Ottawa CPAs receive CPA Ontario awards

CPAs recognized for their outstanding professional and community contributions

TORONTO, Oct. 2, 2014 /CNW/ - The Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario is proud to announce two Ottawa CPAs are the recipients of major professional awards: Dharam (Danny) Rai, CPA, CGA, who received the Ontario Distinguished Service Award and Daniel Zeghal, FCPA, FCGA as the 2014 recipient of the Lorna Henderson Outstanding Mentor Award. These accomplished chartered professional accountants are among today's leading accounting and finance professionals, proudly representing their profession and designation.

The Ontario Distinguished Service Award presented to Danny Rai, CPA, CGA, denotes 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.

A Navan resident, Danny Rai, CPA, CGA, has made an important difference in Ottawa's accounting community. He has served as chief examination invigilator in Ottawa for 23 years, in addition to serving CGA Ontario's Ottawa chapter committee as an active and involved volunteer. He has demonstrated commitment to the profession through his volunteerism, supporting thousands of students in the program of professional studies, in addition to being an engaging high school ambassador. Danny is also a strong supporter of organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Shepherd of Good Hope Immigration Centre.

The Lorna Henderson Outstanding Mentor Award is presented for outstanding mentoring efforts, guidance and leadership in the long-term development of prospective students, students in the program by building strong and ongoing relationships, demonstrating respect and a sincere and active interest in their continued well-being.

The 2014 recipient, Professor Daniel Zeghal, FCPA, FCGA, is noted for his strong dedication to the accounting profession and he was recognized in 2008 by CGA Canada as one of the top 100 CGAs who made a difference.

With the Lorne Henderson Outstanding Mentor Award, Daniel is recognized for his pursuit of excellence and his esteemed reputation within the profession. As Director of the Accounting Research Centre in Ottawa, Daniel is credited with being an extraordinary mentor dedicating 30-plus years to supporting aspiring accounting and finance professionals. He works hard at building long-standing relationships with students, taking an active interest in their education and future career paths — who in turn give back to their communities and the accounting profession.

Daniel also helps international students adapt and integrate within Canada. He is recognized and respected by his students and peers for his passion and high standards.

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 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]