This is the holiday season edition of the Vancouver Accounting Experience! In this final podcast episode of the year, I have a really insightful chat with Rameez Nathu, a Partner at Johnsen Archer LLP. We chat about a broad range of topics including the job market, student recruitment, firm culture, the benefits of working at a medium-sized firm, and much, much more! I think there are some great insights in this podcast for students and aspiring CPAs about what working at a medium-sized firm lik...
Dec 24, 2021•47 min•Season 2Ep. 18
I recently met some college students through their university's local accounting club and mentorship program. I'm always excited to chat with students because they're extremely excited about their future careers and always receptive to the advice I have. I've made plenty of mistakes in the past and had to change who I was to become successful in life. In addition, I changed careers in my mid-thirties and began my accounting career in the Big 4. So, as a result, I have plenty of advice to give! L...
Nov 22, 2021•24 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Some CPA students have the opportunity to challenge one or more CPA exams. If chosen to do so, they may write a CPA course exam only and obtain an exemption from having to take the PEP course module. This is an opportunity for some new immigrants to Canada who are already qualified accountants in their home country. The question is whether one should challenge the exam? That was the question posed to me by a student who reached out to me for some advice on challenging the exams. Listen to find o...
Nov 11, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 16
3 weeks ago I ran a poll on LinkedIn asking what accounting students and aspiring CPAs were worried about entering the fall season. To my surprise, most were worried about passing the CFE/CPA exams. Should you be worried about the CFE exam right now? Absolutely not! You should be worried about getting an accounting job and honing your soft skills (interpersonal, communications and presentations skills) that will help you get that job interview.
Nov 04, 2021•16 min•Season 2Ep. 15
Not everyone can become an entrepreneur. I know I've tried, but through trial and error and a bit of self-awareness, I know I'm more of a follower and advisor than a true-bred entrepreneur, although I do have an entrepreneural spirit and tendencies, which is what makes me a good business advisor - at least I think so. When I met Jay, I thought he was one of those natural business people who are young, bold risk-takers, so I was surprised he was interested in the CPA program. There's nothing wron...
Oct 18, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 13
In this podcast episode, I speak to a career changer who is wondering if changing careers to pursue his CPA means giving up his past experience and starting from scratch. If you change careers to pursue your CPA will you be taking a step back? You could be, but not necessarily. One person's pursuit might be another person's folly. But, that should not stop you from pursuing your career dreams regardless of how old you are, your job, or your education. What you need is the right research and info...
Aug 09, 2021•47 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Are you planning a Big 4 public practice career? Are you going through fall recruit? Then, I know this podcast episode is for you. I share my thoughts on how to get noticed, how to talk about yourself, how to network, and how to gain rich personal experiences that will set you apart from your competition. It's the summer and your research and preparation need to start now!
Aug 02, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Vivian is an aspiring CPA who reached out to me on LinkedIn to ask my advice on the best timing to complete his 10 prerequisite courses in order to qualify and enter into the PEP program and officially begin his CPA journey. Timing is important, yes, but I don't think it's crucial. It's best to have a good work-life balance and ready to go once his public practice job begins. Then you need to be mentally and physically ready to crush it in public practice and get the most out of the unique exper...
Jul 15, 2021•53 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Are you an accounting student or aspiring CPA worried about how you're going to cope with your CPA studies and exams? According to my LinkedIn poll, this was #2 of the top worries for accounting students and people looking to kick start their accounting careers. How am I going to balance my work with studies, exams, family, hobbies, stress, and wellness? Well, on this podcast, I give you my thoughts on how you can manage your CPA studies and exams and still stay sane and well balanced: 1) Put in...
Jun 28, 2021•22 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Are you an accounting student or aspiring CPA worried about how you can or will find the right job for you? According to my LinkedIn poll, this was one of the top worries for accounting students and people looking to kick start their accounting careers. What job will be a good fit? What if it's the wrong job? Will the job add to my career progression or hold me back? Well, on this podcast, I give you my thoughts on how you can go about finding the right job for you: 1) Do your research; 2) Netwo...
Jun 21, 2021•24 min•Season 2Ep. 9
In this podcast, I chat with Chetan, who is looking to change careers, start the CPA program, immigrate to Canada, get into entrepreneurship and buy a house one day! Noble aspirations indeed. Of course, there can be problems, obstacles, difficulties along the way but if you begin your journey with gratitude for what you have instead of what you don't have, then everything else in life, including starting an accounting career, is easy! Real easy!!
Jun 07, 2021•59 min•Season 2Ep. 12
My guest Manson Ng - Senior Tax Manager at a Vancouver public accounting firm - joins me on the podcast to talk just about everything and anything: working from home during the pandemic, making mistakes, learning from them, empathy, compassion, resiliency... whether or not there's a perfect career path?! and whether you should even go for public practice!? but most importantly... Happiness! Because isn't that what life is all about? If you're an accounting student or aspiring CPA, I think there'...
May 10, 2021•57 min•Season 2Ep. 7
The path to your CPA designation is a long and tough road. In this podcast, I share 3 tips to stay focused and motivated through those long, tough, and stressful times when you lose focus and need a push: 1) Find your happiness 2) Where is your North Star? 3) Don't compare to others.
Mar 22, 2021•24 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Accounting students and aspiring CPAs: If pursuing a career in tax has ever crossed your mind, then this podcast episode for you! Steven Flynn, partner at Andersen Tax, LLP (www.andersentax.ca) joins me on the podcast to talk about tax careers, why he loves it, what makes a good tax accountant, and much more. If you're the type of person who loves a challenge and applying a blend of analytical, logical and strategic thinking, then a career in tax might be the perfect fit for you... listen to fin...
Mar 16, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 6
My guest on this week's podcast is Jason Tiessen, CFO of Westbow. 12 years ago, he made a career change into accounting and has never looked back. It's an extremely rewarding career and I couldn't agree more. I've invited Jason on the podcast to share his experiences, why he loves accounting so much, and more!
Mar 08, 2021•31 min•Season 2Ep. 5
In this episode of the Vancouver Accounting Experience podcast, I have a chat with Mohit, who is in the middle of a career change and wants to know if not having a business degree in accounting or finance will be a disadvantage. Will the lack of a business degree set you back? The simple answer is no! In fact, I think it's an advantage. Listen to find out why.
Mar 02, 2021•56 min•Season 2Ep. 4
You've finished university, gotten your first job working as an accountant and you've started your CA/CPA professional designation courses. Now, what do you do? There's no time for relaxing because the real work begins now! Remember these 3 important steps to pursue: 1) networking, 2) professional development, and 3)career opportunities. Do NOT hold back. Be fearless and seek out the career that you want.
Feb 22, 2021•17 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Beginning your career in public accounting definitely has its advantages. There's a lot on offer that comes with working at a public accounting firm: the prestige, the opportunities, the support and the experience. However, with these advantages, comes a lot of competition for only a limited number of open positions each year. So you'll need to prepare, do research, and practice for your chance to get noticed and ultimately get hired. In this podcast episode, I have a conversation with Muib, in ...
Feb 08, 2021•59 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Why did I change careers? Why did I choose accounting? How did I know it was the right choice for me? How did I make the decision? Was it the right decision?.. Believe it or not, I get these questions all the time. So if you're thinking about them - it's completely normal - I'm here to help. In this podcast, I chat with my guest, Echo, about the career choices I made that brought me into the accounting profession. I hope that in sharing my experiences, I can help Echo to come to her own career d...
Feb 01, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Omar reached out to me on LinkedIn and asked if I had any advice on whether he should pursue an MBA or CMA (Certified Management Accountant) certificate. So in typical Accounting Coach and Mentor fashion, I invited him to chat on the "Vancouver Accounting Experience" podcast! For all you accounting students and aspiring CPAs, I hope you get a lot of value out of this one. For those of you who are confused as to whether you should take a course, a program or a designation, I hope this conversatio...
Jan 25, 2021•43 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Are you an accountant or CPA looking for a specialization? The Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designation could be for you! Steve Wilson, President of the Vancouver Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, joins me on the podcast to discuss the CFE credentials. Who is the designation for? What does it take to succeed? What makes a good fraud examiner? What is the profession like? Whether you're an accountant looking to gain an edge in your career or looking to begin a new career,...
Aug 18, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 29
In this episode of the Vancouver Accounting Experience podcast, I'm on a Q&A call with Gaurav, whom I met via LinkedIn. I listened and I offered my two cents -- that's it! I hope it brings some good ideas to all the job seekers out there looking to launch their accounting careers during these tough economic times. I think the core question is this: "How can I stand out from the crowd when there's so much competition for a limited number of public accounting positions?" I think this episode o...
Aug 12, 2020•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 28
Billie-Ann Woo, President of the Rodde House Museum joins the Vancouver Accounting Experience to talk about the benefits and challenges of serving on a board of an NPO. And there's even an open position (as of recording) on the board of directors at the Roedde House as the position of Treasurer - perfect for a CPA - is available. Serving on an NPO board is a commitment that is as challenging as it is rewarding. There are many opportunities to gain experience in a variety of skills from governanc...
Aug 06, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 27
This podcast is from a recent Facebook Live event hosted by your very own Adrian Law, Accounting Coach and Mentor and host of the "Vancouver Accounting Experience". I think there's a ton of value here if your an accounting student or aspiring CPA. I get into my past experiences from public practice and the BIG 4, my training, recruitment, why I left to join industry, what you can do to stand apart from the crowd, and much, much more!
Jul 28, 2020•56 min•Season 1Ep. 26
A bright, young man and SFU student, named Gurinder, reached out to me on LinkedIn and asked if I had any tips on the Big 4. I invited him to chat on the "Vancouver Accounting Experience" podcast. Why? Because that's what we do here. He took the initiative to reach out, ask and I answered. For all you accounting students and aspiring CPAs, I hope you get a lot of value out of this one. Enjoy!
Jul 17, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Simply put, this podcast is a big one! The first-ever two-time guest on the podcast, Christine Woodington, rejoins to share her experiences working in industry and brings a ton of value in the form of tips and advice, from job hunting to jump-starting your accounting career and much, much more. If you're an accounting student and an aspiring CPA, this is an important podcast you do not want to miss!
Jul 09, 2020•54 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Happy Canada Day Accounting Nation. If you've ever wanted to know more about I.T. audits and the CISA designation, this is the podcast for you! Jonas Kwong, CPA, CISA, CIA, Senior Internal Auditor at Teck Resources joins me on the podcast to share his valuable insights and experiences. We talk about his career path, IT audits, what it takes to obtain a CISA, spot prawns!! and much, much more!
Jul 02, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Ever wanted to know what I do as Financial Reporting Manager? Whether you're a high school student interested in accounting, an accounting student at university, or already in the CPA program, you'll need to research your career options. I always recommend speaking to as many CPAs as possible to inquire about their work, their likes and dislikes; perhaps ask about job shadowing or performing an informational interview (performed virtually during Covid-19). In order to kick off your research, I t...
Jun 23, 2020•23 min•Season 1Ep. 21
In this episode of the Vancouver Accounting Experience, Christine Woodington, CPA, CGA and Chair of the CPABC Vancouver chapter joins me to chat about the benefits of volunteering. There are lots of different ways that CPAs (both students and qualified members) can get involved and volunteer. Whether it's through your local chapter, volunteering as a CPA mentor or just representing the designation as an ambassador, there are many rewarding opportunities available. We also talk about Christine's ...
Jun 15, 2020•33 min•Season 1Ep. 21
The last two weeks have been a tumultuous time. In fact, the last three months have been tumultuous, but the heartbreaking death of George Floyd and subsequent protest and riots have compelled me to speak out and express my thoughts on everything that's happened. This podcast is just one accountant's thoughts, views and message on what all of us can do to change the world one conversation at a time.
Jun 06, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 20
