Meet Some of Our CPAs
CPA Profession
A lifetime of outstanding contribution to his profession: Olin Anton, FCPA, FCA
This year, CPABC honoured Olin Anton, FCPA, FCA with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his dedication, commitment, and outstanding contribution to the CPA profession and community.
May 18, 2022
CPA Profession
‘Be authentic in your own skin, do not look to fit into a mould’
May is Asian Heritage Month. To commemorate it, we spoke with three CPAs of Asian descent to hear how their heritage has influenced them as Canadians and professional accountants.
May 4, 2022
CPA Profession
CPA Rising: Adam Karim
For Adam Karim, CPA, getting his accounting designation was an important stepping stone to his ultimate goal.
May 3, 2022
CPA Profession
A view from the top is nice, but the real fun is in climbing the mountain: A conversation with Mark Anthony Group’s Victor Giacomin, FCPA, FCA
“If you look back at those tough moments in your life, you realize they were often the key turning points to going higher,” says Victor Giacomin, FCPA, FCA, senior vice-president of finance and group treasurer at Mark Anthony Group.
Apr 26, 2022
CPA Profession
The best ways to use your CPA skills as a volunteer
Donating your time and expertise to a not-for-profit organization can have big benefits for both of you.
Apr 21, 2022
CPA Profession
Why a successful Vancouver businesswoman is staking her future on plant-based cheese
Livleen Veslemes wasn’t necessarily looking for her next career opportunity. In fact, the award-winning Vancouver businesswoman had purposely stepped away from her previous, extraordinarily successful position – as CEO of biomedical company bioLytical – in 2020 to prioritize her health and family life.
Apr 14, 2022
CPA Profession
“It’s my way of saying thank you”: CPA volunteer makes a difference to the community of Penticton
Saying hi to a stranger or making giving back a business priority – there are countless ways we can make a positive difference. Our actions, big or small, can have a substantial impact.
Apr 4, 2022
CPA Profession
The program that led an Indigenous trailblazer to her dream career
When one thinks of accounting, there are often generalizations that come along with the career path.But accountants actually work in all kinds of roles — operating as a businesses’ most intrinsic function.
Mar 31, 2022
CPA Profession
Engineering success by taking risks: Profile on Jimmy Vaiopoulos, CPA, CA
Jimmy Vaiopoulos’ first passion was engineering, a passion that led to him obtaining his CPA designation and pursuing a career working with leading-edge technology and companies.
Mar 28, 2022
Career Development
No cookie cutter approach to gender parity: Every woman has her own unique challenges
A conversation with Neelam Sahota, FCPA, FCGA, CEO of DIVERSEcity, a local registered charity that assists newcomers and diverse communities with settlement, language, and employment services.
Mar 21, 2022
CPA Profession
CPA Rising: Nelson Soh
Nelson Soh has always been good with numbers and interested in business. So after graduating from UBC with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, he attained his CPA designation while working for KPMG. Inspired to pursue his passion for helping people improve personally, professionally, and financially, he co-founded FSQ Consulting.
Mar 8, 2022
CPA Profession
Canada’s fastest-growing plant-based food brand is powered by a collective vision
It takes a lot to successfully compete in the plant-based foods market – the right products, the right vision and the right people.
Mar 3, 2022
CPA Profession
Two Vancouver entrepreneurs launch Canada’s first ‘hard’ kombucha
When Jamie Kirwin, CPA, CA, was invited to try the “hard” kombucha that Valli Manickam, a friend of a friend, had been fermenting in her kitchen, she didn’t yet realize that she was experiencing an introductory taste of her future.
Mar 2, 2022
CPA Profession
A local entrepreneur and the credential that transformed his career path
The ideal career is one that’s malleable and allows you to carve your own path as you continue to learn, grow, and evolve.
Feb 24, 2022
CPA Profession
We asked 3 BC-based foodies about their path to success
When you graduate from university, it can be difficult to know what career path you want to take for the rest of your life. The thought alone can feel both overwhelming and intimidating.
Feb 1, 2022
CPA Profession
How Julien Francois helps publishers adapt and thrive in the digital world
Julien Francois has always been adaptable to change – an attribute that has proven to be particularly beneficial to his role in helping his company, STN Video, navigate through COVID-19.
Jan 14, 2022
CPA Profession
Celebrating CFE success!
Meet the BC writers who excelled on the September 2021 CFE
Jan 13, 2022
CPA Profession
Breaking down barriers: Meet the CPA who's presenting CPABC's first FinLit session in Chinese
Joanne YH Liu, CPA, CGA, PFP, will be presenting "Managing Your Finances in Retirement" on November 10.
Nov 8, 2021
CPA Profession
Celebrating CFE success!
Meet the two BC writers who made the May 2021 CFE National Honour Roll
Sep 8, 2021
CPA Profession
One cool customer: New CPABC chair Karen Horcher, FCPA, FCGA, CFA, has a knack for navigating uncertainty
She doesn’t consider herself a natural risk-taker, but Karen Horcher is definitely cool under pressure.
Sep 7, 2021
CPA Profession
Leading with heart and an open mind: Livleen Veslemes, change maker
“I think that if I'm not scared, then I'm not growing. And if I'm not growing, then I'm not really living fully,” says Livleen Veslemes, CPA, CMA. When it comes to scaring herself, Livleen has plenty of experience, as her passion for growth has helped catapult numerous organizations to major success.
Sep 1, 2021
CPA Profession
Jeff Wasyliw helps lead Alida in delivering actionable customer insight
Understanding your customer’s desires and preferences is key to reaching new clients and strengthening existing relationships. But in our highly-digitalized world, unlocking value from seemingly endless big data is challenging. Alida, previously known as Vision Critical, is a Canadian company that helps brands worldwide tap into actionable customer insight.
Aug 20, 2021
CPA Profession
"It just clicked" - Why Rhian Quarry made the switch from science to the CPA
It was while working reception at Madison Pacific Properties Inc., a real estate management and development company in Vancouver, that Rhian Quarry realized she wanted to become a CPA. She had just completed her bachelor’s degree in health sciences and was looking for a new direction when inspiration struck.
Jul 7, 2021
CPA Profession
Jody Kidd helps lead Copperleaf with her spirit for innovation and progress
Jody Kidd has never been one to be held down by limitations. As a young adult, she knew she wanted a career that would not restrict her to any one particular industry.
Jun 23, 2021
CPA Profession
Maintaining resilience in tough economic times is vital
If there is one central theme that could be highlighted for the year of 2020, it would undoubtedly be the fragility of health, and the need to preserve it at all costs.
Jun 4, 2021
CPA Profession
CPA-led BC produce company disrupts industry across Canada
More than ever, people need to make healthy choices in their lives, and Davis Yung, CPA, CMA, is proud to be part of that process.
May 12, 2021
Career Development
Prioritizing mental health at work
How KPMG GVA is supporting wellness and destigmatizing illness
May 5, 2021
Career Development
Why it’s important to encourage positive mental health in the workplace
Approximately one in every five Canadians experience mental health issues. In a workplace of 100, that’s 20 staff who may be experiencing mental health problems.
May 4, 2021
Career Development
Mental health in the workplace: What will the new normal look like?
According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, many are experiencing unprecedented stresses and feelings of anxiety related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, 40% of Canadians say their mental health has deteriorated since the onset of the pandemic.
May 3, 2021
CPA Profession
Vancouver CPA shares his time—and his wonder dog—with those in need
Stuart Mah, CPA, CMA, and his 10-year-old certified therapy dog Nugget provide much-needed companionship to the long-term care residents at Mount St. Joseph Hospital.
Apr 21, 2021
CPA Profession
Flexibility critical in hard hit service industry
If there was one activity that feels most altered by the pandemic it would have to be dining out.
Feb 18, 2021
Personal Finance
Demystifying debt: CPA FinLit volunteer helps young people understand how to leverage debt to their advantage
Canadians recently reached a dubious high point – collectively, we have amassed $100 billion in credit card debt.
Nov 18, 2020
CPA Profession
Bringing calm resolve to turbulent times
Geoffrey Dodds, CPA, CA, embraces his role as chair of the CPABC board even as COVID-19 continues to disrupt norms.
Nov 10, 2020
CPA Profession
WELL Health leverages technology to transform healthcare
Long wait-times in a crowded space is often the scenario for those visiting their doctors. But with COVID-19, this scenario has changed for many patients seeking care from their doctors.
Nov 9, 2020
Personal Finance
Small steps have a big impact: Volunteer helps high school students improve financial literacy
As much as parents plan financially for their children’s future and offer tips on how to manage money, the time will come when young people will need to take ownership of their finances.
Nov 5, 2020
Personal Finance
Helping kids get financially smart for life: Volunteer stokes passion for real-world skills
“I wish I’d known how to start saving for retirement when I was young… I would’ve liked to have known how to draw up and keep to a budget... I would have benefited from an explanation of how to use credit cards properly…”
Nov 2, 2020
CPA Profession
Meet the LUSH employee whose career has taken her all over the world
If there are two things most of us hope to achieve in life, it’s finding our dream job and travelling the world. Having a career that combines both?
Sep 29, 2020
CPA Profession
How KPMG’s “1,000 Acts of Kindness” has inspired employees and lifted communities
After seeing the societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic ripple through local communities, KPMG’s offices in Metro Vancouver and Victoria mobilized employees to take action.
Sep 9, 2020
CPA Profession
The journey to the C-suite: Nick Bozikis, CFO at Article
Nick Bozikis, CPA, CA, has always been very curious. And his curiosity has helped him adapt to new environments and trends throughout his career.
Aug 14, 2020
CPA Profession
Safety and people: How Quails’ Gate approached its reopening strategy
Like many industries, BC’s wine industry was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. As an industry that relies heavily on tourism activity, retail sales, and temporary foreign workers, wineries across BC had to find innovative ways to stay operational when the province effectively shut down from March through May of this year.
Aug 13, 2020
CPA Profession
Traction Guest’s solution to minimizing traditional physical touchpoints at workplaces
As the global economy reopens in the wake of unprecedented business closures due to COVID-19, “new normals” are developing in all aspects of our daily routines. Traction Guest, a Burnaby-based visitor management system (VMS) company, has been at the forefront of facilitating the safe and efficient return to workplaces.
Jul 29, 2020
CPA Profession
Modo provides vehicles for frontline workers throughout COVID-19
When containment measures for COVID-19 began in March, most people no longer had to commute except to access essential services. But for essential workers, things were much different.
Jul 6, 2020
CPA Profession
Thinkific helps lead the evolution of virtual learning during COVID-19
When the COVID-19 pandemic began to peak across the world in early March, the world’s population went into their homes and stayed there. As a result, our reliance on digital communications reached an all-time high.
Jun 24, 2020
CPA Profession
Leading community cheer: How Steamworks pivoted its business to support COVID-19 relief
Since March, Vancouverites have been showing their appreciation for healthcare and other frontline workers by participating in the 7pm Cheer. In this spirit, Steamworks Group of Companies has found its own unique ways to support COVID-19 relief efforts. Mike Patterson, CPA, CA, and director of finance at Steamworks spoke with CPABC to discuss these initiatives, and the steps Steamworks has taken to navigate through the crisis.
Jun 22, 2020
CPA Profession
Supporting BC healthcare: How HME Mobility helped hospitals create capacity during COVID-19
When COVID-19 struck, hospitals worldwide were hit with an unprecedented influx of patients. An underlying problem, among many, was the lack of available hospital beds. HME Mobility, which sells and rents out home medical equipment throughout BC, was quick to step in to help.
Jun 15, 2020
CPA Profession
Staying connected: How a CPA pivoted his commissary kitchen to support local entrepreneurs during COVID-19
When Sarb Mund, CPA, CMA, first opened Commissary Connect, a network of shared commercial kitchen spaces in Vancouver for local food and beverage entrepreneurs, he was always thinking one step ahead.
Jun 8, 2020
CPA Profession
What I wish I knew when I was starting my career in accounting?
With a passion for teaching and extensive international experience in financial reporting and internal audit, Bryan Parker brings a unique and relevant energy to the classroom.
May 28, 2020
CPA Profession
Disruption period: Championing body positivity and eco-friendly entrepreneurship
Periods. They’re a natural event that billions of people around the world experience. Relationships with periods differ from person to person: some love-hate, others embrace. But it’s still something that’s not talked about enough.
May 14, 2020
CPA Profession
Disrupting data management: How Aquatic Informatics is strengthening public health protection
Having been born and raised in British Columbia, it’s no surprise that James Reyes has a love for the great outdoors. Among the wealth of activities one has the benefit of enjoying in this province, James set his sights on fly fishing; a decade-long passion of his that led him to a new career.
Apr 14, 2020
CPA Profession
Disrupting data analytics: Visier provides HR insights to businesses
Strategic people management is key to helping organizations thrive. Through innovative software technology that provides insightful analytics and action plans, Vancouver-based Visier has disrupted how organizations manage their most important resource – their people.
Feb 26, 2020
CPA Profession
Employer Spotlight: Interfor
Since 2008, Interfor has invested $337 million in our BC Interior operations and today all three mills are top performing facilities.
Oct 24, 2019
CPA Profession
Global impact: Svante is disrupting the world’s CO2 marketplace
Number one on the list of risks to organizational growth, according to CEOs around the world, is climate change. And while talk about combatting climate change abounds, impactful solutions that will be widely adopted seem in short supply.
Oct 15, 2019
CPA Profession
A career dedicated to building Vancouver: A conversation with John McLaughlin
The impact of John McLaughlin’s career can be seen throughout Metro Vancouver. For over thirty years, he has played a major role in facilitating Vancouver’s commercial and residential property growth, as well as showcasing Vancouver’s vibrancy to the world.
Oct 3, 2019
CPA Profession
Disrupting biotech: Interviewing Zymeworks’ Neil Klompas
Combining different passions to make a career is a dream for many; some, however, make it a reality and become innovators in their field. For Zymeworks EVP Business Operations and CFO Neil Klompas, CPA, CA, guidance from a mentor during his undergraduate studies helped him see that a career fusing his passions – science and business – was not only feasible, but full of opportunity.
Sep 23, 2019
CPA Profession
Power disruption: Neurio revolutionizes home energy market
Technology has transformed our daily routines. Recent trends such as the sharing economy have changed how we get from point A to B, book our travel and accommodation, and shop.
Sep 13, 2019
CPA Profession
Semios: Solving agriculture’s challenges with smart tech and sustainability
How will the agriculture industry feed the hunger of a swelling global population as pressures mount from climate change, invasive pests, declining arable land, and limited water? To sustainably and effectively feed everyone, the United Nations estimates agricultural output must increase by 40% by 2050.
Aug 21, 2019
CPA Profession
How Thinkific disrupts online learning
In today’s digital age, “e-learning” might not seem like a revolutionary technology. But when the co-founders of Thinkific created their first online course in 2007, it set them on a path to disrupt the way people around the world create and access education.
Aug 14, 2019
CPA Profession
Loving the journey: Profile on Olga Gregoire, CPA, CGA, Controller, Energetic Services
“I am fluent in both Russian and English, but my primary language has always been numbers,” says Olga Gregoire, CPA, CGA.
Aug 13, 2019
CPA Profession
Championing women’s health: In conversation with Gina Singh
Advancing women’s health is a core mandate for Gina Singh, CPA, CA. As chief finance and operating officer of BC Women’s Health Foundation, she helps lead BC’s largest not-for-profit (NPO) organization focused on health care for women.
Jul 31, 2019
CPA Profession
The journey to innovation: Modo’s story on disrupting the traditional vehicle ownership model
The sharing economy has erupted worldwide in recent years and continues to boom. Whether it’s the short-term usage of cars, bikes, accommodation, or even furniture or sports equipment, there’s been a shift towards paying for temporary usage versus committing to ownership.
Jul 25, 2019
CPA Profession
Article uses tech and data mindset to disrupt furniture retail industry
Digital disruption has re-invented how the retail industry services consumers, shaking down brick and mortar stores from its once prominent position, or else integrating them into multi-channel shopping experiences. One company that was quick to capitalize on these opportunities is Vancouver-based furniture retailer Article.
Jun 14, 2019
CPA Profession
MineSense: Unearthing smarter mining practices with tech
Until very recently the process of metal mining was characterized by a lack of visibility. Only after the lengthy, costly, and resource-intensive process of extracting material from the earth and sending it for processing and refining, would the true value of the material be confirmed.
May 15, 2019
CPA Profession
Construction industry disruptor builds housing solutions
It’s no secret that the housing shortage is a top concern in Metro Vancouver. However, one construction company is playing a decisive role in addressing this issue.
Apr 29, 2019
CPA Profession
A CPA designation was key to Matthew Anderson launching A&K Robotics
From Matthew Anderson’s perspective, the progression from becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant to becoming the co-founder of a robotics company is entirely logical.
Apr 25, 2019
CPA Profession
Beyond the numbers: What today’s CPAs actually do
There are plenty of stereotypes and misnomers when it comes to describing Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs). However, today’s CPAs are working in diverse business fields and have some of the most vibrant roles in the workplace.
Apr 15, 2019
Resources for CPAs
5 common mistakes entrepreneurs make, and how to avoid them
Deciding to start your own business is an exciting endeavour that comes with a ton of flexibility, which is amazing. But it also requires a lot of responsibility, and that shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Apr 10, 2019
CPA Profession
Leading the way in her profession and community – An interview with Kate Furber
A champion of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, Kate Furber, a chartered professional accountant and partner at PwC Canada, is widely acknowledged as a leader within BC’s business community.
Apr 4, 2019
Resources for CPAs
Aspiring entrepreneurs, these are the 3 questions you need to ask yourself
Have you ever thought about starting your own business? The thought of being your own boss certainly sounds appealing, but being an entrepreneur is about more than just having a good idea.
Mar 28, 2019
CPA Profession
This CFO shapes the city: An interview with Judy Leung
Taking in Vancouver’s skyline, chances are your eyes will be drawn to a building developed by Westbank Corp. With over $25 billion of real estate projects constructed or currently under development, the company is behind a number of innovative developments shaping the face of Vancouver, such as TELUS Gardens, Woodwards, and looking ahead, Deloitte’s new downtown office.
Oct 1, 2018
CPA Profession
Communicating for the win: An interview with Pamela Lee
“Status quo is not an option – evolving and creating change in our business is something I’m very passionate about,” says Pamela Lee, CPA, CA. As chief financial officer (CFO) of Mr. Lube Canada, a leader in the country’s routine automotive maintenance industry, her commitment to collaborative stakeholder relationships drives changes that secure profitable new markets, business areas, and partnerships for the company.
Sep 5, 2018
CPA Profession
CPA and Canadian proud: Diverse stories of CPAs and how they’re giving back
The journey to become a CPA is challenging. For members who move to Canada from other countries, there is the additional task of transitioning into a new culture and professional landscape.
Jun 28, 2018
CPA Profession
Time for parity – an interview with Shelley Brown
“Canada has the opportunity to become one of the strongest economies in the world if we take advantage of our diversity,” notes Shelley Brown, FCPA, FCA, “and in Canada today I think appropriate diversity means parity.”
Mar 5, 2018
Economy & Policy
Bridging the gap – Skills vs. needs
CPAs in BC have consistently ranked the ability to attract and retain skilled talent as the greatest challenge to business success in this province. And it is with good reason. Over the past five years, BC has seen unprecedented job growth, especially in burgeoning sectors like tech; in fact, the pace of growth in the tech sector is so fast that labour demand has outstripped supply, making it difficult for tech companies to attract and recruit skilled talent. BC Tech estimated that our tech industry will need to fill approximately 35,000 positions by 2021.
Dec 13, 2017
CPA Profession
Day in the life: Liana Lau, Google
Today we follow a day in the life of Liana Lau, CPA, CA.
Sep 25, 2017
CPA Professional Education Program Brochure
The CPA Professional Education Program is a two-year graduate-level program leading to the Chartered Professional Accountant designation.
