5. Self-reflect. Are you proud of the service you delivered to your client? Did you deliver this
service accurately and on time? Did you respond to your client’s concerns and communications
in a timely manner? If you answered “no” or “I’m not sure” to any of these questions, there
is a greater likelihood that your client may be dissatisfied with your services and/or the
ensuing bill.
Recall also that your worth as a service provider goes beyond your fee. Ultimately, clients
will make the choice of working with you based not only on their valuation of your direct
services but also on your trustworthiness and on the quality of their relationship with you.
If they believe your services are essential to their financial well-being, they are likely to stay
as on clients—even if they could get a lower fee from someone else.
What about fee disputes that
don’t involve the CPA Code?
CPABC offers a free and voluntary fee reso-
lution service. Both parties must agree to
participate in the process to access this service,
and the significant terms are as follows:
• Both parties must enter into a written fee
resolution agreement;
• Any collection actions must be ended;
• The unpaid balance of the fees in
dispute, including any taxes and interest,
must be placed in trust with CPABC’s
solicitors;
• The fee resolution is final and binding,
with no appeal; and
• Reasons for the determination will not
be provided to either the client or the
CPA involved.
Files are accepted when the outstanding
(unpaid) fees are more than $3,000 before
taxes and interest. Files are not accepted in
cases where the fees have already been paid
by the client.
OWN
YOUR
FUTURE
UBC Diploma in Accounting Program
If you are a degree graduate aspiring to become a Chartered
Professional Accountant (CPA) but lack an applicable background
and the prerequisites, the UBC Diploma in Accounting Program
(DAP) bridges the gap and prepares you for a career in business.
UBC DAP equips graduates with the foundation for success in the CPA
Professional Education Program. Widely recognized by the accounting
industry, UBC DAP can be completed in as few as 12 months or as many
as 24 months while working full-time or part-time.
Find out how to put your career aspirations
into action: visit sauder.ubc.ca/dap
34 CPABC in Focus • March/April 2018
Do you need guidance?
CPAs must always act with integrity and due
care, and must never behave in a manner
that brings the profession into disrepute.
CPABC has professional standards advisors
who are here to help you comply with the CPA
Code when navigating difficult situations.
All guidance is confidential. Contact:
• Stella Leung, CPA, CA, at 604-488-2609
or [email protected].
• Brigitte Ilk, CPA, CGA, at 604-629-8363
or [email protected].
• Both can also be reached using our
toll-free number at 1-800-663-2677.
In complex cases, you may also want to
consider obtaining independent legal counsel.
The Chartered Professional Accountants Act,
CPABC Bylaws, CPABC Bylaw Regulations,
and CPABC Code of Professional Conduct can
be accessed online at bccpa.ca/regulatory/
act-bylaws-rules.
Comments or questions about this
article?
Contact the professional conduct department
at [email protected].