CPA Ontario names new Fellows and award recipients

Three Peel Region CPAs recognized for their outstanding professional and community contributions

TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2014 /CNW/ - The Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario is proud to announce the appointment of two new Fellows from Peel Region, in addition to recognizing Bimal Shah, CPA, CGA, the recipient of the Ontario Distinguished Service Award in 2014. These accomplished chartered professional accountants are among today's leading accounting and finance professionals, proudly representing their profession and designation.

The FCPA designation is a prestigious honorary designation awarded to CPAs who, through their outstanding achievements including community leadership, bring distinction to the accounting profession and serve as a role model to others. FCPAs are nominated by their peers, who have recognized their exemplary qualities and contributions. To see a complete list of this year's Fellows, visit http://www.cpaontario.ca/MediaRoom/MediaReleases/2014mReleases/1009page17593.aspx.

The following FCPAs are listed alphabetically followed by their residence and business locality:

Patricia Barbato, FCPA, FCGA – Toronto / Mississauga
Patricia inspires others to strive for excellence. Building her career in the healthcare sector, she quickly advanced to a senior leadership role where she addressed such fundamental issues as ageism, seniors and technology, innovation and challenges in home care, helping clients live their lives to their fullest potential. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Home Care Association, Patricia served as treasurer for two years. She is a successful political advocate for home care with provincial governments in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, responsible for building relationships with key staff members in the Ministry of Health, MLA/MPPS and bureaucrats.

Patricia brings a long-standing relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada dating back to 1988. She joined the board as a director and treasurer soon after and in 2003 she was named Chair of the Board where she undertook numerous projects including restructuring the board committees, and implementing best practices in governance. In 2012 she joined Big Brothers International.

A public speaker for the accounting profession and educational institutions, Patricia addresses courage in everyday life, mindful leadership and career transitions, among other topics. She enjoys mentoring young professionals and in 2010 she authored a book entitled "Inspire Your Career: Strategies for Success in Your First Years at Work".Patricia also lecturers in taxation at Fanshawe College.

Langeswaran (Langs) Tharmalingam, FCPA, FCGA – Brampton / Mississauga
Langs is a passionate professional with a commitment to serving others. A compliance corporate HST auditor with Toronto West Tax Services Office, Langs fulfils many roles with Canada Revenue Agency, from developing training materials and delivering presentations for community outreach programs. He supports economic initiatives and coaches new employees. He is also a resource for his colleagues for technical advice on matters related to tax, policy and legislation. Langs is acknowledged for his strategic thinking, management skills and his ability to deliver sustainable results through action management and leadership. He is also a former board member for the Professional Institute of the Public Services of Canada.

He brings enthusiasm to all that he does, whether working at CRA, contributing to a fundraising committee or speaking to students. Langs is a respected mentor to new immigrants, aspiring young professionals and peers – a strong advocate for a career in accounting as a professionally designated accountant. He has also taught various business courses at Sheridan College campuses in Brampton, Oakville and Mississauga, bringing 15 years of teaching experience.

Langs has earned various awards honouring his contributions to his profession and community and his leadership. He has worked with the CGA Ontario extensively to promote the designation through professional development initiatives, working to enhance the image of a professional accountant and the knowledge and leadership that they have to share. He supports community tax preparation services, political campaigns, various accounting clubs and associations, ethnic groups, charitable initiatives and the Brampton Hindu Temple.

CPA Ontario also paid tribute to the Ontario Distinguished Service Award for distinguished service to their professional association at the provincial level; or for significant recognition to the accounting profession in the general community; or a combination thereof; recognizing:

Bimal Shah, CPA, CGA – Mississauga
Bimal is a leader in the Peel Region accounting community. He has been actively involved with the CGA Ontario's Peel chapter committee for nine years, carrying the roles of public practice sub-committee chair and past chair. His dedication and passion motivates fellow professional accountants and students in the program to get involved. A respected mentor, Bimal has mentored 46 individuals in the past eight years, committing 10 hours a week to supporting new students and newly accredited accountants. He is a fervent advocate for the accounting profession and an inspirational leader to his peers, colleagues and friends.

Chartered Professional Accountants are valued by organizations for their financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, management skills and leadership. The FCPA designation further demonstrates excellence in accounting, commitment and pride to CPA Ontario. FCPAs are actively involved in improving the well-being of their respective communities bringing respect to the member and the accounting profession.

Note to editors: More information and photographs are available for these FCPAs and CPA award recipient.

About the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario

The Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario is the qualifying and regulatory body of Ontario's more than 80,000 CPAs and approximately 20,000 CPA students. CPA Ontario serves the public interest by developing, monitoring and enforcing the highest standards of professional competence and ethical conduct. Chartered Professional Accountants are valued by organizations for their financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, management skills and leadership. For information on the profession, visit www.cpaontario.ca. To become a CPA in Ontario, visit www.goCPAontario.ca.

SOURCE: The Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario

For further information: Perry Jensen, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, 416-969-4271 or 1-800-387-0735, ext. 271, [email protected]; Amy Mulhern, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, 416-322-6520 or 1-800-668-1454 ext. 8311, [email protected]