For his part, Simon is pleased to see that all professional accounting bodies in Canada are
now committed to CPA, but he admits he expected the government to move more quickly on
unifying legislation once all three accounting bodies in BC were in agreement.
“While government is supportive, and the process is moving now, I didn’t expect this to require
as much of our focus as it has,” he says.
Having served on the TSC for several years prior to taking on their current leadership roles,
Dan, Simon, and David are quick to point out that instead of three sets of legacy representatives,
they are all part of a very integrated team focused on unification.
“We may bring slightly different ideas about process to the table,” Simon explains, “however
all members are committed to the best interests of the profession, and that has allowed us to
reach consensus on every issue.”
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THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
16 CPABC in Focus • Sept/Oct 2014
All three feel very fortunate to have had the
opportunity to be part of the TSC and to
work with the leadership to advance the profession in BC at such a critical and exciting
time.
“The experience has been remarkable,”
says Dan. “We have had some very difficult
issues to work through, and working together
as a group, with good information, we have
been able to work through the issues in a
very positive way. I can honestly say it has
been fun.”
If the year that has just passed is any indication, the leadership team of BC’s professional accounting bodies can expect even more
excitement in the coming year. The major
items on BC’s “to-do” list include legislation,
a fully operational CPA Western School of
Business, a functioning Advanced Certificate
in Accounting and Finance Program (formerly
the Mid-Tier Certificate Program), and the
full integration of all staff into one new office
(see page 18).
While Dan, Simon, and David are focused
on the goals for their current terms, they are
also keenly aware that there is a bigger and
brighter future for CPABC.
“I believe this will be the year members
start to truly integrate, which is very exciting,”
Dan says. “With legislation in sight and an
education system unfolding, we can redouble
our focus on helping members truly integrate and meet as Chartered Professional
Accountants.”
Simon agrees.
“I want to see us develop our own CPA traditions—convocation, member recognition
events, conferences, and chapters,” he says.
“We all need to move forward and embrace
the changes.”
David adds that CPABC staff will be crucial
to ensuring that the needs of all members
are being met.
“We have a great leadership team to set the
major goals,” he says, “but the issue that
probably keeps me up at night the most is
HR. It’s really important that the staff know
how much we need them and that we continue to thank them for all their hard work.
They are experiencing integration each and
every day.”
David also stresses the importance of education and certification.