CPA PEP Scholarships

Value: $3,500
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

One award is granted annually to one (1) CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) Candidate who has secured and begun training as a designated accountant in a public practice setting. Selection is based on involvement in volunteer activities, satisfactory performance in CPA PEP modules and training, and an expressed interest in pursuing a professional accounting designation.

Applicants/nominators must:

• submit one application letter on why applicant/nominee should be considered for the award, indicating financial need, and demonstrating express interest of applicant/nominee in pursuing a professional accounting designation;
• provide proof of enrolment of applicant/nominee in the CPA PEP program;
• demonstrate satisfactory academic standing of applicant/nominee in the PEP program;
• provide proof of applicant’s/nominee’s employment in a training position in public practice; and
• submit at least one nomination letter to support that the applicant/nominee has demonstrated involvement in volunteer activities.

The Bentley Awards are funded by two distinguished Albertans who have dedicated much of their lives to serving non-profit entities and the accounting profession.

David DeWolfe Bentley FCA began his accounting career articling with Winspear Hamilton Anderson in Edmonton. He was Managing Partner at Winspear Higgins Stevenson and Doane in Edmonton from 1975-1980, and Managing Partner at Deloitte Haskins and Sells in Edmonton from 1980-84 after the merger of Winspear and Deloitte firms. Throughout his career, Mr. Bentley has been actively involved in the accounting profession. He served as a Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (ICAA) Council from 1967-72, President of the ICAA from 1971-72, and an Alberta Member of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Council from 1974-76. Mr. Bentley was recognized for his contributions to the accounting profession and to the community in 1973 when he received his FCA designation.

Mr. Bentley has been an enthusiastic volunteer with Edmonton's Citadel Theatre for 50 years. Beginning as a founding member of the Board in 1965, Mr. Bentley has succeeded in the roles of Treasurer, President of the Board of Directors, Chair of the Board of Governors, and now as a member of the Board of Governors, as the Citadel celebrates its 50th Anniversary in 2015.

Janet Bentley graduated from the University of Alberta in Arts and has served on the University’s Senate and Board of Governors. She was the first female member of the Banff School of Advanced Management Board of Governors. Mrs. Bentley has had major roles in many volunteer organizations, including the Citadel Theatre, the Art Gallery of Alberta and the Junior League. In 1987, the Bentley's established a Doctoral Fellowship in their names at the University of Alberta School of Business.

Value: $1,500 (2) and $2,500 (1)
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Three (3) awards granted annually to a student currently enrolled in the CPA Professional Education Program. One (1) award at $2,500, and two (2) awards at $1,500.

Applicants must:

• submit one application letter on why applicant/nominee should be considered for the award;
• be bilingual (demonstrated proficiency in English and French);
• provide proof of enrollment in the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP) in Alberta;
• be a mature student (someone who has been in the workforce for at least three years); and
• demonstrate financial need.

Prior to her passing in 2023, Claire Dallaire CPA, CGA established this award to give back to the CPA profession. The creation of this award is meant to encourage and motivate recipients to continue pursuing their dream of becoming a CPA, and recognize those individuals for their hard work and perseverance. Claire understood the determination required to pursue a higher education and the CPA designation, and the successful recipient of this award will be a reflection of that.

Value: $2,500
Application deadline: January 31, 2025

Two (2) awards available to two individuals who have become new Canadians or permanent residents within the most recent five years. These individuals must be enrolled in business or commerce at a degree-granting post-secondary institution in Alberta or the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP). Preference will be given to individuals with an indicated financial need and satisfactory academic achievement.

Applicants must:

• provide proof of new Canadian or permanent resident status, and date that status was obtained;
• submit most recent transcripts to demonstrate satisfactory academic achievement;
• submit a letter or video (2 to 3 minutes) outlining why they are planning to pursue a career in business and or accounting; and
• submit one (1) letter of support from a current instructor or training principal/manager/supervisor.

Sahar Saeidi personified the full potential of what it means to be a Chartered Professional Accountant. In August 2020, Sahar was poised to earn her CPA designation. She had achieved Honours standing as a graduate from the Masters of Public Accounting program and had completed her practical experience requirements for the designation. Just weeks before completing the final step toward her CPA, Sahar lost her life in an accident. Her passing was a tragic loss to her loved ones, and also to the CPA profession. Sahar was an accomplished professional who, even though just at the cusp of what would have been an accomplished career, had already dedicated herself to using her talents to help others and to make the world a better place. From her home base of Calgary, where she worked at KPMG, to across the world in Tanzania, where she had made a commitment to help young people, Sahar’s impact was profound and wide-ranging.