CPABC in Focus July/August 2018 | Page 25

THIS AND THAT for Fiscal Year 2017/2018 Regulation of Public Practice Investigations Closed in 2017-2018 THERE WERE...  11 3,802 No grounds 7 practitioners and partners operating in 2,592 public practice offices in BC as at March 31, 2018. The majority of practitioners work in small businesses where 98.5% of the firms are owned by fewer than five professional accountants. Not pursued 28 Resolutions 8 Referred to Disciplinary Panel Practice Review DID YOU KNOW  Sanctions may be imposed in cases where there are more serious issues. There were 995 practice reviews conducted this past year. This number includes 84 re-inspections that were undertaken where standards had not been met in previous reviews. If a matter moves forward and there is a breach, the CPA may agree to accept a reprimand, take courses, pay fines and/or expenses, agree to public disclosure of the breach, or any combination of the above. Disciplinary Hearing Activities in 2017-2018 1 Resolution Agreement 9 Outcome pending Ethics & Discipline Process 130 Total Complaints in 2017-2018 20 54 56 Under review Complaints dismissed/ Not accepted Investigations authorized If a complaint is within CPABC’s jurisdiction, and there are grounds for the complaint, an investigation into the matter is undertaken. Generally the most serious matters are handled by the Disciplinary Committee. Findings can be enforced without a member’s consent. A CPA could receive a reprimand, have their membership suspended or cancelled, be required to comply with conditions for continued membership, and pay fines. All Disciplinary Panel findings are publicly disclosed. Decisions can be appealed to the Supreme Court of BC. For the full report, go to bccpa.ca/protectingthepublic. CPABC in Focus • July/August 2018 25