The 2023/24 Campus Ambassador team is here to assist you on the path toward the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. Ambassadors will be the primary point of contact for students to get information about important events and activities, as well as answers to their questions about the CPA Professional Education Program and the CPA designation.

Get in touch with your Campus Ambassador today!

Concordia University

Rylan Nivon | rnivon@cpaalberta.ca

What are you looking forward to most about being a CPA Campus Ambassador?

I am looking forward to attending the great events CPA Alberta hosts and meeting new people with similar interests.

How do you think technology will impact the future of accounting?

I believe technology will have a positive impact on accounting. As technology improves, accountants will have to adapt their practices to take advantages of the advancements. The accountants that are best able to harness the new technology will have the advantage of providing better, more accurate insights.

If you could build your dream business overnight, what would it be?

I am an animal lover, so my dream business would be one that helps connect wannabe pet owners with rescued animals that need a home.

MacEwan University

Evan Eng | eeng@cpaalberta.ca

What are you looking forward to most about being a CPA Campus Ambassador?

Promoting the networking events! I like meeting new people, and I had a lot of fun at last year’s Network-Wing Wednesday. It’s a great way to practice my soft skills and build my professional reputation.

What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting?

Although stereotypes portray accountants as dull and socially awkward people who focus on numbers, in reality many of them have excellent interpersonal skills and are quite outgoing. They also often need to apply creative problem-solving skills and have a strong understanding of overall businesses.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’m open to trying anything once, even if it’s out of my comfort zone.

Chevy Halvorson | chalvorson@cpaalberta.ca

Why were you interested in becoming a CPA Campus Ambassador?

Becoming the CPA Campus Ambassador provides me with an excellent opportunity to network with current CPAs while also providing information and guidance to those who wish to learn more about the CPA program.

How do you think technology will impact the future of accounting?

I think technology will be used to complement current accounting practices. I can see how access to data and metrics would be more accessible with better technology; however, technology could never replace an accountant’s analytical skills and knowledge.

If you could build your dream business overnight, what would it be?

I would like to create and merchandise my own line of healthy soda and candy. I would then like to bring back drive-in theatres across Alberta and use my merchandise to stock the concession and drink stations.

Mount Royal University

Brooklyn Truong | btruong@cpaalberta.ca

Why were you interested in becoming a CPA Campus Ambassador?

I am interested in becoming a CPA Campus Ambassador with the hope that I can bring CPA closer to accounting students at MRU.

How do you think the accounting profession will change over the next 10 years?

I think the accounting profession will face significant changes in the next 10 years, due to the implementation of data analytics, AI, and blockchain. 

What pump-up jam do you listen to before a big test or presentation?

Any song from Imagine Dragons

NAIT

Jingyuan Zhang | jzhang@cpaalberta.ca

Why have you chosen to pursue a career in accounting?

Accounting is a flexible career choice. People will have a variety of roles to choose from in accounting. Also, I like balancing and dealing with figures.

How do you think the accounting profession will change over the next 10 years?

Advancements in technologies have led to big changes to the skills required by accounting professionals. It is important for accountants to develop skills in digital technologies including data analytics, automation and coding which can help them work more effectively.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I like planting vegetables in my free time, especially snow peas.

SAIT

Rica Clark | rclark@cpaalberta.ca

What are you looking forward to most about being a CPA Campus Ambassador?

As a driven and dedicated accounting student, what I look forward to most is inspiring and supporting my fellow students. My goal is to help them understand the different paths they can take to obtain the CPA designation and help them make informed decisions. I hope to empower my peers with valuable insights, resources, and mentorship.

What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting?

That there is more to accounting than just being good at math.

What pump-up jam do you listen to before a big test or presentation?

“Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars

Jacqueline Rodriguez | jrodriguez@cpaalberta.ca

Why have you chosen to pursue a career in accounting?

I wanted to pursue financial services, but I thought that lacked diversity in the applicability after graduating. Accounting can be used in various fields and companies which is why I decided to take this route. My goal with my accounting degree is to help immigrants do their taxes. As an immigrant to this country, I understand the struggle families can go through and I know taxes is an area I can help with.

How do you think the accounting profession will change over the next 10 years?

I think like most things, it will automate and auto populate. There will be an impact of artificial intelligence on simple tasks, but the human element of problem solving, and human interactions will still be there. I think accounting will move further into storytelling and being able to communicate the information to others in a captivating way.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I have been to 35 countries across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. My goal is more than 60 countries and all 7 continents.

University of Alberta

Emily Fung | efung@cpaalberta.ca

What are you looking forward to most about being a CPA Campus Ambassador?

I am looking forward to engaging with my peers and spreading awareness about the benefits of pursuing a CPA designation. I’m excited to organize events that will provide valuable insight into the world of accounting and foster a sense of camaraderie among students who are interested in this field.

How do you think the accounting profession will change over the next 10 years?

Given the rise of automation, data analytics, and AI, I anticipate accountants will need to become more versatile, taking on roles as strategic advisors and decision makers. Continuous learning and adaptability will be key to thriving in this changing environment.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I absolutely adore collecting cute notepads and tissues for on the go! I find that those are the two things in my bag I have to bring everywhere. They give me so much joy to use on the daily.

Josh Kayne | jkayne@cpaalberta.ca

Why have you chosen to pursue a career in accounting?

The flexibility of accounting drew me to the career. There are a lot of possibilities that can be pursued with a career in accounting.

What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting?

It is a lot more focused on people and working with clients than people expect.

What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I have been a certified scuba diver since I was 14 years old!

University of Calgary

Faraz Zarghami–Jam | fzarghamijam@cpaalberta.ca

Why were you interested in becoming a CPA Campus Ambassador?

I wanted to establish meaningful connections with both accounting and non-accounting students at the University of Calgary—helping showcase the numerous benefits of the CPA designation while actively breaking down the misconception that accounting is a monotonous and uninspiring field.

How do you think the accounting profession will change over the next 10 years?

I think there will be a greater emphasis on communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. Additionally, we may see a whole new sector emerge with the introduction of blockchain and cryptocurrency.

What pump-up jam do you listen to before a big test or presentation?

“My Way” by Frank Sinatra

University of Lethbridge, Calgary Campus

Vivian Mai | vmai@cpaalberta.ca

What are you looking forward to most about being a CPA Campus Ambassador?

I’m most excited about connecting with other ambitious individuals who share a common interest in accounting. Connecting and collaborating with like-minded students and professionals will foster a strong network and promote growth both personally and professionally.

What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting?

Accounting is a language of business. It extends far beyond just number crunching. It plays a pivotal role in communicating and shaping the financial success of organizations, driving innovation, and creating a sustainable future. 

If you could build your dream business overnight, what would it be?

A social enterprise promoting financial literacy among underprivileged communities. I believe empowering individuals with financial knowledge can have a transformative impact on their lives and lead to greater economic equality.

Resheila Padilla | rpadilla@cpaalberta.ca

Why have you chosen to pursue a career in accounting?

I aspired to be a doctor. I did not get any spot for STEM in senior high, and accounting was the second-favoured program after medicine. I never thought I’d be interested in accounting until one day when I was excited to go to class because I’d be attending accounting classes all day and during breaks, I’d plan out firms I would apply to for internships and where I would study for my CPA designation. One day, I realised I wanted the three letters after my name and to work in the accounting field.

What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting?

I wish people realized it was more than just numbers and a calculator. Accounting taught me one of the most important lessons in life: Never assume unless otherwise stated. Accounting requires a lot of understanding and analyzing; it is about connecting with clients and understanding what the numbers mean in their business, what should be added or withdrawn, and what needs to be done to help the business succeed.

If you could build your dream business overnight, what would it be?

I have always wanted to own both a café and a clothing store. I love coffee and fashion. I used to sew clothes back home and had a little thrift business named Just Flaunt it.

University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Campus

Toluwalase Awoderu | tawoderu@cpaalberta.ca

Why were you interested in becoming a CPA Campus Ambassador? 

I would take any opportunity to develop leadership qualities and to build meaningful relationships in my life. I enjoy learning and serving people around me, and this position helps me fulfill all of that and more.

What is one thing you wish people knew about accounting?

I wish people knew that there is more to accounting than just the numbers. There is a whole theory behind it!

If you could build your dream business overnight, what would it be?

It would be a non-conventional educational service for children ages three to 12 that supports their all-around foundational development. It will be a household name in many generations to come.