Latest news with #PamelaSteer
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
CPA Canada and FP Canada team up to enhance financial services
Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) and FP Canada have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deliver more comprehensive financial guidance to Canadians. This move is aimed at fostering closer collaboration between the accounting and financial planning professions. The agreement will enable professional accountants under CPA Canada to enhance their credentials through improved access to FP Canada's courses and conferences. Both organisations will work together on continuing education, research, and thought leadership initiatives. Certified Financial Planner and Qualified Associate Financial Planner professionals will gain better access to select CPA Canada programmes, including accredited continuing education and national events. FP Canada will also share and promote CPA Canada's information, research, and updates to help financial planners remain current and competitive. CPA Canada president and CEO Pamela Steer said: 'The landscape of financial services is evolving quickly, and clients are looking for holistic advice that integrates tax, retirement, investment and estate planning. 'This agreement will allow CPAs to deepen their value to clients through greater access to financial planning credentials at FP Canada—and aligns with the professional rigour and ethical standards CPAs are known for.' For Canadians, this partnership will offer increased access to financial expertise from professionals adhering to high standards of ongoing education, ethics, and certification. The collaboration aims to provide comprehensive advice covering complex tax strategies and long-term financial planning, enabling more informed and confident financial decisions. FP Canada president and CEO Tashia Batstone said: 'This partnership represents a significant opportunity to leverage the strong reputations of two esteemed professional organisations in Canada's financial services sector. 'By working together, we can more effectively support the professionals who serve the public every day. This will ultimately help to strengthen the financial services ecosystem, for the benefit of all Canadians.' In January 2025, CPA Canada announced plans to enhance the professional development of Canadian chartered professional accountants (CPAs) with its new initiative, CPA Canada Connects. "CPA Canada and FP Canada team up to enhance financial services" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Country survey: Canada
There are more than 220,000 Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) in Canada, making it one of the largest accounting designations in the world. Joe Pickard speaks to CPA Canada's Pamela Steer to learn more about the current shape of the country's accounting professionPamela Steer: The CPA designation was established in 2014, following the merger of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), the Society of Management Accountants of Canada (CMA Canada) and the Certified General Accountants of Canada (CGA Canada), uniting the profession under a single, nationally recognised credential. CPA Canada's rigorous national education program upholds the high professional standards that have come to define the Canadian accounting profession, equipping candidates across the country with the technical proficiency and ethical judgment required to navigate complex global challenges. In 2024, more than 24,000 students were enrolled in our CPA Professional Education Program. The CPA PEP provides the educational foundation for aspiring CPAs, requiring practical experience and culminating in a three-day Common Final Examination (CFE). The national body also provides Canadian CPAs with lifelong learning opportunities and continuing professional development, including our recently launched monthly thought leadership sessions, The ONE conference, in-depth courses and specialised certificates that ensure CPAs stay ahead of evolving regulations and best The Canadian accounting profession faces three key challenges today. First, CPAs must navigate an increasingly complex and regulatory landscape, including ever-evolving tax policies, financial reporting and assurance standards, and sustainability disclosure requirements, to name a few. Future-proofing your career requires ongoing professional development and adaptability to ensure compliance and strategic decision-making. Second, the rising demand for sustainability and artificial intelligence (AI) assurance is reshaping the profession. CPAs must apply their expertise to verify sustainability data and support the responsible adoption of AI with the same rigor as financial reporting. This presents particular challenges for small and mid-sized practitioners with limited resources. Finally, while demand for CPAs remains high, global competition for talent makes attracting and retaining skilled professionals difficult. This talent gap threatens financial reporting, audit quality and the profession's ability to adapt to evolving business and economic needs. This is not only a challenge for the accountancy profession in Canada, but worldwide. CPA Canada's international presence enables collaboration with global partners and peers to address the talent pipeline and a range of other complex challenges – from AI to climate change. A strong, unified CPA professional voice is crucial for building resilience and shaping the future of the profession. CPA Canada is steadfast in its commitment to representing all Canadian CPAs, actively countering divisive forces both from outside and within the profession, including the recent withdrawal of two provincial regulatory bodies. As the national accounting body, CPA Canada collaborates with global peers through our membership in influential international organisations such as the International Federation of Accountants and the Global Accounting Alliance. This ensures that Canadian accountants are not only at the forefront of global conversations but are also empowered with global insights through our thought leadership resources and professional development programming to give CPAs a competitive edge in an ever-evolving With challenges come opportunities, and the accounting profession is well positioned to seize them. By embracing digital transformation, CPAs can enhance efficiency, provide deeper financial insights and strengthen their role as strategic advisors. Advanced technologies will continue to empower accountants to shift from historical reporting to future-oriented insights, powered by predictive analytics and helping businesses make proactive, data-driven decisions. Beyond traditional accounting, CPAs are increasingly valued for their expertise in financial planning, risk management and strategic decision-making. As recognition of their skills grows, CPAs are securing more executive and board positions. Notably, CPAs hold approximately 22% of board seats in Canadian publicly traded companies, underscoring their influence in corporate governance. Accountants also play a vital role in Canada's economy. With a long history of building trust in capital markets, CPAs are well equipped to shape governance frameworks for a digital, sustainable world. Drawing on the expertise of Canadian accountants, CPA Canada collaborates with policymakers and standard-setting bodies to promote responsible tax administration and strengthen global anti-money laundering and anti-corruption efforts, for The Canadian CPA profession is widely respected for its expertise and adherence to high ethical standards and professional codes of conduct, not just in Canada but around the world. Its competency-based education and exhaustive accreditation requirements instil public confidence that CPAs have the skills and judgment to support businesses, governments and the public effectively. Canada's independent standard-setting process further reinforces trust in the profession. The CPA Canada Handbook provides CPAs, organisations and governments with access to up-to-date domestic and international standards and guidance, ensuring consistent application and safeguarding the integrity of Canadian capital markets, corporate legislation and banking regulations. While recent governance changes – specifically the separation of CPA Ontario and CPA Quebec from the national body – have raised questions about the profession's structure, CPA Canada remains committed to maintaining national consistency in education and standard setting, both of which are key pillars of public trust. By serving as a unifying and authoritative voice for the profession at national and international levels, CPA Canada works diligently to continuously enhance the reputation and influence of Canadian CPAs as respected leaders and problem solvers, while maintaining cohesion, efficiency and The accountancy profession is a more valuable and rewarding career path than ever, particularly with respect to opportunities in sustainability and technology, with its perception and appeal continuously evolving. We have more work to do to improve enrolment and retention, particularly in public practice. CPAs are more essential than ever in upholding trust amid economic uncertainty, information overload and widespread disinformation. Beyond financial expertise, CPAs are recognised as guardians of transparency and accountability. According to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, 81% of people view accountants as responsible for ensuring data accuracy while 77% believe they help combat misinformation. This underscores the profession's critical role in safeguarding reliable financial and non-financial information – data that businesses, governments and individuals rely on. As career opportunities expand for CPAs in emerging areas such as sustainability, AI and data analytics, the profession is positioned to attract top talent and remain relevant in a rapidly changing CPA Canada is creating compelling narratives about the diverse and meaningful career paths CPAs can pursue. To challenge outdated stereotypes, CPA Canada spotlights CPAs across industries and career stages, using social media, podcasts and editorial content in major publications to engage a broad audience. Beyond raising awareness, the national body is expanding access to the profession by developing inclusive pathways to the CPA designation. In partnership with Indigenous organisations and the CPA Western School of Business, we offer tailored courses and mentorship opportunities to reduce barriers for Indigenous learners. The profession's educational approach has also evolved, integrating adaptive learning e-books and AI-assisted tutors for a more personalised and innovative learning experience. By broadening outreach and fostering diverse perspectives, CPA Canada is helping the next generation see the profession as dynamic, forward thinking and accessible to Given Canada's strong trade ties with the US – which accounts for over 70% of Canadian exports and 60% of imports – Trump's tariffs have introduced significant uncertainty into North American supply chains. These tariffs affect key industries, such as oil and gas, automotive manufacturing and aluminium and steel production, where Canada is a key supplier. Both the threat and implementation of tariffs create substantial risks for cross-border businesses, making accountants essential in helping organisations navigate the evolving trade environment. CPAs play an important role in assessing and mitigating these risks by evaluating revenue, profit and supplier exposure to tariffs and potential retaliatory measures. They also support cashflow management to help businesses remain resilient amid ongoing disruptions. As companies re-evaluate their trade strategies, explore alternative markets and draft new scenarios to adapt, CPAs provide the expertise needed to guide businesses through these strategic shifts and the associated financial decision-making. At CPA Canada, we are proud to cultivate, support and champion forward-thinking, solution-driven CPAs – uniting our great profession in Canada and on the world stage amid these uncertain times and dynamic geopolitical challenges. In an increasingly borderless ecosystem, a strong national approach from our profession can help businesses navigate this complex landscape with integrity, transparency and ethical leadership. It's more important than ever that we, as a profession, rise to the occasion. As the national accounting organisation, we are here to support CPAs in guiding businesses through the turmoil to help them emerge stronger. To that end, we are involved in active discussions on this important and timely topic with national partners, the federal government and our global peers, including our southern neighbours at the AICPA, with whom we maintain close ties. "Country survey: Canada" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
CPA Canada CEO concern over CSA halt on climate disclosure
CPA Canada's president and CEO Pamela Steer has expressed disappointment over the Canadian Securities Administrators' (CSA) recent decision to pause its work on mandatory climate disclosure rules. She views this as a 'setback' that could potentially harm market transparency and Canada's position in the global market. In a press release, the CSA explained that the pause is intended to allow Canadian markets and issuers time to adjust to recent changes in the US and other global markets. However, Steer argues that consistent and comparable sustainability reporting is crucial for investors to make informed decisions. Currently, the lack of standardised reporting requirements means that Canadian organisations report climate risks in varied ways. This inconsistency complicates the process for investors trying to evaluate risk exposure and places the onus of interpretation on them. Steer said: 'In a global economy where assessing climate risk is increasingly a prerequisite for investment, this decision risks making our markets less attractive to international capital that we urgently need to drive innovation, competitiveness and economic growth.' Institutional investors have suggested that mandatory reporting could enhance Canada's appeal in the global capital market. Although the pause might allow businesses to strengthen their internal capacity for future reporting, CPA Canada cautions that additional delays could erode investor confidence and hinder progress. The CSA has committed to keeping an eye on both domestic and international regulatory developments concerning climate-related and diversity-related disclosures. It plans to revisit these projects in the coming years to establish final requirements for issuers. Issuers will receive adequate notice before any changes are made to the status of these projects. In the meantime, the CSA will continue to monitor issuer disclosure practices and address any misleading information, including greenwashing. In February 2025, CPA Canada solidified its international relations by signing a memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan. This agreement creates a reciprocal membership pathway, enabling Pakistan accountants to obtain the Canadian CPA designation. "CPA Canada CEO concern over CSA halt on climate disclosure" was originally created and published by The Accountant, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Hamilton Spectator
28-04-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
CPA Canada calls climate disclosure rule pause ‘a step backward'
TORONTO, April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Canadian Securities Administrators' recent decision to pause its work on mandatory climate disclosure rules is a disappointing development that risks undermining both market transparency and Canada's global competitiveness, says CPA Canada president and CEO. As climate-related risks become increasingly material to business operations, Pamela Steer says consistent and comparable sustainability reporting is essential for investors to make informed decisions. 'Pausing progress on the climate disclosure rule is a disappointing step backward at a time when Canada must be moving forward,' says Steer. The decision comes at a critical juncture, as other jurisdictions around the world strengthen their climate disclosure frameworks. Without standardized requirements, Canadian organizations continue to report climate risks inconsistently, making it harder for investors to accurately assess exposure and shifting the burden of interpretation onto them. 'In a global economy where assessing climate risk is increasingly a prerequisite for investment, this decision risks making our markets less attractive to international capital that we urgently need to drive innovation, competitiveness and economic growth,' says Steer. Institutional investors have already indicated that mandatory reporting would improve Canada's standing in the race for global capital. While the pause may give businesses time to build internal capacity for future reporting, CPA Canada warns that further delays could undermine investor confidence and stall momentum. 'Canada cannot afford to fall behind,' says Steer. 'CPA Canada remains hopeful this is only a temporary pause, and that the CSA will soon renew its commitment to the consistency and clarity the market needs.' To schedule an interview with CPA Canada's president and CEO, Pamela Steer, please contact media@ .
