A milestone day for CA students passing the Uniform Evaluation

TORONTO, Nov. 30, 2012 /CNW/ - The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) congratulates the 3,077 students who have passed the profession's 2012 Uniform Evaluation (UFE).

The UFE is one of the most challenging professional examinations anywhere. "These are ambitious individuals and they deserve congratulations for a significant achievement," said Kevin Dancey, FCPA, FCA, president and CEO, CICA. "The individuals should be proud of their accomplishment as it positions them for a career path that can offer a lifetime of rewards."

Over a national three-day evaluation process, the UFE assesses CA candidate competencies including knowledge, professional judgment and ethics. The UFE is an important component of an extensive qualification program.

"A career milestone has been achieved and many of the outstanding individuals celebrating today will become the inspiring leaders of tomorrow recognized for their financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight and leadership," stressed Dancey.

This year, the prestigious Governor General's Gold Medal along with the Chartered Accountants of Canada cash prize of $5,000 for the highest standing in Canada on the 2012 UFE has been awarded to Joshua Huff, KPMG LLP, Waterloo, Ontario.

"I was shocked to be honest," said Huff. "I thought I could have made honour roll, that was a goal of mine. For me, being able to stay calm was a big advantage because it allowed me to actually demonstrate what I knew."

The Chartered Accountants of Canada regional Gold Medal awards for the highest standing in the UFE (and a cash prize of $2,500 each) go to:

• Jonathan Dubuc, Chiasson Gauvreau Inc., Châteauguay, Quebec (Quebec)
• Lauren McQuaid, BDO Canada LLP, Charlottetown, P.E.I. (Eastern Canada)

In Western Canada, there are two recipients because of a tie:

• Paula Overguard, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Calgary, Alberta
• Ivan Wong, KPMG LLP, Vancouver, B.C.

The accounting landscape is changing in Canada with efforts to unite the profession under the newly created Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. While the pace of unification varies among the provincial bodies, in total more than two-thirds of Canada's accounting bodies are committed to uniting the profession under the CPA banner.

Unification has already taken place in Quebec and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario issued the CPA designation to its members earlier this month. As a result, individuals in Quebec and Ontario who have passed the UFE and completed their qualification requirements will earn both the CPA and CA designations.

Chartered Accountants (CAs) are Canada's most valued, internationally recognized profession of leaders in senior management, advisory, financial, tax and assurance roles. Through their integrity, expertise, and internationally recognized qualification standards, Canada's 82,000 CAs sustain their influence and leadership position both in Canada and globally. As trusted business advisors to Canadian organizations of all sizes, Canada's CAs foster confidence in Canadian business and contribute to the health and sustainability of Canada's capital markets and economy. The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) represents Canada's CA profession both nationally and internationally. The CICA is a founding member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA).

SOURCE: Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants

For further information:

or to arrange an interview, contact:
Tobin Lambie, Manager, Media, CICA
[phone]
[e-mail]
www.cica.ca