Serving and Protecting the Public

Protecting the public is the cornerstone of the CPA profession and the Chartered Professional Accountants of Nova Scotia.

The Chartered Professional Accountants of Nova Scotia is the governing body for Chartered Professional Accountants in the province. Under the Chartered Professional Accountants Act, it has been granted the power to regulate the profession in Nova Scotia and has an obligation to protect the public. As such, it has the authority to require members, registered firms, candidates, and students (collectively referred to as “registrants”) to adhere to a strict Code of Professional Conduct and By-Laws , and to investigate registrants who have breached those rules and By-Laws.

CPA Nova Scotia’s complaints and discipline processes become operative when complaints are received from the general public, or from other registrants.  However, CPA Nova Scotia is not required to have a formal written complaint to commence an investigation if it receives information that raises a question about a possible breach or breaches of the rules or By-Laws by a registrant. 

CPA Nova Scotia is not a civil court and does not provide a fee dispute mediation service nor does it have the power to order restitution to third parties. Anybody with a concern over a registrant’s conduct is encouraged to try to resolve the matter directly with the registrant involved. If you fail to find a satisfactory resolution, a complaint may be filed with CPA Nova Scotia.