Capitalize Fall 2015

Transcription

capitalize
FALL 2015
Introducing Albertans to the CPA Profession
CAREERS IN BUSINESS.
TAKING OFF WITH THE
CPA DESIGNATION.
DON’T EAT
YELLOW
SNOW
Come visit us in Edmonton or Calgary in September 2015.
For more details check out our campus events page at
GrantThornton.ca/careers/students/campus-events
Some advice just states the obvious. But to give the kind
of advice that’s going to make a real difference to your clients
you’ve got to listen critically, dig beneath the surface, challenge
assumptions and be credible and confident enough to make
suggestions right from day one. At Grant Thornton you’ve got to
be ready to kick start a career right at the heart of business.
Sound like you? Here’s our advice: visit
GrantThornton.ca/careers/students
Scan here to learn more about a career
with Grant Thornton
© Grant Thornton LLP. A Canadian Member of Grant Thornton International Ltd
TABLE OF CONTENTS / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 1
Contents
p18
p28
p11
p32
p35
p15
2
CEO Message
5
Events Calendar
6
Meet Your CPA Campus
Ambassadors
8
Keeping Up With the Pace
of Business
11 Coping Effectively
with Stress
12 Brewing Passion
15 Practice Makes Perfect
16
The Balancing Act
18
Recognizing Excellence
22
The CPA Certification
Program: What Students
Need to Know
26
Hear it From the Source...
28
To Serve and Protect
32
CPA Education Foundation
Corner
35
Making a Splash in Fashion
36
How to Successfully Utilize
Group Project Experience in
Interviews
2 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / CEO MESSAGE
capitalize
FALL 2015
Editor
Natasha Constantin
nconstantin@cpaalberta.ca
Message from
the CEO of
CPA Alberta
Contributors
Labonneau Dey
Laura Ly
Andrew Moore
Eric Pye
Advertising
Nicole Rowley
Graphic Design
Nathan Webb
Rachel Miller fcpa, fca
Chief Executive Officer,
CPA Alberta
What an historic journey the
accounting profession has been on!
As of July 1, 2015 the Chartered Professional Accountants Act came
into force making the CPA designation a reality in Alberta.
Alberta’s CMAs, CGAs and CAs are now using the CPA designation.
This means that the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta,
along with the Society of Management Accountants of Alberta and
the Certified General Accountants Association of Alberta, have
been amalgamated into CPA Alberta, the new professional
organization for the CPA designation, regulated by the Chartered
Professional Accountants Act.
We hope that, with a clear future ahead, you will feel more excited
and motivated than ever to attain Canada’s preeminent business
and accounting designation, the CPA. As you read through this
issue of Capitalize, you will feel inspired by the stories of the
professional accountants who have demonstrated achievement,
balance, passion, and exploration throughout their careers. They
are the living proof that choosing a career as a professional
accountant provides endless opportunity in any sector of business
anywhere in the world.
This historic step also confirms that you, as a student interested in
pursuing your accounting designation, will receive the CPA
designation once you’ve successfully completed the CPA
Professional Education Program (PEP), and the Practical
Experience Requirements (PER) and have successfully passed the
Common Final Evaluation (CFE). You can learn more about the
steps to earning your CPA designation on page 22.
I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavours this fall.
Photography
Laughing Dog Photography
Trudie Lee Photography
Capitalize is a semi-annual magazine
designed to introduce students to
the accounting profession in Alberta.
Published by CPA Alberta, the magazine
is distributed to more than 4,500
readers including university, college,
and high school students, as well as
career counsellors and other studentoriented services.
To learn more about your path towards a
career in accounting:
cpaalberta.ca
T: 587.390.1877
Toll-free: 1.855.306.9390
Email: becomeacpa.ab@cpawsb.ca
Edmonton
580 Manulife Place 10180 – 101 Street
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4R2
T: 780 424.7391 | 1 800 232.9406
Calgary (Downtown)
Suite 300, 1210 – 8th Street SW
Calgary AB T2R 1L3
T: 403 269.5341 | 1 877 262.2000
Calgary (Manning Road)
Suite 100, 325 Manning Rd NE
Calgary AB T2E 2P5
T: 403 299.1300 | 1 800 661.1078
ISSN# 1703-0749
Canadian Publication Mail
Agreement #40064884
Get the career you want (with the degree you have).
Demand for Chartered Professional Accountants is growing in every industry world-wide. Build on the
degree you already have, no matter the discipline, and transition into the career you want with the
University of Lethbridge CPA Bridging program.
Complete the courses you need for the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) while you work full
time; uLethbridge offers CPA Bridging courses on evenings and weekends at our Calgary campus and
daytime courses in Lethbridge. Benefit from classroom instruction by industry leaders who share relevant,
real-world experience.
uLethbridge.ca/future-student
Campuses in Lethbridge & Calgary
CPABridging_CapitalizeMag_ad_aug_2015.indd 2
15-08-11 11:33 AM
October
September
From career fairs to conferences to information and
networking sessions, included below is a comprehensive
list of the activities you should know about!
November
events
CALENDAR
EVENTS CALENDAR / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 5
11
CPA Softball
University of Calgary 11
Edmonton Meet Your Employer (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
Expo Centre at Northlands, 7515 118 Avenue NW
16 University of Alberta Accounting Club Dinner (5:00 – 8:00 p.m.) Faculty Club, 11435 Saskatchewan Drive
16
CPA Mixer University of Calgary
16
Lethbridge Meet Your Employer (3:00 – 7:00 p.m.)
University of Lethbridge, Students’ Union Ballroom
17 CPA Recruitment Information Session (1:00 – 2:00 p.m.)
SAIT Campus, MacDonald Hall
18
Calgary Meet Your Employer (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)
BMO Centre, 20 Round Up Way SE
23
University of Alberta Career Day (10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) University of Alberta, Butterdome, North Campus
15 CPA Info Session (12:00 – 1:00 p.m.)
University of Calgary
19
January 2016 PEP Core Module One Registration Opens
cpamodule@cpawsb.ca
20 CPA Info Session (5:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
University of Lethbridge, Andy’s place, AH100
21
CPA Info Session (4:00 – 5:00 p.m.)
MacEwan University, Rm 5-268
27
CPA Info Session (5:00 – 7:00 p.m.) University of Alberta Stollery Centre East, 5th floor Business Building, Room 5-40 A&B
4
CPA Info Session (5:00 – 6:00 p.m.)
NAIT Campus, T615
6–7
University of Alberta Internal Case Competition
9–14 Mount Royal University Fall Case Competition 17
CPA Info Session (3:00 – 4:00 p.m.) Mount Royal University, Bissett Boardroom, EB 2061
25
High School Student and Parent Evening With the Pros
An evening hosted by CPA Alberta to explore business and accounting.
Crescent Heights High School, Calgary
25–26 University of Alberta Power Point & Shoot 27
Dress & Dine for Success University of Calgary
30
January 2016 PEP Core Module One Registration Closes
Register through your MyCPA Portal at my.cpawsb.ca
For more information about these events, please email: becomeacpa.ab@cpawsb.ca
6 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / CAMPUS AMBASSADORS
Meet Your CPA
Campus Ambassadors
CPA Alberta’s Campus Ambassador team is here to assist you in becoming informed
about the path towards your Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. The
following ambassadors will be a primary point of contact for you to get information about
the CPA Certification Program, as well as important events and activities.
Alex Glydon
Kassie Devolin
Sohail Shakeel
Pinder Sangha
Why were you interested in
becoming a Campus
Ambassador?
I was interested in becoming a
Campus Ambassador because
of the networking opportunities. The accountants I’ll get to
meet in various fields through
networking events will help give
me an idea of what type of
accounting job I would like to
pursue after my degree.
Why have you chosen to
pursue a career in accounting?
I was always a very strong
student in math and enjoyed
problem solving. Accounting is
similar because it involves
critical thinking and an attention to detail. I was also
interested in accounting
because of the variety and
flexibility of the work, the
international mobility, and the
ability to work in any industry.
becoming a Campus
Ambassador?
I wanted to become a Campus
Ambassador so that I could
meet new people and learn
more about the profession.
Becoming a Campus Ambassador has also given me the
opportunity to become an
advocate for the CPA Program
and inform prospective
students about the opportunities available through the
designation.
At first I wasn’t sure if accounting was for me, but as time
went on I saw how much
potential there was with this
career path. Accounting is not
just about the numbers as some
may believe. It’s about solving
problems, both quantitatively
and qualitatively in order to
reach a solution.
University of Lethbridge
uofl_alex@cpaalberta.ca
Where do you aspire to be in 10
years with your career? What
would your dream job be?
In 10 years, I hope to be a CPA
working at a large public
accounting firm as an auditor.
University of Calgary
uofc_kassie@cpaalberta.ca
What is something about you
that people might be surprised
to know?
I was a competitive swimmer
for 11 years and swam for one
year with the University of
Calgary Dinos team.
Mount Royal University
mru_sohail@cpaalberta.ca
If you could go anywhere in the
world, where would you go?
Turkey. The country has acted
as a land bridge between
Europe and Asia for centuries
and contains a unique mix of
culture, language, and history
that isn’t found anywhere else
in the world.
SAIT Polytechnic
sait_pinder@cpaalberta.ca
In 10 years, I would like to have
both my CPA and CFA completed and be in a leadership
position. I want to be at the
point where I am sought out for
my knowledge and am able to
give back as much as I can.
CAMPUS AMBASSADORS / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 7
Adam Van Elsberg
Arly Caluag
becoming a Campus
Ambassador?
I thought it would be a great
opportunity to learn more
about the CPA designation,
meet fellow accounting
students and assist my peers.
I have chosen to pursue a
career in accounting because I
know that it will provide me
with a stable career, enhance
my knowledge of how businesses operate, and most of all,
because I know it will present
me with endless opportunities. MacEwan University
macewan_adam@cpaalberta.ca
In 10 years, I see myself as an
auditor. My dream job would be
to own a business that specializes in financial advice for startup business owners on how to
develop their own companies.
NAIT
nait_arly@cpaalberta.ca
If you could travel anywhere in
the world, where would you go
and why?
If I could travel anywhere in the
world, I would travel through all
the countries in Europe. I have
heard many stories and seen
many beautiful pictures of
Europe and have always
dreamed of exploring it.
Dorothy Wong
University of Lethbridge
Calgary Campus
uoflcal_dorothy@cpaalberta.ca
becoming a Campus
Ambassador?
I think Campus Ambassadors
really add something to
campus culture for accounting
students. Students are always
looking to connect with their
future profession and get
prepared for the next step in
that journey. I was interested
because it struck me as a
meaningful contribution to my
fellow classmates.
to know?
As a child, I spent most of my
time making art or sewing.
Everyone thought I would grow
up to be an artist or a designer.
Colleen Xie
University of Alberta
uofa_colleen@cpaalberta.ca
becoming a Campus
Ambassador?
I think that being a CPA Campus
Ambassador will be a great way
to start building a strong
understanding of the program
before going through it.
to know?
People wouldn’t likely guess
that I used to be part of a
rowing team!
8 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / PROFILE / KEEPING UP WITH THE PACE OF BUSINESS
Keeping Up
With the Pace
of Business
By Natasha Constantin
Photograph by Laughing Dog Photography
You’d never really think that anything that happens before 8:00 a.m.
would have a significant impact on
your career. At this time, you’re
likely still waking up, going through
the motions of your daily commute,
and you probably haven’t even had
your first sip of coffee yet. But for
Alex Eadie cpa, cma, cams, it was
his daily carpool route to work eight
years ago that led him down the
rewarding career path to become
the Executive Vice President – Chief
Risk and Strategy Officer at FIRMA
Foreign Exchange.
“My carpool buddy, a trader at FIRMA, always spoke
so highly of the organization,” said Alex. “I was looking for a change at that stage in my career. I wanted
the opportunity to move out of a traditional accounting role and get more involved at the operational and
strategic capacity. I was told the VP of Operations
was leaving FIRMA, so I threw in my application and
it went from there.”
FIRMA Foreign Exchange puts the world’s currencies to work, trading billions of dollars each year.
Industry and commerce in our global economy rely
heavily on the exchange of international currency. “As
the company grows, we’re always looking for new
revenue streams to add and ways to make things more
cost-effective and efficient,” said Alex. “It’s something
I thrive on—being able to bridge the high level strategy of where we want to go as a company, and turn
that into tangible actions we can execute on.”
While high-level strategy is something all professional accountants strive to master, Alex credits much
of his success at FIRMA to his technical accounting
knowledge, his experience in traditional accounting
roles, and his accounting designation. “Numbers are
the core base of every business. It’s that understanding of how the numbers from various parts of the
business come together to help you achieve your
corporate strategy,” said Alex. “And an accounting
designation gives you the comfort level to be able to
look at numbers and understand how to interpret
them for decision making purposes,” he added. “My
designation also provides people with a higher comfort level in my ability.”
The CPA designation and the training required to
achieve that level of professionalism transfer well
around the world in nearly every market. “You are able
to talk-the-talk,” said Alex. “Being able to speak through
KEEPING UP WITH THE PACE OF BUSINESS / PROFILE / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 9
“Being able to speak through the universal language of
numbers gives you the ability to understand business
principles and take you and your organization
wherever you want to go in the world.”
the universal language of numbers gives you
the ability to understand business principles
and take you and your organization wherever
you want to go in the world.”
Alex has been able to use that “language”
in his own work across the globe, with his
regulatory roles at FIRMA taking him to places
such as New York, San Francisco, London,
Prague, Amsterdam, Sydney, and Auckland.
“Different people from around the world have
varying parts of our business they like to focus
on,” said Alex. “Some will be more interested
in our bank covenants, others in our AML audit
process, and others on our governance structure, but discussions linked to those focus
points are always numbers-based.”
There’s a varied pace to working in most
industries, especially when travel is involved.
“In many cases, I will work much longer than
a 12-hour day when I’m travelling because I
need to accomplish all the tasks at hand in
my current time-zone, as well as the tasks
locally back at home,” said Alex. “It’s all about
balance. Every business has its ebbs and flows,
and after an intense work period, I like to
make more time for myself and my family by
staying active, getting involved in my community and going to concerts.”
Along with balance, Alex advises young
professionals to be able to accept change
and external factors in the workplace. “People,
process, and policies will pull you in many
directions,” said Alex. “If you have a flexible
and adaptable attitude, you can be successful, whatever comes your way.”
Most professionals who get an accounting
designation will likely augment it with a
number of the other skills accrued over the
course of their careers. For Alex, it was getting involved with the anti-money laundering
and compliance regulatory side of the business that required him to get his Certified
Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
certification: “I never figured I would go down
that route when I was in university. But, again,
it’s the openness and adaptability throughout
my career that has allowed me to build on
my core skillset of accounting to pursue any
role that interests me.” c
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BY BRIAN FORBES / GUEST FEATURE / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 11
COPING EFFECTIVELY
WITH STRESS
We all experience stress. It’s a fact of life we cannot avoid even in a wellmanaged life. We all are confronted with a continuous flow of potentially
stressful events. Positive events also cause stress, such as getting married,
starting a new job, and even going on vacation to name a few. Regardless
of the source of the stress, whether it’s the cumulative effect of minor
everyday issues or major life changes, how you choose to respond to the
stressor will determine the impact that stress has on your life.
How you interpret and label your present situation can serve
to either relax or stress you. Stress can have a significant
impact on your physical health. Almost every system in your
body can be damaged by stress. As long as your mind perceives
a threat, the body remains aroused. If the stress response
remains turned on, you increase your chances of developing
a stress-related illness.
When you perceive a threat, your body prepares to take
action referred to as the “fight or flight response”. During this
time, the hormones adrenalin and cortisol are released into
your system and can remain there for up to six hours. As a
result, if you are repeatedly stressed out each day, these
hormones collect in your system. These hormones can destroy
your immune system and make you susceptible to disease.
Stress
comes from
a variety of
sources:
1
Given that stress is a part of our everyday life,
the question then becomes: what strategies
can be employed to help us cope with stress?
First: strike a balance in your life between work, school, and home. Set
priorities in terms of relationships, family, leisure and work. We often let
others set priorities for us, but we need to be the ones to set the priorities
for our life.
Second: when faced with a stressor, it is important to relax and breathe
deeply. Take six long slow deep breaths, in through the nose and out through
the mouth. This relaxes the muscles and gets more oxygen into the system,
which help us think more clearly.
Third: since our stress originates from how we think about an experience
and respond to it, it is important to identify and refute irrational thoughts.
We are good at talking ourselves into a stressful state. In essence we spend
too much time stressing over things that we do not control and have no
serious consequence to us. If you don’t control a situation and it has no
serious consequence to you, let it go.
Fourth: confront issues and situations. Don’t procrastinate. Procrastination
only allows an issue to fester and create more stress.
Fifth: when faced with an issue, be solution-focused and consider all
alternatives.
Sixth: think positively. Focus on the positives in your life each day.
Seventh: engage in physical activities on a regular basis.
Eighth: eat a well-balanced diet and avoid fat-rich foods and a high-fat diet.
Ninth: avoid excessive use of alcohol and illicit drug use.
Tenth: laugh. Laughter has a therapeutic effect and is a good pain killer.
One final comment on coping
with stress: there is an increasing
emphasis on mindfulness in our
culture, which refers to being in the
moment. Mindfulness is the practice
of becoming more aware of the
present moment without judging it
or analyzing it.
Perhaps the type of personality
attracted to accounting is one that
is analytical. That is what accountants
are paid to do—assess situations,
risk, and outcomes. It is therefore
more important for accountants to
spend time clearing their minds of
this mode of thinking when it comes
to personal matters. Rather than
dwelling too much on the past or
too much on the future, it’s about
not having regrets or worrying about
what may never happen.
It’s about being right here, right
now in this moment, which is the
only moment we have. We don’t
know what is going to happen
beyond the present moment. We
spend too much time worrying about
what might happen rather than just
being in the moment we have. There
are a variety of activities that you
can engage in that will bring you
into the moment including yoga,
meditation, sports, exercise, pets,
and hobbies to name a few. c
The environment:
challenges that
we must endure
such as traffic,
noise, weather.
2
Your social world:
deadlines, presentations, demands
for your time,
financial problems, and
coworkers.
3
Your physiological state: illness,
injuries, poor
nutrition, and
reduced sleep.
4
Your thoughts:
your brain
interprets
changes in your
environment and
body and
determines how
we react.
Article contributor, Brian Forbes, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Forbes Psychological Services
12 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / PROFILE / BREWING PASSION
Brewing Pass
By Andrew Moore
Photography by Laughing Dog Photography
For almost 170 years, Labatt has had an unwavering commitment to
using only the finest ingredients and time-proven methods. Another
part of the secret formula to the company’s success is the team of
advanced professionals who continually find innovative ways to
enhance the consumer experience.
sion
BREWING PASSION / PROFILE / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 13
“Accounting has many facets.
Find the aspect of accounting
you enjoy most and try to match
the job to that specialty—the
passion will follow.”
Labatt’s commitment to brewing excellence
is fueled by the passion of dedicated employees, like Karen Miller cpa, cga.
As a Controller at Labatt, Karen is responsible for examining every cost that goes into
the brewing process. This thorough and
essential budgeting helps Labatt operate as
efficiently and effectively as possible. “As a
Labatt Brewery Controller, every day is interesting and full of positive challenges,” said
Karen. “It can range from a daily conference
call among brewery controllers across Canada
to reviewing current work priorities and best
practices. Every month we assess our performance and processes with a view to identify
areas for improvement.”
Although working at Labatt removes her
from the annual tax season that many accountants in public practice experience, Karen is
still passionate about income taxes. She volunteers for CPA Alberta’s Tax Clinic Program—
an experience she finds incredibly rewarding.
The Tax Clinic Program invites designated
accountants, candidates and students to
volunteer and help low-income Albertans
complete their tax returns free of charge.
“I’m always interested in furthering my
career. There are so many volunteer and
professional development opportunities available to designated members in Edmonton,”
said Karen.
It’s thanks in part to the professional development opportunities throughout her career
that Karen first landed in accounting. “In my
first management position, I was given training on how to read financial statements and
found the process intriguing,” said Karen. “I
was fortunate that my employer at the time
provided access to career counselling, where
I was encouraged to pursue the accounting
profession and my designation. I enrolled in
courses at the local college and found that I
enjoyed many aspects of accounting.”
As someone who has personally made
career gains through the use of workplace
resources available to her, Karen knows a thing
or two about the benefits of professional
development and receptivity to taking on new
roles and responsibilities. As such, she is
excited about having the chance to serve on
the CPA Alberta Edmonton Chapter Board
this year, a position she’s confident will lead
to many great opportunities.
“Accounting has many facets,” said Karen.
“Find the aspect of accounting you enjoy
most and try to match the job to that specialty—the passion will follow.” c
ation: N/A
Onefirm
ment: 6754_CPA Alberta Ad_FY14.indd
kpmg.ca
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PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT / PROFILE / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 15
“Working in public
practice provides me
the ability to work in
different industries and
something new on a
daily basis. Being able
to work alongside our
clients as a trusted
professional is very
rewarding.”
Practice
Makes
Perfect
By Andrew Moore
Photograph by Laughing Dog Photography
If you’re the type who thrives
on change and working with
new people, then working in
public practice might just be
the perfect fit for you.
It was certainly the right choice for Patrick
Sanders cpa, cga, ca. Now a Partner at Givens
LLP, Patrick got into accounting purely by
accident.
“I was taking business diploma courses at
NAIT without having any idea of what career
I wanted to pursue,” said Patrick. “The business
diploma program at NAIT was pretty general.
It gave you a taste of all business streams –
marketing, human resources, finance and
accounting. When I started taking the accounting courses I realized this was a trade that I
could grasp and something I enjoyed.”
The opportunity to become Partner was
presented to Patrick after demonstrating hard
work and commitment to the existing partners,
“My biggest professional accomplishment was
having the opportunity to become a partner
in our firm,” said Patrick. “This has given me
the ability to have a say in how our business
is run, strategically and operationally. It provides
the challenges and rewards that have kept
me interested in my professional career.”
Patrick says the biggest challenge he faces
in public practice is managing the many
deadlines to ensure work is completed on
time for banking or tax compliance. “There
are certain times of the year that are more
challenging than others,” he said. “Working
in public practice provides me the ability to
work in different industries and something
new on a daily basis. Being able to work
alongside our clients as a trusted professional
is very rewarding.”
Public accounting firms like Givens LLP
provide services such as audit, reviews and
compilations to a variety of business sectors.
These sectors can include anything from oil
and gas manufacturing, fast food, collection
agencies, professionals, trades, not for profit
agencies, trucking companies and more.”
But it’s not all work and no play. Outside
of his professional life, Patrick enjoys spending time with his wife and two-year-old
daughter. As an avid football fan, he stays
active playing sports—an important part of
maintaining a work-life balance.
“If accounting is an interest, obtaining the
CPA designation is a must,” said Patrick. “Most
employers require this if they are looking for
a professional accountant. If you don’t have
a CPA designation, your accounting career
can be limited. For the three-year investment,
the rewards can last a lifetime.” c
16 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / FEATURE / THE BALANCING ACT
The
Balancing
Act
By Andrew Moore
Photograph by Trudie Lee Photography
It’s amazing what we can accomplish
from behind our desks. Advances in
technology are continuously making
our lives much more effortless –
especially for business professionals
working in an office. From
e-commerce to e-conferencing, there’s
little left that requires us to stand up
out of our chairs.
While it’s true that these simple conveniences
can save us time and make our lives a little
easier, it’s important that they’re balanced with
an active lifestyle to avoid negative effects on
our well-being.
For Laura Henderson CPA, CGA, there’s no
better remedy for a tough day than going for
a run. “Physical activity is my stress reliever.
It provides my brain with some time off while
my legs take over,” said Laura. “It improves
my overall energy levels and mood. I’m a much
happier person (and employee) when I have
time to be active and exercise.”
As the Senior Finance Advisor at Shell, she
takes advantage of the work-life balance
opportunities made available to her—an initiative many employers have introduced for its
positive impact on their employees’ well-being
and productivity.
It’s no secret that exercise can improve
mental alertness. Jackie Cooney, Manager of
Fitness and Training at Talisman Centre, says
it can also boost hormone levels to put people
in an overall better mood.
“Studies have actually shown that people
who are more active and fit tend to be more
effective employees,” said Jackie. “They are
Laura Henderson CPA, CGA
THE BALANCING ACT / FEATURE / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 17
“Studies have actually shown that people who are more
active and fit tend to be more effective employees, They
are more likely to get up from their desk to accomplish a
task immediately, instead of waiting for work to pile up.”
— Jackie Cooney, Manager of Fitness and Training at Talisman Centre
more likely to get up from their desk to accomplish a task immediately, instead of waiting
for work to pile up.”
Shell’s commitment to work-life balance
goes beyond encouraging staff to just simply
stay active. To help employees stay motivated
and on track with all aspects of their life,
performance reviews can include both business
goals and individual goals.
“Every year I have to put together a
document that outlines my performance
goals,” said Laura. “In order to make this
specific and measurable, I’m asked to define
what good work-life balance means to me
and assign a metric to which that could be
measured. For me, it is defined as having the
time available to stick to a running training
program that includes four runs per week.”
Laura’s main goal is to ensure that she
maintains her personal development and
learning opportunities in order to stay moti-
vated and perform at her best. Outside of
work, she wants to ensure she continues to
prioritize time with her family and friends.
“I find it useful to have scheduled physical
activities,” said Laura. “I enjoy playing sports
such as ultimate frisbee and badminton.
Making time to participate in these activities
with friends helps keep me balanced.”
According to Jackie and the Talisman
Centre’s Training and Fitness Team, most of
us will reach our peak muscle mass, bone
density and cardiovascular capacity by the
time we reach 35, and will slowly decline from
there. By improving strength and health
earlier on in life, we can ensure that we maintain a good level of physical independence
as we age. However, this doesn’t mean that
being older than 35 is too late to take up
exercise. You can still increase strength, flexibility and quality of life by increasing your
exercise/activity levels at any age.
“Exercise is one of the best ways to increase
your energy levels,” said Jackie. “It can help
your ability to play with your kids without
getting tired, to go out dancing with friends,
or even accomplish daily chores without
feeling fatigued.”
While having her fitness goals tied to her
work performance helps keep Laura active
and motivated, she adds that it also helps to
keep her honest.
“I know my manager will discuss with me
whether I have kept to my running training
program,” said Laura. “No one likes to admit
out loud that they didn’t achieve a goal they
set out, so it gives me extra motivation to
stay on track.”
Laura stresses that having a workout partner is another great way to gain some extra
momentum when trying to maintain a healthy
balance.
“It helps tremendously to have a workout
buddy,” she explains. “You can keep each
other honest. Not wanting to let that buddy
down will help get you out the door on days
you’d rather just lay on your couch.”
Naturally, office workers and students are
required to spend a lot of time sitting at a
desk. But by introducing a little activity into
your life, you can become more alert, happier
and more productive in both your work and
personal life. Just ask Laura. c
CPA Canada Fitness Poll
By Tamar Satov, Senior Editor of CPA Magazine,
Reprinted with permission of CPA Magazine
Canadian CPAs are on the move, and not just in terms of career. According to the May 2015 reader poll, 96% of members took part in
some form of physical activity on a regular basis, and the vast majority say they have an average (48%) or above average (37%) fitness
level for their age. In addition to the top five activities listed below, some of them stair climb (18%), play team sports (17%), golf (15%), ski/
snowboard (13%), swim (8%), skate (7%), canoe/row (6%) and play tennis or other racket sports (5%). At least 2% each also dance, rock
climb and — this is Canada after all — snowshoe.
63%
34%
34%
WALK
TAKE EXERCISE CLASS
LIFT WEIGHTS
29%
RUN/JOG
26%
BIKE
18 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / FEATURE / RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE
Recognizing
Excellence
Photography by Laughing Dog Photography
The employees at the City of St. Albert are familiar with receiving recognition for
their hard work and excellence. The city was recently named the “Best City to Live
in Canada” and the “Best Place to Raise Kids” (MoneySense Magazine, 2014), as well
as the “Safest Urban Centre in Alberta” (Statistics Canada, 2014). Other recognitions
include “Healthiest Community in Canada” (Reader’s Digest, 2013) and “Number
One Place to Raise a Family” (Today’s Parent, 2011).
The City of St. Albert finance and accounting team from left to right: Mike Dion cpa, cma, mba; Ashleigh Campbell cpa, ca;
Anne Victoor cpa, cga; Jayme Chick, CPA Candidate; Brenda Barclay cpa, cma; Stanley Chan cpa, cma; Stella Tam cpa, ca;
Diane McMordie cpa, cma; Stephen Graham cpa, cma; Jaimie Spurgeon cpa, cma
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE / FEATURE / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 19
There is, without a doubt, a highly efficient
organization with many successful moving
parts working behind the scenes to make
the City of St. Albert a great place to work
and live.
Working hard to keep the community
balanced and fiscally responsible is the top
priority of the finance and accounting team
at the City of St. Albert. “They do unheralded
work, ensuring payables and receivables are
handled completely and professionally,” said
Mayor Nolan Crouse. “The public is guaranteed a very thorough, accurate and transpar-
ent reporting of all aspects of financial
matters. The recognition that St. Albert has
received, is a tribute to many, and one of the
reasons is because residents of St. Albert
know and trust the stewardship of their
money is in good hands with the financial
experts we employ.” For the accounting and
finance team at the city, they feel proud
knowing that their accounting expertise
contributes to the programs and services
that provide a high quality of life for all those
who call St. Albert home (which in some
cases includes themselves).
20 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / FEATURE / RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE
Mike Dion CPA, CMA
General Manager and Chief Financial Officer
Employed with City of St. Albert: one year
Anne Victoor CPA, CGA
Manager, Financial Services
Employed with City of St. Albert: nine years
How does it make you feel to know that your
contributions have helped St. Albert thrive as it does?
“It is very satisfying and motivating to know that my
contributions, and more importantly, my team’s
collective contributions, have helped the City and the
community thrive. The expectation for accountability
and continuous improvement by City Council and the
Senior Leadership Team has been instrumental in the
city’s status. Being able to make a positive difference at
the City of St. Albert is very rewarding and will resonate
positively with me for years to come.”
Why did you want to work at the City of St. Albert?
“I grew up in St. Albert; so naturally, I have a passion for
the city. It offered me with the opportunity to work in a
smaller environment and gain experience in a broad
spectrum of financial issues. The short commute is an
extra bonus, of course.”
What keeps you motivated/inspired throughout
your career?
“I have been motivated and inspired by the opportunities
I’ve had to lead and support continuous improvement
and change management in my current and previous
roles. It’s a great feeling to leave a legacy of improved
functionality, effectiveness and accountability.”
Has your accounting designation helped get you to
where you are in your career?
“My accounting designation has been instrumental in
the advancement of my career. The training and
education that led me to achieve my designation
provided me with the technical tools and the peer
network necessary for a successful career. The designation has proven beneficial in providing added value in
the various roles in my career. Having an accounting
designation adds both value and credibility to any
senior financial role.”
What are some interesting/unique challenges that
accountants face working for a municipality?
“A unique challenge of working for a city can be the
potential shifting of priorities and resources, as elected
officials can change every four years.”
How do you feel your accounting expertise provides
value to the St. Albert community?
“It is enjoyable to collaborate with a team of professionals to provide innovative solutions to problems,
reporting, policies and financial issues. It is the collaborative and open nature that allows our professional
knowledge and experience to directly contribute to the
success of the City.”
“Having an accounting designation adds both value
and credibility to any senior financial role.”
— Mike Dion CPA, CMA
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE / FEATURE / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 21
Ashleigh Campbell CPA, CA
Utility & Accounts Receivable Controller
Employed with City of St. Albert: three years
Jayme Chick
Why did you want to work at the City of St. Albert?
“Having lived in St. Albert most of my life, I thought it
would be a good opportunity to work in the community
I grew up in. When I saw the posting, I was attracted to
the role because of the potential for me to gain valuable
experience in a variety of areas. I wanted to continue to
develop the skills and knowledge I obtained in getting
my designation.”
Why did you want to train as a CPA candidate with the
City of St. Albert?
“I was already working with the City for a number of
years. I had previous experience and knowledge of the
departments, the culture, and the way the City was run.
When I graduated from NAIT, there just happened to be
a job posting for an Accountant with the City – where I
was already working part time. From there, the City
offered a great opportunity for me to train and obtain
my CPA designation.”
What do you enjoy about working at the
City of St. Albert?
“Working for a municipality has given me the opportunity to be involved in a variety of projects. I don’t
believe I would have been given the same experience
with other organizations. I’ve worked on many projects,
such as large capital projects, developing new organizational programs and policies, and improving internal
controls.”
How do you feel your accounting expertise provides
value to the St. Albert community?
“I do believe my accounting designation, along with my
education, has given me the skills and knowledge to
add value to the community. It provides me with great
satisfaction, as I get to experience the positive results
of my work every day when interacting with the
residents and other departments within the City.”
CPA Candidate, Staff Accountant
Employed with City of St. Albert: eight years
How is your experience as a CPA candidate going?
What has helped you succeed in the program so far?
“My experience is going great so far. At first, I had no
idea what to expect and I was a bit overwhelmed with
the consolidation of the designations and the development of the new CPA certification program. Once I
started the program, I got the hang of the weekly work
load and it became much easier and more manageable.
To succeed in the program, you can’t procrastinate. I try
to start my weekly assignments on the Monday that it’s
assigned. This has helped me greatly because I never
feel rushed to do an assignment.”
What are some interesting/unique challenges that
accountants face working for a municipality?
“A unique challenge with working for a municipality is
meeting the needs of the public. You get to see how the
decisions in the workplace trickle through and impact
how the city is run and how it impacts the public. Being
a citizen of St. Albert, as well as an employee of the City
of St. Albert, is a great experience, as I get to see both
sides of these decisions and experience the end results.”
“Being a citizen of St. Albert, as well as an employee of the
City of St. Albert, is a great experience, as I get to see both
sides of these decisions and experience the end results.”
—Jayme Chick
22 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / THE CPA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
The CPA Certification Program:
What Students Need to Know
The CPA Certification Program, which consists of
education, practical experience, and final evaluation, is
designed to provide future professional accountants with
the knowledge and skills to succeed in business.
Degree and Prerequisites
An undergraduate degree (in any discipline) from a recognized post-secondary institution is required for admission to the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). In
addition to an undergraduate degree, required prerequisite courses, as defined by the
specific subject area coverage in the CPA Competency Map, must be successfully
completed.
Prerequisite listings for each of these post-secondary institutions are available online
at www.cpaalberta.ca/Become-a-CPA/Subject-Area-Coverage.
Bridging into the CPA Professional Education Program
There are two options for students who have completed their degrees, but do not
qualify for the CPA Professional Education Program:
1. Module Zero
As the entry requirements for the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP)
cover additional competencies than those required for the legacy CMA, CGA and CA
programs, Module Zero has been designed to help program entrants who have met
legacy prerequisite course requirements fill knowledge gaps before starting Core
Module 1 of CPA PEP.
All candidates are required to register for Module Zero once their CPA PEP application
has been submitted and approved in order to assess any potential knowledge gaps.
In Module Zero, students assess which topics they are required to complete. They have
access to all the course materials online and self-evaluate each topic upon its completion.
Module Zero is available for students in the months prior to beginning the first module of
CPA PEP.
Module Zero will be available to all candidates until June 2017. For more information,
please visit: www.cpawsb.ca/cpa-program-overview/pep/module-zero.
2. CPA Prerequisite Education Program
The CPA Prerequisite Education Program (CPA PREP) is designed for those who have
an undergraduate degree in a discipline and are missing some, or all, of the prerequisite
courses required for admission to the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP).
CPA PREP may also be relevant to career changers and new Canadians wishing to
start a career in accounting. CPA PREP is nationally developed and delivered on a parttime basis. To ensure maximum flexibility and accessibility, the program has been
developed using a blended learning model that combines online learning, self-study,
and classroom learning.
For registration into PREP, please consult with an admissions advisor at: 1.855.306.9390
or email: becomeacpa.ab@cpawsb.ca
CPA Professional
Education Program
The CPA Professional Education Program
(CPA PEP) is a graduate-level program which
is delivered part-time over two years. The
program includes six modules designed to
develop six technical competencies and five
enabling competencies. While offered on a
regional or provincial basis, the program has
been developed nationally.
CPA candidates will take the program while
simultaneously being employed in a relevant
position. For candidates, their CPA PEP education, coupled with practical experience, will
complement the development of CPA competencies. Designed using a blended learning
model, CPA PEP will combine online learning,
self-study, classroom learning and teamwork
to help CPA candidates develop the competencies expected of Canada’s preeminent
professional accountants.
Modules: Six modules comprise CPA PEP.
The program will begin with two core modules
that are common to all CPA candidates, followed
by two elective modules (of which there will
be four options). Upon completion of these
four modules, all candidates will be required
to complete the two “capstone” modules.
• Two common core modules, which all CPA
candidates must take, focusing on the
development of competencies in management and financial accounting, and the
integration of the six core technical competency areas.
• Two elective modules, which allow CPA
candidates to develop deeper skills in their
areas of career interest; four electives will
be offered: assurance, performance management, tax and finance. All candidates
must choose two, and candidates pursuing
careers in public accounting must choose
assurance and tax.
• A capstone integrative module that focuses
on the development of the enabling competencies such as leadership and professional skills and the integration of core
competencies.
• A capstone examination preparation module, which prepares CPA candidates for
the Common Final Examination (CFE).
THE CPA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 23
CPA Professional Education Program Overview
Qualifying Practical Experience Requirements
+
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (PEP)
1
ACADEMIC
PREREQUISITES
1
CORE
ELECTIVE
2
2
CORE
ELECTIVE
Reguired for Admission
to Professional
Education Program
COMMON MODULES
Six integrated core
competency areas:
ELECTIVE MODULES
Candidates choose any
two modules:
• Undergraduate
degree
• Specific subject
area coverage
1. Financial Reporting
2. Strategy and
Governance
3. Management
Accounting
4. Audit and Assurance
5. Finance
6. Taxation
• Assurance
• Performance
Management
• Tax
• Finance
Public Accounting
candidates must
choose:
• Assurance
• Tax
CAPSTONE
INTEGRATIVE
MODULE
COMMON CAPSTONE
INTEGRATIVE MODULE
• Leadership skills
• Professional skills
• Integration of
Competencies
CAPSTONE
EVALUATION
PREPARATION
Candidates must
successfully complete
a profession developed
capstone evaluation
preparation course in
order to sit the final
exam
COMMON
FINAL
EVALUATION
CPA
1. Candidates must
demonstrate Breadth
in all six core
competency areas
2. Candidates must
demonstrate
Depth in two core
competency areas:
• Financial Reporting
or Management
Accounting plus
• One from other
core competency
areas
Public Accounting
Candidates must
demonstrate Depth in:
• Financial Reporting
• Assurance
Registration into the CPA Professional
Education Program
Students are encouraged to apply for conditional acceptance into
the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) prior to the
completion of their required courses and degree. Registration as a
CPA candidate is required prior to registering for specific modules.
Once a student has applied for CPA PEP, there is a registration
validation period in which transcript assessment, verification of the
degree, and verification of required prerequisites will occur. After
verification, the student may then register for Core Module One.
Module registration deadlines are typically six to eight weeks in
advance of the module start date. Please refer to the CPA Western
School of Business website for more information: www.cpawsb.ca/
cpa-program-overview/pep/schedules.
*Late module registration is available (subject to availability and an
additional fee), however, for Core Module One, it is mandatory to
register at least four weeks prior to the start date.
For more information about the application process into CPA PEP,
please visit: www.cpaalberta.ca/pep; or contact an admissions advisor
at 1-855-306-9390 (toll-free) or email: becomeacpa.ab@cpawsb.ca
Practical Experience
In addition to formal education, candidates are required to complete
a term of relevant practical experience. The knowledge and competencies gained through practical experience complement those
developed through the education program. To develop as a professional accountant, CPA candidates must gain relevant, paid employment that is progressively challenging. Candidates need to be
registered with CPAWSB as a candidate, have to be employed in a
qualifying position and have a mentor for the period of practical
experience to begin.
There are two routes to obtain practical
experience requirements:
• The Pre-approved Program Route (PPR) in which future
CPAs gain relevant experience by choosing a position
from a wide range of employers pre-approved by the
profession.
• The Experience Verification Route (EVR) in which future
CPAs demonstrate competence, and gain relevant
experience at a chosen employer.
24 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / THE CPA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM
Future CPAs can gain experience through either route, or a combination of both. The profession may
accept up to one year of experience earned prior to registering with the profession. Both routes take
a minimum of 30 months; this includes an allowance of up to 20 weeks of time away from work
(including vacation time).
CPA Practical Experience
Self-Assessment Tool
This tool is intended for
individuals who have not yet had
their experience assessed by a
provincial/regional body but want
to understand how their current or
prospective position might align
with the CPA technical
competency requirements for
purposes of the experience
verification route.
There are five common elements that support both routes:
1. Candidates gain relevant experience and develop as a professional accountant in a minimum of
30 months.*
2. Candidates experience must be appropriately supervised.
3. Candidates must record detailed reports at regular intervals.
4. Candidates must meet and discuss their progress at least semi-annually with a CPA mentor.
5. Candidates experience is assessed by the CPA profession.
*Practical experience requirements for the practice of Public Accounting are recognized separately from practical
experience requirements for certification. Experience requirements for public accounting are currently being
developed. Additional information is expected in 2015. Legacy public accounting experience requirements remain
effective until the new standards come into effect.
To access this self assessment
tool, visit: pert.cpa-services.org/
Student/TrialAssessment
OVERVIEW OF THE PRE-APPROVED PROGRAM ROUTE
0 MONTHS
Organization
appoints
pre-approved
program
leader(s)
S
T
A
R
T
Program
approved
by the
profession
18 MONTHS
>30 MONTHS
18-Month*
Admission Check
Future CPA
hired to
pre-approved
route
(MANDATORY)
YES
(MANDATORY)
YES
Has the future
CPA met the
CPA Practical
Experience
Requirements?
Has the future CPA
registered for the
CPA Professional
Education Program?
Program
structured to
ensure
competencies
can be
achieved
within 30
months
Final Assessment
C
O
M
P
L
E
T
E
NO
NO
Duration
stops until
requirements
met
Organization
identifies
role(s)
Meeting with CPA mentor throughout practical experience term
*This experience can be any combination of full-time, part-time or co-operation experience but no more than 12 months will be recognized as prior experience. If the future CPA is reporting
experience as they gain it, then they require a CPA mentor. If the experience is being reported as prior experience, capped at 12 months, then no mentor is required for the period of prior experience.
OVERVIEW OF THE EXPERIENCE VERIFICATION ROUTE
0 MONTHS
Results of
Assessment
3 MONTHS
OPTION A
3-Month
Assessment
Feedback on
Progression
(MANDATORY)
(OPTIONAL)
OPTION B
S
T
A
R
T
Future CPA
finds a
position and
completes
initial check
12 MONTHS
12-Month
Assessment
(MANDATORY)
Has the future
CPA gained
Level 1
proficiency
in at least 2
competency
sub-areas?
Future CPA
registers and
profession
assesses
position
YES
9 MONTHS
Does the position
provide experience
in at least one
competency area at
Level 1?
NO
18 MONTHS
YES
18-Month*
Admission Check
(MANDATORY)
Has the future CPA
registered for the
CPA Professional
Education Program?
NO
NO
Duration
stops until
requirements
met
Duration
stops until
requirements
met
>30 MONTHS
YES
Final Assessment
(MANDATORY)
YESYES
Has the future
CPA met the
CPA Practical
Experience
Requirements?
NO
Meeting with CPA mentor throughout practical experience term
*This experience can be any combination of full-time, part-time or co-operation experience but no more than 12 months will be recognized as prior experience. If the future CPA is reporting
experience as they gain it, then they require a CPA mentor. If the experience is being reported as prior experience, capped at 12 months, then no mentor is required for the period of prior experience.
C
O
M
P
L
E
T
E
THE CPA CERTIFICATION PROGRAM / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 25
CPA Mentorship
Common Final Evaluation
Mentorship is a mandatory component of the CPA Practical Experience
Requirements (PER). The focus of the CPA mentorship program is to
help future CPAs achieve their enabling competencies.
CPA candidates who work in the CPA Pre-approved Program Route
will be matched with a CPA mentor by the organization that offers
the program. CPA candidates who choose the Experience Verification
Route are required to seek out their own CPA mentor in order to find
a successful fit.
Recognition may be given for a total of up to 12 months of experience earned prior to registering with the profession. After that time,
the qualifying period of practical experience cannot begin until CPA
candidates have a CPA mentor.
All candidates must write the Common Final Examination (CFE) to
complete the CPA Professional Education Program. The CFE will
challenge candidates to demonstrate their competence by responding
to simulations and business scenarios representing the kinds of challenges they’ve faced during their work experience, or will soon be
facing in their professional career. Regardless of their selected elective
modules, all candidates will write the same CFE.
For more information on your path towards your CPA designation,
visit: www.cpaalberta.ca/become-a-cpa.
CPA Canada has developed a number of valuable resources to
assist CPA candidates in finding a mentor. Please visit:
www.cpacanada.ca/practicalexperience.
Enhance Your Skill Set with the New CPA Advanced
Certificate in Accounting and Finance (ACAF)
Competent, intermediate level accountants are always in demand.
For those who are looking for an alternative way to enhance their
career potential, CPA Alberta is offering the Advanced Certificate
in Accounting and Finance (ACAF).
The ACAF qualification is the recognized national standard for
intermediate-level accounting and related positions. Developed by
CPA Canada in close collaboration with employers, the ACAF
program develops your skills in the areas most in demand: strong
technical abilities, hands-on experience with industry specific
software, and the soft skills needed to be successful in the workplace.
The ACAF was created to further develop skills learned in two or
three-year post-secondary accounting programs or through
equivalent on-the job experience. The ACAF certification solidifies
your credentials and increases your opportunities for advancement.
There are plenty of exciting opportunities in the field that do not
require a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.
The ACAF program provides flexibility for students through its
online delivery and offers built in support through access to subject
matter experts who will answer questions, and provide coaching
and guidance.
Gain the applied technical and soft skills most prized by employers
– and earn the certificate that proves it.
For more information on the new Advanced Certificate in Finance and Accounting visit: cpaalberta.ca/acaf
26 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / STUDENT PROFILES
Hear it From the Source...
Meet the following two accountants who are on their own path towards the CPA designation.
Photo by Jennifer Williams Photography
PREP-ping for a new career in accounting
By Laura Ly
When Marina Tungland started a new career
in accounting, following a 20+ year career in
customer service, she enrolled in the CPA
Prerequisite Education Program (CPA PREP)
to accelerate her progress.
“I think credibility is earned with both
experience and education,” says Marina, who
took a leave of absence from her customer
service career a few years ago to care for her
grandmother full-time. She then started doing
basic bookkeeping at her family’s Edmontonbased restaurant, Il Forno. This was her first
experience with accounting and the first
indication that accounting would be a great
career for her.
Eager to gain credibility in her new career
field and supplement her new experience with
education, Marina decided to enrol in CPA
PREP.
CPA PREP is the first step towards earning
the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
designation for those with recognized degrees,
but who lack the prerequisites to enter the
CPA Professional Education Program (CPA
PEP). Students finish their needed prerequisite
courses through PREP and then enrol in PEP
to complete their education to become CPAs.
It is an entry point into the CPA program
for foreign trained professionals, post-secondary graduates with non-accounting
degrees, or working professionals looking to
advance their careers—like Marina, who has
been an Accounts Manager with Integrated
Life Care in Edmonton for the past year and
a half. “It worked out well because I started
this job in March 2014 and I started PREP in
August. A lot of the things I was learning were
coinciding with what I needed to do in my
new role,” she says.
Marina appreciates the flexibility of the
part-time program, which allows students to
choose the online, self-study format, or a
blend of online, classroom and self-study. “I
like that they give us the information in different ways, so if you don’t necessarily learn
it one way, you have the opportunity to learn
it another way,” says Marina. She notes that
the flexibility is another bonus both for students who have been out of school for a
number of years and students who, like her,
also hold full-time jobs.
It’s a large time commitment and people
interested in the program should be prepared
to put in the work, advises Marina. “It’s definitely setting the stage for what needs to be
done in PEP.”
But she’s not deterred, believing the benefits and the credibility gained are well worth
the time commitment. For example, she can
already see the benefits of her CPA education
in her job; she credits PREP with providing
her with a deeper understanding of finances
and numbers, and “knowing what those numbers mean to make managerial decisions.”
Marina’s interest is in the strategic element
of accounting. She would love to take on a
Controller position in the future, and believes
the CPA designation will provide her with the
confidence and skills required of a business
leader. “For example—don’t tell my boss I said
this,” she jokes, “—but say my boss retires and
he wants me to take on a more active role in
the controlling of this company. As a CPA, I
would have the ability and confidence to do
that without second guessing myself.”
“It’s obviously another notch of accomplishment,” she adds.
Adopting the CPA Way
Photo by Trudie Lee Photography
Being a student in the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP), working a full-time job
and taking care of a family requires a balance
between discipline, careful planning and time
management. Fortunately for Stephen Odiase,
he’s adopted a mindset that has helped him
as he makes his way through the CPA Certification program.
“There is no doubt that the CPA Certification program is challenging, and requires hard
work and determination with proper selfmanagement,” said Stephen.
With an accounting designation back home
in Nigeria, Stephen knew that to continue his
accounting career in Canada and get recognition for his accounting expertise meant
pursuing the Canadian CPA designation. “I
know that without the CPA designation, I will
be limiting my growth in the accounting
profession,” said Stephen. “Many doors open
for you in virtually every industry, and your
opinion is sought and respected in any issue
concerning business, finance, accounting,
governance and so on.”
Stephen is now working at Talisman as
the Intercompany Accountant in the Financial Reporting group, while completing his
PEP modules and CPA Practical Experience
Requirements (PER). “I enjoy every bit of my
work at Talisman. I get to interact with various
people and work on a variety of activities in
finance and control,” said Stephen. “The
culture of open communication, work-life
balance and cooperation and collaboration is
great. The people are warm and friendly, and are always willing to
assist and encourage one another to achieve set goals.”
Being part of such a helpful organization is exactly what Stephen
appreciates at this stage of his career, as he sets a goal of obtaining
his CPA designation within two years. To reach this goal, Stephen
stays late at the office every day and devotes over 20 hours each
week to reading briefing documents and attempting two case
problems and quizzes every week. “We are expected to submit more
than half of the total assignments to qualify for the final exams at
the end of eight weeks,” said Stephen. “In addition to these, we are
expected to respond to review queries by our program facilitators.”
From module to module, Stephen feels like he is getting more
comfortable with the process and the nature of the case-based
program. “I have come to understand that knowing the subject
matter is simply not enough,” said Stephen. “I have to practice
applying the knowledge to solve the problems in simulated real-life
scenarios, which is close to what one would face on the job as a
professional accountant.”
To all those who might be considering the CPA designation and
the CPA PEP program, Stephen’s advice is to go for it! He believes
it’s a wise decision for someone who wants a successful career in
accounting and business. “The program is part-time and flexible,
but it’s not a walk in the park,” said Stephen. “The more you apply
yourself throughout the program, the better you will be at solving
problems the CPA way: assessing the situation, analyzing major
issues, concluding, advising and communicating.” c
NOTICE OF SUSPENSION
CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS OF ALBERTA
KOLBY KNIEL
On July 15, 2015, a Discipline Tribunal
ordered that the registration of Kolby Kniel
be suspended for six months.
Additional information can be obtained
from the Chartered Professional
Accountants of Alberta.
HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS
& COUNSELLORS
Help your students discover their
business career options.
For more information,
REQUEST A PRESENTATION TODAY!
visit cpaalberta.ca/high-school
Students will learn about:
call 1.855.306.9390 or
• Diverse careers in business & accounting
email highschool@cpaalberta.ca
fb.me/becomeacpaalberta
• How to start researching their education &
career options now
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• The path to becoming a Chartered
Professional Accountant (CPA)
28 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / FEATURE / TO SERVE AND PROTECT
To
Serve
and
Protect
By Laura Ly
Photography by Laughing Dog Photography and Trudie Lee Photography
TO SERVE AND PROTECT / FEATURE / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 29
To serve and protect is a well-known unofficial and
official motto for many police services; it’s also a
fundamental value of the accounting profession. And
for designated accountants who work in police
services and commissions in Alberta, it’s a motto
they take particularly to heart as they serve and
protect the public on two fronts.
Jodie Graham
cpa, cga,
During a period of increased examination on
police budgets, which are provided from
municipal funds, it is more important than
ever to ensure police funds are used appropriately, responsibly, and transparently. That’s
why Blaine Hutchins cpa, cma, Finance Manager
for the Calgary Police Service (CPS), and his
team constantly look for innovative ways
capital funds can be leveraged to make
operations more efficient.
Blaine, who manages the operating and
capital budgets for the CPS, explores different ways the CPS can provide policing—for
example, reducing fleet size and changing
the types of vehicles the service uses, which
has been shown to have a positive impact on
its operating budget. “We make sure we
prioritize our capital in a meaningful and
thoughtful way. That’s how accountants add
value to the public,” says Blaine.
“This is not your regular job where you can
anticipate things coming at you on a day-today basis,” he adds. “We have new challenges
every day—not only with crime as it exists
today, but how crime is going to exist tomorrow. Those factors impact how we police the
city, how we manage a bigger scope of policing, and how we put resources where they
need to be at the right time.”
For Jodie Graham cpa, cga, Executive Director for the Edmonton Police Service (EPS),
part of dealing with those challenges is preparing for the unpredictable. For example,
the EPS typically has one to two major events
per year; although it is impossible to predict
when or how those crimes may happen, the
finance team builds in contingencies to prepare for those anticipated major events—and
encourages other departments to do the same
through a financial mentoring and coaching
initiative.
“We recognize that there are many out
there in the front lines—the boots on the
street—that don’t have a financial background,”
she explains. Jodie and her finance team work
with others in the EPS on how to use spending plans to better manage their budget, how
to use their budget to make better decisions,
and how to better forecast their budget.
“It’s educating them. They already know
what they need to know. They just need to
learn how to translate it,” says Jodie. “So we’re
spending a lot of time, probably over the next
couple of years, to help make the non-financial managers good stewards of public funds.
Helping them understand how they can make
the best use of the dollars they have.”
In her role at EPS, Jodie oversees all matters related to financials and is the primary
liaison with City of Edmonton administration.
She notes that Edmonton is growing at a
rapid pace, resulting in an increase of an
additional 60,000 citizens in the 2014 census.
Executive Director, Edmonton Police Service (EPS)
30 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / FEATURE / TO SERVE AND PROTECT
“This is not your regular job
where you can anticipate
things coming at you on a
day-to-day basis...We have
new challenges every day—
not only with crime as it
exists today, but how crime
is going to exist tomorrow.”
—Blaine Hutchins CPA, CMA
Blaine Hutchins cpa, cma, Finance Manager, Calgary Police Service (CPS)
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Part of her job is coming up with strategies
to ensure resources are available to meet the
demands and needs of a rapidly growing city.
For example, Edmonton is currently undergoing a major downtown revitalization with
the building of its new arena; in response, the
EPS successfully received funding in its budget to hire 40 new officers to patrol the area.
“That for me is gratifying, that you can see
first-hand the results of the work that you
do,” says Jodie.
As Commissioner with the Edmonton Police
Commission, Derek Hudson CPA, CA, is also
interested in how funds are allocated, but
from a governance perspective. “The police
commission has a provincially-mandated role
in policing. Its purpose is to separate the
governance of the police service from politics,”
explains Derek.
The Police Commission is responsible for
taking the police budget to City Council and
overseeing how the funds provided by Council are allocated. “We have to make the call:
what does the community need, what are the
community’s priorities, what resources do we
have, and can we approve the business plan
that the police put together to meet those
priorities?” says Derek.
TO SERVE AND PROTECT / FEATURE / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 31
The nine-member commission is comprised
of commissioners from different professional
backgrounds—such as law, medicine, social
services—and historically, the police commission has always tried to recruit a designated
accountant as a member. The commission is
responsible for overseeing a large budget and
an accountant’s analytical thinking and confidence working with numbers are valued
assets. “It gives everyone else in the room
comfort when I say ‘Okay, the numbers make
sense to me,’” explains Derek.
Derek’s role as Commissioner is part-time;
his full-time job is Chief Operating Officer
with the Edmonton Economic Development
Corporation (EEDC), which promotes tourism and economic development for Edmonton. However, he notes that the two roles
have similar goals. “EEDC is all about economic prosperity for Edmonton. The EPS is
all about safety for Edmonton. You put that
together and it’s about providing an overall
quality of life.”
All three accountants emphasize that their
designations have resulted in countless opportunities that helped them get to where they
are today. “It’s the best career I’ve ever had,”
says Blaine. “My designation is something I’m
very proud of. It took a lot of work to get to,
“It’s critical that we have
people who think the way
accountants are trained to
think, who understand the
language of business, who
aren’t afraid of numbers.”
—Derek Hudson CPA, CA
but it’s something I’ve never regretted and
it’s never taken for granted.”
“I know that having that designation has
opened doors for me that I know would never
have been opened otherwise,” agrees Jodie.
“I feel I’ve had a very successful career and
I’m still young and have lots of opportunity
within this career.”
According to Derek, designated accountants learn fantastic problem-solving skills,
which make them natural managers and
leaders. “It’s critical that we have people who
think the way accountants are trained to think,
who understand the language of business,
who aren’t afraid of numbers.”
It’s clear that civic pride is a common
passion and motivation for these three designated accountants. Unsurprisingly, what
they find meaningful about the profession
has nothing to do with numbers at all; “There’s
a human element that goes beyond what your
training focuses on and it’s the best part,”
says Derek.
Blaine’s most profound moment as a designated accountant was during the 2013 floods
in Calgary. He recalls several city departments
coming together as a team to help the city.
“All those departments worked together for
the benefit of every citizen involved and all
those who were impacted,” remembers Blaine.
“That’s one of my proudest moments—the
fact that there was a direct correlation with
what we did there and how that tied to the
individual who lost his home.”
Derek recalls a recent experience he had
attending the funeral of a fallen Edmonton
police constable in his capacity as Commissioner. “You identify as a police commissioner
way different than a member of the public. It
was a really profound experience and I wouldn’t
have been there without my designation.”
“You don’t expect that when you sign up
for accounting,” he adds.
Similarly, Jodie was part of the organizing
committee for the same fallen police constable’s regimental funeral and had the
privilege of being part of the march. “Typically
civilians don’t march. But the Chief is very
much an advocate of the fact that we are all
members. It doesn’t matter if you’re a civilian
or sworn, you are a member of the Edmonton
Police Service,” says Jodie.
“Not many people ever get the chance to
be part of something that emotional. It’s a
big deal,” she recalls.
“You see life in different ways as an accountant; you get into people’s lives differently,”
agrees Derek. c
Derek Hudson cpa, ca, Edmonton Police Commissioner
32 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / CPA EDUCATION FOUNDATION CORNER
Reflecting the Times
Inspired by unification of the accounting profession, the CPA Education Foundation
is proud to adopt a new name that reflects the evolution of the many programs
offered by the accounting profession to support accounting and business education
over the decades.
What does this mean for you?
The CPA Education Foundation will continue to honour its commitment to advancing
the profession and making significant contributions to the quality and accessibility of
business education throughout Alberta. Students, post-secondary institutions and
programs, teachers, and aspiring business leaders will remain at the forefront of the
Foundation’s goals.
Unification strengthens the Foundation, leading to increased opportunities to raise
funds in support of a wider range of initiatives and aspiring business leaders. Your
success matters to us and we will continue to find new and innovative ways to support
your education. Check out cpaalberta.ca/foundation for more information, including
great scholarships available to you!
How to Leverage Your Dreams with
the CPA Education Foundation
By Labonneau Dey
The CPA Education Foundation has been
supporting students at various stages of
their education for over 30 years; helping
future business leaders in the accounting
profession get a leg up towards achieving
their goals has always been a priority for
the Foundation. Just ask Phillip Jong, the
2014 recipient of the James C. Miller Bursary in Accounting from the CPA Education Foundation. His dreams were kickstarted by the Foundation’s scholarship
program: “The Foundation is the reason
I can graduate debt-free and have more
left over to progress my life before it begins
outside of the school’s walls. I’m thankful
for this head start,” he says.
And when Phillip dreams, he dreams
big. He began his education with the hopes
of eventually attaining an influential role
in a consulting position, with an emphasis
on real estate and medium-large businesses. Waiting for success wasn’t quite
Phillip’s style, so he sought to instill a much
needed consulting culture within his
department at Grant MacEwan University.
“If the top schools in the world are formulating their curriculum around the case
method,” he reasoned, “Why aren’t we?”
Phillip is co-founder of C.A.S.E: Consulting, Analysis and Student Excellence, which
was founded to gather high achieving
students, mentor their development in
consulting practices, and globally compete
in business consulting competitions. Funding from the CPA Education Foundation
not only helped inspire Phillip’s ambitions
but also helped him get to where he is
today. Currently, he is in the process of
completing both his CFA (Chartered
Financial Analyst) and CPA (Chartered
Professional Accountant) designations.
His approach to attaining success is
synonymous with his logic behind applying for scholarships: securing the future
you desire requires making an effort to
stand out from the crowd and seeking
different paths to success. “It’s important
to apply for scholarships,” Phillip remarks,
“Many people overestimate the severity
of the competition. In reality, it’s always
much less crowded when you go the
extra mile.”
The CPA Education Foundation awards
multiple scholarships each year and the
criteria range from academic excellence
to leadership and philanthropic efforts.
Students from both high school and
post-secondary institutions are encouraged to apply.
Please visit www.cpaalberta.ca/foundation
for more information.
Scholarship recipient Phillip Jong.
CPA EDUCATION FOUNDATION CORNER / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 33
Go ahead, dream big. We’ve got your back.
For over 30 years, the CPA Education Foundation has been providing aspiring business leaders in Alberta with
financial support. Check out these scholarships and get ahead with your education! More information on
these scholarships, and many more funded by the CPA Education Foundation through both post-secondary
institutions and high schools in Alberta, is available here: www.cpaalberta.ca/foundation.
The application deadline for all the following awards is February 29, 2016.
Alberta Post-secondary Students:
Aboriginal Student Business Award Value: $2,500
Generations of Excellence Award Value: $2,500 each Lorenz Richer Currie LLP Award
Value: $1,500
One award available to an Aboriginal
student with a minimum 3.0 GPA at the
time of application and who is enrolled in
business or commerce at a degree-granting
post-secondary institution in Alberta.
Two awards available to second, third, and
fourth-year students enrolled in business or
commerce at a degree-granting postsecondary institution in Alberta. Successful
applicants will demonstrate an interest in
pursuing an accounting designation and
will have at least one family member who is
(or was) a member, in good standing, of
CPA Alberta or one or more of its legacy
predecessors.
One award granted annually to a third-year
Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of
Management student enrolled with
Athabasca University or Grande Prairie
Regional College with a minimum GPA of
2.3 from the previous Fall semester.
One award available to an individual who
has become a new Canadian or permanent
resident within the last five years (i.e., on or
after January 1, 2010). This individual must
be enrolled in business or commerce at a
degree-granting post-secondary institution
in Alberta or the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). This individual
must also demonstrate satisfactory
achievement in their academic or professional training program.
David Bentley FCPA, FCA and Janet Bentley
Post-secondary Excellence Award
Value: $3,000
Awards granted annually to two students
enrolled at any Alberta post-secondary institution in the second or third year of
a business/commerce program approved
for entry into the CPA Western School
of Business, and preparing to enter the
third or fourth year of their program.
Selection is based on involvement in
volunteer activities and an expressed
interest in pursuing a professional accounting designation.
Don Wilson CA Memorial Scholarship
Value: $2,000 Awarded annually to a fourth-year postsecondary student in Alberta or Saskatchewan who has secured a CPA training
position with an industry employer. The
student must have satisfactory academic
standing and demonstrated leadership
within the community or on campus.
Douglas R. Hagerman FCA
Entrance Scholarship
Value: $2,500
One award granted annually to a student
from any Alberta post-secondary institution
and entering his or her first year in a
business/commerce program approved for
entry into the CPA Western School of Business. The award amount is $2,500 and is
payable over three years: $500 first year,
$750 second year and $1,250 third
year. Renewal for the second and third years
is based on satisfactory academic achievement in the prior year with a minimum
course load of 24 credits.
Gordon Woodman FCA and
Peter Kruczko CA Fund
Value: $2,000
One award granted annually to a student
who has completed at least one course
related to the six core competencies for an
accounting designation at the post-secondary level. Student must also demonstrate
participation in volunteer activities and a
minimum GPA of 2.5 on a minimum of 24
credits for the previous academic year.
James C. Miller FCA Bursary in Accounting
Value: $1,250
New Canadian Achievement Award
Value: $2,500 Richard Schulli CA Memorial Scholarship
Value: $2,500 Awarded annually to two students enrolled
in business or commerce at a degreegranting post-secondary institution in
Alberta who intend to enter the CPA
certification program and reside (or have
previously resided) in Medicine Hat
(preferred). Selection is based on academic
excellence and community involvement. Awarded annually to one student entering
his or her third or fourth year of study
pursuing an undergraduate business/
commerce degree with a declared major in
accounting. Selection is based on involvement in volunteer activities (preferably in a
mentorship role), satisfactory academic
achievement in the prior year of study, and
an expressed interest in pursuing an
accounting designation. Kenneth Biggs FCA and
Leona Biggs Scholarship
Value: $2,000
Young Emerging Professionals Award Value: $2,500 each
One award granted annually to one Alberta
post-secondary student who is registered in
the final year of a business/commerce
degree program with a declared major in
accounting. Applicants must have secured a
training position outside of external audit
with a pre-approved training office. Selection is based on demonstrated satisfactory
academic standing and leadership in the
community or on campus.
Two awards available to post-secondary
students enrolled in business or commerce
at a degree-granting post-secondary
institution in Alberta. In addition to
satisfactory academic standing, applicants
must also demonstrate the following
qualities in their applications: professionalism, integrity, ethics and leadership.
34 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / CPA EDUCATION FOUNDATION CORNER
High School Students:
High School Excellence Award
Value: $2,500
One award granted annually to one student in Grade 12 at any
Alberta high school. Preference will be given to applicants who
will need to relocate within Alberta in order to attend a
post-secondary institution. Selection is based on involvement
in volunteer activities, satisfactory academic achievement, and
an expressed interest in pursuing a professional accounting
designation.
Young Emerging Professionals Award Value: $1,500 each
Awarded to two Alberta high school students. In addition to
satisfactory academic standing, applicants must also demonstrate the following qualities in their applications: professionalism, integrity, ethics and leadership.
Alberta CPA Professional
Education Program Candidates:
CPA PEP Excellence Award
Value: $3,500 One award granted annually to one CPA Professional Education
Program (PEP) Candidate who has secured and begun training as
a designated accountant in a public practice setting. Selection is
based on involvement in volunteer activities, satisfactory
performance in CPA PEP modules and training, and an expressed
interest in pursuing a professional accounting designation.
New Canadian Achievement Award
Value: $2,500
One award available to an individual who has become a new
Canadian or permanent resident within the last five years (i.e.,
on or after January 1, 2010). This individual must be enrolled in
business or commerce at a degree-granting post-secondary
institution in Alberta or the CPA Professional Education
Program (CPA PEP). This individual must also demonstrate
satisfactory achievement in their academic or professional
training program.
How to apply for Scholarships:
Applications will be accepted by mail or by email.
To apply by mail, send completed applications to:
CPA Education Foundation
Attention: CPAEF Scholarships
RE: Application for (please specify the scholarship)
#580, Manulife Place, 10180-101 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 4R2
To apply by email, send completed applications to
cpaef@cpaalberta.ca
Email subject line: Application for (please specify the
scholarship)
For more information, contact the CPA Education Foundation by email at
cpaef@cpaalberta.ca or by phone at 780-424-7391 (toll free: 1-800-2329406). Award selections made by the CPA Education Foundation.
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MAKING A SPLASH IN FASHION / PROFILE / FALL 2015 • CAPITALIZE / 35
Making a splash
in fashion
By Laura Ly
Photograph by Trudie Lee Photography
“In accounting we look not only at
the quantitative, but think about the
qualitative as well. As a buyer that
mentality is really important. You
can analyze the numbers to death,
but at the end of the day, you have
to use your own judgement.”
Regardless of whether you’re working with
budgets, cash flow, assets, debits and credits,
or even swimwear, the principles of
accounting remain the same, as Cheryl
Keung cpa, ca knows firsthand in her role as
Buyer at Swimco.
Swimco is a leading swimwear retailer in Western Canada,
and as a buyer, Cheryl is responsible for deciding which
products are sold in stores and for managing stock inventory
levels. “My role is heavily based around the numbers,”
explains Cheryl. “A lot of data analysis, looking at how many
units we’ve sold, how many units we’ve had.”
Prior to being a buyer, Cheryl cut her teeth in accounting
at KPMG, specializing in management consulting. She
credits her public practice experience for providing her with
the necessary operational, business, and strategic management skills that allow her to have a big-picture view of
managing an organization. “Working in public practice gave
me exposure to a variety of businesses and industries, and
types of people and positions. It was just a really good
learning experience for me.”
Ultimately, however, Cheryl decided to leave public
practice, taking the opportunity to blend her passion for
fashion and her skills in accounting. “Being a Buyer is a
dream job of mine,” says Cheryl. “I would not have been
able to hone in on that specialty in public practice.”
Nevertheless, Cheryl applies the critical thinking and
analytical skills she gained from her designation and her
previous experience every day in her new career. “In accounting we look not only at the quantitative, but think about the
qualitative as well. As a buyer that mentality is really important. You can analyze the numbers to death, but at the end
of the day, you have to use your own judgement.”
“As a buyer, it’s almost like I’m running my own part of
a mini store,” adds Cheryl. “My accounting education has
helped me a lot with that.”
Although part of her job is to meet with suppliers and
sales representatives to look at new collections and products,
Cheryl says it’s a misconception that her job involves looking at clothing all day. Most of her day is spent analyzing
sales histories and trends, and working with stores and
warehouses to ensure orders are fulfilled and stock is
replenished.
However, when her job does involve looking at clothing,
she admits it’s “hands down, the most fun part of the job.”
Also fun—and rewarding—is the knowledge that she’s helping customers look and feel their best by choosing products
that people like and want to buy: “Swimco is really focused
on having a bathing suit for every type of body and every
type of person, and we really pride ourselves on that,” says
Cheryl. “For me, the most rewarding part is that we provide
different types of product for all sorts of customers, and
help them feel confident in their own skin.”
Although you might think that swimsuit season is shortlived and limited in Canada—particularly in Alberta—Cheryl
says that isn’t the case at all. “You’d be surprised. People
are always thinking, ‘It’s Canada, who needs a swimsuit?’
But Canadians, we love water, we love getting away…. There’s
always someone looking to buy a swimsuit at all times of
the year.” c
36 / CAPITALIZE • FALL 2015 / GUEST FEATURE / BY ERIC PYE
How to Successfully
Utilize Group
Project Experience
in Interviews
“Don’t be average.” Let this be your guiding mantra
when job searching. Don’t be average in your
resume, cover letter, networking meetings or
interviews. Your goal is to set yourself apart and
show that you’re the best person for a job, so avoid
giving the same, average information and answers
as other candidates.
Students and new graduates often comment that a common challenge is marketing a skill-set when there is no direct work
experience related to it. A common fallback
is drawing from examples of extra-curricular activities like sports, clubs and part-time
jobs, particularly for transferrable skills.
Another strategy, if utilized properly, is to
highlight project work. Interviewers rank
and select candidates on various factors,
which boils down to Knowledge, Awareness, Skills and Attitude (or KASA).
Let’s look at how project work can be used
to effectively showcase KASA strengths:
Knowledge: What did you study in your
projects? Did you learn to follow a process,
or apply formulas, or read particular
reports, or understand different performance ratios? A common complaint of
interviewers is that course and project
content is neglected by candidates, leading
to the perception they lack technical
know-how. Ahead of an interview, reflect on
job-related project work, review content,
and be ready to speak about what you
learned in detail.
Awareness: How does your knowledge of a
topic fit into the big picture? Do you know
why it is important, or how content can be
applied in the job you want? This should be
part of your interview preparation. As you
review each project, consider how it relates
to the job. If you’re not sure, an informational interview with a professional accountant can give insight and raise your
awareness.
Skills: Another interviewer complaint is that
candidates focus too much on generalized
soft skills when asked about project work.
The “average” response from graduates
when questioned on projects is a variation
on “I developed my communication,
teamwork and time management skills.”
The soft skills mentioned are almost always
the same, and no specific details are
offered. You can predict the skills interviewers want to hear about from the job
description, and you should prepare to give
details in a CAR (Context, Action, Result)
format for each important skill. For
example, if you want to highlight time
management, your CAR story might be: “I
had four projects due the week before
finals. One of my professors explained
some basic project management techniques, including prioritizing and scheduling, interim goals and deadlines, and task
assignment. I thought these could help
keep my groups on track, so I made sure
we planned using these techniques. While
not every project kept perfectly to schedule, member tasks and interim deadlines
raised motivation from the start, and all
projects were completed on time.”
Attitude: Reflecting on projects and
creating CAR stories pre-interview will help
you answer questions positively and
enthusiastically. Be ready to discuss
technical knowledge and soft skills you
developed, how you researched and solved
problems, and how you managed yourself
and your group. The content and delivery
of your answers will set you apart by
displaying some of the attitudes interviewers look for, including creativity, discipline,
curiosity, preparation and confidence.
Project work is a big part of your journey
through the post-secondary experience
(whether you enjoy it or not), so it makes
sense to highlight this experience when
going through interviews. Don’t make it the
only focus of your interviews, but weave it in
with other aspects of university life to
emphasize your strengths and improve your
chances of getting the job. And remember,
don’t be average! c
Article contributor, Eric Pye,
Career Advisor, CPA Alberta
Looking for a unique
opportunity?
Break away from the everyday
with a role that contributes to
maintaining the integrity of
Canada’s second-largest capital
market while ensuring a fair and
level playing field for investors.
Find out more at
www.albertasecurities.com.
fb.me/becomeacpaalberta
CPA Alberta
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Capitalize Fall 2015

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