Position: Legal Counsel, Regulatory
Reports To: Executive Vice President, Regulation and Registrar
Contract Type: Indefinite Full Time
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is seeking a skilled and motivated Legal Counsel to join our Regulation and Registrar division. This is a great opportunity for you to apply your technical and leadership skills in a unique and exciting role. We are proud and honoured to have been recognized as one of BC's Top Employers for a sixth consecutive year in 2025. Come join a high performing and collaborative network of like-minded professionals by applying to the position.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Executive Vice President, Regulation and Registrar, the Legal Counsel, Regulatory is responsible for supporting CPABC's regulatory mandate through legal research, policy development, enforcement activities and litigation support. The successful candidate will also provide support to CPABC's regulatory committees.
Key Responsibilities:
Regulatory Legal Support
- Conduct legal research and analysis on administrative law, leading cases and regulatory trends as it relates to professional regulation.
- Provide legal advice and guidance on matters related to CPABC's regulatory mandate, including compliance and litigation support with respect to all applicable laws.
- Draft, review, and revise documents for regulatory and legal proceedings.
- As appropriate, liaise with law enforcement or other regulatory bodies.
Policy and Governance
- Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that may impact CPABC's regulatory functions and recommend appropriate responses or updates.
- Oversee the drafting and revision of CPABC Bylaws, CPABC Bylaw Regulations, CPABC Code of Professional Conduct and other policy documents, and contribute to regulatory reform initiatives.
- Support the development, interpretation, and implementation of regulatory policies, procedures, and governance documents.
Regulatory Committee Support
- Provide legal support to CPABC's regulatory committees as required, ensuring adherence to principles of procedural fairness and natural justice.
- Support the Professional Conduct department, including drafting of Statements of Complaint and Resolution Agreements.
Stakeholder Engagement and Education
- Initiate cease and desist actions and seek injunctions as appropriate for misuse of the Chartered Professional Accountants designation and/or the offering of services restricted to members of the CPABC.
- Draft public notices and contribute to internal and external education initiatives related to regulatory compliance and professional standards.
- Respond to inquiries from members, students, and the public regarding regulatory matters in a clear and professional manner.
- Represent CPABC in meetings with other regulatory bodies, legal professionals, and industry stakeholders as required.
Team Collaboration and Organizational Support
- Collaborate with colleagues across departments to ensure consistent application of regulatory policies and legal standards.
- Participate in cross-functional projects and initiatives that support CPABC's strategic goals.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with CPABC's policies and legal requirements.
And other duties and responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time.
Key Requirements:
Knowledge and Experience
- LL.B. or J.D. from a recognized law school and membership in good standing with the Law Society of British Columbia.
- Minimum 8 years of legal experience, preferably in administrative, regulatory, or professional discipline law.
- Strong understanding of administrative law, procedural fairness, and professional regulation.
- Experience working with or advising regulatory bodies or tribunals.
- Litigation experience.
Demonstrated Skills and Abilities
- Excellent legal research, analysis, and drafting skills.
- Ability to interpret complex legislation and apply it to real-world scenarios.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and collaboratively.
Preferred Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities
- Experience with regulatory investigations or disciplinary processes.
- Familiarity with policy development and regulatory reform.
The starting annual salary for this position is between $140,000 – 180,000 per annum, based on candidates' qualifications, experience, and internal parity. Exceptions may be considered with further review.
If this job outline describes you, we encourage you to apply through our online Careers Portal. We thank all candidates who respond; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Why join our team? CPABC offers a balanced and flexible work environment with a competitive compensation package. At CPABC we live our core values:
- We Are Open
- We Work Together
- We Communicate
- We Improve Every Day
- We Are Professional
- We Laugh and Celebrate
About CPABC
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is the training, governing, and regulatory body for over 40,000 CPA members and 6,000 CPA students and candidates. CPABC carries out its primary mission to protect the public by enforcing the highest professional and ethical standards and contributing to the advancement of public policy. CPAs are recognized internationally for bringing superior financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, and leadership to organizations. CPABC is proud to have been presented with a sixth consecutive BC Top Employer award in 2025.