Master money at Canada’s top financial literacy event!
Networking, collaboration, innovation, excitement! You’ll find all of this and more at CPA Canada’s Mastering Money Conference, back in-person for 2022 in Toronto. Postpone your virtual meetings and get in on the action and thrill of this dynamic live event happening November 24 and 25. Register today!
CPA Profession
CPABC: 265 CPA students excel in national exam
VANCOUVER, August 12, 2022 — The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) and the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) congratulate the 265 B.C. Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) candidates who passed the multi-day national Common Final Examination (CFE) written in May 2022. The exam was administered by CPAWSB.
Aug 12, 2022
CPA Profession
CPA Yukon: Three CPA students excel in national exam
Whitehorse, August 12, 2022 — The Chartered Professional Accountants of Yukon and the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) congratulate Julie Minor, Brianne Stanek, and Elreen Tungol for passing the multi-day national Common Final Examination (CFE) written in May 2022. The exam was administered by CPAWSB.
Aug 12, 2022
Personal Finance
How to fund your post-secondary education
Graduating from high school is one of the greatest milestones in life. Very rarely will you have as many exciting opportunities ahead of you than in this moment – and obtaining a post-secondary education is often key to unlocking these opportunities.
Aug 9, 2022
Economy & Policy
What do the recent interest rate hikes mean for Canadians?
Canadians are feeling the pinch from rising prices. Annual inflation reached a rate of 8.1% in June 2022, a level we haven’t seen in nearly forty years.
Aug 5, 2022
Personal Finance
Assessing the Disability Tax Credit: A guide for individuals with learning disabilities and their caregivers
The Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is a non-refundable tax credit that helps people with impairments, or their supporting family member, reduce the amount of income tax they have to pay.
Aug 4, 2022
CPA Profession
‘My heritage has deeply influenced my career’
Three Indigenous CPAs share their career insights, the fulfillment they experience working within their communities and the impact of the designation
Aug 3, 2022
CPA Profession
CPA Rising: Amanda Collinge Bae
Amanda Collinge Bae dances to her own musical score – a score that doesn’t hesitate to transition to different key changes and dynamics. Amanda is a CPA, CGA; an advocate for inclusion, diversity, equity, access (IDEA); and a ballerina.
Jul 22, 2022
Economy & Policy
CPABC: B.C. housing shortage creates affordability crunch
After more than a year of record-breaking real estate activity, recent data indicates a downturn in the housing sales across Canada.
Jul 21, 2022
CPA Profession
Plagiarism: Its Scope and Its Repercussions
CPAs in British Columbia are bound by the CPABC Code of Professional Conduct (CPA Code), which prohibits plagiarism—both intentional and unintentional (i.e., inadvertently failing to cite or credit an original source properly).
Jul 20, 2022
Personal Finance
Alter ego and joint spousal trusts: requirements, benefits, and drawbacks
Since their introduction in 2001, alter ego trusts (AETs) and joint spousal trusts (JSTs) have become important wealth- and succession-planning tools for Canadians who are 65 and older. With an alter ego trust, only one person is entitled to all of the trust income and capital in their lifetime. With a joint spousal trust, an individual and their spouse/common-law partner (spouse) are both entitled to all of the trust income and capital in their respective lifetimes.
Jul 18, 2022
Economy & Policy
The high cost of living in British Columbia
BC Check-Up: Live report looks at demographic and affordability trends across the province
Jul 13, 2022
Career Development
Are you a micromanager? Here’s how to flex your style
To say I wasn’t doing my best was generous. I was making careless mistakes, shut down on any sort of creative thinking and was barely applying myself.
Jul 12, 2022
Career Development
How daily routines can make you happier and more productive
If the idea of creating defined, intentional routines in your work and life sounds constricting, consider the words of author James Clear: “Habits do not restrict freedom. They create it. It’s only by making the fundamentals of life easier that you can create the mental space needed for free thinking and creativity.”
Jul 8, 2022
Career Development
Tools to help you navigate the hybrid work world
After two years of work that was definitely not normal, the hybrid workplace (sometimes referred to as the “flexible” workplace) is meant to provide a partial return to life as we knew it pre-pandemic. But while there are many perceived benefits to this new hybrid approach, it’s too soon to tell how it will actually play out.
Jul 5, 2022
Economy & Policy
Uneven BC economic recovery: Price escalation, robust labour market
The economic global landscape has been in flux over the past two years. While BC’s economy recovered robustly in 2021 and has remained relatively strong into 2022, there are growing concerns for a potential economic downturn.
Jun 29, 2022
CPA Profession
Being your true self in the workplace optimizes your potential
Three CPAs from the LGBTQ2SIA+ community share their professional journey and how the profession has progressed in terms of diversity and inclusion.
Jun 24, 2022
CPA Profession
CPABC announces Board of Directors 2022/2023
VANCOUVER, June 23, 2022 – The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) held its seventh Annual General Meeting virtually on June 22, 2022 and announced its Board of Directors for fiscal year 2022/2023.
Jun 23, 2022
Economy & Policy
CPABC: BC's population growth continued to slow into 2021, housing prices a major deterrent
VANCOUVER, June 20, 2022 – According to BC Check-Up: Live, an annual report by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) on demographic and affordability trends across the province, B.C.’s population growth continued to decline into 2021.
Jun 20, 2022
Resources for CPAs
Insights in working with Indigenous businesses
Working with Indigenous businesses is becoming more common for companies in BC. Here’s my personal experience working as a Cree Métis accountant, along with some ways that you can start working with Indigenous businesses.
Jun 16, 2022
Career Development
7 Books to help with career growth
Did you know that according to research, people who read daily will live longer? Books will also open doors of opportunity as they’ll teach you different life and career lessons by seizing knowledge from people who have succeeded in doing it.
Jun 14, 2022
Career Development
3 ways to improve your professional relationships
Relationships are just as important in our professional life as they are in our personal life. Positive interactions with our colleagues not only drive productivity, they also make us enjoy coming to work.
Jun 7, 2022
Career Development
Thinking of switching roles? Read this first
Proven demand in the job market and enhanced soft skills will help CPAs land that next position, no matter what career stage they’re at.
Jun 6, 2022
Personal Finance
How inflation is affecting your finances in 2022
Canada’s inflation rate reached 6.8% as of April 2022, a huge jump compared to the 1.3% and 1.9% recorded in 2021 and 2020 respectively.
Jun 2, 2022
CPA Profession
Building connections: Why leaders need to focus on their conversations
By now, we’ve all heard of the “great resignation”—or, as I like to call it, the “great awakening.” During the pandemic, a lot of people have awakened to what’s truly important to them.
Jun 1, 2022
Resources for CPAs
The best negotiations have win/win outcomes: Here’s how you can achieve them
The ability to negotiate effectively is extremely important in our professional and personal worlds. When it comes to the workplace, competence in negotiating can be a key differentiator in the value you offer to their team.
May 31, 2022
Resources for CPAs
Decluttering, organizing, and productivity hacks for personal and business success
Jane is otherwise known as Organized Jane, and she helps individuals and businesses declutter, organize processes, and reduce overwhelm both in their personal and professional lives.
May 30, 2022
Resources for CPAs
Five tips for creating effective data visuals
When trying to communicate the message behind the numbers, many financial professionals miss the mark. Fortunately, there are some readily available tools—data visuals, or “dataviz” for short—that can help you communicate financial analyses effectively.
May 27, 2022
Personal Finance
Giving the gift of life insurance to charity
When planned carefully, making charitable contributions by gifting life insurance can further reduce the after-tax cost of giving from the base-case scenario.
May 25, 2022
Career Development
How to develop high-performance teams
What distinguishes high-performing organizations from others? Oftentimes, team members have strong awareness of what it takes to play a constructive role as a member of their high-performing team.
May 19, 2022
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
Career Development
Productivity tips for hybrid teams
Longer hours. More emails. First-time projects. New tech. During the switch to remote, then hybrid work, these efforts enabled many teams to maintain or even improve their productivity.
May 12, 2022
Career Development
Detoxifying the office: How to create healthy and secure workspaces
Targeted efforts to attract and retain today’s workers will mean little if leaders don’t also identify and root out toxic behaviour.
May 11, 2022
Career Development
The future of work - what it means for leaders
These are turbulent times. Leaders at every level are facing a new reality that continues to evolve. The challenge of meeting new demands and expectations is extraordinary.
May 10, 2022
Career Development
Envisioning the post-pandemic workspace
Working through the pandemic has forced employees to adapt, and they’re emerging from this transformative experience with new expectations for the office. To meet these expectations, employers will need to reimagine the workplace to allow for more flexibility, autonomy, and community-building.
May 9, 2022
CPA Profession
Mental wellness in the CPA profession
A look at the results of CPABC's Mental Wellness survey
May 5, 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
Resources for CPAs
Back to the office: What this means for workplace mental wellness
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental wellbeing of many people. According to a Statistics Canada survey on COVID-19 and mental health conducted in 2021, one-in-four Canadians aged 18 and older screened positive for symptoms of depression, anxiety, or posttraumatic stress disorder (or PTSD), up from one-in-five in 2020.
May 3, 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
Personal Finance
Building an investment portfolio to match life goals
It’s easy to walk into a bank branch or contact a discount brokerage, open an investment account, deposit money and buy investment products. People buy stocks, mutual funds, GICs and bonds every day in investment accounts, but the question is: what’s your plan?
Apr 29, 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
Economy & Policy
BC springs forward with strong economy, but inflationary and labour supply pressures loom
An economic update on consumer spending, growing labour shortages, and inflationary and interest rate pressures.
Apr 20, 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
Economy & Policy
Why companies care about ESG
ESG has gone from being an area of focus for a small number of organizations to something that is very mainstream. And we have seen an incredible shift towards ESG, both in terms of society at large, and also businesses seeing ESG as fundamental to how they operate and how they engage with their stakeholders. It’s fair to say that ESG is now business-critical and that recognition is becoming more and more widespread.
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
Resources for CPAs
Filing a small business tax return in 2022? Here are 6 tips
As Canadians wrap up their personal income tax filings, it’s time for small business owners to focus on preparing their taxes as well. The deadline for self-employed individuals to file tax returns is June 15, 2022, and payment is due on May 2.
Mar 30, 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
Personal Finance
Crush fraud: How to identify, protect yourself, and report fraud
Did you know that March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada? This is a time to educate or refresh ourselves on the types of fraud being practiced and how we can protect ourselves.
Mar 17, 2022
Economy & Policy
The importance of having an ESG strategy
Responsible investment has been around for 20 years. What began as corporate social responsibility, and has grown considerably in recent years towards the more holistic concept of environmental, social, and corporate governance, commonly known as ESG.
Mar 17, 2022
Resources for CPAs
Bill C-30: Changes to the taxation of employee stock options
An employee stock option plan could make up a substantial part of an employee’s total compensation package and provide them with a valuable tax deferral.
Mar 14, 2022
CPA Profession
Twenty years later: Lessons from Enron
The Enron scandal led to the demise of one of the world’s largest accounting firms and triggered the most significant changes in the accounting profession in 100 years.
Mar 10, 2022
Career Development
How hybrid workers can safeguard their productivity and connections
According to recently surveyed Canadian CEOs, 43% expect to adopt a hybrid work model. So, what are the long-term implications of this monumental shift?
Mar 9, 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
Economy & Policy
BC Check-Up: Invest
CPABC’s latest report highlights strong investment recovery across BC, but challenges remain
Mar 8, 2022
CPA Profession
International Women’s Day: CPABC honourees discuss equity, leadership, and career advancement
How does gender equality – or a lack of it – show up in your world?
Mar 7, 2022
Career Development
Women in the C-suite: The long road to gender parity
Five CPA executives share their insights
Mar 4, 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
CPABC: Increased Major projects, housing starts, and business activity indicate B.C. investment recovery, but challenges remain
According to CPABC, there were 152,048 active businesses in November 2021, a 2.3 per cent increase compared to January 2020.
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
Resources for CPAs
Leading the way: Competency Map 2.0 - The path forward for our profession
The new Competency Map lays the foundation for the CPA certification program.
Mar 1, 2022
Cybersecurity
Cloud service for business: What to look for, and compliancy and security considerations
It’s become common practice for organizations to use a cloud service to store data, ranging from employee and workplace information, work files, to client data.
Feb 25, 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
CPABC: B.C.’s Budget 2022 Targets Labour Shortages
CPABC recognizes the budget’s focus on skills training, record capital investment, and enhancing connectivity to remote communities.
Feb 23, 2022
Economy & Policy
Why ESG matters for CPAs
With the extreme weather we’ve experienced in BC throughout 2021, it is evident that everyone has a role to play in ensuring environmental sustainability for the future.
Feb 22, 2022
CPA Profession
CPABC recognizes Jennifer Cudlipp and Edward Pereira for their volunteerism
CPABC is pleased to present Jennifer Cudlipp, CPA, CGA and Edward Pereira, CPA, CGA with the Distinguished Service Award.
Feb 18, 2022
Personal Finance
How does COVID-19 affect your 2021 personal income tax filing?
This year marks yet another pandemic tax season. And just like last year, when you file your personal income taxes for 2021, it will be important to note some changes in how federal COVID-19 benefits affect your taxes.
Feb 17, 2022
CPA Profession
CPABC: Penticton’s Jane Long-Haggerty honoured for her early career achievements
Penticton’s Jane Long-Haggerty, CPA, CA has been recognized with an Early Achievement Award by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia.
Feb 16, 2022
CPA Profession
CPABC: Victoria’s Lenora Lee and Carolyn Rogers honoured with fellowship designation
CPABC is pleased to honour Victoria’s Lenora Lee, FCPA, FCA and Carolyn Rogers, FCPA, FCMA with a fellowship designation (FCPA).
Feb 16, 2022
CPA Profession
CPABC: Olin Anton honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award
CPABC is proud to honour Olin Anton, FCPA, FCA with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Feb 14, 2022
CPA Profession
CPABC honours nine Vancouver CPAs with fellowship designation
CPABC is pleased to honour nine Vancouver-based chartered professional accountants with a fellowship designation (FCPA).
Feb 14, 2022
CPA Profession
CPABC: Prince George’s Stan Mitchell honoured with fellowship designation
CPABC is pleased to honour Prince George’s Stanley (Stan) Mitchell, FCPA, FCA with a fellowship designation (FCPA).
Feb 14, 2022
Personal Finance
CryptoRom: The Tinder match you don’t want
There’s one type of romance fraud that’s quickly trending: CryptoRom. And this is one dating profile you definitely want to swipe left for.
Feb 11, 2022
Economy & Policy
Greater Victoria starts 2022 off with low unemployment, but high job vacancies
Greater Victoria has a significant amount of employment in the public service, and at the outset of the 2020 recession, this helped stabilize overall employment in the region when compared to the rest of the province.
Feb 10, 2022
CPA Profession
5 tips to help you prepare your income taxes effectively
The 2021 tax season is in full swing and you have until May 2, 2022 to file your income tax return to avoid any penalties. To help you through what may seem like a daunting task, here are five tips to guide you through this tax season and in future years.
Feb 9, 2022
CPA Profession
CPABC named to B.C.’s Top Employers list for focus on employee well-being and inclusion
For the third consecutive year, the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) has been recognized as one of B.C.’s Top Employers.
Feb 8, 2022
Career Development
Anyone can wire their brain for leadership – here’s how
Often when I teach sessions on wiring the brain for high-impact leadership, attendees will ask, “How do I become a better leader?” But I think that’s the wrong question to ask.
Feb 7, 2022
Career Development
Breaking down communication breakdowns
Three common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Feb 3, 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
Personal Finance
RRSP and TFSA: 4 things every Canadian should know about
With the new year comes the start of a new tax season. As you begin to think about your financial goals and your personal income tax filing for the 2020 tax year, it’s important to be aware of how RRSPs and TFSAs can benefit you.
Jan 27, 2022
Economy & Policy
Kicking off 2022 with record employment and job vacancies in the Thompson-Okanagan
At the end of 2021, the Thompson-Okanagan had a tighter labour market than in 2019, with a 4.6 per cent unemployment rate, record employment, and a staggering level of open but vacant job positions.
Jan 26, 2022
Career Development
Learning resources to help you tackle 2022
From income tax updates to personal productivity – and many subjects in between – here are some resources to help you stay up-to-date as you take on 2022.
Jan 25, 2022
Career Development
Generational diversity at work
Harnessing the power of a multi-generational workforce
Jan 24, 2022
Economy & Policy
BC ended 2021 with robust labour market, but employment growth lags population gains
As 2021 came to an end, BC’s unemployment rate stood at 5.3% in December. That was a small decline from 5.6% in November and well below the 8.0% rate at the start of 2021.
Jan 21, 2022
Economy & Policy
Doughnut Economics and the push for regenerative, distributive systems
How a radical business model is changing the goal for business
Jan 20, 2022
Resources for CPAs
Ethical leadership in an era of complexity and digital change
As ethical leaders and trusted advisors, CPAs rely on professional skills, values, ethics and attitudes to serve their organizations and clients.
Jan 19, 2022
Resources for CPAs
Skills CPAs need in 2022
One thing that’s been clear since the start of the pandemic is the importance of being agile and adaptable to change. Based on the past two years, we all know it’s impossible to predict how things will evolve.
Jan 18, 2022
Career Development
How to strengthen your writing skills (And why you should)
More organizational communication is written than you may think. Decisions, tasks, and knowledge are largely reliant on writing, so being able to communicate effectively in writing remains a vital job skill—particularly now, when so many people work remotely.
Jan 17, 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
Resources for CPAs
What's the buzz? Considerations on the current and temporary BC PST rebate program
The provincial government added the current temporary BC PST Rebate on Select Machinery and Equipment to its roster of COVID-19 tax incentives and benefits in March 2021. Since then, the BC Ministry of Finance has continued to update its webpage on the temporary rebate as additional details have become available.
Jan 12, 2022
CPA Profession
Insolvency expert turns memorable cases into thrilling fiction
David Bowra, FCPA, FCA, didn’t have to look far to find inspiration for his debut crime novel, Banking on Murder.
Jan 6, 2022
Economy & Policy
BC employment continues to exceed pre-pandemic levels, exports reach record highs
In November 2021, BC’s unemployment rate stood at 5.6%, remaining the same as in October. While BC’s unemployment rate remains well above the 4.6% set in January 2020, it has decreased considerably from 8.0% in January 2021, and 13.4% in May 2020, the peak of unemployment during the pandemic.
Dec 20, 2021
Career Development
3 ways to motivate yourself to do work you don’t want to do
Despite loving my career, there is an aspect of my role I down-right despise: paperwork. Like me, you may feel a chill run down your spine when you hear this word.
Dec 14, 2021
Personal Finance
Will capital gains or losses affect your 2021 income tax filing? What you need to know
If you wish to sell capital property and apply the gains or losses to your 2021 tax return, your captial property transcations must be complete by December 31. We explain how this works.
Dec 8, 2021
Personal Finance
Six financial tips to prepare you for 2022
As the end of 2021 approaches, so is the time for you to review how you can reap all of your potential financial benefits from this past calendar year.
Dec 7, 2021
Economy & Policy
PwC forecasts holiday spending to be up a third this year
To gauge what emerging trends to expect this holiday season, PwC Canada recently surveyed Canadian consumers and released its 2021 Canadian Holiday Outlook report.
Dec 3, 2021
CPA Profession
CPABC: 812 CPA students excel in national exam
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) and the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) congratulate the 812 B.C. Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) candidates who passed the multi-day national Common Final Examination (CFE) written in September 2021. The exam was administered by CPAWSB.
Dec 3, 2021
CPA Profession
Vancouver student earns Regional Gold Medal in CPA profession exam
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) congratulates Sarah Wang of Vancouver, who was the Western Regional Gold Medalist for the September 2021 Common Final Exam (CFE). The exam was administered by the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB).
Dec 3, 2021
Personal Finance
The 5 most important tax slips you need to know about for tax season
The tax season always seems to come up and surprise us. And since many Canadians find doing their taxes stressful, keeping track of what you need to know is all the more important to minimize anxiety in the process.
Dec 2, 2021
Economy & Policy
Employee benefits inflation update for 2022
The issue of inflation continues to be significant for employee benefits, as there continues to be pressure on businesses to maintain these plans.
Nov 25, 2021
Personal Finance
How emotions can impact our financial decisions
We are living in a volatile world and many of us are experiencing feelings such as anxiety and confusion more frequently than in the past.
Nov 23, 2021
Resources for CPAs
Maintaining confidentiality and public confidence
CPAs in Canada are bound by a strict requirement of confidentiality that applies to all aspects of their professional work. In BC, the CPABC Code of Professional Conduct outlines the requirements and provides registrants with extensive guidance on this topic. In this article, we cover the major confidentiality rules in the CPA Code, describe situations that are prone to potential breaches of confidentiality, and provide some cautionary examples.
Nov 22, 2021
Resources for CPAs
Bill C-208 opens the door to new tax-planning opportunities for family businesses
Succession planning is an important consideration for the founders and owners of family businesses, and the tax strategies available for selling shares to and purchasing shares from a third party versus a related party can vary significantly. Bill C-208 is intended to give families more flexibility to access certain tax advantages to facilitate intergenerational transfers of shares of small family businesses.
Nov 19, 2021
CPA Profession
Digital transformation: The national picture
Canada’s CPA profession has always sought to collaborate on issues of national importance, and always in the public interest. One area of collective focus has been digital transformation, with an emphasis on member-facing initiatives.
Nov 18, 2021
Economy & Policy
Work in British Columbia
CPABC's BC Check-Up: Work report looks at emerging employment trends across the province.
Nov 17, 2021
Resources for CPAs
How CPAs can upgrade their digital skills to stay competitive
An expert presenter and thought leader on the intersection of accounting and technology, Garrett provides guidance to finance professionals worldwide on how to thrive in this digital age.
Nov 15, 2021
Resources for CPAs
Managing cash difficulties
COVID-19 impacts have put financial pressure on many businesses and not-for-profit organizations, especially in certain sectors, resulting in reduced revenues and cash pressures. And while the government has provided substantial funding assistance since the pandemic started, this support is now in sunset mode, which means more CPAs will likely have to help their employers or clients manage through cash difficulties.
Nov 10, 2021
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
Personal Finance
Busting 7 common money myths
The Internet is filled with financial “tips” that can be more myth than truth. Whether you encounter them via YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Reddit, or Facebook, it’s very important to validate financial tips by doing your own research and speaking to a professional, such as a CPA or a financial advisor.
Nov 4, 2021
Personal Finance
Saving for retirement: Top tips for young people
When was the last time you actively planned for an event that was 40 or even 50 years away? Chances are, you didn’t.
Nov 3, 2021
Personal Finance
Millennials, Gen X, and Boomers: How your generation can save for retirement
Meeting our needs and goals later in life depends in large part on successfully saving for retirement, but with approximately 70 per cent of Canadians worried they won’t save enough for retirement and one third of Canadians having no retirement savings at all, it’s worth taking a look at strategies that can help us save for the day when we no longer have a work income.
Nov 2, 2021
CPA Profession
Imagine this future
The world has changed. Trends that took hold during the pandemic will continue, and will continue to impact every industry, sector and company.
Oct 28, 2021
Cybersecurity
How businesses can make informed cybersecurity investment decisions
Having a strong cybersecurity framework in place is more essential than ever.
Oct 27, 2021
Economy & Policy
Employment gains over past year pushes BC workforce above pre-pandemic levels
BC’s workforce has slightly exceeded pre-pandemic levels, according to recent data that shows provincial employment up by 28,200 jobs this September when compared to September 2019.
Oct 25, 2021
Economy & Policy
CPABC: B.C.’s labour market tightening as workforce up over 150,000 positions since September 2020
According to the BC Check-Up: Work, an annual report by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) on employment trends across the province, B.C.’s unemployment rate was 5.9 per cent in September 2021, down from 8.6 per cent in September 2020.
Oct 25, 2021
CPA Profession
How to use a budget to help your business succeed and grow
When we talk about businesses that have been successful, there’s usually one common thread: they have a plan on where they want to take their business and how they’d get there.
Oct 12, 2021
Resources for CPAs
4 ingredients for a healthy balance sheet
A healthy balance sheet indicates to your shareholders, investors and lenders, and potential partners that your business is in strong financial health and provides confidence in how your business operates.
Oct 5, 2021
Economy & Policy
CPABC's 2022-2023 Budget Submission: A focus on tax modernization to encourage economic resurgence
CPABC’s 2022-2023 Budget Submission recommends the province focus on tax and program reform to improve our province’s productivity.
Oct 1, 2021
Economy & Policy
CPABC: With limited fiscal room, B.C. government should focus on tax modernization to spur growth
As British Columbia recovers from its worst recession in 40 years, it is important that the provincial government focuses on modernizing its tax system to boost business productivity and promote long-term economic growth.
Sep 30, 2021
Cybersecurity
How businesses should adapt their cybersecurity strategy in the age of COVID-19
In response to the upending of normal business activity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses across the globe have rapidly invested in digital transformation, often expediting years of planned project development into the span of a few months.
Sep 24, 2021
Personal Finance
Declaring revenue: Is it a hobby or a business?
Whether you bake cupcakes and sell them to co-workers or go fishing after work and sell what you catch to friends, any profit you make from your passion could be considered business income, subject to income tax in Canada.
Sep 22, 2021
Resources for CPAs
Need CPD hours? 4 Ways to Maximize Your Learning This Fall
As the profession transforms to meet the future, CPAs need to evolve their skillsets to best serve clients and organizations.
Sep 17, 2021
Personal Finance
Saving strategies for Generation X
Between the Baby Boomer and Millennial generations are the Gen Xers (early 40s to mid-50s), who grew up in interesting times. This is the ‘latch-key’ and the ‘MTV’ generation, often children of working parents.
Sep 16, 2021
Economy & Policy
Understanding the need for an ESG strategy
“If Canada is to meet its long-term objectives, sustainable finance must become, simply, finance. In other words, climate change opportunity and risk management need to become business-as-usual in financial services, and embedded in everyday business decisions, products and services.”
Sep 9, 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
Resources for CPAs
Looking ahead: CPAs weigh in on the future of work
Here's what CPABC members had to say about the future landscape for employers and employees.
Sep 7, 2021
Resources for CPAs
Adding value: Adaptive CFOs lean in
How do you bring more value to your role? For today’s CFO, the expectation is not only to provide counsel to the CEO, but also to identify strategic opportunities for the business that will produce evolution and growth and lead to new opportunities.
Sep 1, 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
Career Development
How do you delegate when your team is overwhelmed?
We know delegating is key to success as a leader. But it isn’t always easy.
Aug 30, 2021
Personal Finance
Conquer your back-to-school spending with these four tips
A new school year comes with new costs – housing, transportation, text books, social activities, etc. It’s not only important to keep track of these expenses but also to ensure that you can pay for them with the money you have.
Aug 26, 2021
Cybersecurity
How using behavioural biometrics in multi-factor authentication steps up cybersecurity
As cyberattacks continue to escalate, multi-factor authentication (MFA) including the use of behavioural biometrics is increasingly being used to protect organizations.
Aug 24, 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
Personal Finance
How you can invest in your child’s education
As your child or children head back to school in this fall, immediate financial needs aren’t the only academic expenses to consider.
Aug 16, 2021
CPA Profession
CPA Yukon: Corinne Canevet Excel in CPA National Exam
The Chartered Professional Accountants of Yukon (CPAYT) and the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) congratulate M. McKay & Associates Ltd.’s Corinne Canevet for passing the multi-day national Common Final Examination (CFE) written in May 2021. The exam was administered by CPAWSB.
Aug 13, 2021
CPA Profession
CPABC: 307 CPA Students Excel in National Exam
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) and the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) congratulate the 307 B.C. CPA students who passed the multi-day national Common Final Examination (CFE) written in May 2021. The exam was administered by CPAWSB.
Aug 13, 2021
Resources for CPAs
Humanizing tech: The new way for accountants to add value
Like many industries, accounting could be at risk of falling behind if it doesn’t stay afloat with technological progress.
Aug 12, 2021
Personal Finance
5 tips on how to conquer personal debt
If you’re struggling with mounting credit card debt as household expenses climb, you are not alone.
Aug 11, 2021
Career Development
Leveraging your CPA designation in the boardroom
A CPA designation may as well be the golden governance ticket. From small not-for-profit organizations to large corporations, it seems everyone wants a CPA on their board. And it’s understandable—in an increasingly complex world, organizations are looking for directors who bring innovation, systems thinking, and experience navigating ambiguity and disruption.
Aug 9, 2021
Resources for CPAs
Working from anywhere - the tax implications for employers
The pandemic has reshaped the way employees work. Many have been forced to work remotely, and some have chosen to relocate. But necessity has borne some interesting insights.
Aug 4, 2021
Career Development
Building lifelong relationships through CPA mentorship
As the world re-emerges from the shutdowns caused by COVID-19, it’s clear we are entering a new era. With the re-imagining of workspaces and industries, many are anticipating new and exciting career opportunities and paths.
Jul 26, 2021
Resources for CPAs
Good food, good mood – How to give your body its best chance
We’ve all heard that it’s what’s on the inside that counts. And when it comes to getting healthy, this saying couldn’t be more accurate.
Jul 22, 2021
Career Development
Zooming your negotiations
Negotiation skills are among the most critical skills a leader can possess. A strong negotiator can creatively leverage corporate interests, catalyze change management efforts, resolve conflict, and influence key decisions. So what does it take to be a strong negotiator in a virtual world?
Jul 21, 2021
Economy & Policy
Life in British Columbia
BC Check-Up: Live report looks at demographic and affordability trends across the province
Jul 14, 2021
Career Development
The balancing act of work-life balance
How many times have you sat at your desk eating lunch while still working? Have you ever felt guilty about taking your break?
Jul 9, 2021
Personal Finance
Budgeting: The journey out of debt
British Columbians are being pushed to their financial limits like never before. According to Sands and Associates 8th Annual BC Consumer Debt Study, the COVID-19 pandemic was a major contributing factor for over half of the survey respondents who filed insolvency since March 2020.
Jul 8, 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
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Resources for CPAs
10 simple (but inspiring) ways to reduce email volume
You probably know this already – but you may be getting too many emails. If this resonates, you are not alone.
Jul 5, 2021
CPA Profession
CPABC announces Board of Directors 2021/2022
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) held its sixth Annual General Meeting virtually on June 23, 2021 and announced its Board of Directors for fiscal year 2021/2022. CPABC’s Board of Directors manages and directs CPABC pursuant to the Act and Bylaws.
Jun 24, 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
Economy & Policy
PwC CEO Survey: Despite economic optimism, investment in employees and workplaces is critical
Amongst the many survey findings of the 2021 PwC CEO Survey, Canadian chief executives expect the global economy to see a robust recovery over the next year and a majority expect to grow their workforce. But for businesses to make the most of this opportunity, they need to rethink the workplace and invest in their employees.
Jun 22, 2021
Economy & Policy
BC’s population growth slowed in 2020 while inadequate housing supply pushing prices higher
B.C.’s population growth declined by nearly a third in 2020 to only 56,757 new residents.
Jun 14, 2021
Career Development
How to engage your virtual team using emotional intelligence
One of the biggest challenges for leaders has been keeping their employees engaged. We have seen tactics like virtual happy hours and Zoom check-in calls.
Jun 14, 2021
Career Development
How to optimize sleep and downtime to be at your best
For many people, getting enough quality sleep and downtime can be challenging. But without it, we can’t get the mental and physical rest needed to be at our best in the workplace and in our daily lives.
Jun 11, 2021
Career Development
Too many distractions? Try these techniques to boost your productivity
Do you feel like you’re pulled in too many directions at work? Or that you don’t have enough time to deal with all of the requests and interruptions that come your way?
Jun 7, 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
Economy & Policy
BC suffers job losses due to circuit breaker, but economy is still expected to resurge this year
After eleven consecutive months of job gains in BC, April marked a set back as both the province and the country as a whole saw total employment decline.
May 20, 2021
Resources for CPAs
Taking the first step to a digital transformation
One silver lining that has emerged over the past year is that the majority of organizations have realized the value of digital efforts—from client service to marketing to stakeholder engagement—and are putting resources into planning and implementing them.
May 14, 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
Resources for CPAs
Family business continuity: How to secure the family legacy
If there’s one thing business leaders have learned over the last 12 months, it’s that they need to be prepared for the unexpected. The rapid emergence of COVID-19 and its subsequent impact on businesses across industries underscored.
May 10, 2021
Resources for CPAs
Improving the mental health of Canadian workers
Did you know that Canada has both a national mental health strategy and a National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace?
May 7, 2021
Career Development
Reduce brain stress with the best tip ever
These are challenging, uncertain times. There are a lot of real reasons to be anxious and stressed.
May 6, 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
Resources for CPAs
What are the reasons to grow your business?
Growing your business can be both an exciting and a terrifying thought. How do you know when is the right time?
Apr 30, 2021
Career Development
Are you burned out?
There are many ways to describe feeling burned out. Whether you’re working from a virtual or physical office, you have probably heard a few of them.
Apr 26, 2021
Economy & Policy
Where does BC’s economy stand a year after the pandemic shut down our status quo?
March 2021 marked a full year since the COVID-19 pandemic pushed British Columbia into a state of emergency. Over the past year, the world has traversed a balancing act between protecting the health and safety of individuals while simultaneously attempting to minimize the economic fallout necessary to do so.
Apr 23, 2021
Cybersecurity
BC AWARE rebrands as VIPSS and runs in May, virtually
The onset of COVID-19 sent cybersecurity needs spinning in new directions. Prior to the pandemic, many organizations had already been ramping up cybersecurity practices, given the rise in cyberattack occurrences.
Apr 22, 2021
Economy & Policy
CPABC: B.C.’s Budget 2021 Focused on Economic and Healthcare Supports
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) commends the government for investing in our healthcare system in Budget 2021 as the province continues to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
Apr 22, 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
Economy & Policy
Ambitious 2021 federal budget offers $101 billion in new spending over coming years
On April 19, 2021, the Government of Canada released its first budget since the pandemic began. Here’s a short overview.
Apr 19, 2021
Cybersecurity
How SMEs can start and gain company-wide support for cybersecurity
While the importance of cybersecurity has never been more evident than it is now, given our heightened need and usage of digital communications, many organizations are getting left behind.
Apr 16, 2021
CPA Profession
How CPAs can be a trusted partner to their clients
Increasingly, CPAs are being looked to for advice that goes beyond tax and accounting matters.
Apr 15, 2021
Personal Finance
The 4 main reasons why you should care about financial ratios
Financial ratios are tools used to compare figures in the financial statements of your business. They provide an objective measure on the performance of your business in the past, present, and future to help you determine growth, pay yourself & your employees, and still make a profit.
Apr 6, 2021
CPA Profession
National Volunteer Week 2021: One year into COVID-19, BC CPAs continue to shine a light in their communities
At CPABC, we are proud of the contributions our members make not only to their workplaces, but to their communities as well. This year’s commemoration of National Volunteer Week (April 18-24), will be the second one to happen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mar 31, 2021
Resources for CPAs
What to do when your network is drying up?
We have been living in this new COVID-19 normal for over a year now. With events and workplaces remaining virtual and remote, are you finding it increasingly difficult to maintain connections with your existing network as well as build new meaningful connections? If the answer is yes, you are not alone.
Mar 25, 2021
Economy & Policy
Strong major project activity in Southwest B.C. may spark economic rebound
In the lead up to 2020, Southwest B.C. experienced record levels of housing construction activity, private investment, and business activity.
Mar 24, 2021
Economy & Policy
BC economy continues to recover in February, but challenges remain
BC saw another month of job gains in February 2021, marking the tenth consecutive month of employment levels improving since the low witnessed in April 2020. The increase helped lower the unemployment rate to 6.9%, a sizeable decline from the peak of 13.4% seen in May 2020 but above the 5.0% rate in February 2020.
Mar 23, 2021
Resources for CPAs
How integrating IoT, APIs, and data analytics can lead to better decisions and faster audits
Imagine a future where audits can be done easily and quickly. All your ledgers, journal entries, donations, and other transactions are connected, sorted, and verified on the spot.
Mar 22, 2021
Economy & Policy
Greater Victoria business activity and housing starts take a hit in 2020, but major investments should boost recovery
In the years leading up to 2020, Greater Victoria’s investment activity was thriving with a growing number of active businesses, strong housing starts, and robust economic growth. Unfortunately, the region’s economy took a significant dip due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mar 19, 2021
CPA Profession
Protecting the public: Why professions matter
Why are professions regulated? Well, imagine trying to find a doctor if doctors weren’t regulated.
Mar 18, 2021
Personal Finance
How investing while young can lead to big returns
A common excuse many young people have as to why they haven’t begun the process of putting money into investments is that they don’t have enough to start. Somehow, we’ve become conditioned to think “it isn’t worth it” unless we have thousands and thousands of dollars to invest.
Mar 17, 2021
Cybersecurity
How has COVID-19 fraud impacted Canadians and what can you do to protect yourself?
It’s been a year since COVID-19, which caused much of the world to physical distance and transition to digital and virtual communications.
Mar 15, 2021
Career Development
Mindfulness: Five simple practices to reduce stress and find balance
Our minds and bodies are designed to survive. Second by second, day after day, these two systems devote an immense amount of energy and resources to helping us assess, respond to, and cope with threats and stressors.
Mar 11, 2021
Resources for CPAs
When it comes to the debt forgiveness rules, is all really forgiven?
The recent economic downturn may bring forth unexpected tax issues. As creditors become more inclined to forgive or settle debt without full or even partial repayment, more corporations may find that they are settling debt for less than the principal amount.
Mar 10, 2021
CPA Profession
What you really need to change careers swiftly, according to an expert
Seemingly overnight, remote work became the norm for many last year, with homes doubling up as office spaces and fitness hubs. While this transition was a shock for some, it came naturally to Alice Ko, CPA, CA.
Mar 8, 2021
Economy & Policy
CPA profession appears at Cullen Commission into money laundering
The Cullen Commission of Inquiry into Money Laundering in British Columbia turned its attention to Canada’s CPA profession in early 2021. The purpose of the Commission is to inquire into and report on the extent of money laundering within certain sectors, including professional services, and determine the scope and effectiveness of the powers, duties, and functions exercised or carried out by relevant regulatory authorities.
Mar 5, 2021
Personal Finance
How does COVID-19 affect your 2020 personal income tax filing?
The 2020 tax year will be very different for many Canadians who have to file their personal income taxes. That’s because many of the federal government’s emergency benefits in response to COVID-19 are taxable.
Mar 1, 2021
CPA Profession
CPABC recognizes Leanne Cheng for her service to the community
VANCOUVER, February 23, 2021 — The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is pleased to present Leanne Cheng, CPA, CA, associate vice president and chief control officer at HSBC Bank Canada with the Distinguished Service Award for her remarkable commitment and dedication to her community.
Feb 25, 2021
CPA Profession
CPABC recognizes two CPAs for career and community contributions
Vancouver, February 23, 2021 — Derek Lamb and Sinéad Scanlon have been recognized with an Early Achievement Award.
Feb 24, 2021
CPA Profession
UBC Sauder’s Graham McIntosh awarded honorary CPA designation by CPABC
VANCOUVER, February 22, 2021 — Graham McIntosh, executive director at the UBC Sauder School of Business was awarded with an Honorary CPA designation for his outstanding and innovative contributions to the advancement of accounting education in B.C. for over 25 years.
Feb 23, 2021
Career Development
Microaggressions: What are they and how can you respond?
Microaggressions are brief and/or subtle actions, remarks, or visual cues in our everyday interactions that communicate negative ideas or stereotypes about a group of people.
Feb 22, 2021
CPA Profession
CPABC honours 14 CPAs with fellowship for their contributions to community and profession
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia is pleased to honour 14 chartered professional accountants with a fellowship designation (FCPA).
Feb 22, 2021
CPA Profession
CPABC: B.C. investment and business activity takes a hit in 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic
According to BC Check-Up: Invest, the number of active businesses in BC was down by 5.1 per cent in October 2020 compared to October 2019.
Feb 18, 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
CPA Profession
CPABC named one of B.C.’s Top Employers for second year in a row
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) has been recognized as one of B.C.’s Top Employers for 2021, marking the second consecutive year CPABC has received this distinction.
Feb 17, 2021
CPA Profession
This high-paying career is in high demand across BC right now
2020 was a tumultuous year to say the least. For most people in the workforce, this has been an uncertain time, but we’re slowly shifting towards recovery.
Feb 10, 2021
Personal Finance
The three common types of investments Canadians should know about
For many Canadians, terms such as GICs, mutual funds, and ETFs, can be daunting. What do they even mean, and how can you invest in them?
Feb 8, 2021
Personal Finance
5 tips to help you prepare your income taxes effectively
The 2020 tax season is in full swing and you have until April 30, 2021 to file your income tax return to avoid any penalties.
Jan 28, 2021
Personal Finance
What you need to know about home office tax deductions
We explain how to deduct your home office expenses, including how to claim up to $400 using the new Temporary Flat Rate Method.
Jan 20, 2021
Economy & Policy
Canadian economy hitting some bumps on road to recovery
For the eighth consecutive month, BC’s workforce expanded in December. However, the most recent data shows that BC’s growth rate continues to slow considerably from rates seen earlier in the recovery, and for the first time since April, Canada as a whole saw an employment loss.
Jan 15, 2021
Economy & Policy
Southwest B.C.’s employment recovering, but nearly 70,000 workers remain displaced
Early in the pandemic, the entire province saw employment levels decline markedly.
Jan 14, 2021
Economy & Policy
Thompson-Okanagan’s goods sector leading economic recovery
After years of robust economic growth and low unemployment across the Thompson-Okanagan region, the COVID-19 pandemic quickly reversed the trend.
Jan 13, 2021
Economy & Policy
The fight continues
An update on anti-money-laundering initiatives
Jan 13, 2021
CPA Profession
CPABC’s Indigenous strategy
Building for a strong, more inclusive future.
Jan 11, 2021
CPA Profession
Celebrating CFE success!
Meet the 10 candidates from BC and Yukon who made the National Honour Roll.
Jan 7, 2021
-from-home-Newsroom-image.jpg?ext=.jpg "2020 is the year of working (out) from home")
Economy & Policy
2020 is the year of working (out) from home
While COVID-19 hasn’t exactly quashed the possibility of having shared fitness experiences, it’s certainly changed what that looks like. And businesses that facilitate—or even simulate—togetherness seem poised to dominate the market.
Dec 14, 2020
Economy & Policy
Why scaling up BC tech companies is critical to BC’s economy
To better understand BC’s tech ecosystem, we spoke with BC Tech’s president and CEO, Jill Tipping, FCPA, FCA and KPMG’s Greater Vancouver Area’s industry lead partner, George Kondopulos, CPA, CA on findings from the latest BC Technology Report Card.
Dec 11, 2020
Economy & Policy
COVID-19 employment disruption remains concentrated amongst B.C.’s youth
In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic the number of active businesses in B.C. dropped by nearly 15,000, and nearly one in every six jobs were eliminated.
Nov 30, 2020
CPA Profession
CPA Yukon: Five CPA Students Excel in National Exam
WHITEHORSE, November 27, 2020 — The Chartered Professional Accountants of Yukon (CPAYT) and the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) congratulate the five Yukon CPA students who passed the multi-day national Common Final Examination (CFE) written in September 2020. The exam was administered by CPAWSB.
Nov 27, 2020
CPA Profession
CPABC: 1,004 CPA Students Excel in National Exam
VANCOUVER, November 27, 2020 — The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) and the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) congratulate the 1,004 B.C. CPA students who passed the multi-day national Common Final Examination (CFE) written in September 2020. The exam was administered by CPAWSB.
Nov 27, 2020
Personal Finance
Planning successfully for retirement: CPA Financial Literacy volunteers share top tips
How much of a challenge would it be for you to save $756,000? How long do you think it would take you?
Nov 23, 2020
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
Economy & Policy
BC Check-Up: Work
New report provides insights on COVID-19 employment disruption
Nov 16, 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
Economy & Policy
CPABC: Despite recent gains, COVID-19 continues to displace over 100,000 workers across B.C.
According to the BC Check-Up: Work, an annual report by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) on employment trends across the province, B.C.’s unemployment rate was 10.7 per cent in August 2020.
Nov 4, 2020
Economy & Policy
At 12.3 per cent, Southwest B.C.’s summer unemployment rate highest in B.C.
According to the BC Check-Up: Work, an annual report by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) on employment trends across the province, Southwest B.C.’s unemployment rate hit 12.3 per cent in the Summer of 2020 (June to August).
Nov 3, 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
Resources for CPAs
What’s taxable? A breakdown of COVID-19 supports for business
The challenges brought on by COVID-19 has made business survival a key concern, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Oct 30, 2020
Economy & Policy
BC continues strong job growth and recovery in consumer spending in September
BC is on track to outperform Canada’s average GDP and unemployment rate in both 2020 and 2021, according to recent forecasts and new economic data from September.
Oct 26, 2020
CPA Profession
Bringing racial diversity to corporate Canada
The Black Lives Matter movement, which calls for an end to white supremacy and violence inflicted on Black communities and champions the inclusion of Black people, sparked an array of promises and pledges from major corporations across the world when it began in the USA in 2013.
Oct 23, 2020
Career Development
Refreshing your resume
Refreshing your resume is all about uncovering the ever-evolving you – your skills, talents, and passions – and packaging these qualities in a way that best markets you to potential employers.
Oct 21, 2020
Cybersecurity
The ethics of technology
The explosion of technology over the last 30 years has changed the way we do business—but have we given enough consideration to its ethical impacts?
Oct 20, 2020
Resources for CPAs
What’s COVID-19 doing to the value of your small business?
Like 79% of small businesses in Canada, Old Salty, a gift shop on Salt Spring Island, was not fully open this past spring. However, when they reopened their doors in the middle of May business quickly ramped up, and by July sales were 75% of the prior year’s and increasingly steadily.
Oct 14, 2020
Resources for CPAs
Strategic planning: Defining your organization’s value curve
In the face of COVID-19, businesses – and even entire industries – that were formerly profitable now face upheaval.
Oct 8, 2020
Resources for CPAs
CPAs and AI: Adding value through ethical leadership
Imagine you start your workday by checking your voice messages; among them is one from your boss instructing you to perform a certain task. You complete the task and email her to confirm that you’ve received her message and finished the task.
Oct 5, 2020
Personal Finance
What stays the same this school year? The importance of investing in RESPs
The new school year is well underway, and it’s a year drastically different from previous years. While the way children are being educated will continue to vary depending on COVID-19 measures, the importance of investing in registered education savings plans (RESP) remains constant.
Sep 30, 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
Personal Finance
An overview of credits and benefits for persons with disabilities
For persons with disabilities, a variety of credits and benefits are available from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), as well as for the people who support or care for them.
Sep 23, 2020
Resources for CPAs
Finding opportunities in an economic downturn: Estate freezes (and refreezes)
During an economic downturn such as the one in which we currently find ourselves, many taxpayers focus on finding cost-cutting measures, including opportunities to decrease their immediate tax burdens. What may not be top of mind, however, are opportunities to minimize future tax burdens by freezing or refreezing an estate.
Sep 22, 2020
Resources for CPAs
Accelerating business agility: Maximizing organizational effectiveness in the age of COVID-19
Many business leaders and accounting professionals are wondering how best to recover from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and set their organizations up for success in the uncertain months and years ahead.
Sep 17, 2020
CPA Profession
CPABC announces Board of Directors 2020/2021
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) held its fifth Annual General Meeting in Vancouver on September 9, 2020 and announced its Board of Directors for fiscal year 2020/2021.
Sep 15, 2020
CPA Profession
Keeping the numbers up
Report recommends measures to maintain CPA training pipeline and meet future demand
Sep 14, 2020
Career Development
5 steps to a September reboot
The other day as I was stopped at a red light, I watched as a young man trimmed the grass around a light post, missed half of it, and continued on. My first thought, “How could he do that? Leave half of the grass he was being paid to trim?”
Sep 10, 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
Economy & Policy
The new retail experience: How COVID-19 rapidly accelerated the shift in customer demands
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the way consumers preferred to shop had begun to morph, with an increasing demand for in-store experiences, greater e-commerce, and more sustainable products. The COVID-19 pandemic has only expedited these trends.
Sep 2, 2020
![How can someone legally access your data in the cloud [without you knowing]?](/CPABC/media/images/News%20and%20Events/Newsroom/2020/How-can-someone-legally-access-your-data-in-the-cloud-without-you-knowing-IU-Image.jpg?ext=.jpg "How can someone legally access your data in the cloud [without you knowing]?")
Cybersecurity
How can someone legally access your data in the cloud [without you knowing]?
Information Security teams and CISOs have to deal with a million different problems every day. We tend to assume that these dangers would be the result of unscrupulous actors working with the support of an illicit infrastructure or because of internal negligence, whether intentional or accidental. But what about the legal route?
Aug 26, 2020
CPA Profession
Is now a good time to be a CPA?
COVID-19 has led to a significant economic downturn across the country, affecting all industries. With many companies forced to implement layoffs and hiring freezes to weather the storm, is now a good time to become a CPA?
Aug 24, 2020
Economy & Policy
July data sees BC’s economic recovery continue, but recent COVID-19 outbreaks pose threat
Economic data from July indicates that BC is continuing to rebound from the historic lows that began in March. However, the employment rebound has been disproportionately spread across sectors, and areas of consumer spending have shifted since pre-crisis.
Aug 20, 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
Economy & Policy
BC’s road to recovery: Supporting displaced workers
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended the way British Columbians work and live. Over the past few months, businesses across the province closed their doors, displacing a large portion of the workforce.
Aug 11, 2020
Personal Finance
Planning during COVID-19
There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges when it comes to an individual or a business owner’s financial plan. Many people have relied on various government relief programs. It’s more important now than ever before to revisit your plan so that you can make short and long-term adjustments where necessary.
Aug 10, 2020
Career Development
How to ace a job interview...virtually
In normal times, interviewing to get a job can be a daunting task. Layer it with a pandemic and doing a virtual interview may seem even more stressful and difficult.
Aug 5, 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
Career Development
7 tips to level up your LinkedIn presence
Whether you are actively looking for work or trying to build your professional network, you should invest time in building your LinkedIn presence. With physical distancing measures still in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic, LinkedIn activity has increased.
Jul 27, 2020
Resources for CPAs
Ethical pitfalls to avoid, especially during COVID-19
During times of significant pressure, such as the current COVID-19 pandemic, it can be a challenge dealing with additional stressors on top of the usual professional and personal responsibilities. Nevertheless, CPA members are still expected to meet professional standards. In crises, the public relies on professionals even more!
Jul 24, 2020
Personal Finance
Plan ahead to pay tax on the CERB
To date, approximately 1,100,000 people in BC have applied for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), while over 8,245,000 people have applied for it nationally. Originally intended to last sixteen weeks, the CERB has been extended as COVID-19 continues to take a severe toll on employment and all parts of the economy.
Jul 23, 2020
Economy & Policy
June economic data: BC continues recovery from COVID-19
After March and April brought historic collapses in employment, consumer activity, exports, and increasingly negative GDP forecasts, new data continues to suggest the worst of the economic damage from the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us. While the situation remains precarious, June data shows the economy is continuing its rebound that began in May.
Jul 22, 2020
Career Development
Take care of your mental health with this sure-fire stress buster
What is it that you do every week that literally makes you stupid? You get stressed! When you are stressed, you release cortisol into your brain.
Jul 13, 2020
Economy & Policy
Federal deficit to hit $343 billion from COVID-19 economic fallout
On July 8, Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced the federal deficit is projected to hit $343 billion this fiscal year, due largely to significant economic aid provided during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Morneau’s fiscal and economic update provides details on how federal benefits and business support programs, including the extension of the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), have impacted the Canadian economy thus far.
Jul 9, 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
Economy & Policy
ESG practices build organizational resiliency in BC’s mining industry
As we continue to navigate through these unprecedented times of uncertainty, achieving resilience and forging new opportunities is top of mind across industries. PwC’s 52nd BC Mining Report, “ESG: Resilience and opportunities in uncertain times”, highlights how BC’s mining industry, a long-term driver of the province’s economy, has continued to evolve and affect progressive change in issues such as health and safety, community engagement, and environmental impacts – topics that will only continue to rise in importance.
Jul 3, 2020
Economy & Policy
CPABC: Bolstering B.C. business productivity key to economic recovery
The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been devastating. As a result of necessary containment measures, B.C.’s unemployment rate hit 13.4 per cent in May and economic forecasts for the province predict a steep economic contraction in 2020.
Jun 26, 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
Economy & Policy
Worst appears to be behind us with encouraging May economic data on BC’s COVID-19 recovery
After historic collapses in employment, consumer activity, exports, and increasingly negative GDP forecasts, it appears the worst of the economic damage from the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us. While the situation remains precarious, May data shows the economy is beginning to heat up.
Jun 19, 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
Career Development
LinkedIn: 5 steps to refresh your profile
Whether or not you are in the job market right now, having an up-to-date LinkedIn profile is important – especially in this day and age.
Jun 11, 2020
Cybersecurity
Working from home? Secure your home network
Although offices and workplaces are looking to reopen, as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us will likely continue to work from home on at least a partial basis for the foreseeable future. Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the basic cybersecurity measures we should have in place to protect both our personal and workplace data.
Jun 10, 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
Personal Finance
Family trusts: Recent changes and continued benefits
The last three years have seen significant changes in tax legislation. Private family businesses have felt the bulk of these changes, and many are still trying to digest the impact within their businesses.
Jun 3, 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
Career Development
Tips to ace your next video interview
Since the onset of COVID-19, many companies established “social distancing” and “work from home” policies. These measures have required organizations and recruitment companies to switch from in-person interviews to phone and video interviews.
May 21, 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
Economy & Policy
BC’s economy: Full impact of COVID-19 still unknown as economy prepares to reopen
How has containing COVID-19 impacted BC’s economy? Recent data is beginning to illustrate what this looks like.
May 13, 2020
Career Development
Working effectively during COVID-19: Skills development for current challenges
With impressive speed, many of us have transitioned to conducting business online during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these changes have been more complex than others and may require supplementing your existing knowledge or learning a new skill set.
May 8, 2020
Economy & Policy
BC’s road to recovery – Minimizing the economic fallout
On May 6, 2020, the BC government announced its plans to re-open the economy, eight weeks after declaring a state of emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The announcement came as BC’s situation looks increasingly positive, with declining total cases and the lowest per capita cases across any jurisdiction with over five million people in Canada, the US, and western Europe.
May 7, 2020
Career Development
Unemployed? How to get back on your feet
The COVID-19 pandemic caused over 100,000 jobs in BC to be cut in March, and it’s expected that the number will only continue to grow as we flatten the curve. However, it is important to know that the economic impacts of COVID-19 will likely be short-lived.
May 4, 2020
Cybersecurity
How to securely share files remotely with clients
With most of us working remotely during the current COVID-19 pandemic, finding the right file-sharing solution has become critical. We have put together some tips to assist you in starting your search, but these are just tips, not a substitute for your own due diligence.
Apr 27, 2020
CPA Profession
Professional accountants bring certainty to uncertain times
In early March the COVID-19 outbreak was gaining momentum, but life was going on as normal and it was business as usual. By mid-March, that normalcy shifted rapidly as concerted efforts to contain the global pandemic began.
Apr 24, 2020
Resources for CPAs
Rational decisions in turbulent times: Understanding behavioural finance can help investors
When news of the COVID-19 pandemic hit, markets plunged in unprecedented ways. These drastic declines played against traditional financial theories such as rational choice theory and efficient market hypothesis, the first of which posits that investors will behave rationally by making decisions that maximize personal utility, or satisfaction, and the second of which states that the price of securities being traded is correct and complete, in that all available information has been factored into the price.
Apr 23, 2020
CPA Profession
National Volunteer Week 2020: How CPAs are supporting their communities in challenging times
At CPABC, we are proud of the contributions our members make not only to their workplaces, but to their communities as well. This year’s commemoration of National Volunteer Week (April 19-25, 2020) is especially significant, given the COVID-19 pandemic and the outstanding efforts some CPABC members are making to help others during this time of need.
Apr 20, 2020
Cybersecurity
Working from home: Top five tips for leading a remote team
With thousands of employees across the country now working remotely for the first time, many are adapting to change and establishing new daily routines. For those tasked with leading a team, this new frontier poises a host of challenges and opportunities such as: how to facilitate communication, share information, create achievable work plans, provide staff with access to technology, as well as facilitating socialization and emotional support to name a few.
Apr 16, 2020
Economy & Policy
BC’s economic outlook: Bleak now, brighter in the future
How has containing COVID-19 impacted BC’s economy? Recent data is beginning to illustrate what this looks like.
Apr 15, 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
Cybersecurity
Six tips on using Zoom safely and securely
As businesses and individuals settle into the new normal of staying and working from home, there has been a lot of spotlight on Zoom, a video communications tool. On the one hand, Zoom has earned positive reviews for its reliability and functionality, while on the other, there have been stories about its potential security vulnerability.
Apr 9, 2020
Personal Finance
Tips to manage through a volatile market
There’s no doubt this is a worrisome time for investors and that it’s more important than ever to remain calm so that you can make clear and informed decisions about your portfolio.
Apr 5, 2020
Career Development
5 ways to keep up your mental health during COVID-19
As we navigate our way through these unprecedented times, it’s important to take care of our mental health while maintaining our physical health and safety. The disruption and uncertainty that COVID-19 has caused is challenging on many levels, and a healthy mindset is crucial to overcoming these challenges.
Apr 3, 2020
Economy & Policy
Economic forecasts: COVID-19's impact expected to bring Canada, BC in recession
As we better understand the implications of COVID-19 on our society and the measures required to curb its growth, organizations are updating their economic forecasts in real-time.
Mar 30, 2020
Economy & Policy
Economic forecast uncertain, but COVID-19 containment can bring hope
If there’s one thing we know about COVID-19, it's that it has brought incredible uncertainty to our lives. It has also brought uncertainty about the state of our economy.
Mar 25, 2020
Career Development
Effective communications in uncertain times
Maintaining effective communications will be critical in successfully leading your organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. Key to effective communications, especially in crisis situations, is the open, honest, and transparent delivery of up-to-date information.
Mar 19, 2020
Resources for CPAs
#MeToo – Empowering women leaders is good business
Does anyone really want to talk about gender issues in the workplace? Generally speaking, the answer is no.
Mar 13, 2020
Resources for CPAs
The educated director: Does your board have the skills to succeed?
Governance education in Canada took root in the early 2000s in the wake of the institutionalized fraud and corruption that plagued North American corporations. Most notably, the Enron scandal that resulted in the loss of billions in pensions and stock prices, and drove the creation of new regulations and legislation to increase accountability, highlighted the need for stronger board governance.
Mar 12, 2020
Career Development
How the brain remembers names
Forgetting someone's name is socially embarrassing, and bad for business.
Mar 4, 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
Economy & Policy
CPABC: B.C.’s Budget 2020 Introduces New Measures to Maintain Balanced Budget and Affordability
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) commends the government for achieving a balanced budget while still investing in social and capital projects.
Feb 19, 2020
CPA Profession
CPABC Named One of B.C.’s Top Employers in 2020
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) has been recognized as one of the top employers in British Columbia for 2020.
Feb 19, 2020
Personal Finance
Time is running out to put money in your RRSP for 2019
Are you satisfied with how much you’ve contributed to your registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) in 2019? If you still want to contribute more, you can – but not for long.
Feb 14, 2020
Resources for CPAs
The face of governance is changing
"The underlying premise for diverse boards is no longer about good corporate citizenship, but rather about contributing value to a business." Deborah Rosati, founder & CEO, Women Get on Board
Feb 12, 2020
Resources for CPAs
Workplace privacy policies: What are they and why are they essential?
Today’s workplace looks quite a bit different than it did twenty, or even ten years ago. Smartphones are not just a luxury but a necessity, and employees are spending more and more time connected to the office, even while they are at home.
Feb 6, 2020
Personal Finance
Could you benefit from a readvanceable mortgage? Here’s what you should know
Canadian homeowners often have two critical financial goals: pay off the mortgage and save for retirement. It is conventional practice in Canada to approach these two goals sequentially as most Canadians have a fixed amount of income each month and there is a contractual obligation to make monthly mortgage payments.
Feb 3, 2020
CPA Profession
CPABC Recognizes Excellence in Membership
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia is pleased to honour 17 chartered professional accountants with a fellowship designation (FCPA) and two FCPAs with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Jan 31, 2020
Career Development
Clear, concise, consistent – The three Cs of effective communication
Communication is by far one of the most valuable skills in any professional’s toolkit. Whether you’re just starting your career or you’re a seasoned vet, being an effective communicator at work is key to your success.
Jan 24, 2020
Economy & Policy
Accelerate - Turn the table on climate change
Are you considering the flip-side of your Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance? Climate change is transforming the game for businesses on several fronts—from policy to technologies to market trends.
Jan 20, 2020
Cybersecurity
BC AWARE discusses cybersecurity for the decade ahead
As we enter the 2020’s, strong organizational cybersecurity measures are more critical than ever. In a recent high-profile data breach, LifeLabs paid a ransom to its cyberattackers in order to recover the personal information of LifeLabs’ 15 million customers.
Jan 14, 2020
Resources for CPAs
Pay to play: The value of music in business
Music is more accessible today than ever. With just a few clicks, businesses can access any type of music imaginable.
Jan 6, 2020
Personal Finance
RESP 101: What’s the difference between the 3 types of RESPs?
If you’re looking for a holiday gift that will benefit one of your loved ones far beyond the holiday season, a registered education savings plan (RESP) contribution may be the answer. But as the year draws to a close, time is running out to make an RESP contribution for this calendar year.
Dec 20, 2019
Personal Finance
Capital gains 101: How to calculate transactions in foreign currency
When you sell capital property, you must report the transaction in your personal income tax return – and there are benefits to doing so. Capital gains are taxed at half the standard rate, and capital losses can be used to offset capital gains.
Dec 19, 2019
CPA Profession
CPABC and AFOA BC Collaborate to Build Capacity in First Nations Financial Management and Government Administration
On December 5, 2019, the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) and the Aboriginal Financial Officers Association of British Columbia (AFOA BC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation (MOUC) to work together to strengthen First Nations program and service delivery through the enhancement of financial and management skills within Indigenous communities..
Dec 10, 2019
Resources for CPAs
The office of 2020 and beyond: What is the future of work?
CPABC’s 2019 BC Check-Up report paints a clear picture of British Columbia’s tight labour market. As noted in the report, unemployment in BC fell from 6.1% in 2014 to 4.7% in 2018, while the job vacancy rate increased by 0.8%, reaching a high of 2.5%. Competition for talent is tough, and employers in all industries are struggling to fill positions.
Nov 15, 2019
Personal Finance
Savings strategies for baby boomers
Baby boomers are the generation that “had it all,” with unprecedented opportunities for upward mobility.
Nov 12, 2019
Personal Finance
What would I tell my younger self? CPAs share their personal finance tips
Being a young professional is an exciting time in life. When someone graduates from their post-secondary studies, they begin a new chapter that may include embarking on a career, relocating to a new city, and enjoying new relationships.
Nov 7, 2019
Economy & Policy
Moderate Economic Growth to Continue into 2020
According to the BC Check-Up, an annual economic report released by the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC), B.C.’s economic growth moderated throughout 2018 and into 2019, while the housing market cooled and the labour market neared capacity. B.C.’s GDP growth rate is forecasted to slow from 2.4 per cent in 2018, to 1.7 per cent in 2019, and 2.0 per cent in 2020 based on numbers by TD Economics.
Nov 5, 2019
Cybersecurity
Thwart cyber-criminals through better password policies
It is 7:55 am and your employee is rushing to her desk to start her computer and join an important morning web conference. She breathes a sigh of relief, realizing she’ll be able to connect on time.
Nov 5, 2019
Resources for CPAs
Why is strategy so hard?
Many organizations struggle with strategy. In my experience, there are three main reasons why: Strategy is not one thing, it must be implemented and monitored, and companies often try to do too much.
Oct 30, 2019
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
Resources for CPAs
What justifies the cost of a product? Blockchain can tell you
“Blockchain is the most disruptive technology to face [businesses and] CPAs in decades, and yet it remains one of the least understood,” states a CPA Canada article.
Oct 22, 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
Personal Finance
6 apps that’ll help keep track of your personal finances
Whether you’re managing debt, saving to buy a home or planning for retirement, figuring out your finances can make your head spin. Luckily, these apps (available for iOS and Android) can help you get a handle on things.
Oct 7, 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
Career Development
Five powerful ways to improve project management
Is there no end to the projects on the go at your organization? Are you managing some of them? The answer to both questions is probably yes.
Sep 25, 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
How diverse is your workforce? Why measurement matters
These days, EY employee Amanda Pinheiro is studying hard to earn her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation and become a senior accountant. But three years ago, she was competing in the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. And eight years before then, she fell off a ten-storey cliff while snowboarding in Whistler, resulting in a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed from the waist down.
Sep 19, 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
Career Development
Five valuable career lessons for accounting and finance professionals
While there will never be a one-size-fits-all recipe for success, there are a few essential career lessons that many successful business people live by and are common indicators of success.
Sep 9, 2019
Resources for CPAs
Is social media risky business?
Red beer fridges in random locations across Europe that dispense free beer to anyone opening the fridges with a Canadian passport? Molson Coors Canada’s fun video of this inventive campaign quickly went viral when it was released in 2013.
Aug 28, 2019
Career Development
Stop giving feedback…and start asking for it instead!
“Would you like some feedback?” How did you feel the last time someone asked you that? Most people don’t get excited when they hear those words even though, with technology and globalization transforming our workplaces, the need to learn and improve is greater than ever before.
Aug 21, 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
Resources for CPAs
The impact of British Columbia’s real estate taxes on the mobile employee
In an effort to curb speculation in British Columbia’s housing market over the last few years, the BC government and the City of Vancouver have independently implemented real estate taxes designed to increase housing affordability and convert underutilized properties into homes that are available for BC residents.
Aug 12, 2019
CPA Profession
Harnessing the power of diversity
Increasingly, the business world is recognizing the importance of diversity in the workplace—not just in terms of optics but also in terms of the bottom line. So why do some businesses still consider diversity as an option (or, worse still, a last resort when all other options fail) when others already recognize that it’s an indispensable factor in hiring?
Aug 7, 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
Career Development
The number one brain myth and why it is dangerous
What is the number one brain myth out there and why is it dangerous? First, I have a great brain test for you to try – it was developed by psychologist John Stroop.
Jul 12, 2019
Resources for CPAs
Workforce of the future: Investing in skills training is essential
Digital technology defines the world we live in and affects all areas of business performance.
Jun 24, 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
BC Students Recognized at CPA Convocation Ceremony
Nine hundred and forty-five chartered professional accountant (CPA) students were invited to attend the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia’s (CPABC) convocation ceremony held on May 25, 2019 at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
May 29, 2019
Career Development
Practice makes happiness
Phew! You’ve just finished a huge assignment that involved a lot of overtime and considerable pressure. Time to shorten your office hours and start packing for a well-deserved vacation, right?
May 29, 2019
Career Development
Tools to thrive in a world of change
For most of us, this quote is unnerving. If I’m having trouble keeping up with it all right now, how will I ever cope if things change even faster?
May 22, 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
Career Development
Why confidence matters
Confidence is key to achieving success and the dreams you desire. Confidence allows you to boldly pursue your greatest ambitions and aspirations, and helps you handle the daily demands and challenges life throws your way.
May 6, 2019
Career Development
How managers can prevent their teams from burning out
Happy and content employees are more motivated, committed, and productive relative to their stressed peers. Even though the connection between chronic stress and reduced performance is well understood, many workplaces operate with morale-sapping levels of stress.
May 2, 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
Economy & Policy
Walking on water, living the life
We’re surrounded by water in the form of rivers, oceans, and lakes in the Lower Mainland. Water actually covers 71% of our Earth's surface.
Apr 18, 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
Looking to optimize workplace culture? Make an impact with these 5 tips
How incredible would it be for your organization to appear on a ‘best place to work’ or ‘best culture’ list?
Apr 2, 2019
Personal Finance
Saving strategies for millennials: The earlier the better
As an investment advisor, when I meet with my millennial and boomer clients I am often reminded of how much they can learn from each other: millennials, with their dynamic optimism to enjoy life in the now, and boomers, who can model the lessons and benefits of saving over time. But millennials (aged 22 to 37) do face some unique generational challenges.
Mar 31, 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
Career Development
Creative leadership: Bringing innovation to the workplace
We live in a world where the speed of change is more rapid than ever before. New technologies have disrupted many industries, shortening or ending their life cycles, while at the same time creating new industries.
Mar 11, 2019
Career Development
4 ways to build self-confidence and boost your performance
Self-confidence is the belief in your ability to accomplish the task at hand. Extensive evidence shows this belief in oneself has positive impact on performance.
Feb 25, 2019
Economy & Policy
Affordability key to BC Budget 2019
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) congratulates the government for its seventh consecutive balanced budget.
Feb 21, 2019
Career Development
The primacy effect: How you can use it to make a favourable first impression
Why are some people listened to more than others? Why do some people give such a poor impression?
Feb 19, 2019
CPA Profession
Recognizing the CPA Profession's Finest
The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is proud to recognize 25 exceptional CPAs that make up this year’s CPABC Member Recognition Award recipients at the annual Member Recognition Awards Dinner on February 12, 2019.
Feb 14, 2019
Career Development
Smart strategies for communicating with difficult people
Why do we find certain individuals and situations difficult to deal with? Perhaps a person is resistant, emotional, or behaving badly.
Feb 13, 2019
Economy & Policy
Why modular housing can be one key solution to housing affordability
Long before online ordering at Amazon.ca, the Sears print catalogue was the major shopping source for Canadian families, especially those in rural areas lacking any nearby retail locations.
Feb 13, 2019
Career Development
Are you ready for the fourth Industrial Revolution?
The first Industrial Revolution used water and steam to advance human interests. The second used electric power for mass production. The third (the one we are in now) uses electronics and information technology to automate production.
Jan 25, 2019
CPA Profession
You don't have to be a musician to break into the music industry - here's how
The music industry has never been more widespread or accessible; from YouTube performances to streaming mixtapes by the million, anyone who has a passion for making or listening to music could listen to new tracks for the rest of their life and never run out.
Jan 21, 2019
Career Development
How to take control of your learning at work
Learning in the workplace has evolved dramatically over the last decade. Whereas before we would wait for a course or a conference to attend, we now have access to all sorts of online and on-demand learning resources, thanks to the rapid advance of technology.
Jan 11, 2019
Resources for CPAs
What do diversity and inclusion in the workplace truly look like?
When a race-related incident at a Philadelphia Starbucks sparked worldwide outrage in the summer of 2018, the company’s response to the incident—an afternoon of anti-bias training for staff across North America—came under intense scrutiny.
Jan 3, 2019
Economy & Policy
Ensuring B.C.’s business competitiveness
The approval of the LNG Canada project, the expansion of Amazon’s office, and the opening of an Apple corporate office in Vancouver are positive signs that point to B.C.’s business potential.
Nov 27, 2018
Personal Finance
From candy to Bugattis - How to help kids embrace money matters
When is the right time to begin teaching kids about money? As an investment advisor, and as a father of two, I believe the earlier the better as it can help set young people up for financial success.
Nov 19, 2018
Career Development
Is negative thinking bad for your brain?
When was the last time you thought about your thinking?
How much of your thinking is positive? Negative?
Nov 7, 2018
Economy & Policy
B.C. exporters should take advantage of Canada’s trade agreements
Export of goods and services make up 38 per cent of B.C.’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP). As exports are a vital part of our economy, it is crucial that we continue to focus on exploring and diversifying our export products and markets.
Oct 22, 2018
Resources for CPAs
How do you put a price tag on your business? Consider the investment approach
Are you considering selling your business? Or perhaps, bringing in a partner or investor to take it to the next level?
Oct 18, 2018
Career Development
Moving the dial on women’s leadership
Companies want and need more women leaders. Research has shown that organizations focused on diversity, and in particular, gender diversity, perform better on almost every measure related to productivity and innovation.
Oct 15, 2018
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
Thriving in times of disruptive change: CPAs who are driving success for local companies
From the rise of the sharing economy to new ways of shopping, the speed of disruption across many industries continues to increase. More and more, the ability to effectively capitalize on the opportunities created by disruptive change can make the difference between becoming a leader in your industry and getting left behind.
Sep 25, 2018
Resources for CPAs
Embracing a diverse workforce is good business
The first question people often ask in social situations is, “what’s your name?” The next question is, “what do you do?” Too many British Columbians with disabilities do not have a good answer to the second question.
Sep 19, 2018
Personal Finance
Plan in advance: Leave a lasting legacy
Most of us would like to leave a lasting legacy; however, we may not know what steps to take to fulfil that goal. An advisor can help you assess the options and determine which ones are suitable to your situation.
Sep 12, 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
Resources for CPAs
Cloudy with a chance of data leaks: What business professionals need to know before using the cloud
Cloud computing is the practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the Internet to store, manage and process data as opposed to relying on this information to be saved on a local server or personal computer. Some popular cloud services include Dropbox, Microsoft OneDrive and Google Docs.
Aug 31, 2018
Personal Finance
Assess and address - How to transition your business before retiring
As business owners near retirement, they may have questions about transitioning the business. For example, who is going to take over the company?
Jul 30, 2018
Resources for CPAs
Gamification: Playing games can help your business strategy
Earth has been ravaged by a devastating storm. The world’s population has been decimated. The 100 remaining survivors scramble to find resources to build fortifications, and weapons to fight each other to be the last one standing.
Jul 25, 2018
CPA Profession
Launching innovations in tech: An interview with Ray Walia, CPA, CMA
Award-winning entrepreneur and investor Ray Walia has focused on making Vancouver a hub for technology and innovation for more than a decade. In this Q&A, the CEO of Launch Academy and co-founder and advisor of Victory Square Technologies shares his thoughts on life in the tech world.
Jul 10, 2018
Resources for CPAs
Enterprise risk management - How to prepare for potential risks to your business
We’ve all seen the headlines and YouTube videos: Millions of customers have their confidential information exposed and possibly compromised through the Equifax data breach. A United Airlines passenger is forcibly dragged from an overbooked flight. And the pillar of German banking, Deutsche Bank, unravels through a series of corporate scandals.
Jul 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
Resources for CPAs
Crossing the US border with sensitive electronic information? What business professionals need to know
Summer has arrived and like many vacationers, you might cross the US/Canada border when embarking on your adventures. And while work may not be top of mind, if you deal with sensitive client information you should always be conscious of the data you carry.
Jun 11, 2018
Personal Finance
Finding YOUR retirement investing strategy
The most pressing question that potential retirees ask me is: Will I have enough money to fund my retirement lifestyle? That’s why, it’s not surprising that in a recent survey, baby boomers expressed that they are more afraid of running out of money than they are of dying.
May 7, 2018
Economy & Policy
Temperature check: BC’s economic activity expected to cool down slightly
The year 2017 was not without challenges for British Columbia. The uncertainties over NAFTA renegotiations began last year and continue today.
May 7, 2018
Personal Finance
Six things to remember when filing small business tax returns
If you’re a small business owner, there are a few key dates to keep in mind when it comes to taxes. If you’re a non-incorporated small business owner, April 30 is the deadline for you to pay any income tax that your business owes and June 15 is the deadline to submit your T1 return.
Apr 30, 2018
Resources for CPAs
Valuing a small business: Is there an easy way?
If you are the owner of a small business, at some point you have likely asked yourself, “I wonder how much my business is worth.” Perhaps you’re considering selling, bringing in a partner or investor, thinking about estate planning, or maybe you’re just curious if your business strategy is adding value.
Apr 25, 2018
Career Development
Why EQ is essential for all leaders
Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and leadership are two concepts so ubiquitous in workplace lexicon that they are thrown around with the assumption that: 1) we all know what they mean, and 2) we all agree on their definition.
But do we? More importantly, are we really practicing them?
Apr 11, 2018
Career Development
What does it mean to be an authentic leader?
More than ever, employees want a leader whom they can trust and whose values and character are evident in everything they say and do. In short, they want to be led by a person who is genuine, who is authentic.
Apr 9, 2018
Resources for CPAs
US tax reform: What BC businesses need to know
President Trump signed House of Representatives bill 1 (originally referred to as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”) (the Act) into law on December 22, 2017, ushering in the most significant changes to the US tax Code since 1986. These changes substantially modify the US tax Code and will significantly impact US domestic and international taxation.
Mar 28, 2018
Resources for CPAs
Fraud targets everyone: Learn how to protect your business
Every individual and business is a potential target for fraud, regardless of personal attributes or industry. In a recent report, the Government of Canada revealed that Canadians lost over $405 million to fraudulent activity from January 2014 to December 2017.
Mar 26, 2018
Personal Finance
Cryptocurrencies: Are they taxable?
With the price of bitcoin spiking in 2017, cryptocurrencies are gaining traction and moving into the spotlight of currency trading. If you jumped on the bandwagon and sold cryptocurrency (such as bitcoin or ether) in 2017, or made a purchase using cryptocurrency, you’ll need to report those capital gains on your tax return.
Mar 19, 2018
CPA Profession
BC tax incentives for the technology and entertainment sectors
The technology industry has steadily grown and matured over the last decade to become a key sector in the British Columbia economy. According to the Profile of the British Columbia Technology Sector: 2017 Edition released by BC Stats, the high-tech sector now employs more people than the mining, oil and gas, and forestry sectors combined.
Mar 12, 2018
Career Development
Is your smartphone standing between you and your next ‘aha’ moment?
John Cleese once said, "We don't know where we get our ideas from. What we do know is that we do not get them from our laptops." Indeed.
Mar 7, 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
Resources for CPAs
Why you should know how your business is valued – Even if you’re not ready to sell
Entrepreneurs who don’t think about how their business is valued until the time comes to sell are missing an opportunity. They could be implementing strategies today that could result in a higher business value in the future.
Feb 26, 2018
Personal Finance
Retiring? Evaluate these five investment risks first
Will I have enough money to retire comfortably? More and more, people nearing retirement have to confront this question.
Feb 21, 2018
Personal Finance
Maximize your TFSA savings
Believe it or not, the tax-free savings account (TFSA) has been around in Canada for nine years now. If you haven’t given much thought to it in the past or you’re just thinking about investing into a TFSA account, here are some things you’ll want to know.
Feb 14, 2018
Economy & Policy
GDPR: What European privacy regulations mean for Canadian businesses
If your business has relationships with the European Union (EU), you’ll want to make sure you’re up to date on the EU’s privacy legislation, as one of the toughest privacy regulations in decades will come into full effect in Europe on May 25, 2018.
Feb 8, 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
Economy & Policy
Skills Training: An Essential for Employees & Entrepreneurs
Technology is rapidly changing how we do things. The introduction of ATM machines in the 1980s, is a prime example, where technology reduced routine cash handling done by tellers and refined their roles to provide better customer service and sales, which required new skills.
Nov 29, 2017
Economy & Policy
A quiet crisis – youth employment
People between the ages of 15 and 29 are the leaders of today and tomorrow, and we depend on their ability to foster the economy for the next generation and to care for the previous generation. Despite accumulating skills and making efforts to find work, many young British Columbians are struggling today and feeling anxious: the world of work has changed, leaving their futures unknown.
Oct 25, 2017
Resources for CPAs
Is there such a thing as “bad” goodwill?
As a business owner, one of your long-term objectives is to build and grow the value of your business. The question often raised around that goal is “What will drive business value?”
Oct 11, 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
Resources for CPAs
Trends in future commerce: Blockchain
Commerce is no stranger to the disruptive power of technology. A generation ago, we thought ATMs were the ultimate convenience compared to waiting in line for a bank teller.
Sep 22, 2017
Economy & Policy
High cost of living impacts business competitiveness
According to the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia’s (CPABC) annual Business Outlook Survey, 81% of B.C.’s CPAs identified attracting and retaining skilled labour as a challenge to effective business investment and productivity. B.C.’s high cost of living and increasingly expensive housing, particularly in Greater Vancouver, have impacted recruitment efforts.
Sep 18, 2017
Career Development
The secret of reading comprehension
Do you ever get to the bottom of a page and wonder what you just read? Or are you having trouble retaining statistics or messaging in today’s overwhelming information age?
May 10, 2017
Career Development
Breaking the glass ceiling: Advancing female finance leaders
Quick, how many female CFOs can you name? If only a few came to mind, that won’t be surprising as worldwide women hold just 18% of CFO roles.
Mar 13, 2017
Candice Hartwell, CPA
After receiving my accounting designation (and before starting a family!), I was keen to use some of my new-found free time to give back to the community.
Joanne YH Liu, CPA
Breaking down barriers: Meet the CPA who's presenting CPABC's first FinLit session in Chinese. Joanne YH Liu, CPA, CGA, PFP, knows what it’s like to be a newcomer.
Nelson Soh
“Watching my clients change their perspective with money and improve their relationship with it is the most fulfilling aspect of my job,” he says.