Launch Your Other Accounting Services in Burnaby Today
This page offers a practical, beginner-friendly path to starting an Other Accounting Services business in Burnaby (NAICS 541219). You’ll find a straightforward 7-step requirements checklist, plus a quick guide to permits, licenses, startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to launch.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly what the seven requirements cover and how to complete them efficiently. We break down registrations, city licensing, tax setup, basic insurance, and the essentials you’ll need for client-ready operations, including software and data security considerations. You’ll also get a clear sense of the typical costs you should budget for (registration fees, insurance, software, marketing) and a practical timeline to move from registration to serving clients.
Burnaby’s vibrant business community and easy access to Metro Vancouver resources make it a strong place to grow an accounting service. With supportive local programs, affordable office and work-from-home options, and plenty of potential clients, you’ll find it easier to get your 7 requirements completed and start serving customers sooner.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is CPABC Chartered Professional Accountant Designation. This credential is legally required to provide accounting services, and you cannot legally operate or present yourself as a licensed accountant without it. It is non-negotiable and foundational to offering credible, compliant service in BC.
For day-to-day operations, plan for essential compliance and safety. Ensure you meet privacy and workplace standards by handling client information responsibly under PIPEDA, and maintain proper WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for any employed staff. These operational obligations keep your practice compliant and protect both your clients and your team.
On the business registration and tax front, you’ll need to set up and maintain several identifiers. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) for your firm, registering a BC business name if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, and registering for GST/HST if your taxable revenue meets the threshold. You’ll also handle payroll deductions registration as you grow and hire staff, ensuring accurate remittances for taxes and benefits.
If you’re ready to move forward, start by confirming the CPABC designation you’ll hold and map out the steps to obtain or verify it. Then set up your BN, register your BC business name, and check GST/HST and payroll obligations for your anticipated revenue and payroll. A local small-business advisor or CPA can help tailor a precise checklist for Burnaby and BC, and guide you through any forms and timelines. You’ve got this—take it one step at a time, and you’ll be on solid regulatory footing soon.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other accounting services in Burnaby:
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CPABC Chartered Professional Accountant Designation RequiredCPA designation and public practice licensing through Chartered Professional Accountants of BC CPA designation through CPABC. Complete CPA PEP (6 modules, ~2 years) + Common Final Exam (CFE) + 30 months practical experience. Membership application fee: $250. Public practice licence required for assurance services. Public practice fees: member levy $160/person + firm component. 120 CPD hours required per 3 years. Professional liability insurance mandatory for public practice. Contact CPABC: 604-872-7222.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) Compliance RequiredProfessional services that collect, use, or disclose personal information must comply with PIPEDA federal privacy law. Includes consent requirements, security safeguards, and breach notification obligations. No registration required - compliance law. Follow PIPEDA's 10 fair information principles when handling personal data: accountability, identify purposes, consent, limit collection/use/retention, accuracy, safeguards, openness, individual access, challenging compliance. Appoint someone responsible for privacy. Penalties: up to $10M or 3% global revenue under proposed Bill C-27. Contact: Office of the Privacy Commissioner 1-800-282-1376.
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your other accounting services:
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Cohort-based program supporting Quebec companies operating primarily in immersive/interactive digital content (VR/AR/MR, interactive scenographies, installations). Selected cohorts share a total funding envelope. First cohort (2024): 17 companies shared $7.5M; second cohort (2025): 11 companies shared $3.725M (~$340K–$440K per company). Video games, animation, VFX, and traditional formats are not eligible.
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Non-repayable project or composite (multi-year) grants for arts sector innovation, development, and support activities. Project grants normally up to $50,000; composite grants up to $50,000/year for multi-year periods. Exceptional projects may receive up to $100,000. Rolling intake — no fixed deadlines.
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The HIPP provided up to $200,000 over 9 months for Stage 1 proof-of-concept, with Stage 2 covering up to 75% of eligible expenses over up to 3 years (minimum 25% applicant cost-share). Eligible applicants included Alberta post-secondary institutions, government entities, health delivery agents, and for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. The program …
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Invest Nova Scotia Payroll Rebate is a negotiated incentive for knowledge-based companies creating at least 20 net new full-time positions in Nova Scotia. The rebate is 5–10% of eligible gross payroll, disbursed annually over a set period (typically up to 5 years), after audited confirmation of job creation. Eligible …
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