United CPA – Why it is good for business
Date: June 24, 2015
Name: United CPA – Why it is good for business
Presenters: Richard Rees, The Honourable Andrew Wilkinson, Lori Mathison, and Mary Anne Davidson
This is the moment for all accounting professionals to celebrate the success of uniting all accounting designations in British Columbia into one. Vancouver Board of Trade invites the panelists to discuss the impact of the proclamation of this proclamation. The panelist includes Richard Rees, the President and CEO of CPABC, the Honourable Andrew Wilkinson, the Minister of Advanced Education, Lori Mathison, the Vancouver Managing Partner from Dentons Canada LLP, and Mary Anne Davidson, the Director of Vancouver Board of Trade. All industry experts will discuss their view of how this new entity will impact the business in British Columbia.
Richard Rees announces the unification of all designations (CMA, CGA, and CA) will bring forward positive impacts. The process started 15 years ago. With over many failures, Rees believes this unification will improve the current vision of CPABC, the patent and how CPABC compromises with the society.
CPA is one of the largest bodies in the education industry. The education has enough flexibility to meet everyone’s needs. The bylaws and regulation have harmonized across the world. CPA provides great mobility to international market. Rees mentions CPA regulates with highest standard to ensure they are fulfill the confidence in public trust. Rees indicates CPA unification will serve better to the public. Moreover, CPA creates Financial Literacy program to provide financial education for children and adult, including person with disability. Rees believes CPA has established the privilege to serve the long term and open up many opportunity for the community.
“Trust the vision, service the public”
The Honourable Andrew Wilkinson believes CPA is the home mark of the company. It provides reliable financials to all companies. CPA has provided enough transparency and creditability to gain the trust of the community. Wilkinson presents the appreciation for the act of unification of 3 designations.
To ensure financial are protected, CPA members are required to raise standard from their learning process. The usage of CPA will represents the solid foundation to the society. Wilkinson reports based on BC job plan, Auditor ranks the top 4 in career choice for new generation. Wilkinson encourages accountants to involve with community board by giving back the skills to support the community.
The panelists
The unification can impact many businesses. Davidson believes in employers’ perceptive, the unification allows them to look at CPA for the external qualification. CPA provides employee’s professional development which can bring clarity back to the organization. Mathison believes the unification can bring simplicity. This allows the public to cut the noise and focus on what CPA really believes in. This also shows specialization to the society.
Rees believes there will be more international recognitions. It allows CPA members to build and develop on their international markets. Wilkinson indicates CPA provides the accuracy of liquidation on transaction, internal control and transparency. The agreement of unification shows the ability to maintain integrity towards the public.
Mathison understands CPA provides the standard recognition. It gives people the common language for easy communication. It will mitigates the international barriers as well. Moreover, it is easier for other countries to share and follow.
In corporate perspective, Davidson believes internal and external audits are the main concern. CPA will enhance the standard to provide greater insurance for corporates.
Wilkinson mentions the process of unification is now the legislation across Canada. People seems to understand the importance of CPA, which encourages many buy in during the process.
Rees believes one of the main key elements is to improve the quality exam and continue the strong ethic. Mathison believes the mobility of CPA can help public interest. Davidson identities the main challenge is that the current CPA members might have the impression that it is necessary to start over the investment of their professional education. Rees will ensure CPA will have a strong framework to mitigate this issue. Mathison believes CPA will help people understand the financial perspective.
Rees ensures CPA has the responsibility to public an economy. Orientation will be provided to new members. The CPA has 3 important elements to the public.
- Technical Skill
- People Skill
- Geographic management skill
Rees suggests accountants to be involved with volunteer boards. This will help CPA to be more connected with the community. By sharing the framework, CRA are relying on CPA. The unification will improve the communication with the public.