Foresight: The CPA Podcast (CPA Canada)
Explore every episode of Foresight: The CPA Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 03 Oct 2022 | Shareholder capitalism vs the rise of stakeholder capitalism | 00:25:37 | |
In 2021, Guy Cormier wrote an opinion piece published in the National Observer titled It's Time to Give Capitalism a Do Over. Mr. Cormier’s editorial is part of a debate that's been gaining momentum in the past few years. Broadly speaking, the debate is between traditional shareholder capitalism and the rise of stakeholder capitalism. A 1997 U.S. Business Roundtable argued that the paramount duty of directors is to serve the interests of shareholders. Guy Cormier has a very different view. Guy Cormier is the president and CEO of Desjardins Group. Desjardins is a Canadian Financial Services co-operative based in Quebec. It is the largest federation of credit unions in North America. Last year, in 2021, it made nearly $3 billion in after-tax income. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect that of CPA Canada. | |||
| 27 Feb 2023 | Is sustainability a priority in times of economic uncertainty? | 00:21:35 | |
On this episode, Priyanka Lloyd, Executive Director of Green Economy Canada, discusses how taking meaningful steps to reduce emissions can make businesses stronger and better equipped to navigate an unpredictable future. When times are uncertain, it's natural to become risk-averse and cling to familiar processes and approaches. However, she argues that this is the ideal time to rethink spending on energy. Despite global uncertainty, many organizations continue the shift to sustainability, but not all. What keeps Priyanka up at night is the challenge of encouraging the 1.2 million businesses in Canada to take meaningful steps to reduce emissions. She believes that this will make them stronger and better equipped to navigate an unpredictable future. Through her work, Priyanka helps companies implement sustainable practices, and in this episode, she cites a specific example of a small manufacturer that dramatically reduced costs by making slight adjustments to their infrastructure.
To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: | |||
| 25 Mar 2024 | Meet the tax advisor’s newest partner: AI | 00:23:18 | |
On this episode with Benjamin Alarie, CEO of Blue J and a tax law professor at the University of Toronto, we explore another case study of an AI-driven platform penetrating traditional CPA competencies. Blue J's “Ask Blue J” platform allows professionals to input complex tax queries and receive detailed, sourced responses in conversational language. This shift signifies a move from manual research to a streamlined, AI-enhanced approach. Tax professionals may feel anxiety towards the incursion of this powerful AI tool into their field, but Alarie argues that Ask Blue J complements rather than replaces human expertise. By automating early research stages, AI frees advisors to focus on strategic tasks like analysis and client advice, thus bolstering their role in the advisory process. The conversation explores serious issues in AI integration into tax practices, such as data privacy, security, and ensuring the accuracy of AI advice. Additionally, the episode digs into the thorny ethical and legal questions of who is ultimately accountable for the advice this AI offers. Is it the AI company or the CPA who relies on it? Listen now for insights on AI’s transformative potential and the need for CPAs and tax professionals to grasp AI's opportunities and challenges in tax advisory, emphasizing the necessity for adaptability and continuous learning. To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: | |||
| 26 Aug 2021 | Quel rôle joue l’IA en comptabilité? | 00:26:55 | |
This episode is in French. English listeners can find translations of the transcript and show notes through the links below. "Où est-ce qu'on se projette dans 20 ans? L'intelligence artificielle va être comme un collègue vers qui on se réfère pour supporter nos analyses. C'est quelqu'un qu'on va challenger, c'est une machine dont on va questionner les hypothèse" -- Marc-André Paquette, directeur de la transformation de la profession et des projets spéciaux à l'Ordre des CPA du Québec L’intelligence artificielle est un domaine en constante évolution qui prend de plus en plus d’importance dans le monde actuel. Il n’est donc pas surprenant que les professionnels comptables se questionnent sur la place qu’occupera éventuellement l’intelligence artificielle dans la profession et sur la façon dont celle-ci changera leur rôle. Dans ce premier épisode en français, les invités Marc-André Paquette, directeur de la transformation de la profession et des projets spéciaux à l'Ordre des CPA du Québec, et Mario Malouin, membre de l'Ordre des CPA du Québec et de l'Ordre des CPA de l'Ontario, nous éclairent sur le sujet. Plus précisément, ils nous expliquent les forces et les faiblesses de l’intelligence artificielle et comment les professionnels comptables devront apprendre à travailler avec cette nouvelle technologie afin d’optimiser leurs procédures et de rendre leur travail plus efficace. 2:44 : Bien comprendre le rôle que pourrait avoir prochainement l’intelligence artificielle dans le domaine comptable va requérir que les organisations passent à travers une phase exploratoire, par exemple avec des projets pilotes. 4:24 : Avant même de penser à la technologie, les professionnels devraient prendre le temps de cerner les systèmes moins efficaces au sein de leur pratique et la façon de les optimiser. Analyser la contribution potentielle de l’intelligence artificielle s’agit d’une deuxième étape. 7:10 : Afin d’éviter des problèmes dans les années à venir, les professionnels devront conserver leur rôle décisionnel et éviter de se fier aveuglément à l’intelligence artificielle. Ils devront faire preuve de jugement et continuellement remettre en question et contextualiser les analyses qui sont effectuées par l’intelligence artificielle. 10:14 : Il y a quatre composantes importantes à l’intelligence artificielle :
12:30 : L’intelligence artificielle est loin d'être rendue à un niveau où elle peut nous permettre d’accomplir énormément de tâches avec précision. Il s’agit donc d’une approche hélicoptère que de dire que l’intelligence artificielle va remplacer beaucoup d'emplois. L’intelligence artificielle a pour but non pas de remplacer l’humain, mais d’assister l’humain dans son travail. 16:09 : Un tournant dans l'histoire de l’intelligence artificielle a été la conférence de Dartmouth en 1956, où plus de vingt chercheurs se sont réunis et le concept de l'apprentissage machine a vu le jour. 17:27 : Afin d’aborder les enjeux relatifs à l’intelligence artificielle, les CPA et la profession devront jouer un rôle important dans les années à venir.... | |||
| 13 Nov 2023 | Adapting to new sustainability reporting standards | 00:19:57 | |
On this episode, Shreya Verma Mair, CPA, senior associate at ESG Global Advisors discusses the launch of the new International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) sustainability disclosure standards and their impact on sustainability reporting. While for many, this is seen as a major and unsettling shift in the way we manage reporting standards that may cause panic, Verma Mair says this is an opportunity for CPAs – if they’re prepared. Verma Mair believes that it is imperative for CPAs to get up to speed with ESG insights and scenario modelling to understand how climate risks can impact company value. As companies are required to merge sustainability reporting with their financial disclosures, it will be up to CPAs to lead that charge and work with other professions like actuaries and engineers to better quantify climate-related risks.
To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: | |||
| 18 Sep 2023 | Should accounting be part of STEM? | 00:23:21 | |
Jan Taylor, CPA, PhD, addresses a growing movement in the United States to have accounting considered as a STEM field and its potential impact on attracting new talent into the profession. On this episode, Jan Taylor, CPA, PhD, academic in residence and senior director of academic and student engagement at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA), passionately advocates for the inclusion of accounting within STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. She underscores how the profession has evolved from its traditional number-crunching origins into a field where technology and innovation hold centre stage. Jan outlines the multifaceted benefits that would accompany the recognition of accounting as a STEM discipline. This transition, she explains, could render accounting more attractive to a wider array of prospective students. "We are not counting beans anymore," Jan asserts, underlining how this acknowledgment would help dispel enduring stereotypes about the profession. She also reveals that contemporary accounting programs are already deeply immersed in areas such as data analytics, IT auditing, blockchain and cybersecurity. Jan convincingly argues that the move to formally recognize accounting as a STEM field is not so much about instigating change, but rather aligning with the already transformed reality of the profession. 7 Reasons why accounting should join other tech professions as a STEM field To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative
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| 15 Jul 2021 | Can Sustainability Be A Driving Force For The Canadian Economy? | 00:22:49 | |
Our first episode explores what sustainability means in the financial world and what role CPAs play in creating a greener future. Davinder Valeri, CPA, CA. Davinder (director of strategy, risk and performance with CPA Canada) and EY Canada East Leader Anne-Marie Hubert discuss this critical shift in the future of our accounting profession. They discuss:
We have the privilege to live in a world at a time where investors recognize that you will drive greater value for your investors if you drive value for your customers, your employees and society." -- Anne-Marie Hubert
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| 11 Mar 2024 | Can AI make sustainability reporting sustainable? | 00:23:00 | |
On this episode, Ryan Meyers, chief product officer at Manifest Climate, discusses how Manifest Climate, helps companies measure their sustainability efforts against regulations and see how they stack up against others. The platform uses AI to quickly check a company's reports against 50 regulatory standards, offering detailed comparisons and identifying where improvements are needed. Manifest Climate offers a case study in how artificial intelligence can be applied to the challenge of sustainability reporting and strategy. This is especially helpful for small and medium-sized businesses that might struggle to meet international sustainability standards due to limited resources. While Manifest Climate doesn't rely on large language models (LLMs) for its core function, this technology is layered onto what the program is able to deliver to clients. Ryan Meyers talks about the potential benefits and drawbacks of using LLMs when summarizing and analyzing large amounts of data for compliance purposes. He stresses that while AI can be an amazing assistant, human judgment is crucial –especially for complex decisions. Ryan Meyers shares a vision of how AI could make sustainability efforts more effective, and more achievable for small and medium sized companies. This episode is a valuable listen for entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals eager to leverage AI for a more sustainable future.
To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: | |||
| 13 Mar 2023 | The importance of driving innovation while navigating turbulent times | 00:21:48 | |
On this episode, Chris Dulny, CPA, chief digital data and innovation Officer at PWC Canada, discusses his deep concern that in tough economic times, Canadian businesses will prioritize short-term goals over long-term innovation strategies and potentially stifle their ability to adapt and thrive in the long run. Chris argues that innovation should not be viewed as a peripheral activity that can be put on hold until the economy stabilizes, but rather as a fundamental aspect of an organization's long-term viability. He says that in this disruptive world, innovation is really about creating the next evolution of your organization. As an expert in helping companies transform their business practices through innovation, Chris brings decades of experience as a CPA to the table. Whether it's leveraging data analytics, adopting cutting-edge technologies or redesigning workforce culture, Chris is passionate about driving innovation and helping companies stay ahead of the curve. | |||
| 12 Aug 2021 | Are Financial Statements Dead? | 00:21:05 | |
Are financial statements relics of the past? A myriad of financial tools and alternative sources of information have crowded a space once dominated by financial statements and the accountants who prepared them. But as AI grows more sophisticated and the sources of financial data continue to expand, can CPAs maintain their role at the centre of economic activity? David McGuffin speaks with Jon Lukmonik, Managing Director of Sinclair Capital and Cathy Cobey, the EY Global Trusted A.I. Advisory Leader, about how big data and AI change everything about investing. And how CPAs need to respond to thrive in this new environment. “(CPAs) need to understand how financial statements link to the broader universe of data, And if that happens, the centrality of the profession to the economy will continue. But if not, then, unfortunately, they could become the weavers of the 21st century," says Jon Lukomnik. In this episode, they discuss: 1m:00s
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| 28 Feb 2022 | CPAs and the double-edged sword of technology | 00:24:31 | |
As organizations generate larger and larger amounts of data, traditional accounting practices like audits are increasingly difficult to perform effectively without the help of technology like AI. And while AI presents CPAs with the opportunity to expand skillsets and manage massive datasets, it also comes with significant risks. In this episode, David McGuffin speaks with professional accountant Rachel Kirkham about how she navigates a path between the opportunities and risks of AI in her role as Vice President of Analytics and Data Science for the accounting tech firm MindBridge. She says a key risk is the potential for biases to creep into the ways data is collected and interpreted. Rachel tells David, “There are a bunch of different things that you have to think about and there are techniques to mitigate against biases but it's about being aware of them as a data scientist. An awareness that this is something that you actually need to explicitly consider and manage as a risk.” The narrow wedge between the promise and the perils of technology is what Laura and Brian Friedrich call the double-edged sword of technology for accountants. They wrote a paper exploring this issue in collaboration with CPA Canada, the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS), and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA). Brian tells David that balancing the risks and rewards of technology requires CPAs to bring their public interest mandate to the front of their professional practice, “That's what has to be held above all else…when things start to look like they're crossing the line, or if there's a risk of them crossing the line that you're able to stand back and ask the important questions about what's this tech really going to be doing? And does it seem appropriate for us to do that? Has there been enough testing of those sorts of things?” Key Moments: 4:31 Rachel Kirkham discusses the potential dangers of machine learning algorithms 5:42 Rachel describes steps that need to be taken to remove bias from algorithms 9:03 Rachel describes how AI can improve audits. 11:40 How the MindBridge algorithms were audited by University College London 14:03 Rachel speaks to how CPAs can balance the risks and opportunities of AI 16:00 Why the accounting designation came into play when designing and developing the Mindbridge AI 20:00 Brian Friedrich on the critical role CPAs play in managing the opportunities and risks of AI 21:38 Why CPAs need to keep their public interest mandate front and centre as these advanced tools evolve. Resources: CPA Canada Foresight Initiative Technology is a double-edged sword
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| 02 Oct 2023 | How CPAs can manage a more polarized workplace | 00:27:29 | |
Liane Davey, PhD., and author of ‘The Good Fight’, distinguishes healthy and unhealthy workplace conflict and how CPAs can cultivate an environment that encourages collaboration. On this episode, renowned team effectiveness advisor and author of The Good Fight , Liane Davey, PhD., discusses how to manage problems in a workplace arising from individuals with polarized views. Bringing people together around common goals and bridging the gaps between various parts of an organization is integral to the modern CPA’s role; the CPA Competency Map 2.0 identifies conflict management as a key competency in the foundational common core. With that in mind, this episode digs into the skills CPAs need to master to successfully navigate this developing and emerging issue. Listen now to deepen your understanding of how effective conflict navigation and communication can not only become a crucial part of your role, but also a driver of your success in an increasingly polarized world. Highlights of SHRM 2022 Politics at Work Study Eurasia Group’s Top Risks of 2023 3 Strategies to Address Political Polarization in the Workplace To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative
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| 09 May 2022 | The CPA’s role in fighting corruption and money laundering | 00:26:16 | |
The rise in globalization and the ever-increasing sophistication of corruption schemes have exponentially expanded the scope of the professional accountant’s role. The challenges CPAs currently face are significantly different from those encountered 20-25 years ago. It is important that CPAs rise to this challenge and equip themselves with the knowledge and skills to effectively combat misconduct at both a local and global level. Our first guest, José Hernandez is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ortus Strategies, a consulting firm that helps companies rebuild ethics and compliance programs. Prior to this, he founded FGI Europe and has been closely involved in unraveling many high-profile corruption cases over the past two and a half decades. He frequently offers expert testimony to legislatures, parliament, and governments on combatting corruption. “The first lesson is that accepting, tolerating corrupt regimes for an extended period of time, does inflict a tremendous human toll” says José, “in many ways, we’ve become too complacent… We really have to fight, and as accountants, custodians of this financial system. We need to fight even harder.” Michele Wood-Tweel speaks to the need for legislation to keep up with the ever-evolving practices of financial criminals, particularly in this country. Michelle is CPA Canada's Vice President of Regulatory Affairs and supports the council of chief executive's public trust committee. “Corruption is ramping up across the globe and Canada is not immune. In the CPA profession, we have to be aware that the risk is ever-present.” Michele comments, “we have to be super aware of what is taking place. We have to rise to the occasion to make sure that we're asking the right questions.” Episode 8 explores the responsibility of the CPA role in a global effort to combat corruption. Key Takeaways: 1:32 - What the current situation in Russia/Ukraine can teach us about corruption 2:50 – The impact of international fraud on accountants 4:34 - The SNC Lavalin case 6:00 – How corruption has changed in the last few decades 8:29 – New challenges CPAs are facing 15:45 – How the Canadian government is trying to keep up with money laundering, particularly with the rise in virtual currency 19:26 – Examples of money laundering within Canada and what it means for Canadian accountants 21:27 – What to look out for as a CPA and how to stay on top of these rapid changes For more information on Canada’s anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing legislation (AML/ATF), please visit the following: AML/ATF Guide: AML Resources: Anti-money laundering resources Learn more about CPA Canada's Foresight initiative, go to foresight.cpacanada.ca To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: | |||
| 16 Oct 2023 | The impact of Gen Z on the accounting profession | 00:25:28 | |
In May 2021, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) produced a study called Ground-breakers: Gen Z and the future of accountancy . The study suggests the future of accounting is no longer in the hands of baby boomers and gen-Xers. Millennials have stepped into leadership roles and a new generation with a distinct perspective on the profession is entering the workforce. Generation Z, born after 1996, are digital natives who have never experienced a world without the internet and are starting their careers when remote work is the norm. Gen Z signals a societal shift that will influence the evolution of the accounting profession over the next decade. This episode features a panel with three unique perspectives to help understand this shift: Charlotte Hamilton, CPA, senior consultant at EY Canada; Murjanat "MJ" Dambatta, CPA, an assistant controller at Oliver and Bonacini Hospitality; and Safia Rahemtulla, CPA, CA, CIA, C3PRMP, an associate partner at EY Canada. They delve into the aspirations and expectations of Gen Z professionals, shedding light on their motivations. Ground-breakers: Gen Z and the future of accountancy To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative
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| 13 Feb 2023 | How Cirque du Soleil survived a $1B revenue loss | 00:22:41 | |
On this episode, we speak with Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group’s president and CEO Stéphane Lefebvre about his experience facing what seemed to be the worst-case scenario for the entertainment giant. In March 2020, Cirque du Soleil had six shows in Las Vegas with another 10 shows touring around the world. Then suddenly, within just six days, their revenue plummeted from over a billion dollars per year to zero. In his previous role as CFO, Stéphane helped identify new sources of funding for the company, and now, as CEO, he is leading the company's renewal efforts. Lefebvre recounts how he and his team were able to navigate this period of extreme uncertainty. Not only did his team need to manage to keep the company afloat, they also had to contend with the challenge of getting hundreds of performers and employees, located all around the world, back to their respective homes safely. The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect that of CPA Canada. To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: | |||
| 07 Jul 2021 | Trailer - Foresight: The CPA Podcast | 00:01:57 | |
Foresight: the CPA Podcast is set to launch July 15, 2021, but here's a small taste of what you can expect to hear. David McGuffin is the host for the English episodes in the series. David has reported around the world as a journalist for CBC. He was most recently a Supervising Editor for National Public Radio in Washington DC. Episodes four and five will be in French and hosted by Jean-Sébastien Marie. Jean-Sébastien est un journaliste et pédagogue basé à Ottawa. Jean-Sébastien a plus d'une décennie d'expérience comme journaliste et réalisateur. Il est également instructeur en journalisme numérique et data storytelling à l'Université d'Ottawa et à l'Université Carleton. | |||
| 19 Sep 2022 | Using sustainability as an opportunity to future-proof your accounting career | 00:24:38 | |
The rise of sustainability in business reporting requires CPAs to develop new skills and a new knowledge set. This may seem daunting, but Blake Phillips sees it as a way of future-proofing your career. Blake Phillips is the director of the School of Accounting and Finance at the University of Waterloo. He is the co-developer of a new program at the university, one that is aimed at training tomorrow’s green financial experts. The Bachelor of Sustainability and Financial Management officially starts in Fall 2022. The program’s fusion of sustainability and financial management is unique in Canada and highlights the integrated set of skills that will be in high demand in coming years. Phillips makes the point that accountants, who are well versed in financial systems, need to ensure that they gain the appropriate knowledge to understand financial, social and natural systems equally. University of Waterloo Sustainability and Financial Management program To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative
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| 29 Jul 2021 | What Jobs Will CPAs Have in the Future? | 00:20:10 | |
When a World Economic Forum study found accountants and auditors to be the fourth most likely professions to decrease, it was "a huge wake-up call for the industry," said Tim Jackson. He is chair of the Competency Map Task Force, responsible for creating CPA Canada's new competency map. In this episode, Tim describes both the daunting challenges CPAs face, as well as the opportunities the profession’s ever-changing landscape presents. He says that we've seen significant changes within the profession over the last two decades that have necessitated new skills and the adoption of new ideas and technologies. And when we look to the future of accounting, the trend of constant change looks likely only to accelerate.
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| 30 Jan 2023 | Managing investments in uncertain times | 00:22:15 | |
Our guest in this episode, Anish Chopra, FCPA, shares his approach when it comes to managing investments during times of macroeconomic uncertainty, and how being a CPA has helped him manage his emotions during high-stress periods. Anish Chopra is the managing director and portfolio manager at Portfolio Management Corporation. Prior to this, he oversaw over $100 billion dollars in investment management mandates as managing director of the Innovative Solutions Group at TD Asset Management. Season 4 looks at what keeps CPAs up at night. When asked this question, Chopra points out that once you start losing sleep, it probably means you've structured your investments in such a way that you're unable to handle the economic uncertainty that you're facing, and it's best to make adjustments now. He explains how his training to become a CPA has helped him manage emotions when making difficult business decisions. As it turns out, what helps him get a good night’s sleep is asking himself, “How much of a decline can I handle?” Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of CPA Canada To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: | |||
| 31 Oct 2022 | Now is the time for CPAs to become ESG-literate | 00:19:44 | |
In 2013, Peter Bakker wrote an article in the Harvard Business review titled Accountants Will Save the World. Almost 10 years later, Roopa Davé continues to share Bakker’s enthusiasm for the impact CPAs can have on the biggest issues facing our planet. Davé is a partner in KPMG’s Sustainability Services practice. “The skillsets and abilities of the CPA coupled with those of others will be very important in coming up with solutions in the fight against climate change,” she says. On this episode, she describes how the opportunity for CPAs to help solve important global issues adds purpose to the day-to-day work of accountants. Roopa Davé says, now’s the time for CPAs to jump on board with sustainability initiatives. CPAs are increasingly expected to work with equal proficiency in both financial and ESG statements. And according to Davé, that expectation is only going to grow in the near future. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of CPA Canada | |||
| 14 Mar 2022 | Roadmap to the modern CFO office | 00:20:58 | |
Newly designated CPAs have a wide range of options ahead of them, but for many, the CFO office remains the ultimate goal. However, today’s CFO looks very different from decades past. Advanced technical skills are now just table stakes. CEOs are looking for CFOs to be strategic partners focused on growth and increasing shareholder value. According to our first guest, this means aspiring CFOs need to accumulate a wide range of experiences beyond finance. Ross Woledge is Partner at Odgers Berndtson, an international executive search firm. He is head of the firm's CFO practice. Ross says CEOs are looking for CFOs who have experience running business lines, managing a wide range of employees and building value for shareholders. “The technical is absolutely table stakes, and you need that. You can't get to the strategic without that, but having that strategic acumen, CEOs are absolutely adamant that that's what they want,” says Ross Woledge. Geoff Lowe agrees with this. He is CFO for Enercare, one of North America's largest energy services providers. It's a bit of a switch from positions he held earlier in digital media and publishing with Rogers. “Today's companies are so dynamic, and they require CFOs to have, really the full range of technical finance knowledge but also combined with having the requisite leadership skills, along with strategic and commercial acumen,” he says. He adds, “Sometimes it's easier said than done.” Today’s episode lays out a roadmap to the modern CFO office. Key Takeaways: 1:15 - What recruiters are looking for when seeking CFO candidates 2:45 - How the CPA designation offers a critical competitive advantage to candidates 6:30 - Examples of CFOs whose career paths moved beyond finance 12:35 - Why we are entering the era of the CFO 14:17 - Judy Adam describes her journey to CFO of Fire and Flower 17:25 - Judy Adam describes how her role as CFO encompasses a lot more than just overseeing finance. 18:42 - Advice to CPAs who've got their sights set on the CFO position Learn more about CPA Canada's Foresight initiative, go to foresight.cpacanada.ca To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative
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| 16 Jan 2023 | What's keeping this technology-focused CPA up at night? | 00:23:38 | |
We’re kicking off season four with Obed Maurice. Obed is a partner at Avail, a mid-sized business advisory and accounting firm in southern Alberta. He's a CPA and he leads the firm's cloud accounting service. It's a specialty he developed on his own as the founder of Maxim Management, one of Canada's earliest cloud accounting firms. Avail acquired Maxim in 2019. What keeps him up at night is not the future of cloud accounting or digital services or the uncertain future of any of the industries Avail serves. Instead, Obed focused on something much closer to home for CPAs. What keeps him up at night is the uncertainty of how he can continue to attract top talent in the accounting industry. Listen to how he uses technology to attract top talent from across the country to help keep his business competitive. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of CPA Canada To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: | |||
| 14 Feb 2022 | How CPAs can lead the drive to digital transformation | 00:21:44 | |
The drive towards digital transformation is creating new opportunities, new business models, and emerging leadership positions for CPAs who are up for the challenge. In this episode, we hear from two CPAs who are driving this shift towards digital. First up is Josh Zwieg, co-founder and CEO of Live CA, Canada's first and largest online accounting firm. Josh says his customers are looking for more advanced reporting and more advanced analysis and to stay competitive, he needs, “technology to stay at the forefront because that's in fact what our customers are asking for." However, Josh also says the biggest challenge to successful digital transformation is not technology per se, but people. “Technology isn't the solution. It is part of the solution. And what we need to do is really understand the needs of the other person on the other side, to really understand their goals and to be conscious of them when doing an implementation. This is fundamentally important to a successful transformation.” David’s next guest agrees. Nat D'Ercole is a partner at Deloitte where he's the data transformation leader for Deloitte Canada's artificial intelligence practice. He tells David, the human aspects of being a leader are critical, “Leading with empathy, understanding what’s important to the leaders participating in your transformation, what are they looking to get out of the initiative in terms of their own personal growth? So having that connection with your leaders and helping them to be successful on their own personal journeys is a very important human aspect of leading transformation.” Nat encourages CPAs to develop a mindset that spots the opportunity that comes with perpetual change, “The new normal is that there is no normal and having a mindset that there isn't a beginning and an end to a particular transformation or a particular project or program. There'll continue to be change thrown at you and the need to continue to absorb that, understand that and push forward to embed improvements in processes,” says Nat. Highlights: 2:05 Josh Zweig talks about the lack of a formal business plan in the early days of LiveCA 4:28 The market gap LiveCA fills 5:36 How today, LiveCA is both an accounting services firm and a technology services firm 10:30 Josh Zweig on how the human element is the most common obstacle companies face as they implement digital transformation. 14:50 Nat D'Ercole on whether or not CPAs have the skills needed to drive digital transformation 16:00 How CPAs can insert themselves in leadership roles in digital transformation 19:15 The mindset that drives successful digital transformation
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| 09 Sep 2021 | L'IA et le rôle des CPA dans la protection de l'intérêt public? | 00:21:53 | |
Note to English listeners: this is our second and final French episode for this season of Foresight. Links to English resources can be found at the bottom of the show notes. « Nous, on est surpris quand on a une conversation, parce que parfois on reçoit des spécialistes de la transformation numérique, ils nous demandent, “Qu’est-ce qu’un CPA vient faire ici?” Après une demi-heure, trois quarts d’heure de discussion sur comment on traite l’information financière, c’est comme un eurêka, un moment eurêka pour eux. Ils se disent : “Bien oui, on ne va pas réinventer la roue, ça existe déjà.” » — Michel Girard, agrégé supérieur de recherche au Centre pour l’innovation dans la gouvernance internationale Dans ce cinquième épisode, Marc-André Paquette, directeur de la transformation de la profession et des projets spéciaux à l’Ordre des CPA du Québec, est de retour, cette fois suivi d’un nouvel invité, Michel Girard, agrégé supérieur de recherche au Centre pour l’innovation dans la gouvernance internationale. Faisant suite au dernier épisode sur l’importance qu’aura l’intelligence artificielle dans la profession comptable, les invités développent sur les dimensions éthiques reliées aux nouvelles technologies ainsi que sur l’importance du rôle des CPA dans l’entraînement et la configuration de celles-ci. Les invités discutent entre autres du contrôle que devront maintenir les CPA sur la qualité des données et l’accès aux données afin de protéger l’intérêt public et de s’assurer que les machines intelligentes prendront des décisions moralement justifiables et cohérentes avec les valeurs actuelles de notre société. 1:26 : Pour que l’intelligence artificielle puisse prendre des décisions éthiques qui se justifient dans le contexte actuel, les systèmes d’intelligence artificielle doivent être entraînés et configurés avec attention. Effectivement, pour l’instant, l’intelligence artificielle n’est pas en mesure de distinguer le bien du mal. 3:24 : Près de 80 % du temps passé à utiliser l’intelligence artificielle devrait être dédié à la préparation et au raffinement des données. Avant même de transférer les données dans le système intelligent, il faut s’assurer que la base de données est exempte d’erreurs, représentative à la fois de l’historique décisionnel et des décisions que nous voulons appliquer dans le futur. 5:55 : La pandémie a été un grand accélérateur du virage numérique qui a forcé les administrateurs et les CPA à repenser aux problématiques urgentes. 7:40 : Les CPA auront un rôle important à jouer relativement à la chaîne de valeur des données qui est composée de trois maillons :
10:15 : Les CPA ne sont pas là pour remplacer ou concurrencer les autres intervenants de la chaîne de gestion des données, tels que les mathématiciens ou les ingénieurs, mais plutôt pour leur apporter une valeur ajoutée en intervenant entre autres sur les plans des affaires et de la gouvernance. 13:36 : Avec le retour tranquille à la normale à la suite de la pandémie, les CPA devraient prioriser la mise en place d’un cadre pour la stratégie de transformation numérique et la création d’une politique pour gérer les données. Les CPA devraient aussi se poser des questions d’intégration, par exemple sur la manière d’assumer la propriété... | |||
| 12 Feb 2024 | Identifying and controlling the risks of Generative AI for CPAs | 00:24:16 | |
We are continuing our conversation on Generative AI, often referred to as Gen AI, with Cathy Cobey, FCPA, global responsible AI co-lead at EY, to explore the potential risks that come with introducing this new technology to the accounting profession. Cobey brings extensive experience working on the ethics and control implications of AI and other autonomous systems. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the capabilities and limitations of Gen AI and how it falls to the CPA to ensure the origin, accuracy and reliability of the data and information, while also advocating for robust governance and transparency surrounding the use of this technology. Episode 2 also touches on the evolving regulatory standards regarding AI in auditing and financial statement preparation. Cobey concludes with a realistic yet optimistic outlook on AI's role in accounting, stressing the importance of trust and control mechanisms in adopting and leveraging this technology effectively. Listen now to learn some valuable insights on navigating the new dynamics of AI as a CPA. To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative
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| 30 Oct 2023 | Will generative AI replace the CPA? | 00:25:04 | |
On this episode, Annie Veillet, the national Intelligent Automation practice leader at PwC Canada dives into the rise of generative AI and what it means for the accounting profession. Will these tools replace CPAs? Veillet doesn’t believe so. Hear her thoughts as she discusses how these tools are being used internally at PwC, as well as addressing the very real concern about the reliability of generative AI. Veillet envisions a future where the relationship between AI and humans is collaborative: generative AI can take a larger role in financial analysis and auditing, but it will always require human oversight to authenticate data outputs. With that legwork done, CPAs will have an opportunity to utilize that data to provide additional insights and have more informed conversations with stakeholders. To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative
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| 08 Apr 2024 | The role of the CPA in certifying the digital world of AI | 00:22:10 | |
On this episode, Simon Dermarkar, associate professor of accounting at HEC Montreal, discusses the evolving role of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and data governance. Simon emphasizes the critical importance of data as the fuel of AI. He argues that it is natural for CPAs to apply their expertise in assurance and internal controls to the vast domains of digital data and AI-driven processes. By ensuring the quality of data that feeds into AI models, CPAs can play a pivotal role in enhancing the reliability and integrity of technological systems across various sectors. Simon has poured these insights into his popular course, Audit and Big Data. He encourages students to go beyond the AI tools that simply speed up traditional accounting tasks by understanding how to audit and govern digital data. Through this course, accounting students learn to see themselves as key players in shaping the future of business and information management. This episode is a must-listen for accounting professionals, students and anyone interested in the intersection of AI, data governance and the future of the accounting profession. Simon Dermarkar shares a compelling vision of how CPAs can become strategic partners in the digital revolution, contributing to a more sustainable and trustworthy information economy.
To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: | |||
| 23 Sep 2021 | Why Accountants Need To Be the Voice of Ethics in the Boardroom | 00:25:50 | |
As the accounting industry adapts to a new digital era, CPAs need to expand their role as key ethical leaders in organizations. Laura and Brian Friedrich, principals at Friedrich and Friedrich Corp. and co-authors of the article “Ethical Leadership in an Era of Complexity and Digital Change,” weigh in on the broader responsibilities faced by accountants when engaging in big picture planning and institution-wide decision making. On this episode of Foresight: The CPA Podcast, Laura and Brian field real-world examples as they dive into topics including automation, change management, the human aspect of transitions, AI, and skill sets that keep accountants central to the economy.
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| 28 Mar 2022 | Mettre les compétences en audit des CPA au service du développement durable | 00:20:32 | |
>> This is the first of two French episodes this season. English listeners can find show notes below along with links to the English transcript << « Un CPA, c'est des professionnels qui ont une très grande polyvalence, mais en même temps la rigueur nécessaire pour faire l'audit. Ça nécessite une certaine vision, une capacité d'analyse, puis être en mesure de prendre tout le fruit du travail et être en mesure de synthétiser et de produire un rapport qui va être le plus porteur possible. »
Dans ce premier épisode en français de la deuxième saison du balado, l’animateur, Jean-Sébastien Marier, s’entretient avec la CPA et commissaire au développement durable au Québec, Mme Janique Lambert. Après plusieurs années à exercer ses fonctions de comptable en audit financier, Mme Lambert a choisi de dévouer la suite de sa carrière à l’audit de performance auprès du Bureau du Vérificateur général du Québec. Toujours dans l’objectif d’explorer l’avenir de la profession de CPA, l’animateur et son invitée échangent sur l’importance de la multidisciplinarité au sein d’une équipe, la rareté et la portée du poste de commissaire au développement durable et l’ouverture du milieu privé à créer des postes d’auditeurs en matière d’environnement et de développement durable. Au cours de l’entrevue, Mme Lambert décrit également les trois types d’audits effectués au sein du Bureau du Vérificateur général du Québec ainsi que les différences entre chacun, soit :
[01:36] : Le rôle du commissaire au développement durable est visé par la Loi sur le Vérificateur général, qui prévoit essentiellement que le commissaire doit produire un rapport annuel portant sur l’application de la Loi sur le développement durable ainsi que sur le Fonds d'électrification et des changements climatiques. [02:36] : Le Bureau du Vérificateur général du Québec touche à une grande variété de mandats portant sur une vaste gamme de sujets, allant de la gestion des eaux, à la production agricole jusqu’à la planification des mines au Québec et l’étiquetage des aliments. [04:59] : Mme Lambert nous décrit son parcours unique. Après trois ans au sein de la firme Ernst & Young, elle s’est dirigée vers l’audit législatif en entrant au Bureau du Vérificateur où elle a d’abord travaillé en audit financier pour ensuite poursuivre en tant que directrice et finalement occuper le poste de commissaire au développement durable. [07:10] : Dans le cadre des audits sur le développement durable, il est primordial d’avoir une équipe formée de membres diversifiés avec des spécialités et des parcours différents pour favoriser la création des meilleurs rapports d’analyse possibles. [09:55] : La grande différence entre l’audit financier, plus traditionnel, et l’audit de performance est que l’audit de performance demande une plus grande aisance avec le fait de partir de zéro puisqu’il n’y a pas de rapport de l’année précédente, il faut donc commencer avec une page blanche. [12:14] : Au niveau provincial, le poste de commissaire au développement durable du Québec est axé spécifiquement sur des mandats en... | |||
| 26 Feb 2024 | SMEs slow adoption of AI and Canada’s Productivity Crisis | 00:24:20 | |
On this episode, Jean-Sébastien Charest, chief information officer at the Business Development Bank of Canada discusses Canada’s productivity crisis. Canada’s labour productivity, which is measured by the real gross domestic product (GDP) by hours worked across the economy, has been compared with the United States and other advanced economies, and Canada is lagging behind. Charest believes one key factor to Canada’s falling productivity is the underinvestment in new technologies, particularly the hesitance of Canadian businesses to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), especially among small and medium enterprises where AI adoption is slowest. Canada is ranked 20th among 35 OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries in AI adoption, so Charest outlines a practical “three horizon” strategy for AI integration to help these Canadian SMEs catch up. This episode is a useful resource for any entrepreneur, business leader or professional looking to boost revenue and cut costs. Listen now to learn how AI can help close Canada’s productivity gap and its role as a transformative tool in reshaping the country’s businesses and economy. | |||
| 25 Apr 2022 | De CPA auditeur à formateur en finances personnelles | 00:19:21 | |
Dans ce septième épisode de la deuxième saison du balado, Jean-Sébastien reçoit Pierre-Yves McSween, un invité qui porte plusieurs chapeaux. Effectivement, Pierre-Yves est non seulement CPA, mais aussi chroniqueur à la radio et animateur de l'émission L'indice McSween sur les ondes de Télé-Québec, en plus d’être l’auteur de plusieurs livres dont le livre : En as-tu vraiment besoin ? Il a aussi un passé en enseignement. Cet homme à tout faire réinvente la profession comptable traditionnelle en vulgarisant les règles du jeu financier au grand public à travers ses livres et les médias. Au cours de l’épisode, Pierre-Yves nous éclaire sur son cheminement et sa routine hors du commun ainsi que sur sa façon de voir et de vulgariser les finances personnelles. Il explique aussi la plus-value que lui apporte sa formation de CPA au sein des médias. Finalement, il nous partage ses prédictions sur l’avenir de la comptabilité. « Tu sais, les normes comptables, ça sert aux comptables et aux entreprises, mais les finances personnelles, ça touche 100 % des humains sur Terre. Même ceux qui ne sont pas financiers, ils vivent des conséquences économiques, ils vivent, disons, le mécanisme très violent du capital. Et donc, je me suis dit: Dans la vie, il vaut mieux apprendre aux gens à se servir des règles du jeu que de les combattre parce que les combattre, c'est long, tandis que savoir s'en servir, c'est accessible rapidement. »
[01:16] : Pierre-Yves nous décrit sa semaine typique et sa façon de naviguer la chronique, les enfants, les tournages et l’écriture. Il s’agit de journées très chargées, où il se lève très tôt et se couche très tard. [04:42] : La formation de CPA est à l’avantage de Pierre-Yves maintenant qu’il travaille dans les médias. La plupart des journalistes et chroniqueurs nécessitent l’aide d’autres personnes pour bien comprendre l’information qu’ils doivent rapporter. Ce n’est pas son cas. Effectivement, il est en mesure de trouver et de comprendre l’information pertinente en seulement quelques secondes. [05:41] : La vulgarisation devant les médias peut être comparée à l’enseignement, la différence étant le micro et le nombre de personnes qui reçoivent le message. L’enseignement a bien préparé l’invité pour sa carrière actuelle puisque c’est pendant son parcours en tant qu’enseignant qu’il a appris à répondre aux questions non préparées, parler en public et expliquer du matériel théorique en passant par l’humour pour une meilleure assimilation. [06:42] : C’est à travers sa vie personnelle et en faisant lui-même face aux mécanismes du jeu financier que Pierre-Yves a goûté aux finances personnelles et qu’il s’est rendu compte que les gens n’avaient pas une bonne compréhension. Même certains comptables n’arrivent pas à optimiser leurs affaires. Ses expériences personnelles, jumelées à son expérience dans les banques pendant la crise financière, lui ont permis de développer beaucoup de bagage sur la compréhension technique du système et de se sentir utile. [08:43] : Pierre-Yves nous explique qu’il ne vend pas du rêve. Il vend plutôt des mécanismes et explique les règles du jeu de la société, ce qui permet aux gens de mieux agir sur le plan financier et d’optimiser leur performance financière. Ces règles sont expliquées à travers ses livres qui nous éclairent notamment au niveau de | |||
| 29 Jan 2024 | The CFO and Generative AI – A Transformative Partnership | 00:26:26 | |
We’re kicking off season six with Sree Balakrishnan, partner at Deloitte Canada, and Zohaib Akhtar, senior manager on Deloitte’s Omnia AI team, as we explore how the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be shaped by the evolution and adoption of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI). Our guests bring their extensive experience working with CFOs and finance professionals to the table to discuss how Gen AI is moving beyond mere automation to become a strategic partner in enhancing productivity, controlling costs, and driving revenue growth. Balakrishnan and Akhtar discuss Deloitte's latest findings, which highlight that an overwhelming 94% of companies are betting on AI for their success strategies. They discuss the way businesses can continue to embrace innovation and maintain control in the financial sector. Listen now as they peer into the future and imagine a world where the role of the CFO expands beyond finance and describe how CPAs can update their skills to help capitalize on the adoption of Gen AI. To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative
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| 31 Jan 2022 | Mid-Career CPAs and the need to embrace technology | 00:20:20 | |
This first episode of the second season zeroes in on the need for CPAs to develop a growth mindset. Someone with a growth mindset loves to innovate; is quick to embrace new technologies, and seeks out new ways of doing traditional activities. This growth mindset is especially important for mid-career CPAs as they begin rubbing shoulders with new entrants to the profession who have moved through the updated CPA Competency Map. In this episode host, David McGuffin speaks with Irene Wiecek. Irene is a professor of accounting at the University of Toronto and she was part of the team that created the new Competency Map. Irene says CPA’s of the future will “Get up every day thirsty to say, ‘What can I make better?’, ‘How can I improve performance today?’, and that to me is going to be the big change.’’ That definitely describes how Andrew Morgan approaches his role at EY. Andrew is a partner in charge of data analytics for the financial services audit practice. He’s also a member of EY's audit innovation lab. Andrew speaks to David about the ways he has brought innovation to the audit process. Just one example, he now has a pilot’s license to fly drones over parking lots and through warehouses to conduct audits. He tells David, “You always want to be curious about new technology and emerging methods. It keeps the audit interesting, keeps your professional life interesting, you don’t want to repeat the same procedures again and again for 30 or 40 years.’' Highlights: 1:32 Irene describes the CPA of the future 3:40 Not having a growth mindset is the real danger to CPAs 5:02 How mid-career CPAs need to think about supporting staff to be curious 6:50 How Andrew came up with the idea to use a drone to conduct audits 10:13 Using the drone for warehouse audits 16:15 How Andrew fosters an ‘evergreen mindset’ that stays curious about new approaches to traditional practices. 17:07 It will be critical for CPAs to have this innovator’s mindset over the next decade 18:00 Ashley Alvarez gives her top tips for CPAs looking for resources to nurture the evergreen mindset. Mastering data: A series of articles for CPAs Advanced Data Management Certificate Program
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| 11 Apr 2022 | How to stay in the driver’s seat when it comes to AI | 00:22:06 | |
In this episode, we're asking how AI can help CPAs make smart decisions about capital allocation? One area that is notoriously difficult to analyze is marketing. Making smart decisions about marketing expenditures can be challenging because the correlation between marketing investment today and the long-term impact on financial results in the future is not obvious. AI can help fill in this gap between decisions today and results months or years in the future. Our first guest Dave Bunce is the CEO of Morphio, a company that uses A.I. to analyze the effectiveness of marketing investments. He says AI is valuable to CPAs because, “It puts CPAs in the driver's seat of having access to information and insights they otherwise wouldn't have had, and that can apply across functions and across stakeholders.” Our second guest looks at what CPAs need to do to ensure they remain in the driver’s seat and not become a passenger. Mario Malouin is a professor at the University du Québec de l’Outaouais and a member of the IEEE SBA Technology Experts Group. He breaks down the many steps CPAs need to take to feel confident in the data that they're getting from AI. He says CPAs need to do more than examine what is the source of the data, how the algorithm has been trained, how it has been tested, and how it has been deployed in real life. “You need to zoom out and understand what is the task you want to give to what I call those intelligent agents. And this is key.” If you're interested in learning more about CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative, click on the link below. Key Moments: 02:50 Dave Bunce describes a case study where his team analyzed the impact of marketing decisions on revenue. 06:50 Mario Malouin breaks down the steps CPAs need to take to ensure they remain in the driver’s seat with AI. 08:50 Mario describes the discussion CPAs need to have with their supplier of AI to feel confident it is the right tool for the right job. 12:27 How CPAs can choose between the various suppliers of off-the-shelf AI solutions. 18:55 How CPAs need to develop guiding principles like integrity or inclusion before embarking on any AI-enabled journey. Links: To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative
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| 04 Sep 2023 | The rise of the continuous audit | 00:24:18 | |
We’re kicking off season five with Kevin Kolliniatis, CPA, the national technology leader for KPMG in Canada’s audit and assurance practice. Kevin has been instrumental in KPMG’s transition towards continuous auditing. This emerging aspect of accounting can be described as a transformative shift from traditional practices. It’s characterized by a continuous flow of client information that is analyzed, monitored and flagged for exceptions in real time. Kevin highlights numerous benefits of continuous auditing, including: · Real-time transaction monitoring: instant data analysis, detecting potential issues as they emerge rather than adhering to a set audit timeline · Proactive response to anomalies: swift responses to irregularities, such as transactions exceeding set tolerance limits, and can potentially prevent fraudulent activities · Impact on business operations and customer relations: enhance customer trust and satisfaction by streamlining overall operations helping to prevent issues like double billing · Comprehensive transaction coverage: covering 100 per cent of transactions, leading to more detailed audits and facilitating improved client communication Listen in as we unpack the developing concept of continuous auditing. Advanced Data Management Certificate Program: Advanced Data Management Certificate ProgramTo learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative
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| 17 Oct 2022 | Why CPAs are the best choice to produce sustainability reports | 00:22:44 | |
Are sustainability reports fundamentally different from financial statements? Armand Capisciolto says, not really. Both deliver information that providers of capital seek before making investment decisions. So, what is the CPA’s role with these information documents? Through the application of accounting standards, CPAs add credibility to the information in financial statements. Then as auditors, CPAs provide an additional layer of credibility to that information. By applying these core competencies, Armand believes accountants, not MBAs or environmental scientists, are best positioned to set the standard for sustainability reporting. Armand Capisciolto is the National Accounting Standards partner at BDO Canada and the interim chair of the Canadian Accounting Standards Board.
To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: | |||
| 27 Mar 2023 | Seeing a recession as an opportunity for growth | 00:20:25 | |
On this episode, we speak with Jerome Dwight, CPA, the co-founder and CEO of BoomerangFX, a tech company aimed at private health-care providers. Instead of discussing what keeps him up at night during times of uncertainty, Jerome shared his perspective on the possibilities that can arise with an unsettled economy. He believes CPAs are well-positioned to identify hidden opportunities and manage the risks in a volatile economy. As Canada was navigating the global economic crisis in 2008, Jerome consulted with the federal finance minister regarding a plan to help Canada successfully navigate the turmoil. This experience led him to believe that periods of recession and economic uncertainty offer unique opportunities to grow or even launch a new business.
To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: | |||
| 05 Sep 2022 | Is sustainability a burden or an opportunity for CPAs? | 00:22:16 | |
Is the shift toward sustainability an added burden or a new opportunity for CPAs? Bettina Pierre-Gilles argues that we are entering a sort of golden age for accountants. As Pierre-Gilles explains, this is a fantastic time for CPAs. They have the opportunity to be at the start of this next societal wave where companies, society, and regulators are coming together to achieve a common goal. Bettina Pierre- Gilles is the founder and CEO and President of Luxeum Renewables Group Inc. in Calgary. She is also a director on multiple boards, a former provincial political candidate, a former CFO and a business consultant to Indigenous groups. To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative
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| 14 Nov 2022 | Who should take charge of sustainability: government or private sector? | 00:21:01 | |
What does it look like when the CPA skillset is applied to the global challenge of sustainability? Janice Tran offers one concrete example. She is the CEO and co-founder of Kanin Energy, a Canadian company that turns excess heat from industrial sites into electrical power. And the potential is huge. Kanin’s technology captures and converts the wasted energy from exhaust stacks to a carbon-free flow of electrons, which across North America could delivery as much as 20 gigawatts of untapped, clean energy. Janice Tran is a CPA. She also has a Master of Science in Sustainability Management from Columbia University and a Master of Accounting degree from the University of Saskatchewan. In this episode, Tran talks about how CPAs can lead businesses focused on solving the climate crisis. She also argues that business is better situated than government to tackle the sustainability challenge. With a net-zero carbon target by 2050, how is Canada going to reach this goal and what role can the CPA play in achieving this feat? Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the guest and do not necessarily reflect those of CPA Canada To learn more about Foresight: The CPA podcast or CPA Canada's Foresight Initiative visit: | |||