The Bridge to Work for internationally trained accountants and bookkeepers was a program run by the Halton Multicultural Council in partnership with MIAG.

Since 2006, the program helped professionals in the accounting field move closer toward employment in their field of expertise. Initially it served clients in the region of Halton and was funded by MCI (Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration). Due to the high demand and the uniqueness of the service offered, it expanded to the Region of Peel, opening a new location in Mississauga in June 2008. This expansion and the new round of programming from 2008 to 2010 was funded by the Government of Canada through Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration.

Due to funding changes, the Bridge-to-Work Program was changed to Enhanced Language Training for Accountants and Bookkeepers in March 2010, funded by CIC. The program still serves internationally trained accountants and bookkeepers, but no longer permits ongoing enrolment. The full program is now delivered one 4-month term of 250 hours of instruction. It still offers information about the licensing process for professionals in accounting. The 250 hours is comprised of accounting software classes (Simply Accounting, QuickBooks and CaseWare), job search and employability skills, Canadian business communication and a 40+ hour volunteer work placement for participants.

Participants in the program also have the opportunity to participate in information sessions and seminars delivered by Canada Revenue Agency, specialized staffing agencies and guest speakers.

Since June 2008 when it first opened its office in Mississauga, we have helped over 200 participants with information, accounting software training, networking opportunities and work placement experience. We are pleased to continue this project in partnership with MIAG.