“Union Gas is committed to ongoing growth and development of our employees. As a registered CA Training Office our professional and highly technical accounting team members are dedicated to the ensuring that those participating in our CA Training program obtain the practical accounting experience and training necessary to achieve their CA designation. Union Gas is proud to be a CA Training Office.” In 2010, Lori Baker was awarded the Summit Award, Spectra Energy’s (the parent company of Union Gas) highest honour based on their initiative in the company’s accreditation as a CA Training Office and the belief that being accredited as a CA Training Office exemplifies a win-win relationship for their employees and the organization.

Lorie Baker, Manager Employee Relations, Human Resources, Union Gas Limited

We officially became a CA training office in June 2009 when our first CA candidates were hired. Since then we have been working hard as an organization to ensure that expectations are met on both ends. There is a lot of enthusiasm within the organization to ensure that the CA training program reflects the highest quality possible, that the candidates receive the necessary mentoring and support and that they attain competencies that form a solid foundation for their future careers as chartered accountants. As a result, our candidates have enjoyed rich practical experience and we have benefited from their fresh insights and eagerness to learn. Our first CA candidates wrote the final exams this year and they, along with us, are anxiously awaiting the results. We have had a tremendous start to our CA training program and look forward many successful years ahead.

Cathy Sawler, CA VP, Risk, Controls and Financial Governance, Bell Aliant

“The Insurance Corporation of BC is a complex financial organization with lots of interesting financial work. We already have a number of CAs in the company—many in management and senior leadership roles. Everyone I’ve spoken to thought this would be a great opportunity to help grow the CA brand and, at the same time, develop high-quality staff. We believe the program will develop CAs who bring the financial and business acumen we need to run our business, and we have enough diversity in our company to provide a challenging learning environment for students.

Susan Lucas, CA, Director of Risk Management & Corporate Audit, the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC)

“I feel that the main advantage for CA students working at Investors Group is to be able to obtain first hand education and experience with the variety of disciplines, financial and non financial, required for the success of a world class company. The industry training we offer for those people striving to achieve their CA designation is an excellent opportunity and something that will greatly benefit those who chose this path for their professional development. Investors Group has provided me, and will provide any participant in the program, with a wide range of experiences that will contribute to their long term success as a CA in industry.”

Murray Kilfoyle, CA, Senior Vice-President, Finance, Investors Group

“During university, I spent my summers working in various financial rotations at institutions both in Canada and abroad. These experiences allowed me to gain insight into the plethora of career opportunities in which a recent business school undergrad could flourish. When the RBC offer letter arrived, it stood out among the other job offers as the opportunity that could provide the most solid financial foundation that would maximize the likelihood of achieving my career aspirations. The role presented to me integrated the benefits of working for a reputable international company, provided the breadth of a rotational program, facilitated a professional environment mentorships by experienced CAs, and had the allure of an entrepreneurial upstart program.”

Greg Donovan, CA student, Royal Bank of Canada

“I started with Matson Driscoll & Damico Ltd (“MDD”) over 3 years ago.  I chose to work here because of the niche work they do in loss quantification.  My job with MDD has allowed me to be involved in many insurance and litigation cases in Canada and abroad.  Being able to train in a non-traditional (non-audit) CA training office was a great opportunity, especially since I didn’t have any interest in auditing financial statements as a long term goal. I switched to the CA training program from the pursuit of another accounting designation, focusing on economic damage quantification when MDD became a CA Training Office.”

Dawson Coneybeare – CA, Matson Driscoll & Damico Ltd.

“I’ve actually had the opportunity to experience employment in both public practice and industry.  I was lucky to spend a year at Grant Thornton as part of my university’s co-operative education program. I think that helped solidify my choice to pursue the CA designation. However, the opportunity to gain experience in the oil and gas industry while attaining the designation was very appealing.  I think the rotational nature of the industry training provides opportunities to see different areas of the business that you might not get to experience at a public firm. However, firms can offer the opportunity to see multiple different companies in a short time frame. I think both opportunities are a great way to gain valuable experience.”

Matt Fegan, CA student, Nexen Inc.

“As a CA student coming out of university, I had a choice to work both in public practice and in industry. Although both routes sounded appealing, I chose Investors Group for its flexible work schedule, the friendly and professional staff and most importantly the great work environment that exists which encourages and promotes continuous education. Through the different work rotations available , I have been able to learn about the various aspects of the company and work with great teams to ensure I am achieving all of my CA competencies. Working in industry and, more specifically, Investors Group has been one of the best decisions I have made for my career and I encourage others to consider this opportunity as well!”

Shameel Thakrar, CA student, Investors Group