A special information feature Friday, January 21, 2011 • THE GLOBE AND MAIL CA 1 CAREER DECISIONS MATTER In a world filled with career possibilities, few offer the same degree of mobility, flexibility and diverse opportunities as the CA designation. Known for its warm summers by the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is one of the world’s most beautiful vacation destinations. It’s also the place Snezana Beronja calls home. A senior manager with KPMG’s Central and Eastern Europe practice, Ms. Beronja moved to Zagreb from Halifax in 2004. “I get to enjoy the scenic countryside, a slightly more relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle and an exciting work environment,” says Ms. Beronja. “Work-life balance doesn’t get any better than this.” Snezana Beronja Zagreb, Croatia “Cayman combines the best of small-town living with the work environment of a larger city with international flair,” says Dave Merrick, a CA who moved to George Town from Calgary in 2007. As assistant controller for TSX-listed Endeavour Mining Corporation, Mr. Merrick deals with global business issues in collaboration with people in Canada, the U.K. and Europe on a daily basis. “When I need a break, a vacation on a Caribbean beach is just a drive down the road,” he says. Dave Merrick George Town, Cayman Islands “A Canadian CA’s skills are easily transferable to the U.K. and other Commonwealth countries,” says Indra Kubicek, who moved from Vancouver to London in May 2007, six months after obtaining her CA. Ms. Kubicek, a finance manager at Chellomedia, says the culture, diversity and travel opportunities make London a top destination for young professionals. Her job often takes her to Chellomedia’s European subsidiaries in Amsterdam, Budapest, Madrid and Warsaw. She has also travelled to Africa as a volunteer with charitable organizations in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda. Indra Kubicek London, England Australia is similar to Canada, “but without the winters,” says cyclist and surfer Nicolas Majeau, who enjoys life and work Down Under. “I like the different perspective on life-work balance,” says Mr. Majeau, who originally transferred from PwC’s Montreal office to Sydney in 2003. “It’s great to experience business in a region of the world most Canadians know little about.” Today, he’s a treasury and financial planning manager with InterGen Australia, an electric utility based in Brisbane. Nicolas Majeau Brisbane, Australia It’s a big, bold world out there and businesses around the globe are searching for top talent. When opportunity knocks, Canadian CAs are answering the call... A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY INSIDE AWARD WINNERS Page 2 Meet the four top CA students from across Canada. COMMEMORATIVE PULLOUT Pages 3 to 6 A complete listing of the 2010 successful UFE writers. GET A JOB AND A LIFE Page 8 The CA career provides work-life balance. “Seeing the Parade of Champions at Carnival or 60,000 soccer fans on a winning day are unforgettable experiences,” notes Evelyn Joerg, a manager with PwC who moved from Toronto to Rio de Janiero in 2009. For Ms. Joerg, the CA designation proved her ticket to achieving a long- time goal of working internationally and learning a new language, Portuguese. “Chartered Accountants have a skill set valued and recognized beyond Canada,” she says. Evelyn Joerg Rio de Janiero, Brazil PHOTO: SEAN McMENOMY
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A special information featureFriday, January 21, 2011 • THE GLOBE AND MAIL CA 1
CAREER DECISIONS MATTER
In a world filled with career possibilities, fewoffer the same degree of mobility, flexibility and diverse opportunities as the CA designation.
Known for its warmsummers by the AdriaticSea, Croatia is one of theworld’s most beautifulvacation destinations.
It’s also the placeSnezana Beronja callshome. A senior managerwith KPMG’s Central andEastern Europe practice,Ms. Beronja moved toZagreb from Halifax in2004.
“I get to enjoy the scenic countryside, aslightly more relaxedMediterranean lifestyleand an exciting workenvironment,” says Ms.Beronja. “Work-lifebalance doesn’t get anybetter than this.”
Snezana Beronja Zagreb, Croatia
“Cayman combines thebest of small-town livingwith the workenvironment of a largercity with internationalflair,” says Dave Merrick,a CA who moved toGeorge Town fromCalgary in 2007.
As assistant controllerfor TSX-listed EndeavourMining Corporation, Mr.Merrick deals with globalbusiness issues incollaboration with peoplein Canada, the U.K. andEurope on a daily basis.
“When I need a break,a vacation on a Caribbeanbeach is just a drive downthe road,” he says.
Dave Merrick George Town, Cayman Islands
“A Canadian CA’s skills areeasily transferable to theU.K. and otherCommonwealth countries,”says Indra Kubicek, whomoved from Vancouver toLondon in May 2007, sixmonths after obtaining herCA.
Ms. Kubicek, a financemanager at Chellomedia,says the culture, diversityand travel opportunitiesmake London a topdestination for youngprofessionals. Her job oftentakes her to Chellomedia’sEuropean subsidiaries inAmsterdam, Budapest,Madrid and Warsaw. Shehas also travelled to Africaas a volunteer withcharitable organizations inUganda, Kenya andRwanda.
Indra Kubicek London, England
Australia is similar toCanada, “but without thewinters,” says cyclist andsurfer Nicolas Majeau, whoenjoys life and work DownUnder.
“I like the differentperspective on life-workbalance,” says Mr. Majeau,who originally transferredfrom PwC’s Montrealoffice to Sydney in 2003.“It’s great to experiencebusiness in a region of theworld most Canadiansknow little about.”
Today, he’s a treasuryand financial planningmanager with InterGenAustralia, an electric utilitybased in Brisbane.
Nicolas Majeau Brisbane, Australia
It’s a big, bold world out there and businesses around the globe are searching for top talent.When opportunity knocks, Canadian CAs are answering the call...
A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITY
INSIDEAWARD WINNERS Page 2Meet the four top CA students from across Canada.
COMMEMORATIVE PULLOUT Pages 3 to 6A complete listing of the 2010 successful UFEwriters.
GET A JOB AND A LIFE Page 8The CA career provides work-life balance.
“Seeing the Parade ofChampions at Carnival or60,000 soccer fans on awinning day areunforgettable experiences,”notes Evelyn Joerg, amanager with PwC whomoved from Toronto to Riode Janiero in 2009.
For Ms. Joerg, the CAdesignation proved herticket to achieving a long-time goal of workinginternationally and learninga new language, Portuguese.
“Chartered Accountantshave a skill set valued andrecognized beyondCanada,” she says.
Evelyn Joerg Rio de Janiero, Brazil
PHOTO: SEAN McMENOMY
“ The UFE is unlike any exam I have everencountered. It requires careful application ofaccounting and business principles in a
practical setting. What helped me the most wastackling many practice cases at home and involving
myself in complex issues with myclients at the office.
Nowadays, afteranalyzing issues at
work, I even findmyself saying – thatwas on my UFE!
“The key tomy success on theUFE was a goodstudy group. We
studied hard, butmanaged to have a
fun and memorablesummer. We
complemented each otherwell – when some of us struggled
with a concept, others were ready to help. While allI wanted to do was pass, they formed a poolwagering on me to do really well. I thought theywere jinxing my success but, to my surprise, theywere right and I am truly honoured with this award.
“What attracted me to the designation is thevaried exposure a young CA receives, even at theoutset. At Ernst & Young, I have had the opportunityto face many challenges in many different industries,from large public to small private companies.Passing the UFE has given me instant credibility,which has allowed me to switch careers into businessvaluation. I am excited about this opportunity tofurther broaden my professional experience.”
Ryan AbramsErnst & Young LLP
“ Winning the Atlantic Gold Medal was a dreamcome true. I received a call at 9:08 in themorning from one of my mentors at work who
told me that I’d passed the UFE. I was celebratingwith my family, and not even a minute later, I got
another call telling me that not onlyhad I passed, but I was also
the top UFE writer inAtlantic Canada. It
was an amazing andunforgettablemoment.
“I was initiallyattracted to theCA profession bythe opportunities
to learn about andwork with different
businesses acrossCanada and around the
world. Today, CharteredAccountants play largely an
advisory role, and I want to be able to use myexpertise and skills to help my clients succeed.
“The role of the CA is constantly changing.That’s important to me because you have tocontinue to learn, develop yourself, and keep up-to-date with the profession for the rest of your life.
“I won’t be getting my actual designation foranother year and a half, but when I do, I’d love todo an international work term and then eventuallycome back to work in Atlantic Canada.”
Kimberly HartlinDeloitte & Touche LLP
Atlantic Canada Gold Medallist
A special information feature Friday, January 21, 2011 • THE GLOBE AND MAILCA 2
Th i s re p o r t wa s p ro d u c e d by R a n d a l l A nt h o ny Co m m u n i c at i o n s I n c . ( w w w. ra n d a l l a nt h o ny. co m ) i n c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h t h e a d ve r t i s i n g d e p a r t m e nt o f Th e G l o b e a n d M a i l . B r i a n Tro t te r, Cate g o r y M a n a g e r, b t ro t te r @ g l o b e a n d m a i l . co m .
2010 CA MEDALLISTS
“ Not many people can say this, but I wanted tobe a Chartered Accountant since I was tenyears old. My grandfather was a CA who
started his own firm, and even though he passedaway before I was born, I looked up to him a lot
based on the stories my parentstold me about him.
“As I went throughhigh school, I not
only found out thatI was good atmath, businessand accounting,but that I reallyenjoyed them.When you hear
about howsuccessful CAs are
in the business world,you realize this is one of
the most demanding andbeneficial business designations
you can get. The challenge just made it that muchmore exciting for me.
“I honestly have to say that I spent more timepreparing for the UFE than any other test in my life.However, because my firm gave me three monthsoff to study and I had two great study partners, I wasable to spread out the studying and not getoverwhelmed.
“Coming out of the UFE, I felt that I had donewell, but I never thought I’d done that well. I wasjust trying to pass, so ending up as a gold medallistwas incredible.”
Mathew BurpeeErnst & Young LLP
“ I was ecstatic to find out I had won the Canadian Gold Medal, especiallysince I came out of the UFE feeling like I could have done better. Thisachievement is a reflection of the people behind me, including my
awesome UFE coach, my supportive family and friends, and my amazingstudy group.
“Since my first year at the University of Waterloo, I always looked at theplaque on the school wall honouring past Gold Medallists, and hoped thatsomeday my name would be there, too. So it was a dream come truewhen I learned that I was this year’s Canadian Gold Medallist. I was evenmore thrilled to learn that my boyfriend – Jonathan Sue – had made theHonour Roll as well. My next big challenge was to keep it a secret, sinceI’m a terrible liar!
“More than anything, my parents have brought me to where I amtoday. My mom is a professional in the business world and has alwaysencouraged my brother and me to pursue a well-known professionaldesignation, particularly the CA. Both my parents went to Waterloo,and my mom was a student in the same program as me. I admire howmy mother was able to balance career and family, and hope to followthat example.
“I don’t know what’s next for me. In the future, I hope to getinvolved in the UFE process, perhaps by doing some mentoringand maybe a little bit of teaching. But there’s more to life than justyour career – I’d like to one day travel to all of the continents. I’vealready visited Asia and Europe, and I’m looking at South Americaas my next travel destination. At some point, I definitely want togo back to school.
“I think the most important lesson I learned from the UFE isthat you really need to know yourself. What works for one personwon’t necessarily work for another. For example, everyone tellsyou not to study with your significant other, but Jonathan and Ihave been studying together for years now, and it was what madethe most sense for me.”
9.88” x 20” Globe full page (4 page layout) - PAGE 3 (RIGHT HAND PAGE)
9.88” x 20” Globe full page (4 page layout) - PAGE 4 (BACK PAGE)
QUEBECMiranda BASS, Yellowknife
Amanda ABRAMS, Montréal
Ryan ABRAMS, Montréal
David ADAM, St-Romuald
Rissalath ADÉBO, Longueuil
Mélanie ADELSON, Westmount
Caroline AHMARANI, St-Hubert
Geoffrey ALEXIS, Laval
Cathy ALLAIRE, St-Rosaire
Cristina AMATO, Montréal
Emmanuel ANDRÉ-MORIN,
Montréal
Nicholas ANTONATOS, Laval
Catherine ARBOUR, Magog
Adam ARONSON, Ottawa, ON
Kristina ASHQAR, Verdun
Frederic ASSAL, Pierrefonds
Esther ASSOULINE, Montréal
Jean-Philippe AUBÉ, Gatineau
Meggie AUDET, East Broughton
Cédric AUDETTE, St-Césaire
Evelyne AUGER, Granby
Tatiana AVERBUCH,
Côte Saint-Luc
Jean-François AYOTTE-RIVARD,
Montréal
Omayma AYOUB, Montréal-Nord
Monica Diana BADEA,
Dollard-des-Ormeaux
Richard BADRA, Pierrefonds
Farinaz BAHMANI, Lasalle
Michael BARIL, Trois-Rivières
Stéphane BATHALON,
L'Ancienne-Lorette
Julie BAZINET, Montréal
Andréanne BEAUCLAIR,
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Johanne BEAUDOIN, Macamic
Mathieu BEAUDOIN, Magog
Sabrina BEAUDOIN, Ste-Julie
Eric BEAUDRY, Chicoutimi
Marie-Christine BEAULIEU,
Montréal
Martine BEAULIEU, Montréal
Mélissa BEAUREGARD,
St-Herménégilde
Chloé BÉGIN, St-Jérôme
Marie Geneviève BÉGIN, Gatineau
Stéphanie BÉLAND, Québec
Bruno BÉLANGER, Montréal
Mathieu BÉLANGER, Boucherville
Louis Alexandre BELISLE-ROY,
Beloeil
Claudie BELLAVANCE, Montréal
Claude BELLEFLEUR, Gatineau
Lauren BENOIT, Montréal
Joanie BÉRARD, Granby
Mathieu BERGERON,
St-Basile-le-Grand
Amélie BERGERON-CAUCHON,
St-Rédempteur
Etienne BERGERON-LEMIEUX,
Québec
Catherine BERNIER, Beauport
Daniel BERNIER, Longueuil
Sandra BERNIER,
Notre-Dame-du-Bon-Conseil
Janick BERNIER-FONTAINE,
La Sarre
Mathieu BERTHIAUME,
St-Sylvestre
Caroline BÉRUBÉ, Gatineau
Hugo BESSETTE COLLETTE,
Montréal
Noémie BIARDEAU,
Ste-Marguerite-Lac-Masson
Paolo BISCEGLIA, Montréal
Gina BISCOTTI, Montréal
Pierre BITAR, Rosemère
Brigitte BLAIS, East Broughton
Claudia BLANCHETTE,
Métabetchouan-Lac-à-la-Croix
Karine BLONDIN BÉRUBÉ, Mirabel
Claudia BLOUIN, St-Joachim
Stéphane BLOUIN, Rimouski
Michael BLUME, Verdun
Nassem BOCA, Montréal
Brigitte BOILEAU, Laval
Katrine BOISSÉ, Montréal
Dominique BOISSELLE,
Boucherville
Rachelle BOISVERT CLOUTIER,
Québec
Pascale BOIVIN, Québec
Kadidia BOLLY, Pierrefonds
Tommy BORDELEAU, Pintendre
Jérémie BOUCHARD, Montréal
Philippe BOUCHARD, La Prairie
Sarah BOUCHARD, Blainville
Olivier BOUCHER,
St-Cyrille-de-Wendover
Stéphanie BOUCHER, Sherbrooke
Jessica BOUDREAULT, Chicoutimi
Jean-Sébastien BOULANGER,
St-Georges
Ilham BOUMEDIANE, Montréal
Simon BOURASSA, Montréal
Jadys BOURDELAIS, Montréal
Clément BOURGOGNE, Longueuil
Pierre-André BOURQUE,
Baie-Comeau
Sébastien BOURQUE, Ste-Foy
Roméo James BOUSHEY, Gatineau
François BOUTIN, Montréal
Pascal BRAGG-CARTERON, Laval
Isabelle BRASSARD, Laval
Léa BRASSARD-DION, Sherbrooke
Philippe-Etienne BRASSARD
GAGNON, Montréal
Sébastien BRAULT, Lasalle
Steven BREAULT-WARNET,
Québec
Karine BRIÈRE, St-Jérôme
Marc-Antoine BRIÈRE, Rimouski
Virginie BROSSEAU-MÉNARD,
Ste-Thérèse
Evelyne BRUNEAU,
Rouyn-Noranda
James BUCKINGHAM,
Deux-Montagnes
Marie-Ève BUISSON SMITH, Laval
Christine BUSQUE,
St-Georges-de-Beauce
Stéphane CADORETTE, St-Hubert
Jessica CAMPEAU, Terrebonne
Mélissa CAMPEAU,
Ste-Marthe-sur-le-Lac
Simon CANTIN, Joliette
Jolyane CARON, Montréal
Sarah CARRIER, St-Nicolas
Cindy CARRIER-GRENIER, Québec
Hugo CASTONGUAY, Québec City
Jean-Philippe CAYER,
St-Thomas-de-Joliette
Jonathan CHABOT, Québec
Mélina CHAGNON-FRIOLET,
Boucherville
Jaclyn CHAIMBERG, Montréal
Julie CHAMBERLAIN, Québec
Michaël CHANTRIE, Laval
Katherine CHAPUT, Boucherville
Philippe CHARBONNEAU-PLANTE,
Ste-Brigide-d'Iberville
Jean-François CHAREST, St-Hubert
Amélie CHARETTE, Anjou
Benoît CHARETTE, Québec
Marie-Lyne CHARRON, Sherbrooke
Maxime CHARRON, Le Gardeur
Sandrine CHASSÉ, Montréal
Karim CHEBBI, Longueuil
Joanie CHÊNEVERT, Québec
Christine Kyong Hee CHEON,
Montréal
Priscille CHEONG YOUNE,
Brossard
Nadia CHERIEF, Pierrefonds
Kenneth King Fun CHEUNG,
St-Laurent
Nicolas CHEVALIER, Québec
Wei Hsin CHIOU, Verdun
Linda CHONG, Pierrefonds
Shiv Karan CHOPRA,
Dollard-des-Ormeaux
Marcel CHOW, Rimouski
Christina CHU, Montréal
Tedi CLAIR-BOOKALAM, Dorval
Dominic CLÉMENT, Iberville
Fanny CLÉMENT, Brossard
Gabriel CLOUTIER, St-Honoré
Julie CLOUTIER, Trois-Rivières
Alexandre CORRIVEAU, Montréal
Simon COSSETTE, St-Boniface
Danny CÔTÉ, Anjou
Thalie CÔTÉ, Laval
Véronique CÔTÉ, Dixville
Audrey COUTURE, Québec
Guillaume COUTURE-TURCOT,
Québec
Mélissa COUTURIER-MALTAIS,
Montréal
Ioana CRISTEA, Montréal
Kathleen CROCHETIERE, Roxboro
Geneviève CYR, Rimouski
Zekria DADBEK, Lasalle
Sara DAGOSTINO, Pierrefonds
Pascal DAIGLE, Québec
Marie-Josée DAIGNEAULT,
St-Bruno
Nathalie DAIGNEAULT, Montréal
Melanie DALLAIRE, Trois-Rivières
Cynthia DANCAUSE, Québec
Jonathan DAOUST, Mirabel
Katy DAVIGNON, Sherbrooke
Beatriz DAVILA, Brossard
Lydia DAZE RANGER, Laval
Jennyfer DE BARRY, Montréal
Marie-Pier DELAGRAVE,
St-Jean-Chrysostome
Régis DE LAUNIÈRE, Montréal
Cynthia DELISLE, Laval
Justine DELISLE, Montréal
Rodney Gael DELVA, Montréal
Véronique DÉPELTEAU, Montréal
Romain DERENNE, Montréal
Marie-Eve DESCHAMPS, Montréal
Anne Marie DESJARDINS,
Lachenaie
Guillaume DESNOYERS,
Notre-Dame-Stanbridge
Jean-Simon DESPATIE, Mirabel
Jonathan DES ROSIERS, Longueuil
Jonathan DEVINE, Longueuil
Céline DEXTRADEUR, Sherbrooke
Thuc-Tran DIEC, Brossard
Antonietta DI GIACOMO, Montréal
Caroline DION, Ste-Thérèse
Maxime DION, Québec
Tiziana DI ZAZZO, Montréal
Marie-Pier DOMINGUE, Sherbrooke
Stephanie DONAHUE, Sherbrooke
Chun DONG, Montréal
Jean-Philippe DOYON, Dorval
Jean Philippe DRAINVILLE,
Berthierville
Karine DROLET, Lévis
Maxime DUBEAU-MARCOUX,
Terrebonne
Audrey DUBUC, Québec
Jean-Gabriel DUBUC,
Vaudreuil-Dorion
Marie-Pier DUCHESNE, Québec
Chantal DUCHESNEAU, Outremont
Jessica DUFOUR, Québec
Maxime DUFOUR,
St-Augustin-de-Desmaures
Sébastien DUFRESNE, Alma
Marc Olivier DUHAMEL, Ste-Sabine
Brigitte DUMAS, Montréal
Marilyne DUMAS, St-Eloi
Nicholas DUMESNIL-BOWKER,
Lorraine
Andréanne DUMONT, Longueuil
Carl DUMONT-PERREAULT,
L'Assomption
Myriam DUPÉRÉ, Gatineau
Nicolas DUPONT, Québec
Marie-Eve DUPUIS, Laval
Simon DUPUIS, Terrebonne
Stéfanie DUROCHER, Laval
Vincent DU RUISSEAU,
Montréal
Marie-Pierre DUVAL, Québec
Mae-Lynn EDOUARD, Lachenaie
Thierry Jean EHOUNOU, Verdun
Oury EZERZER, St-Laurent
Simon FAFARD,
St-Ignace-de-Loyola
Kim FALARDEAU, Montréal
Rachelle FANCELLI, Montréal
Guillaume FELX, Beaconsfield
Andréane FERLAND, Bromont
David FERNANDEZ, St-Léonard
Florestan FERROUX, Montréal
Benjamin FETTER, Westmount
Julien FINUCAN, Montréal
Jean-Sébastien FLAGEOLE,
St-Georges-de-Champlain
Josianne FLEURENT, Trois-Rivières
Martin FOREST, Montréal
Vincent FORTIER, Sherbrooke
André FORTIN,
St-Joseph-de-Beauce
Jean-Simon FORTIN, Brossard
Marie-Hélène FOURNIER, La Baie
Gabriel FOURNIER-LACOMBE,
Shawinigan Sud
Wanita Lakshmi FOWSAR,
Brossard
Matthew FOX, Montréal
Alexandre FRADET, Québec
Jessica FRAPPIER, Montréal
Marco FRATE, Lasalle
Concettina FUSCO, Montréal
Vincent GAGNÉ, Cookshire
Audrey GAGNON, La Baie
Elyse GAGNON, Thetford-Mines
Jean-Denis GAGNON, Jonquière
Pierre-André GAGNON, Québec
Anick GALLANT,
Ste-Geneviève-de-Bastican
Julie GAMACHE, Montréal
Caroline GARANT-DUBÉ, Beloeil
Harold GAROTTA, Brossard
Priscilla GAUDETTE, Boucherville
Steve GAUDREAU, Montréal
Charles GAUTHIER, Montréal
Emilie GAUTHIER, Laval
Isabelle GAUTHIER, Québec
Marie-Hélène GAUTHIER,
Victoriaville
Pierre-Marc GAUTHIER, Île-Perrot
Amélie GAUVIN BOISVERT,
Québec
Ines GBEGAN, Montréal
Francis GÉLINAS, Mirabel
Karine GENIER, St-Albert, ON
Carlo GENONI, Knowlton
Stéphanie GENTILE, St-Laurent
Kassandra GERMAIN, Chicoutimi
Chloé GILBERT, Brossard
David GILBERT, Chicoutimi
Samantha GILLESPIE,
Vaudreuil-Dorion
Carol Ann GLODE GRENIER,
Québec
Jean-François GOBEIL,
L'Ancienne-Lorette
Julie GODBOUT, St-Isidore
Karine GODBOUT, Laval
François GODIN, Pierrefonds
Matthew GOLDSMITH, Mont-Royal
Simon GOSSELIN, Québec
Thomas GOSSELIN, Ste-Marie
Michaël GOULET, Québec
Roxane GRANGER-TRAHAN,
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Sarah GRONDIN, St-Augustin
Simon GRONDIN, Québec
Catherine GROULX, Le Gardeur
Danny GUARNIERI, Montréal
Hela GUEDDANA, Montréal
Maxime GUILLEMETTE,
Ste-Thérèse
Francesca HACHÉ,
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Nicole HAMMAL, Montréal
Aleksandra HARTON RICARD,
Ste-Catherine
Alexandre HARVEY, St-Laurent
Dominique HARVEY, Laval
Karim HASNAOUI, Brossard
Mengyin HE, Montréal
Lysanne HÉBERT,
Ste-Anne-des-Lacs
Mathieu HÉBERT, Montréal
Valérie HÉBERT, Rouyn-Noranda
Mariève HÉROUX, Longueuil
Jillian HODGSON, St-Lazare
Jennifer HOPPER, Lachine
Valérie HOUDE, St-Lambert
Christine HOULE, Québec
Nathalie HOULE, Gatineau
Pierre-Louis HOULE, Laval
Francis HUNTER-MANSEAU,
Montréal
Giulio IACONI, Montréal
Nancy IBRAHIM, St-Hubert
Lattana INTHANAVONG, St-Hubert
Irene IRACANYE, St-Laurent
Stéphanie JACOB, Chibougamau
Roxane JACQUES, Montréal
Patrick JEAN, Montréal
André JENANJI, St-Laurent
Etienne JENSEN-FONTAINE, Laval
Isabelle JONES, Kirkland
Mathieu JOSEPH, Québec
Mohammad KADDAHA,
Westmount
Alissa KAHAN, Montréal
Natsuki KAWASHIMA, Laval
Madani KEBACHE, Montréal
Elisa KHUONG, Québec
Jin Woo KIM, Côte Saint-Luc
Kuk Jin KIM, La Prairie
Alexandra KOMOURDJIAN,
Montréal
Alim KOTADIA, Longueuil
Laura KOVATS, Montréal
Konstantin KUKOLEV, Montréal
Priyanka KUMAR, Pierrefonds
Nicolas KY, Boisbriand
Dominique LABBÉ, La Sarre
Eric LABBÉ, Montréal
Raphaël LABBÉ, Sherbrooke
Sandra LABBÉ, Poularies
Jean-René LABELLE,
Ste-Anne-des-Plaines
Marc LABELLE, Lasalle
Mélanie LABRECQUE, Sherbrooke
Geneviève LACASSE,
Montréal-Nord
Nathalie LACASSE, Longueuil
Jean-Francois LACERTE, Montréal
Marie LACHANCE, Sherbrooke
François LACHANCE-BROCHIER,
St-Augustin-de-Desmaures
Jean-Philippe LACHAPELLE,
Gatineau
Mélanie LACOSTE, Montréal
Jean-Nicholas LAFORTUNE,
Montréal
Marie-Hélène LAFORTUNE,
Boisbriand
Jessie LAGUEUX, St-Victor
Pierre-Charles LA HAYE, Gatineau
Edith LAJEUNESSE, Deschambault
Krystel LAJEUNESSE, Sherbrooke
Bruno LAJEUNESSE-PAGÉ, Magog
Allison LALONDE, Montréal
Marie-Line LALONDE,
Trois-Rivières
Kim Phong LAM, Montréal
Antoine LAMARCHE, Laval
Vincent LAMBERT, St-Hubert
Emilie LAMONTAGNE,
Charlemagne
Josée LAMY, Trois-Rivières
Jessica LAN KENG LUN, Kirkland
Caroline LAPIERRE,
Rouyn-Noranda
Marjolaine LAPIERRE, Rosemère
Mylène LAPIERRE, Gatineau
Etienne LAPOINTE, St-Lambert
Krystel LAPOINTE, Varennes
Simon LAPOINTE, Montréal
Véronique LAPORTE,
St-Augustin-de-Desmaures
Sandrine LAPRISE LACHANCE,
Québec
Caroline LARIVIÈRE, St-Georges
Léonie LAROSE, St-Bruno
Ariane LATOUR, Montréal
Olivier LATOUR,
St-Ignace-de-Loyola
Camille LAVERGNE, Ottawa, ON
Abbie LAVOIE, Pierrefonds
Loïc LAVOIE, Montréal
Philippe LAVOIE, Québec
Carylle LEACH, Montréal
Caroline LEBLANC, Trois-Rivières
Guillaume LEBOURDAIS, La Sarre
Joshua LEBOVIC, Montréal
Mélisa LECLERC, St-Valérien
Philippe LECLERC, La Baie
Annie LECOMPTE, Montréal
Kevin LEE, Montréal
Marie-Pier LEFEBVRE, Québec
Mathieu M. LEFEBVRE, Montréal
Mathieu P. LEFEBVRE,
St-Bruno-de-Montarville
Ian LEFRANÇOIS, St-Bruno
Dominic LEGAULT, Val-des-Monts
Marc-André LÉGER, Montréal
Emilie LEMAY, St-Wenceslas
Alexandre LEMYRE, Trois-Rivières
Yvenson LENEUS, Montréal
Geneviève LENOIR, Brossard
Alexandre LÉONARD, Verchères
Bruno LÉPINE, Québec
Jason LESNIAK, Montréal
Mélanie LESSARD, St-Maurice
Rosa LEUNG, St-Léonard
Audrey LÉVESQUE, Montréal
Caroline LÉVESQUE, Montréal
Gabrielle LÉVESQUE, Rimouski
Vincent LEVESQUE ROUSSEAU,
Sherbrooke
Jessica LI, Montréal
Geneviève LIBOIRON, Longueuil
Chito LO, St-Laurent
Patrick LORANGER, Varennes
Mathieu LORD, Baie-Comeau
Jean-François LORTIE,
Ste-Agathe-des-Monts
Genevieve LUCAS, Brossard
Elizabeth LUND, Montréal
Man LUO, Brossard
François LUSSIER,
St-Jean-sur-Richelieu
Louis-Philippe LUSSIER,
Drummondville
Geoffrey LYN, Montréal
Phuong Tam MACH, Brossard
Joanie MAHEUX, Boucherville
Catherine MAILLÉ, Montréal
Stéphanie MAILLOUX MÉNARD,
Laval
Marie-Ève MALLET,
Saint-Simon, NB
Guylaine MALTAIS, Québec
Marie-Michèle MALTAIS, Montréal
Renzo MANDATO, Montréal
Khouloud MANSOURI,
Montréal-Nord
Chloé MARCHAND, Montréal
Sabrina MARCHAND, Montréal
Marie-Eve MARCOTTE, Montebello
Philippe MARCOTTE, Victoriaville
Michael MARIANER, Laval
Steven MARIASINE, Edmonton, AB
Carolina MARIZ-MOLFESE,
St-Constant
Roxanne MARTEL, Rawdon
Yannick MARTEL, Montréal
Catherine MARTIN, Montréal
Nicolas MARTIN, Montréal
Simon MARTIN, Montréal
Thierry MARTINEAU, Montréal
Dominic MATHIEU, Montréal
Maxime MATHIEU, Beauceville
Marie-Hélène MATTE,
Vaudreuil-Dorion
Victor MBARUSHIMANA, Gatineau
Nathalie MEDEIROS, Montréal
Nabil MENGAD, Montréal-Nord
Aziz MERCHO, Laval
Elisa MERCIER JUTRAS, Rimouski
Uros MILEKIC, St-Laurent
Joëlle MINVILLE, Montmagny
Roxane MOISAN-ROUGEAU,
Montréal
Lisa MONCALIERI, Lasalle
Marc-André MONETTE, Gatineau
Celia MORELLI, Montréal
Emilie MORIN,
Ste-Catherine-de-la-
Jacques-Cartier
Geneviève MORIN,
St-Henri-de-Lévis
Stéphane MORIN, Montréal
Caroline MUNRO, Montréal
Frédéric MURRAY, Mont-Joli
Vanessa MUSUELE, Laval
Guillaume NADON, Montréal
Emanuela NARCISI, Laval
Richard NATHANIEL, Montréal
Emilie NEVEU, Longueuil
Yuen Ching Donna NG, Brossard
Stephanie NG THOW HING,
Côte Saint-Luc
Emilie Ngoc Tram NGUYEN, Laval
Minh Michel NGUYEN, Montréal
Laura NG YING KIN, Montréal
Cathy Joanne NICHOLS, Montréal
Erika NOËL, La Baie
Audrey NORMANDEAU, Lachine
Jessica NOVAK, Beaconsfield
Natalya NOVIKOV, Montréal
Michael ORLANDO, Montréal
Echahed OUAZZANI CHAHDI,
Laval
Noémie OUELLET-GENDRON,
Longueuil
Phon Sotheary OUK, Montréal
Jonathan PAPIN, Gatineau
Amélie PAQUETTE, Montréal
Marie-Eve PAQUETTE, Chicoutimi
Roxane PAQUIN, St-Casimir
Sandrine PAQUIN-LESSARD,
Val-d'Or
Hélène PARADIS, Montréal
Graziano PARDO, Lasalle
Kathy PARÉ, Nantes
Maude PARÉ ALLIE, Drummondville
Rishichandran PATEL, Montréal
Martin PATRY, Gatineau
Jessica PAUL, Laval
Geneviève PAYETTE, Montréal
Gautier PECHADRE, Outremont
Maxim PEDNEAULT, Chicoutimi
Pierre-Olivier PEDNEAULT,
Chicoutimi
Mathieu PELLETIER, Sept-Îles
Pier-Etienne PELLETIER, Québec
Isabelle PERREAULT, St-Anges
Simon Jacques PERREAULT,
Montréal
Nicolas PERRON, Rimouski
Jacinthe PETIT, Le Gardeur
Martina PETROVA, Montréal
Martin PICARD, Pointe-Claire
Nicolas PICHÉ, Trois-Rivières
Réginald PIERRE-LOUIS, Longueuil
Eve-Marie PLANTE-LAJOIE,
Trois-Rivières
Karine POIRIER, Rawdon
Marie-Eve POIRIER, Boisbriand
Marie-Pier POIRIER, Chambly
Anton PONOMAREV, Montréal
Angelo PORATO, Kirkland
Marie-Pier POTHIER, Farnham
Joanie POUDRIER,
L'Ancienne-Lorette
François POULIN, Québec
Olivier POULIN, Laval
Michael PRINSKY, Hampstead
Chloé PRONOVOST LELIÈVRE,
Montréal
Olivier PROVOST-MARCHAND,
Terrebonne
Ioan Daniel PURICE, Anjou
Congmin QIN, Candiac
Louise QUATTROCCHI,
Montréal-Nord
Laura RAIMONDO, Montréal
Cindy RANDLETT, Montréal-Nord
Cynthia RAYMOND, Montréal
Therèse REGENSTREIF,
Dollard-des-Ormeaux
Vincent RÉMILLARD, Laval
Anouk RICHARD, Drummondville
Stephanie RICHARLES, St-Léonard
Jason RICKABY, St-Laurent
Jean-Philippe RIOU, Québec
Josianne RIOUX-DESJARDINS,
Québec
Carmen RIZZUTO, St-Léonard
Jonathan ROBERGE, Charlesbourg
Claude-Frédéric ROBERT, Brossard
Diane ROBERT, Gatineau
Steven ROBERT-MERCIER, Québec
Karine ROBINETTE, Mont-Laurier
Philippe ROMANO, Montréal
Marie-Claude ROSS-ROBERT,
Montréal
David ROUILLARD-CHAPUT,
Lavaltrie
Geneviève ROUSSEAU, Longueuil
Laurianne ROUSSEL, Rimouski
Anne-Sophie ROY, Kirkland
Audrey ROY,
St-Augustin-de-Desmaures
Jean-Sébastien ROY, Québec
Rémi ROY, St-Etienne-de-Lauzon
Sophie ROY, Montréal
Annie ROY-BÉRUBÉ, Frelighsburg
Guylaine ROY-DESROCHES,
Granby
Andréanne SAINT-ONGE, Laval
Alexandros SAKKAS, Brossard
Olivier SALOIS, Gatineau
Paul SALVAGGIO,
Dollard-des-Ormeaux
François SAUCIER,
St-Augustin-de-Desmaures
Marie-Eve SAUMURE, Boisbriand
Eric SAUVAGEAU, Laval
David SAVAGE, Montréal
Karen SAVARD, St-Prime
Isa Parmélie SAVARIA, Mirabel
Jonathan SÉGUIN-FOREST,
Varennes
Khurram SHEHZAD, Laval
Mélanie SHEIKH,
St-Mathieu-de-Beloeil
Christina SHERECK, Montréal
Kristina SHINYA, Pierrefonds
Christie SICOTTE, St-Laurent
Maxime SIMARD,
Terrasse-Vaudreuil
Simon SIMARD-DUBÉ, St-Bruno
Victoria SIWIC, Regina, SK
Frédéric SLOSAR, Montréal
Matthew SMITH, Brossard
Adriana SONEA, Montréal
Erik STAMBOULIEH, Westmount
Olivier ST-AMOUR, Montréal
Michael STEINBERG,
Dollard-des-Ormeaux
Karelle STE-MARIE, Montréal
Tim ST-PIERRE, Dolbeau-Mistassini
Nusrat SULTANA, Montréal
Cathrine SURPRENANT, Farnham
Eric TADROS,
Dollard-des-Ormeaux
Mélissa TALBOT,
Clarence Creek, ON
Linda TAN, Rivière-des-Prairies
Isabelle TARDIF, Montréal
Lauréanne TARDIF, Pierrefonds
Maria TAVONE, Montréal
Benoît T. DURIVAGE, St-Lambert
Jennifer TEOH, Montréal
Stéfanie TÉOLI, Longueuil
Frédéric TEULON, Châteauguay
Francis THÉROUX, St-Augustin
Véronique THIBAULT, Laval
Marie-France THIBODEAU,
Montréal
Jennifer THOMPSON,
St-Jean-Chrysostome
Aleksandra TOJCIC, Plessisville
Nadia Soledad TOMARO,
Pierrefonds
Talia TOPIKIAN, St-Laurent
Lisa TORCHIA, Laval
Anthony TOUSIGNANT-ROUETTE,
Trois-Rivières
Achille Huu Phong TRAN-HO, Laval
David TREMBLAY, Montréal
Isabelle TREMBLAY, Gatineau
Mélissa TREMBLAY, Varennes
Nancy TREMBLAY, Laval
Simon TREMBLAY, Québec
Véronique TREMBLAY, Luskville
Anik TURCOTTE, Rawdon
Joannie TURCOTTE, St-Benjamin
Mathieu TURMEL, Bromont
Sébastien URBAIN, Montréal
Jean-Sébastien VACHON,
St-Joseph-de-Beauce
Martine VACHON RAYMOND,
Rouyn-Noranda
Sandra VAILLANCOURT, Montréal
Philippe VALENTINE, Québec
Emmanouil VAMVAS, Montréal
Pierre-Paul VEILLETTE, L'Île-Bizard
Gabriela VELAYOS DOMINGUEZ,
Québec
Guillaume VIGEANT, Montréal
Valérie VILLENEUVE, St-Apollinaire
Emilie VINCENT, Montréal
Raphael VINEGAR, Montréal
Justin Philip WAXMAN, Hampstead
Tia WIEDOW, Montréal
Hao WU, Montréal
Jieyun YING, Montréal
Dgenane ZÉPHIR, Sept-Îles
Bradley ZRIHEN, Montréal
NEW BRUNSWICKConnor BOYD, Saint John
Jared BURNS, Moncton
Meagan CARKNER, Fredericton
Bevin CHAMPION, Saint John
Julie CHEVARIE, Riverview
Melanie COMEAU, Caraquet
Andre CYR, Bathurst
Sarah DAIGLE, Dieppe
Matthew DERRAH, Woodstock
Timothy DOHANEY, Saint John
Patrick ENGLISH, Saint John
Christy FOSTER, Saint John
Andree GUITARD, Bathurst
Benjamin HAWKINS, Fredericton
Nicholas HIERLIHY, Saint John
Christy HINES, Saint John
Sheldon HOULE, Fredericton
Michel LANDRY, Moncton
Matthew LAWRENCE, Moncton
January LYNCH, Miramichi
Lori-Lee MACNAUGHTON,
Bathurst
Matthew MAHONEY, Fredericton
Brent MALONEY, Riverview
Donald MCEWEN, Dieppe
Craig MCLAUGHLIN, Fredericton
Jonathan MORRISON, Fredericton
Alan RIVERS-BOWERMAN,
Saint John
Warren STEVENS, Moncton
Cassandra THERIAULT, Saint John
Stacey THOMAS, Fredericton
Lun TIAN, Saint JohnKatie WASSON, Fredericton
BERMUDADorielle BATTERSBEE-HURDLE,
Bermuda
CAREERDECISIONSMATTER
A special information featureFriday, January 21, 2011 • THE GLOBE AND MAIL CA 7
CAs today have shattered yesterday’s stereotypes of accountants through their dynamic leadership in a variety of sectors. This trend will only grow as the CA profession continues to broaden the routes to gaining the practical experience required to earn a CA well beyond the external audit stream. Here are a fewexamples of how the CA designation can take you on interesting and rewarding career paths.
TODAY’S CAs: NOT LIKE THEY USED TO BE
When Jerome Dwight’s familyimmigrated to Canada some 26 yearsago from South Asia with meagreresources, the young teenager knew hehad to succeed in life. “Failure was notan option,” he says.
As president and CEO of BNY TrustCanada, a subsidiary of the Bank of New
York Mellon, Mr. Dwight,39, has seen the
Canadian businessthrough significantgrowth and a majoracquisition over the
past three years.During the recent
financial crisis, BNY playeda key role in administering complexgovernment stabilization programs, suchas the $32-billion asset-backedcommercial paper restructuring, and a$12-billion stimulus for the auto andequipment securitization market. BNYalso has mandates on more than 50 keyinfrastructure projects involvinghospitals, schools, courthouses and roadsacross Canada.
Jerome Dwight Deal maker
When Tara Larsen was hired in 2008 asdirector of finance, administration andinformation technology for the 2011
Canada Winter Games, tobe held in Halifax in
February, she foundher “dream job.”
The now 35-year-old, who obtained her
CA in 2000, competedfor Nova Scotia’s field
hockey team in the 1993Canada Summer Games. “I knew what agreat event it was,” she says, about themulti-sport competition that pits 2,500top Canadian athletes against each other.
It also allowed her to fulfill anotherpersonal goal: to work in a sector where“the objective is for the greater goodmore than the bottom line.” The onlydrawback? The job ends nextSeptember. “I can only hope somethingthis good comes up again.”
Tara Larsen Team player
St. John’s is not a typical location for acompany that develops innovativesoftware to help financial institutionscombat fraud and money laundering,notes Krista Hogan. “But our threefounders went to Memorial Universityand decided to stay here aftergraduating.”
Ms. Hogan, 28, joined Verafin Inc.not long after obtaining her CA inDecember 2008. She says she’s a“corporate accountant,” but doesn’t havea specific job description.
“Everything hereis team-based. Wedon’t have titles.”That’s all part of acreative strategythat has seen Verafingrow from a handfulof employees in 2003 tomore than 90 today.
“We all brainstorm solutions for ourclients and are expected to beindependent thinkers as well as teamplayers. I’ve never experiencedsuch a different andexciting workenvironment.”
Krista Hogan Brainstormer
In 2009, whenCraig Reynoldssaw an ad recruitinga new CFO for theCFL’s SaskatchewanRoughriders, he wasblown away by thecoincidence. A few monthsearlier he and his wife had beentalking about moving back to their homeprovince. “I said my dream job wouldbe to work for the Roughriders but Inever thought it could come true.”
Since then, Mr. Reynolds has seenthe team twice come agonizingly close towinning the Grey Cup, been involved intalks for a domed stadium in Regina,and learned the intricacies of the salarycap. And unlike someCFL CFOs, whoseteams strugglefinancially, he hashad theRoughriders’considerablerevenue to manage.“Last year, for example,we sold $7.1 million in merchandise,more than all the other teamscombined.”
Craig Reynolds Roughrider
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Standing at the base campof Mount Everest on NewYear’s Day, 2009,committed traveller KathDuncan had an epiphanythat would lead the CA toquit her recruitment firmjob and start out on her ownas an entrepreneur. Thatidea evolved into her LosAngeles-based businesswhataretheywearing.com.
“I always had a passionfor fashion and celebrity,”says the 30-year-old. “Ispent a lot of time searchingfor the exact clothes thatcelebrities were wearing, aswell as lower-priced options.I wanted to make thisinformation more readilyavailable.”
Through her access toL.A.’s celebrity fashionscene, Ms. Duncan’s websiteis able to offer this insiderinformation to consumers asa one-stop style shoppingguide. It’s all in the sloganon her website: “Celebrityfashion at the right price foryou.”
Kath Duncan Fashion
“Some people at work callme Batman because Iseemingly live two lives,”says Marc Jaworski, 26, whoobtained his CA in 2009.“Accountant by day, rockstar by night.”
An assistant controller atRichardson International inWinnipeg, he loves his newjob, but also has a passionfor rock music and his band,Floor Thirteen, which hasbeen together for 13 years.
A major accomplishmentwas opening for Our LadyPeace at Winnipeg’s MTSCentre in 2005. Even biggerwas the inclusion of theirsong, Blame it on Me, in thesoundtracks for video gamesNeed for Speed Undercoverand The Sims 3.
“I’ve got a great dayjob,” he says, “but if TheRolling Stones asked us totour, I’d have a hard timepassing it up.”
Marc Jaworski Music
When Colleen Menchionsworked at Ernst & Youngafter obtaining her CA in2005, one of her clients wasa fascinating order ofCatholic nuns called thePresentation Sisters ofNewfoundland andLabrador. Although notreligious, Ms. Menchionsadmired them so much that,two years later, she becametheir director of finance.
“Most are in their sixtiesand seventies and highlyeducated, having worked ineducation or nursing,” shesays. “People are usuallyshocked when I tell themhow many sisters have post-graduate degrees.”
Ms. Menchions helpsmanage the order’s finances,which come almostexclusively from the sisters’past salaries and pensions.The money runs thecongregation and itsmissions, including aresource centre for the poorthat provides warm mealstwice a day.
Colleen Menchions Charity
A top executive at Loblawsintroduced Heather Stewartto yoga in 1999, offering Ms.Stewart, the then seniormanager of finance andanalysis, a pass to a studio hewent to at lunchtime. Shewas immediately hooked.Some six years later, shestopped working in financeand began teaching yoga fulltime.
In 2007, Ms. Stewartopened Toronto’s Flow!Wellness and Yoga, whichshe says does “as well as Ineed it to.”
Ms. Stewart talks tomany people who don’t lovetheir jobs, but believe theyhave no choice but to stayput. “Only you can make thelife you want. Always look atthe experiences you have –in my case my CA, which Iuse every day in my business– to help you get whatmakes you happy.”
Heather Stewart Wellness
A special information feature Friday, January 21, 2011 • THE GLOBE AND MAILCA 6
“It’s pretty cool to say Iwork for the company thatproduces This Hour Has 22Minutes,” says MarkSimpson, CA, director offinance for DHX Media, aHalifax-based producer ofnumerous children’s TVprograms and the CBCsatirical hit.
Simpson, 37, joinedDHX about two years agowhen he and his wife wereplanning to start a family. “I thought, what betterplace to work thansomewhere that makeschildren’s television.”
DHX has just purchasedYo Gabba Gabba!, a U.S.children’s show that hasbecome a huge hit aroundthe world. Althoughoriginally aimed at veryyoung children, it has alsobecome popular withteenagers and collegestudents.
“They’re doing a live YoGabba Gabba! tour nowand our friends with kidswho watch it find that prettyimpressive.”
Mark Simpson TV
PHOTO: JOHN WOODS
A special information feature Friday, January 21, 2011 • THE GLOBE AND MAILCA 8
The CA designation is a passport to a wide range of rewarding career options. However, for many of these highly successful professionals, work is only part of the story.
GET A JOB…AND A LIFE
The master key to success
Steven Bruder of Carp,Ontario, describes his CAdesignation as a “masterkey” for unlocking doors inlife and business.
“I believe in short-termpain for long-term gain,” heexplains. “I started byworking a ton of hours inaccounting and consultingfirms, my own CA advisorypractice and then as part-owner of several self-financed, award-winningbusinesses that I helpedgrow and sell.”
In 2002, at just 40 yearsold, Mr. Bruder’s sale of onesuch company unlocked adoor to his retirement.
New doors have sinceopened for the entrepreneur.When not busy with raisinghis children, Mr. Bruder hastaken minority interests in,and brought his CA skills to,companies such asLumenera, a digital cameramanufacturer, and PlaSmartInc., a toy marketer anddistributor. He alsovolunteers as a speaker,mentor and coach to youngpeople.
As PlaSmart’s part-timeCFO, Mr. Bruder says he“helps develop businessplans and create corporateinfrastructures to assist theCEO in managing rapidgrowth and achievingsustainable profitableoperations.”
And his other job? Aracecar driving instructor at Calabogie MotorsportsPark. “I get paid to teach.How good is that?”
Unlimited opportunity,lifelong learning
Being a CharteredAccountant means neverbeing without opportunities,says Lenora Lee.
She should know. A CAfor just five years, Ms. Leehas already crammed moreinto her career than manypeople do in a lifetime.
In addition to workingas an audit senior managerat KPMG, Ms. Lee hastaught financial andmanagement accounting atthe University of Victoria.She also manages heroffice’s recruiting program,helping hire over 50students – and then mentorsthem as they prepare for theUFE. If that isn’t enough,she is a board member ofseveral communityorganizations.
“Being a CA is a lifelonglearning experience,” shesays. “There are always newchallenges, but also newrewards.”
An eye for business
As a Chartered Accountantand president of GTAPhotography, Ana Belic hascombined professionalbusiness expertise with thepassion for photographythat she’s had since highschool.
“I always wanted to runmy own business,” says Ms.Belic, explaining why sheopted for business inuniversity. “I knew the skillsI’d gain as a CA would beinvaluable.”
GTA Photographyopened in early 2009 andhas grown rapidly. Today, itoperates out of a boutiquestudio in downtown Torontowith a team of instructorswho offer a variety ofclasses. New locations willopen in 2011.
Ms. Belic credits her CAbackground for helping hersuccessfully manage a fast-growing business. “If Iwasn’t a CA myself, I’dhave had to hire one,” shesays.
Volunteering makesthe difference
“Putting my skills as aChartered Accountant towork as a volunteer is oneof the most rewarding waysto make a positivedifference as a professional,”says Jessica Lawrence ofCarstairs, Alberta.
As treasurer of HaitiARISE, a registeredCanadian charity thatoperates a multi faceteddevelopment and educationfacility in Grand Goave,Haiti, Ms. Lawrence appliesher skills in dynamic ways.In addition to designing theorganization’s informationsystem, she also implementsthe internal controlsrequired to be accountableto donors and the CanadaRevenue Agency.
In the aftermath of the2010 earthquake, hervolunteer work became afull-time job for severalmonths. “Our donor basequadrupled in just six weeksas funds flowed in fromacross North America,” Ms.Lawrence says. “All of it hadto be managed responsibly.”
Haiti ARISE operates aresidence, primary schooland church in GrandGoave. Its technical school,destroyed in the earthquake,and a new medical clinicare currently underconstruction. Plans are underway to establish a children’s home in the future.
Life and careers as atag team
“How do you do it all?” It’sa question that Quebec CityCAs Eric Thibault and hiswife, Marie-Soleil Tremblay,hear often.
“All” means holdingdown high-profile careers,raising four boys, runningmarathons for charity,getting a PhD, playingsoccer, swimming andserving on not-for-profitboards.
“Good schedulinghelps,” says Mr. Thibault,the CFO at Sociétéimmobilière du Québec,which manages the Quebecgovernment’s $2.5 billion inreal estate holdings.
“Each week, Marie-Soleil and I co-ordinate ouragendas, so one of us ishome with our kids andable to take them tofootball, soccer or music,”he says.
It also helps that thecouple view their careersand family as a joint project.
“Both careers are ofequal priority,” says Ms.Tremblay, a professor atÉcole nationaled’administration publiquewhere she teaches post-graduate accounting.
“It’s a tag-teamapproach,” Mr. Thibaultexplains. “When one of ushas a big project at work,the other focuses on thefamily.”
Recently, for example,when Ms. Tremblay neededtwo weeks away from hometo prepare for her PhDexams, her husband stayedwith the family.
“It is possible to do itall,” explains Ms. Tremblay,“just not all at the sametime.”
TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT A CA CAREER
Atlantic Canada and Bermuda:Atlantic School of CharteredAccountancy (ASCA)Tel: 902-425-7974E-mail: [email protected]: www.asca.ns.ca
CAs REACH THE TOPA 2010 Canadian Institute of CharteredAccountants (CICA) analysis of the Report onBusiness Top 1,000 companies showed that 57.4per cent of those companies have a CFO who is a
CA, and 61.9 per cent of those organizations have at least one CA in a C-suite position (Chair, President, CEO, CFO, COO or CorporateSecretary).
Analysis shows that companies with a CA as theirTop Officer or CFO outperformed those led bynon-CAs on several performance indicators,including Return on Capital, Equity and Assets.
Quebec:Ordre des comptables agréés duQuébecTel: 514-982-4606
