CPA Ontario names new North York Fellow and award recipient

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 Hari Panday, FCPA, FCGA, as a new Fellow, in addition to recognizing 2014 Ontario Distinguished Service Award recipient Sarosh Contractor, CPA, CGA. 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.

A North York resident, Hari is a builder of bridges between new and established Canadians. President and CEO of PanVest Capital Corporation, Past President and life member of the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce and founding President and CEO of ICICI Bank Canada, Hari represents the accounting profession in the media and through his service to his profession, community and in pursuit of excellence.

Hari has earned numerous awards and he carries an influential voice on various boards. Currently a member of the Ontario Chapter Executive, Institute of Corporate Directors, he frequently works with its graduates addressing such matters as cyber security and ethics and morality in business. He has served as a member of the Conference Board of Canada, Toronto Prosperity Initiative, International Trade Committee, Ontario Chamber of Commerce, among others, and carried an advisory role for the Canada Pakistan Business Council and Canada Ceylon Tamils' Chamber of Commerce. He is a prominent member of the Indo-Canadian community and a patriotic volunteer with the Canadian Armed Forces.

The Ontario Distinguished Service Award is presented for distinguished service to the profession association at the provincial level; or for significant recognition to the profession in the general community; or a combination thereof.

North York recipient, Sarosh Contractor, CPA, CGA, has been an adviser to CGA Ontario's professional practice community for more than 20 years. He has dedicated his career to supporting fellow accountants, assisting them with practice and professional development matters. He brings a breadth of knowledge to his role and offers a high level of member service and support.

Peers, colleagues and students hold Sarosh in high regard for his professionalism and extensive experience. Since 1990, Sarosh has been involved with the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario, holding the role of auditor. Awarded by the Society for his dedication to voluntary services in 2012, he also received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration for his involvement with the Zoroastrian community.

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 recipients.

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

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]