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CPA: The RighT side of ChANge advertisement
Convocation message from the Chair of CPA Canada
BY TERRY LEBLANC, F CPA, F CGA Chair of the B oard CPA Canada
Shelley Thiel, FCPA, FCA.
GreetinGs from the Ceo of CPA sAskAtChewAn “On behalf of CPA Saskatchewan, congratulations to the successful Common Final Examination (CFE) candidates! This is a significant milestone as you begin your career. The CPA profession is proud to celebrate with you. You have demonstrated strong business and leadership skills and now have an opportunity to make a difference to Saskatchewan business and in our communities. I encourage you to share your skills and knowledge as we continue to build a strong Saskatchewan. I wish each of you well as you embark on your career as a CPA.” - Shelley Thiel, FCPA, FCA, CEO, CPA Saskatchewan
On behalf of CPA Canada, I would like to congratulate all of our Saskatchewan graduates. What you have achieved is nothing short of exemplary. Many of the graduates are probably thinking: “WOW it is finally over. My nights and days of study are finally behind me.” I want to remind you that passing the world class CFE is a great accomplishment, but it is far from over. Unlike graduation from University where you end y o u r r e l at i o n s h i p w i t h the institution and you go out into the world to begin your career, passing the CFE and completing other requirements to earn the CPA designation represent the initial steps in being admitted into a profession. It is not the end of anything, but the beginning of a lifelong relationship with the profession. Our profession prides itself in a commitment to continuous professional development and lifelong learning. As CPAs, we are
Terry LeBlanc, FCPA, FCGA, is the CPA Canada Chair of the Board. S u PP l ie d Ph oT o
committed to protecting the public and acting in the public interest. You are now joining over 210,000 other Canadian CPAs around the world in this very prestigious profession. The Canadian CPA designation receives global recognition and is one of the three largest accounting designations in the world. With that comes responsibility to not only help emerging countries but to contribute to the establishment and development of accounting and auditing standards used around the world. Our profession’s values are grounded in strong ethical behavior and we expect our members to stay true to those values and uphold them throughout their careers. One thing I can guaran-
tee is that the road ahead will be ever changing. Our profession feels the impact of constant change and the increased speed of technology: block chain, artificial intelligence, and robotics to mention just a few. Globalization and portability of work are also major concerns in the profession. But what I know is this: our profession is resilient – CPAs are resilient – we have been faced with change before and have become even stronger as a profession. Technology may be changing how we do our work but the competencies you have developed will always be in high demand. I can remember early in my career – before computers of course – when a trial balance was a 16 column sheet of paper and a journal entry was exactly that – a manual entry into a real hard covered journal. Oh yes, we were using pencils and pens to populate spreadsheets. I remember having books with codes and formulas for calculating present and future values and you would be shocked to know that we were not al-
lowed to use a calculator during exams but used slide rulers instead for calculations. We s u r v i v e d a l l t h e technological changes up to now – and we will survive. In fact, we will thrive w i t h t h e c u r r e n t w av e of technological changes. Critical for us is to stay current and lead the change. This is how we will not only remain relevant but deliver even greater value to our employers and clients. I want you to know that you are on your way to being admitted to a profession that is steeped in tradition. You have a built-in support network: CPA Saskatchewan, CPA Canada and the peer group of members already in this profession. We are all here for you. I’d also like to share a few words of wisdom to guarantee you a successful career as a CPA: ■ Always do your best. Now that you have, or soon will have, a CPA behind your name, our collective reputation is in your hands. People will look at you differently because you are a CPA.
■ Always follow your ethical compass. Whether it is at work or play, lead by example and be ethical in all your dealings. ■ Be hungry for knowledge. Our profession is based on keeping up to date, so continue your development throughout your whole career. As Stephen Covey would say: “Always sharpen your saw”. ■ Be curious about the profession, get involved with your provincial, regional or national bodies as a volunteer if you can, but at the very least stay curious about what is happening in the profession. Support CPA Saskatchewan in every way you can. ■ Be a mentor. Now that you have completed your studies, be a mentor to the next class of candidates to ensure continuity in our profession. ■ Finally, give back to your community. We have skills that many people do not have so be generous with your volunteer time in your community. Congratulations to all the Saskatchewan graduates!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CPA GRADUATES
CPAs deliver the highest level of strategic and financial leadership to businesses. P h oT o : Ge T T y i m AG e S
The value of a CPA In a constantly changing world, CPAs use their expertise, data analysis and strategic vision to help keep businesses on the right side of change. Adhering to a common set of ethical and practice standards, this united and uniquely Canadian profession delivers the highest level of strategic and financial leadership to businesses,
while serving and protecting the public interest. H E L PI N G BU S I N E S S S TAY A H E A D O F CHANGE
Today’s business world is in constant transformation. To navigate through disruptive change and anticipate the unexpected, organizations need business leaders with the ability to see what
lies ahead. CPAs are well positioned to lead the change. Whether it’s the emergence of AI, climate change, or changing business models, CPAs have the expertise, insight and perspective to transform complex challenges into business opportunities. To be on the right side of change, ask a CPA.
Anthony Challenger, Rosemarie Pagaspas and Ian Martin
Suite 100-2255 13th Ave, Regina, SK S4P 0V6
306-757-5555
www.dudleyllp.ca
THESE STORIES WERE PROVIDED BY CPA SASKATCHEWAN FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.
Congratulations to our CPA Graduates These bright young minds have successfully completed the Common Final Examination requirement for their Chartered Professional Accountant designation. Their vision goes beyond numbers. Congratulations!
Christina Stewart
1-888-258-7677
Ben Struthers
Tyler Reinheimer
Jolene Burechailo
Marley Ervine
Regina Saskatoon Estevan
Jon Maierhoffer
Jordan Greve
value worth expertise