CPA Profession

Celebrating CFE success!

Meet the two BC writers who made the May 2021 CFE National Honour Roll

By CPABC in Focus

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.

By Michelle McRae

Sep 7, 2021

CPA Profession

Leading with heart and an open mind: Livleen Veslemes, change maker

“I think that if I'm not scared, then I'm not growing. And if I'm not growing, then I'm not really living fully,” says Livleen Veslemes, CPA, CMA. When it comes to scaring herself, Livleen has plenty of experience, as her passion for growth has helped catapult numerous organizations to major success.  

By Vince Kanasoot

Sep 1, 2021

CPA Profession

Jeff Wasyliw helps lead Alida in delivering actionable customer insight

Understanding your customer’s desires and preferences is key to reaching new clients and strengthening existing relationships. But in our highly-digitalized world, unlocking value from seemingly endless big data is challenging. Alida, previously known as Vision Critical, is a Canadian company that helps brands worldwide tap into actionable customer insight. 

By Vince Kanasoot

Aug 20, 2021

CPA Profession

"It just clicked" - Why Rhian Quarry made the switch from science to the CPA

It was while working reception at Madison Pacific Properties Inc., a real estate management and development company in Vancouver, that Rhian Quarry realized she wanted to become a CPA. She had just completed her bachelor’s degree in health sciences and was looking for a new direction when inspiration struck.

By Megan Hooge

Jul 7, 2021

CPA Profession

Jody Kidd helps lead Copperleaf with her spirit for innovation and progress

Jody Kidd has never been one to be held down by limitations. As a young adult, she knew she wanted a career that would not restrict her to any one particular industry. 

By Vince Kanasoot

Jun 23, 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. 

By Business in Vancouver

May 12, 2021

Career Development

Prioritizing mental health at work

How KPMG GVA is supporting wellness and destigmatizing illness

By Michelle McRae

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. 

By Kerri Wilcox

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.

By Kerri Wilcox

May 3, 2021

CPA Profession

Vancouver CPA shares his time—and his wonder dog—with those in need

Stuart Mah, CPA, CMA, and his 10-year-old certified therapy dog Nugget provide much-needed companionship to the long-term care residents at Mount St. Joseph Hospital. 

By Megan Hooge

Apr 21, 2021

CPA Profession

Flexibility critical in hard hit service industry

If there was one activity that feels most altered by the pandemic it would have to be dining out. 

By Business in Vancouver

Feb 18, 2021

Personal Finance

Demystifying debt: CPA FinLit volunteer helps young people understand how to leverage debt to their advantage

Canadians recently reached a dubious high point – collectively, we have amassed $100 billion in credit card debt.

By Leah Giesbrecht

Nov 18, 2020

CPA Profession

Bringing calm resolve to turbulent times

Geoffrey Dodds, CPA, CA, embraces his role as chair of the CPABC board even as COVID-19 continues to disrupt norms.

By Michelle McRae

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. 

By Vince Kanasoot

Nov 9, 2020

Personal Finance

Small steps have a big impact: Volunteer helps high school students improve financial literacy

As much as parents plan financially for their children’s future and offer tips on how to manage money, the time will come when young people will need to take ownership of their finances. 

Nov 5, 2020

Personal Finance

Helping kids get financially smart for life: Volunteer stokes passion for real-world skills

“I wish I’d known how to start saving for retirement when I was young… I would’ve liked to have known how to draw up and keep to a budget... I would have benefited from an explanation of how to use credit cards properly…”  

By Leah Giesbrecht

Nov 2, 2020

CPA Profession

Meet the LUSH employee whose career has taken her all over the world

If there are two things most of us hope to achieve in life, it’s finding our dream job and travelling the world. Having a career that combines both?

By Daily Hive

Sep 29, 2020

CPA Profession

How KPMG’s “1,000 Acts of Kindness” has inspired employees and lifted communities

After seeing the societal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic ripple through local communities, KPMG’s offices in Metro Vancouver and Victoria mobilized employees to take action.

By Megan Hooge & Vince Kanasoot

Sep 9, 2020

CPA Profession

The journey to the C-suite: Nick Bozikis, CFO at Article

Nick Bozikis, CPA, CA, has always been very curious. And his curiosity has helped him adapt to new environments and trends throughout his career.

By Vince Kanasoot

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. 

By Vivian Tse

Aug 13, 2020

CPA Profession

Traction Guest’s solution to minimizing traditional physical touchpoints at workplaces

As the global economy reopens in the wake of unprecedented business closures due to COVID-19, “new normals” are developing in all aspects of our daily routines. Traction Guest, a Burnaby-based visitor management system (VMS) company, has been at the forefront of facilitating the safe and efficient return to workplaces.

By Vince Kanasoot

Jul 29, 2020

CPA Profession

Modo provides vehicles for frontline workers throughout COVID-19

When containment measures for COVID-19 began in March, most people no longer had to commute except to access essential services. But for essential workers, things were much different.

By Vince Kanasoot

Jul 6, 2020

CPA Profession

Thinkific helps lead the evolution of virtual learning during COVID-19

When the COVID-19 pandemic began to peak across the world in early March, the world’s population went into their homes and stayed there. As a result, our reliance on digital communications reached an all-time high.

By Vince Kanasoot

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.

By Vince Kanasoot

Jun 22, 2020

CPA Profession

Supporting BC healthcare: How HME Mobility helped hospitals create capacity during COVID-19

When COVID-19 struck, hospitals worldwide were hit with an unprecedented influx of patients. An underlying problem, among many, was the lack of available hospital beds. HME Mobility, which sells and rents out home medical equipment throughout BC, was quick to step in to help.  

By Vince Kanasoot

Jun 15, 2020

CPA Profession

Staying connected: How a CPA pivoted his commissary kitchen to support local entrepreneurs during COVID-19

When Sarb Mund, CPA, CMA, first opened Commissary Connect, a network of shared commercial kitchen spaces in Vancouver for local food and beverage entrepreneurs, he was always thinking one step ahead.

By Vince Kanasoot

Jun 8, 2020

CPA Profession

What I wish I knew when I was starting my career in accounting?

With a passion for teaching and extensive international experience in financial reporting and internal audit, Bryan Parker brings a unique and relevant energy to the classroom.

By CPABC

May 28, 2020

CPA Profession

Disruption period: Championing body positivity and eco-friendly entrepreneurship

Periods. They’re a natural event that billions of people around the world experience. Relationships with periods differ from person to person: some love-hate, others embrace. But it’s still something that’s not talked about enough.

By Daily Hive

May 14, 2020

CPA Profession

Disrupting data management: How Aquatic Informatics is strengthening public health protection

Having been born and raised in British Columbia, it’s no surprise that James Reyes has a love for the great outdoors. Among the wealth of activities one has the benefit of enjoying in this province, James set his sights on fly fishing; a decade-long passion of his that led him to a new career.

By Business in Vancouver

Apr 14, 2020

CPA Profession

Disrupting data analytics: Visier provides HR insights to businesses

Strategic people management is key to helping organizations thrive. Through innovative software technology that provides insightful analytics and action plans, Vancouver-based Visier has disrupted how organizations manage their most important resource – their people. 

By Vince Kanasoot

Feb 26, 2020

CPA Profession

Employer Spotlight: Interfor

Since 2008, Interfor has invested $337 million in our BC Interior operations and today all three mills are top performing facilities. 

By CPABC

Oct 24, 2019

CPA Profession

Global impact: Svante is disrupting the world’s CO2 marketplace

Number one on the list of risks to organizational growth, according to CEOs around the world, is climate change. And while talk about combatting climate change abounds, impactful solutions that will be widely adopted seem in short supply.

By Leah Giesbrecht

Oct 15, 2019

CPA Profession

A career dedicated to building Vancouver: A conversation with John McLaughlin

The impact of John McLaughlin’s career can be seen throughout Metro Vancouver. For over thirty years, he has played a major role in facilitating Vancouver’s commercial and residential property growth, as well as showcasing Vancouver’s vibrancy to the world. 

By Vince Kanasoot

Oct 3, 2019

CPA Profession

Disrupting biotech: Interviewing Zymeworks’ Neil Klompas

Combining different passions to make a career is a dream for many; some, however, make it a reality and become innovators in their field. For Zymeworks EVP Business Operations and CFO Neil Klompas, CPA, CA, guidance from a mentor during his undergraduate studies helped him see that a career fusing his passions – science and business – was not only feasible, but full of opportunity. 

By Leah Giesbrecht

Sep 23, 2019

CPA Profession

Power disruption: Neurio revolutionizes home energy market

Technology has transformed our daily routines. Recent trends such as the sharing economy have changed how we get from point A to B, book our travel and accommodation, and shop.

By Vince Kanasoot

Sep 13, 2019

CPA Profession

Semios: Solving agriculture’s challenges with smart tech and sustainability

How will the agriculture industry feed the hunger of a swelling global population as pressures mount from climate change, invasive pests, declining arable land, and limited water? To sustainably and effectively feed everyone, the United Nations estimates agricultural output must increase by 40% by 2050.

By Leah Giesbrecht

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.

By Megan Hooge

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.

By CPABC

Aug 13, 2019

CPA Profession

Championing women’s health: In conversation with Gina Singh

Advancing women’s health is a core mandate for Gina Singh, CPA, CA. As chief finance and operating officer of BC Women’s Health Foundation, she helps lead BC’s largest not-for-profit (NPO) organization focused on health care for women.

By Leah Giesbrecht

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.

By Vince Kanasoot

Jul 25, 2019

CPA Profession

Article uses tech and data mindset to disrupt furniture retail industry

Digital disruption has re-invented how the retail industry services consumers, shaking down brick and mortar stores from its once prominent position, or else integrating them into multi-channel shopping experiences. One company that was quick to capitalize on these opportunities is Vancouver-based furniture retailer Article.

By Vince Kanasoot

Jun 14, 2019

CPA Profession

MineSense: Unearthing smarter mining practices with tech

Until very recently the process of metal mining was characterized by a lack of visibility. Only after the lengthy, costly, and resource-intensive process of extracting material from the earth and sending it for processing and refining, would the true value of the material be confirmed.

By Leah Giesbrecht

May 15, 2019

CPA Profession

Construction industry disruptor builds housing solutions

It’s no secret that the housing shortage is a top concern in Metro Vancouver. However, one construction company is playing a decisive role in addressing this issue.

By Leah Giesbrecht

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.

By BCBusiness Magazine

Apr 25, 2019

CPA Profession

Beyond the numbers: What today’s CPAs actually do

There are plenty of stereotypes and misnomers when it comes to describing Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs). However, today’s CPAs are working in diverse business fields and have some of the most vibrant roles in the workplace.

By Business in Vancouver

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.

By Daily Hive

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.

By Vince Kanasoot

Apr 4, 2019

Resources for CPAs

Aspiring entrepreneurs, these are the 3 questions you need to ask yourself

Have you ever thought about starting your own business? The thought of being your own boss certainly sounds appealing, but being an entrepreneur is about more than just having a good idea.

By Daily Hive

Mar 28, 2019

CPA Profession

This CFO shapes the city: An interview with Judy Leung

Taking in Vancouver’s skyline, chances are your eyes will be drawn to a building developed by Westbank Corp. With over $25 billion of real estate projects constructed or currently under development, the company is behind a number of innovative developments shaping the face of Vancouver, such as TELUS Gardens, Woodwards, and looking ahead, Deloitte’s new downtown office.

By Leah Giesbrecht

Oct 1, 2018

CPA Profession

Communicating for the win: An interview with Pamela Lee

“Status quo is not an option – evolving and creating change in our business is something I’m very passionate about,” says Pamela Lee, CPA, CA. As chief financial officer (CFO) of Mr. Lube Canada, a leader in the country’s routine automotive maintenance industry, her commitment to collaborative stakeholder relationships drives changes that secure profitable new markets, business areas, and partnerships for the company. 

By Leah Giesbrecht

Sep 5, 2018

CPA Profession

CPA and Canadian proud: Diverse stories of CPAs and how they’re giving back

The journey to become a CPA is challenging. For members who move to Canada from other countries, there is the additional task of transitioning into a new culture and professional landscape.

By Leah Giesbrecht & Vince Kanasoot

Jun 28, 2018

CPA Profession

Time for parity – an interview with Shelley Brown

“Canada has the opportunity to become one of the strongest economies in the world if we take advantage of our diversity,” notes Shelley Brown, FCPA, FCA, “and in Canada today I think appropriate diversity means parity.” 

By Leah Giesbrecht

Mar 5, 2018

Economy & Policy

Bridging the gap – Skills vs. needs

CPAs in BC have consistently ranked the ability to attract and retain skilled talent as the greatest challenge to business success in this province. And it is with good reason. Over the past five years, BC has seen unprecedented job growth, especially in burgeoning sectors like tech; in fact, the pace of growth in the tech sector is so fast that labour demand has outstripped supply, making it difficult for tech companies to attract and recruit skilled talent. BC Tech estimated that our tech industry will need to fill approximately 35,000 positions by 2021. 

By Lori Mathison

Dec 13, 2017

CPA Profession

Day in the life: Liana Lau, Google

Today we follow a day in the life of Liana Lau, CPA, CA.

By CPABC

Sep 25, 2017