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Profiles of CGAs

Richard Smit, CGA
Controller
National Hockey League Players’ Association

The CGA designation has allowed me to integrate a lifelong passion for hockey with an exciting and rewarding career within the accounting profession.

When I achieved my CGA designation, I was confident I was equipped with the right knowledge and skill set to tackle my day-to-day responsibilities as controller of the NHLPA. As guardian of the NHLPA’s internal financial affairs my responsibilities include managing the organization’s financial reporting, fiscal budgeting and strategic financial planning. In addition, I have numerous opportunities to support various hockey-related projects and initiatives.

Without my CGA designation, I wouldn’t be in my current position at the NHLPA. I appreciate my Association’s prescience in ensuring that the curriculum remains relevant and cutting-edge, its progressive philosophy in the way the program is delivered, and the student friendly atmosphere it fosters with a healthy work-life-study balance. I am proud and honoured to work for the players of the National Hockey League and represent certified general accountants in the same manner. I look forward to going to work as controller every day although admittedly, hearing the latest hockey news and catching a few games here and there certainly doesn’t hurt! 
 

Katherine Chan, CGA
Manager of Internal Financial Reporting
Universal Music Canada

One of my best career decisions was deciding to pursue a CGA designation, which I knew would give me an edge in an increasingly competitive job market and allow me to explore any industry that interested me.

The flexibility of the CGA program allowed on-the-job experience to complement my studies perfectly. It’s true what they tell you: practical experience helped me to understand and apply what I was learning to my current responsibilities. As I advanced in the program I also continued to progress in my career.

I firmly believe that I wouldn’t have excelled in my career if it were not for the discipline and work ethic that was required to succeed in the CGA program. I also appreciate that it gave me the chance to blend my interests of music, pop culture, media and entertainment with finance—what other job would allow me to listen to new artists, sample different music genres and discover new digital technologies?

I am proud to be a CGA; my designation represents a high standard of excellence and professionalism.  
 

Kevin Kingsley-Williams, CGA
Controller
Jarden Consumer Solutions

Immigrating to Canada in 1997, it quickly became apparent that a major stumbling block to progressing in my accounting career was a lack of relevant Canadian work experience and education. After researching my options, I chose the CGA designation as it provided me with the best opportunity to upgrade my skills and Canadian-specific education, while gaining experience in the work force. Indeed, my enrolment in the CGA program let prospective employers quickly (and easily) determine my level of competence and suitability for a position.

Obtaining my CGA designation in 2001, I was immediately rewarded with a significant increase in compensation. More importantly, I had the tools to aim for positions of increasing seniority and responsibility. Several calls were also received from recruiters, looking specifically for candidates with a CGA designation. This confirmed my impressions of the high regard in which the CGA program and designation are held.

In 2006, I accepted my current position as controller at Jarden Consumer Solutions. It is part of Jarden Corporation, with worldwide sales in excess of US$4B. My CGA designation prepared me for this role through the depth and breath of its curriculum, in areas as diverse as accounting for derivatives to ERP systems conversion. As well, in fulfilling the continuing professional development (CPD) requirement for CGAs, I have the opportunity to network with colleagues and remain up to date on technical accounting developments and a host of other topical issues in business management.  
 

Sabrina Darchiville, CGA
Vice President, Operational Build Team
TD Securities

I’ve worked with TD Securities for several years, holding increasingly senior roles within the organization and managing diverse groups of employees performing critical operational functions. I’ve also been involved in various challenging and interesting projects—from centralizing regional operations to global system implementations.

Choosing the CGA program of professional studies helped propel my career upwards, as my profile rose at my place of employment. Progressing through each program level, my enhanced and expanded knowledge base and skill set were recognized with promotions to increased supervisory roles involving accounting controls. My studies also provided the flexibility to transition from areas of accounting and finance to operations.

Now that I am a certified general accountant, I welcome the opportunity to mentor and act as a role model to prospective students and current candidates in the CGA program. 
 

Robert Fotheringham, CGA
Senior Vice President, Trading
TSX Group

I consider my CGA designation to be one of my most valuable professional assets. This designation provided me with a solid foundation for the development of both technical and management skills. Not only did the CGA program position me to become an expert in accounting, but also in all facets of financial analysis and business management. Skills required for successful completion of the CGA program are ones that also assist in the development of profitable trading and management decisions.

The commitment and determination needed to complete the CGA program are recognized by participants, peers and employers alike.

My network of CGA colleagues met through the educational program, professional development seminars and CGA Ontario-sponsored continuing education opportunities remains of immense benefit to me.

The decision to pursue the CGA designation has returned significant dividends, personally, and positioned me to add value to my clients, colleagues and employers.