncertainty:

10. Changes in Canadian Accounting Standards (ASPE & ASNPO)

As of 2025, Canadian CPAs must keep a close eye on changes to Accounting Standards for Private Enterprises (ASPE) and Accounting Standards for Not-for-Profit Organizations (ASNPO) — both of which are undergoing significant revisions aimed at enhancing transparency and alignment with evolving stakeholder needs.

ASPE and ASNPO CPD Courses for 2025 Standard Updates and Practical Application:

Conclusion

For Canadian CPAs, 2025 is not just about keeping pace—it’s about helping shape the future of finance. CPD has moved beyond a compliance exercise to become a strategic investment in long-term relevance and impact. Whether it’s embracing AI, mastering ESG reporting, or navigating the ethical dimensions of digital tools, those who prioritize continuous learning are well-positioned to lead the profession forward.

With a wide range of learning options tailored to the evolving needs of the accounting field, CPDFormula offers courses and packages designed to help Canadian CPAs future-proof their skills and strengthen their contribution in a changing financial landscape.

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