ICAA helps recognize Calgary leaders

On November 8, representatives of the ICAA were proud to host Premier Alison Redford at the Management Alumni Excellence Award Gala. Seated, from left to right: Doug Black QC, Chair of the Board of Governors, University of Calgary; Premier Alison Redford; Blair Nixon QC FCA, President, ICAA; Jane Halford CA, CEO & Executive Director, ICAA; Bob Twerdun CA, Chair, Chartered Accountants Education Foundation of Alberta. Standing, from left to right: Lauren Rooney, Haskayne School of Business student; Ryan Barberio, Executive Assistant to the Premier; Eva Friesen, MAX Award recipient; Steve Allan FCA; and, Darlene Twerdun. *Photo courtesy of the University of Calgary. Photographer: Mark Skogen.

Since 2009, the ICAA has been a proud sponsor of the University of Calgary’s Management Alumni Excellence Award, which recognizes an outstanding alumnus for exceptional business achievements, community contributions, and support of their alma mater.

“The Chartered Accountants of Alberta take great pride in supporting business across the province. We feel the MAX Award consistently honours Calgary’s brightest homegrown business stars, and we look always look forward to this annual partnership,” says Jane Halford CA, CEO & Executive Director of the ICAA.

This year’s recipient was Eva Friesen, the president and CEO of The Calgary Foundation, a community foundation established in 1955 to build an endowment for the long-term benefit of the Calgary community. Ms. Friesen has an extensive background of providing effective leadership in the not-for-profit sector, as she has also held leadership positions with Calgary Health Trust and the YWCA. Ms. Friesen was honoured at a gala dinner on November 8, at Calgary’s Fairmont Palliser. 

ICAA welcomes 455 graduates to the CA profession

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta warmly welcomes the province’s 455 successful Uniform Evaluation (UFE) graduates to the CA profession. The UFE is one of the world’s most rigorous professional examinations—taking place each year over three days in September—and is a crucial step toward becoming a Chartered Accountant.

As they do annually, Alberta students achieved outstanding results. Alberta writers make up over one-quarter of the 2011 National Honour Roll. A total of 14 Alberta CA students achieved National Honour Roll status, earning this recognition by being among the top 52 UFE writers from across Canada. Each of these honourees is simultaneously named to the ICAA’s Dzurko Honour Roll. The results of the 2011 UFE show that the CA profession is in great hands for the future.

The Dzurko Honour Roll was established in 1985 in memory of Vic Dzurko mba fca, ICAA Executive Director from 1967 to 1983. It is funded by the Chartered Accountants Education Foundation of Alberta. Each writer named to the honour roll is awarded the Winspear Medal of Excellence and a $1,000 cash prize. The Winspear Medal is named in honour of Alberta philanthropist and entrepreneur, Francis Winspear oc fca.

This year’s Alberta honour roll members are:

·         John Blow, KPMG LLP, Ottawa (formerly of Lethbridge)

·         Jonathan Gallo, MNP, Edmonton

·         Kalyna Hamilton, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Edmonton

·         Jenna Hardy, Ernst & Young LLP, Calgary

·         Melanie Hong, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Edmonton

·         Carla Kotylak, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Edmonton

·         Stephanie Murray, MNP, Leduc

·         Nicholas Purich, Ernst & Young LLP, Calgary

·         Melissa Salomons, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Calgary

·         Kelly Schmitt, SMART Technologies, Calgary

·         Alida Vanderstam, Deloitte & Touche LLP, Calgary

·         Devon Vig, KPMG LLP, Calgary

·         Amber Whaley, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Edmonton

·         Tsz Ying Wong, Ernst & Young LLP, Calgary

2011 Annual Review publication released

2011 ICAA Annual Review

The 2011 ICAA Annual Review is available online, or via hardcopy by sending a request—including your mailing information—to publicaffairs@icaa.ab.ca.

ICAA congratulates Nancy Southern, Alberta Business Person of the Year

The ICAA is excited to once again partner with Alberta Venture in presenting the Alberta Business Person of the Year Award. The Chartered Accountants of Alberta congratulate Nancy Southern (President, CEO & Deputy Chair, ATCO Ltd. and Canadian Utilities Inc.) on being named the 2011 Alberta Business Person of the Year.

"The Business Person of the Year Award is one of the premier business accolades in the province. The ICAA has been a proud sponsor of the award for several years, and we look forward to being present when Nancy officially accepts the honour,” says Jane Halford CA, CEO & Executive Director of the ICAA.

Nancy Southern has been acknowledged for her achievements in an editorial spread in the December edition of Alberta Venture, and will be honoured at an award luncheon at the Calgary Westin Hotel, January 25. Tickets are available through Alberta Venture. 

CAs in the News

Doug Lynkowski ca has recently been appointed Deputy Minister of Service Alberta. Doug obtained his CA designation in 1985 with BDO Dunwoody in Edmonton. Since that time, his career has largely centred around public sector employment, including positions at Alberta Finance, the City of St. Albert, and Alberta Treasury Board.

Kim Moody ca has been named chair of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Tax Foundation. He was previously vice-chair of the Board of Governors and chair of the Foundation’s Executive Committee. Established in 1945, the Canadian Tax Foundation is an independent tax research and education organization. The Foundation provides a forum for the discussion and analysis of issues in taxation and government finance through its conference, publications, and research projects. 

Spreading the word on becoming a CA

Students weren’t the only ones back on campus in September. One of the ICAA’s highest priorities is to “grow the profession”, and Institute staff and representatives were highly visible on post-secondary and high school campuses across the province this fall, in order to inform students about the benefits of joining the Alberta CA profession. 

The ICAA representatives interacted with students at career fairs, through student event sponsorship, and through hosting valuable career information events—titled “Meet the CA Training Office”—in Calgary, Edmonton and Lethbridge. These events, in particular, provide post-secondary students the opportunity to interact with representatives from potential employers. Combined, these events attracted more than 800 students and 50 training offices.

The ICAA also places a priority on other informative communications with Alberta high school and post-secondary students. These activities range from in class presentations to the distribution of CApitalize magazine—a publication designed to introduce students to the Alberta CA profession.

CAEF launches Forward Thinkers Club

The Chartered Accountants Education Foundation of Alberta has recently launched its Forward Thinkers Club, to recognize donors of its Paying it Forward financial literacy campaign.

The latest initiative in the Paying It Forward campaign portfolio has Honourary Campaign Chair, Steve Allan FCA asking Albertans to “prove” their status as Forward Thinkers. “Forward thinking is essential to the financial future of our province. This initiative enables individuals to make a significant impact, without having to make a burdensome financial commitment”, said Jane Halford CA, Executive Director of the CAEF. “I hope many Albertans will see the value of their contributions and becoming a member of the Forward Thinkers Club”.

www.albertaCAs.ca

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (ICAA) is the self-governing body which regulates approximately 12,000 Alberta CAs and CA students. The ICAA protects the public by setting the most rigorous qualification criteria, and establishing and enforcing the highest professional, ethical and practice standards. CAs play key roles within diverse segments of the economy, including public accounting, business, not-for-profit organizations, and government. Recognized internationally, the CA designation denotes superior financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight and leadership.

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