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2023
PD Pathways - September

Lifelong Learning – Finding the Right Solutions

Welcome to your Fall 2023/Winter 2024 PD Program!

Ready for another season of learning? Do you want to develop your knowledge and skills to resolve obstacles or clear up pathways? This fall, we continue to provide seminars and programs that focus on core technical skills for CPAs such as accounting, finance, tax, and wealth management, but we also recognize the importance for our members to be well-rounded leaders, skilled in areas like negotiation, teamwork, and strategy.

This year has seen many developments that will likely re-shape the business and finance landscape for years to come. Find the courses that are most relevant to your specific challenges.

Negotiating – getting to your desired outcome

Negotiating can’t be avoided, regardless of the nature of our work or the industry we’re in. “Arguably the one skill every accounting professional must master is the ability to get others to agree with them,” says Dr. Jim Murray, author of The Optimal Negotiator. In your personal dealings, you have probably also had to negotiate with family, friends, and other businesses and came out wishing you were better at it. So here’s a skill that’s definitely worth enhancing. Take a deeper dive into negotiating skills by signing up for the new Negotiating Mastery Certificate Program, or enroll in the half-day seminar, Negotiation Skills.

Teamwork in leadership – building trust in a new era of work

An important component in the successful creation of a well-functioning team is trust. Where trust is lacking, valuable time is wasted on the blame-game, correcting misunderstandings, and dealing with low morale due to uneven delegation of work. An added challenge is the hybrid work model where team members are often in different spaces and connect mainly through online meetings. Discover how to build and foster trust in order to create a healthier work environment and decrease turnover.

Digital transformation in business – what you need to know

Digital transformation is shaping the future of accounting and the pace of digital change is faster than ever. No accountant can ignore the onslaught of AI, automation, and big data and these technologies present huge opportunities for finance teams. Explore three ways digital transformation is reinventing accounting and learn how to adopt finance technology without the usual headaches and drama. Or get an overview of how artificial intelligence will impact accounting and finance professionals. On the flip side, you may be interested to discover the CPA skills that AI can’t beat.

ESG – exploring the questions to make informed decisions

ESG reporting is becoming increasingly integrated with financial reporting, and CPAs are expected to be up to date on sustainability and non-financial reporting. Get caught up or receive an introduction to ESG reporting in our new series that will cover each of the environmental, social, and governance factors. Or check out our new seminars, A Practical and Risk-Based Roadmap to ESG Compliance and Survival Skills for a New Era of Ethics and ESG.

Ethically speaking – discovering new points of view in ethics

For members looking for new points of view in professional and business ethics, we have new titles lined up for you. One key obstacle to establishing a unified ethical framework is often company culture. Explore strategies to overcome this barrier and cultivate an ethical culture within the organization in How to Build an Ethical Culture. Or for a look at recent developments in economic, social, and governance trends and how these changes may affect their role and the profession from an ethical standpoint, plan on attending Contemporary Ethics for CPAs.

Personal well-being – keeping your wellness within sight

Don’t forget that maintaining wellness and a good life balance is essential to being a successful professional. Time management and productivity, balanced thinking, self reflection, and resiliency are all highly useful skills that often get overlooked. New titles in this category include Rethinking Impostor Syndrome™- Understanding and Addressing Impostor Syndrome in the Workplace; and The Emotionally Strong Leader Book Club.

Hot topics in tax – keeping up to date in the world of tax

The world of tax is constantly changing, and keeping current on updates and announcements is of utmost importance. Make sure you check out our Income Tax Series of curated 1.5-hour sessions that run monthly from October to February. Or for more in-depth tax courses, browse the many titles we offer.

Accounting for new standards – staying aware of new requirements

For those looking to brush up on accounting standards, browse all live accounting and assurance seminars or their on-demand versions. Some new titles include Audits - Group Audit Considerations (Revised CAS 600), Audits - Risk Assessment (Using the PEG), and Compilations – Specific Topics.

Upcoming New Titles for Fall

Here are some new titles to watch out for in our Fall/Winter Program. Click here for a comprehensive list of new titles.

ASPE and ASNFPO – Financial Instruments (3856)

This seminar provides an in-depth review of Section 3856, Financial Instruments for both private enterprises and not-for-profit organizations.

Live Virtual (Oct 31-Nov 1)

Lawsuits Against CPAs: What They Look Like and How to Avoid Being a Target

This session will review recent lawsuit cases against CPAs, including the Supreme Court of Canada’s Livent decision, and discuss the typical kinds of legal claims made against CPAs. There will be a particular focus on compilation and tax engagements.

Live Virtual (Sept 13)

Survival Skills for a New Era of Ethics and ESG

Using case studies, personal experience and interactions with leading ESG thought leaders from around the globe, this session offers an engaging and fresh perspective on ESG and concrete strategies to help participants at all levels of organizations feel more confident in this new and morally polarized era of ethics and ESG (environmental, social, and governance)

Live Virtual (Oct 4)

International Tax - Recent Changes to T1134, T106 and Voluntary Disclosure

The seminar discusses possible penalties for failure to file, some tips, some traps and how to identify possible tax issues when completing these complex forms. In addition, we will discuss the red flags that can raise a CRA audit.

Live Virtual (Oct 6)

Virtual Presentation Design & Delivery Certificate Program

This six-part program will demonstrate to your organization, clients, potential employers and other key stakeholders that you can design and deliver an engaging and effective professional virtual presentation.

Live Virtual (Oct 13-Nov 17)

Upcoming PD Series

Here are four PD Series titles specially curated to meet your specific interests and needs .

Public Practice Series

Designed especially for our public practitioners to update their technical knowledge and address some key changes and challenges in professional practice in BC today.

Live Virtual (Sept 13 – Feb 7)

Women’s Leadership Mini-Series

Designed with a focus on developing the skills, knowledge, and connection you need as a woman in the accounting profession to move forward in your career and leadership journey.

Live Virtual (Oct 24 - Dec 5)

Introduction to ESG Reporting

This new four-part series which will draw on local and other best-in-class examples of excellence in ESG reporting to keep you ahead of the curve with the latest reporting regulations

Live Virtual (Dec 5 - 15)

Income Tax Series

This series of seminars will bring updates of current announcements or other timely topics in income tax once per month. Sign up for the series to stay up-to-date on highlights of what you need to know as proposed tax rule changes are enacted.

Upcoming In-person Seminars

Here are some in-person seminars scheduled for Fall. View the complete list on our website.

Advanced Strategic Management Certificate Program: Links

This case-based, interactive session takes participants through a process of analysis and review, allowing a big picture perspective, balanced with emphasis of key details and the importance of making hard choices throughout the process.

Vancouver (Nov 17)

Advanced Strategic Management Certificate Program: Maps

In this session, participants will gain experience in strategy mapping and integration. The session includes case-based learning and application exercises that allow participants to start applying the best practices and strategy map to their organization’s strategic plan, and optimize for success.

Vancouver (Nov 15)

Ethics and the Changing Role of Corporations in Society

This course will discuss how the roles of CPA fits within these emerging trends and why it is important, now more than ever, to champion ethical business practices.

Vancouver (Sept 26)

Income Tax – Update 2023

This seminar will be beneficial to those who need current information to advise clients, deal with the CRA, and who want to update their existing knowledge of income tax issues to incorporate developments in the past year.

Kelowna (Oct 20)

Vancouver (Oct 24)

Income Tax - Advanced Planning Strategies

This seminar will advance the skills and knowledge of public practitioners specializing in Canadian tax planning and seeking to refine advanced tax and looking to enhance their tax, business succession and estate planning skills.

Prince George (Oct 27)

Victoria (Nov 7)

Unveiling the Power of ESG Reporting

ESG refers to the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors used to assess the sustainability and societal impact of a business. ESG reporting has gained considerable traction in recent years as sustainability and responsible business practices have become more important to investors and consumers.

ESG reporting typically involves measuring and reporting on various metrics, such as carbon emissions, diversity and inclusion efforts, employee satisfaction, board diversity, ethical business practices, and more. Here are three benefits of ESG reporting:

Enhanced Transparency and Accountability

ESG reporting provides a platform for companies to transparently disclose their efforts and performance in areas such as environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices. This transparency builds trust among stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees, and regulators, and holds companies accountable for their actions and commitments.

Access to Capital and Investment

ESG reporting can attract a broader range of investors including those who prioritize sustainable and responsible investments. As ESG considerations gain importance in investment decisions, companies with strong ESG performance are more likely to attract capital from socially conscious investors, potentially leading to improved access to funding and lower borrowing costs.

Risk Management and Value Creation

ESG reporting helps companies identify and manage risks related to environmental, social, and governance factors. By addressing these risks, companies can mitigate the potential adverse effects on their operations, reputation, and financial performance. Moreover, effective ESG initiatives can lead to innovative solutions, operational efficiencies, and long-term value creation, positioning companies for sustained growth.

In summary, ESG reporting goes beyond compliance and serves as a strategic tool that enhances transparency, attracts investors, mitigates risks, and drives positive change for both companies and their stakeholders.

Incorporating ESG considerations into financial reporting allows companies to provide a more holistic view of their operations, risk management, and long-term value creation strategies. As investor demand for ESG information grows and regulatory frameworks evolve, companies that effectively integrate ESG into their reporting can gain a competitive edge and attract a broader range of stakeholders.

Explore our seminars this fall on A Practical and Risk-Based Roadmap to ESG Compliance, Introduction to ESG Reporting Series, Survival Skills for a New Era of Ethics and ESG and ESG Reporting Developments in 2023 – part of the PD Nexus: Business and Innovation Insights

Navigating Ethical Pitfalls: Your Compass for Moral Clarity

Meet our Ethics expert, Ken Lewchuk, CPA.

Ken is a Chartered Professional Accountant (British Columbia) and a Certified Public Accountant (Texas). He graduated with an MBA from the Edinburgh Business School and with an MA in Applied and Professional Ethics from the University of Leeds (Distinction), where his dissertation focused on Enron and corporate responsibility.

His career in the energy sector has spanned technical accounting, corporate finance, internal audit, and corporate compliance for corporations in United States and Canada. He has taught technical accounting and finance classes to corporate employees in several countries, been a conference speaker, and a guest lecturer at Texas A&M University on the topic of business ethics.

Learn from Ken at one of his upcoming live virtual seminars on Business Ethics: From Enron to Lehman Brothers, Professional and Applied Ethics For Canadian CPAS and Why Good Accountants Do Bad Audits - part of our Public Practice Series.

Here are what past participants have to say about their seminar experience with Ken:

“Excellent course, I appreciate the knowledge he has about the subject matter. I will recommend to others!”
“Instead of sharing with classmates, which will make the shared answers more diplomatic rather than truthful, instructor allowed students to take an inner honest look and reflect on the topics covered in the course. Very powerful approach.”
“Ken was fantastic as a presenter and very knowledgeable.”

Quality Management

The Canadian Standards for Quality Control (CSQC1) have replaced the Canadian Standard for Quality Management (CSQM1 and CSQM2) and related amendments to relevant assurance standards.

For firms who perform assurance engagements, the systems of quality management were required to be implemented by December 15, 2022. For non-assurance firms, which includes Compilation Engagement providers, the systems of quality management for related services engagements are required to be implemented by December 15, 2023.

Check out our upcoming live virtual sessions on Quality Management this fall:

Quality Management - Overview for Assurance Providers

This session will review the requirements of the new standards and is intended for assurance firms who are already familiar with the current quality control standards. At the end of the session you will have a road map of the decisions that will need to be made and the changes, if any, required to ensure your current quality control processes and procedures are compliant with the new standards.

Quality Management - Application for Assurance Providers

This session is intended for assurance practitioners who are in charge of or familiar with the firm’s quality control processes. The session will provide examples of common quality control objectives, risks and responses for small to mid-size firms and provides participants with the opportunity to tailor these to their firm’s specific circumstances.

Quality Management - Overview for Non-Assurance Providers

This session provides participants with an overview of the requirements of the newly issued Canadian Standard for Quality Management (CSQM1 and CSQM2) and its impact on the quality control processes for non-assurance practitioners.

Quality Management - Workshop for Non-Assurance Providers

This half-day workshop requires active participation by those in attendance. It is a hands-on experience where participants must be actively involved in building their firm’s QMG. Participants are expected to have a working knowledge of the new standard, as the objective is to assist the participant in applying the requirements.