A balancing act

Ayo Abu discusses how she balances her professional and personal lives, and offers tips to internationally trained professionals

by Quinta Iticka

Striking a balance between family and career can be fulfilling. It makes us better parents, better coworkers, and better members of the community. But ...Striking a balance between family and career can be fulfilling. It makes us better parents, better coworkers, and better members of the community. But is work-life balance attainable? Ayo Abu CPA, CGA, Accountant at D.F. Boiler Tube Industries, believes ...

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Settling in Canada

Maryna Bityutsky discusses the importance of setting professional goals to help with the settlement process

by Quinta Iticka

Typically, internationally trained professionals go through an adjustment period—also known as a settlement curve—when they arrive in Canada. The curve is sometimes characterized by ...Typically, internationally trained professionals go through an adjustment period—also known as a settlement curve—when they arrive in Canada. The curve is sometimes characterized by three Fs—fun, fright, and fit. Maryna Bityutsky CPA, CGA, CFO of the Centre for Newcomers ...

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The big picture

Clark Monson explains how maintaining his hobbies helps him thrive

by Sharon Ruyter

There are only 24 hours in a day and Clark Monson CPA, CA doesn’t take that for granted. Clark lists the following as just ...There are only 24 hours in a day and Clark Monson CPA, CA doesn’t take that for granted. Clark lists the following as just some of his hobbies: landscape photography, piano, guitar, mountain climbing, reading, and playing the cello—all ...

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Navigating the language barrier

Qi Chen crosses barriers with her hard work and kind personality

by Sarah Maludzinski

I can’t believe how poor my English was,” recalls Qi Chen CPA, CMA with a laugh. “Even just at the supermarket! I wanted to ...I can’t believe how poor my English was,” recalls Qi Chen CPA, CMA with a laugh. “Even just at the supermarket! I wanted to say, ‘Thank you. Have a good day.’ And I practiced tons of times before I ...

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Changing careers

Aleem Rattani shares how he went from working at a firm to being a recruitment consultant

by Kate Austin

Aleem Rattani CPA, CA is no stranger to change. Originally from East Africa, he moved to Australia before eventually coming to Canada in 2012. ...Aleem Rattani CPA, CA is no stranger to change. Originally from East Africa, he moved to Australia before eventually coming to Canada in 2012. A year later, he earned his Canadian designation through a Reciprocal Membership Agreement. “Having the ...

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From studying English to opening a firm

Esteban Rivera reflects on becoming an entrepreneur in Canada

by Kate Austin

Being an entrepreneur is risky, but if you don’t give it a shot, you’ll never reap the benefits. Just ask Esteban Rivera CPA, CGA, ...Being an entrepreneur is risky, but if you don’t give it a shot, you’ll never reap the benefits. Just ask Esteban Rivera CPA, CGA, Principal and Senior Consultant at Newriver Professional Corporation. When he arrived in Canada in 2001, ...

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Megan Boe CPA standing outside with buildings visible behind her

CPA: The tool to create social change

Megan Boe shares how being a CPA helps her improve the lives of others

by Kate Austin

Megan Boe CPA began her career the same way many accountants do: working at a firm. But after taking a position to lead non-profit ...Megan Boe CPA began her career the same way many accountants do: working at a firm. But after taking a position to lead non-profit audits at that firm, Megan realized she wanted to be a part of something bigger. ...

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Joel Leclerc CPA, CGA smiles at the camera. In the background is a computer with two monitors and a webcam.

CPA: The tool to pave entrepreneurial ground

Joel Leclerc shares what it means to be an entrepreneur in cloud-based accounting

by Kate Austin

As more and more of what we do becomes cloud-based, it should come as no surprise that the accounting profession is following suit. Although ...As more and more of what we do becomes cloud-based, it should come as no surprise that the accounting profession is following suit. Although cloud-based accounting is still in its infancy, people like Joel Leclerc CPA, CGA, founder of ...

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Image of John Thorpe CPA, CMA smiling at the camera while outside with buildings visible behind.

CPA: The tool for inspirational leadership

John Thorpe reflects on how the designation helped him get to where he is today

by Kate Austin

When John Thorpe CPA, CMA graduated from university with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, accounting was the furthest thing from his mind. It wasn’t ...When John Thorpe CPA, CMA graduated from university with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, accounting was the furthest thing from his mind. It wasn’t that he disliked working with numbers or had no interest in finance—it just wasn’t something ...

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Ada Adeleke-Kelani CPA, CA is smiling at the camera and holding her book titled '101 Quips and Quotes'.

CPA: The tool to pursue your passion

How Ada Adeleke-Kelani found her passion and helps others do the same

by Capitalize Magazine

Ada Adeleke-Kelani CPA, CA started the journey to her designation as a way of taking a stand against societal expectations. Ada’s mother initially wanted ...Ada Adeleke-Kelani CPA, CA started the journey to her designation as a way of taking a stand against societal expectations. Ada’s mother initially wanted her to become a doctor, but Ada felt differently and decided to try accounting. “I ...

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Bibitha Thomas CPA smiling while facing a window.

CPA: The tool to change careers

Bibitha Thomas demonstrates that the CPA designation is attainable, regardless of someone’s current or previous career path

by Quinta Iticka

Bibitha Thomas CPA has an extensive background in the science field, but when she moved from India to Canada, finding work was initially challenging. ...Bibitha Thomas CPA has an extensive background in the science field, but when she moved from India to Canada, finding work was initially challenging. “I have a master’s degree in chemistry, and I used to work as a research ...

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Landing a dream job

Javed Sommers shares how the CPA designation gave him a purpose-filled career at Indigenous Services Canada

by Sharon Ruyter

When Javed Sommers CPA, CMA started working at Indigenous Services Canada in 2014, he didn’t immediately realize serving the First Nations community would become ...When Javed Sommers CPA, CMA started working at Indigenous Services Canada in 2014, he didn’t immediately realize serving the First Nations community would become his lifelong calling. Early that same year, while pursuing his accounting designation, Javed attended a ...

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