Distinguished Accomplishment Award 2024

Janice Anderson CPA, CA

As a board member of the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board, Janice leverages her expertise to advance the adoption of sustainability disclosure standards in Canada. Her contributions to the Accounting Standards Board’s IFRS Discussion Group provide invaluable insights into Canadian financial reporting, particularly in emerging areas. Her diverse background in public accounting, regulation, and financial statement preparation has significantly influenced the group's outputs, impacting financial reporting standards both nationally and internationally. Janice also contributes her time and knowledge as a member of CPA Alberta’s Bylaws and Rules Committee.

Currently serving as Senior Director, Technical Accounting & ESG Compliance, at Nutrien Ltd., Janice is at the intersection of financial and sustainability reporting. She leads the Technical Accounting team, which is responsible for providing expert advice to resolve technical and business issues arising from complex transactions, and she also leads the ESG Compliance team, which is moving forward with mandatory sustainability reporting and advancing integration in financial reporting. Her tenure at the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC) saw her co-chair initiatives resulting in the publication of National Instrument 52-112, addressing the need for clarity in non-GAAP and financial measures disclosure. Janice's contributions to ASC publications and industry task forces further reflect her extensive involvement and expertise in financial reporting matters.

Beyond her professional achievements, Janice actively contributes to the Calgary community. Her roles with The Alex, a non-profit organization providing health and social services, demonstrate her dedication to enhancing community well-being. Through her professional accomplishments and community engagement, Janice continues to make a significant impact, embodying the values of leadership, advocacy, and service.

Why have you chosen the CPA designation?
My dad was an engineer and could never articulate what he did in words that resonated, so I chose to go to business school at the Haskayne School of Business. I enjoyed all of my accounting classes the most, and the CPA designation was a natural progression after selecting my major. There was never a question after getting my BComm that I would go on to get my CPA designation. I saw the designation as having unlimited potential in the business world - to be a Partner, CFO, CEO, Board of Director. It is a well-respected, sought-after, prestigious designation, that would open the doors for whatever I wanted to pursue after graduating.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
I have a very rewarding career, where every day is a new opportunity. It's not easy and not without stress, but I have also travelled the world, met very interesting people, solved very challenging problems within tight deadlines, spoke at an event in NYC Times Square and my insights have led to better decisions. The CPA designation gave me the tools to be successful, a mindset to be curious and to challenge the status quo with creative solutions, and the ethical framework to act with integrity.

What about volunteering makes it rewarding for you?
The CPA designation has presented me with a unique skillset that brings value to non-profit community, particularly to ensure financial resilience, governance and strategy. It's rewarding when I can build a control environment and enhance policies and procedures to ensure longevity of the non-profits I've been involved with. It's rewarding to see these organizations thrive, and I've played a small part of it. With standard setting, I believe in quality financial reporting, and want to maintain and enhance the relevance of reporting documents for decision-useful information to investors.

Why is it important for you to give back?
I believe in the profession. I want to help build capacity of my fellow CPAs, mentor those building their careers, and serve the non-profit community. On one hand, it's just this innate desire to serve. However, I also get a lot of value back - when you mentor, you also learn. Board work is exercising certain skills I don't always have exposure with at my job. Standard setting - I haven't always liked the results of changes in standards, so I became an active voice in the process. My views aren't always taken, but my perspective was appreciated.

What values do you live by?
Integrity, authenticity, responsive, high-performing.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success and why?
There have been a number of professional CPAs that have shaped my personal and professional career journey. Partners at PwC, and the leaders at the Alberta Securities Commission and Nutrien. My fellow technical accountants that I have sat with or sit with now on committees. When I became a technical accountant, I was in awe of these brilliant minds who could understand the standards with so much insight that they all pushed me to get better and have a voice at the table. And my husband, a fellow CPA, who is right there with me to be my biggest champion and support to allow me the time and flexibility to be able to do everything.

Thank you note.
Thank you to my leaders, current and past, for providing me with the endless support, flexibility and time to dedicate to initiatives of the profession. Thank you to my mentors and friends for believing in me and motivating me to elevate myself professionally. Thank you to my husband, for the support he provides for me to say yes to my pursuits.

Shawn Kanungo CPA, CA

Shawn Kanungo is a globally recognized innovation strategist and bestselling author. He previously spent 12 years at Deloitte working closely with leaders to better plan for the opportunities associated with disruptive innovation.

He has been recognized as Edify's Top 40 Under 40. In 2021, he was named in Forbes as the “Best Virtual Keynote Speaker I’ve Ever Seen.” Shawn’s content on innovation has garnered millions of views across LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook.

Kanungo is the first innovation expert to have a streaming special, released on Apple TV and Prime Video in August 2023. It complements and shares the name of his bestselling debut book, The Bold Ones, a playbook for individuals to become bolder and push their careers and organizations forward. It has been touted as one of McKinsey’s top decision-making books for leaders.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
Obtaining my CPA was one of the hardest things I've ever done. The pain and suffering during that period was an incredible lesson. It's opened up incredible opportunities for me.

What was the most challenging experience you encountered in serving others and why was it valuable?
I'm in the business of impact. My goal is to persuade others to be bold - to embrace innovation. I've always received pushback against new ideas. And over time, I realized that the best way of convincing others is to just understand them more deeply.

Why is it important for you to give back?
My father was a CPA, my wife is a CPA and I'm proud of this profession. I believe this can be one of the sexiest professions in the world.

What values do you live by?
Be Curious. Be Hungry. Be Bold.

Who or what has been instrumental in your success and why?
My wife and I still dream. We've been doing it for over 20 years. She's been an incredible support along the way, and everything has been based on her sacrifice, support and love.

Kandice Machado CPA, CMA

Kandice's tenure as CEO of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) marks a transformative era in the organization's history. Breaking barriers, she became the first female CEO in a historically male-dominated industry, steering AGLC through the challenges of the pandemic while reshaping its culture. Under her leadership, AGLC experienced a rapid modernization of systems and stakeholder engagement, coupled with increased profitability, record numbers across social responsibility platforms, and a nurturing, inclusive environment for staff.

With a background rooted in the finance department, Kandice's rise to CEO exemplifies her dedication and ability to excel. Notably, she achieved a remarkable red tape reduction of 47.9 per cent, exceeding government targets and translating into substantial financial benefits across various sectors. Recognized by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, this accomplishment underscores Kandice's impactful leadership and commitment to driving tangible results.

In her role overseeing the provincial crown corporation, Kandice channels significant revenues to the Alberta general revenue fund and charitable sectors annually. Managing more than 1,100 employees, her inspirational leadership fosters innovation, cultural transformation, and a customer-centric approach.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Kandice's strategic vision and decisive actions have positioned AGLC for future success.

How has being a CPA impacted you?
Obtaining my accounting designation has provided me an opportunity to explore different career paths while leveraging the knowledge gained through the program. It has elevated my ability to consider the details while also being able to see the big picture which drives your overall ability to excel and think outside the box. I am grateful for the profession and designation as it has contributed significantly to my success.

What values do you live by?
Integrity, honesty and accountability are values I live by. Along with challenging yourself to lean into discomfort, embrace change and take a few risks to propel you as an individual and as a leader. I am a firm believer that values must be demonstrated through action and always try to align my actions to my words.

Thank you note.
I would like to express my gratitude to my family for their unwavering support and encouragement and my husband for being my rock and always believing in me. I would like to thank the AGLC Team, Board and Gill Hermanns FCPA, FCGA, as their dedication, guidance and confidence in me have been instrumental in achieving this milestone.

Jasmine Nuthall CPA, CMA

For decades, Jasmine has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication, both in her volunteer roles and in her career. She focuses her efforts on opportunities to drive meaningful change, aligning with her strong personal values. A builder at heart, her contributions are centered around three core areas: a commitment to community improvement, an initiative-taking approach to ensuring effective outcomes, and a values-driven leadership style rooted in ethics and integrity.

As a public member of the Board and Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee at MacEwan University, Jasmine has shown a deep commitment to the university's mission and growth. Her strategic insights and financial expertise have been instrumental in guiding the university's risk management and control frameworks. Jasmine's proactive engagement with the Office of the Auditor General of Alberta demonstrates her dedication to regulatory compliance and ensuring the university's financial stability and growth.

A proud Albertan with rural roots, Jasmine fosters community, culture, and growth in the boardroom and on the farm, using her leadership to chart new and exciting paths for local organizations and businesses, both domestic and international. She sits as the Treasurer for AmCham Canada West, has served as a public member of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board with Parkland County, and has held the Chief Financial Officer role at the Bissell Centre in Edmonton, helping eliminate poverty in the community. Her time at Invest Alberta as the Chief Financial Officer played a crucial role in enhancing the organization's financial processes and stability. Confronting challenges head-on, she has implemented robust policies and procedures to improve efficiency and credibility with stakeholders for multiple entities.

Through her efforts, Jasmine fosters a culture of growth and development within the organizations she serves, contributing significantly to helping build community in Alberta.

What about volunteering makes it rewarding for you?
Volunteering is not only important to me; it's essential for nourishing my purpose of building community and helping to create a brighter, more compassionate future for all.

Why is it important for you to give back?
Giving back is a way of expressing my gratitude for the opportunities and support afforded to me throughout my professional journey, there have been many along the way who have helped shine light on my path. I am able to pay it forward through my work in the community.

Thank you note.
I am deeply humbled to receive the CPA Distinguished Accomplishment Award. This recognition serves as a reminder of the value of hard work, dedication, and the support of colleagues and mentors. Thank you for this incredible honor.

Diane Pettie KC, ICD.D

Diane's commitment to the betterment of the CPA profession in Alberta as a Public Member of the CPA Alberta Board is unparalleled. Her work, during and after unification, was instrumental in setting the foundation for the Alberta CPA profession as it is known today.

Diane’s broad experience in corporate governance matters—combined with her expertise in human resources and pensions, strategy and risk management, litigation, dispute resolution, and change management—makes her a force within and beyond the CPA profession. These diverse areas of knowledge have enabled her to provide invaluable insights and guidance to the CPA Alberta Board, ensuring decisions were comprehensive and future oriented.

Despite not being a CPA, her contributions have been hailed as instrumental in advancing the profession's standards and governance model, and her leadership in crafting the governance model set a gold standard for excellence. This endeavour was no small feat and required not only a profound understanding of the profession but also the ability to bridge different areas of expertise.

What about volunteering makes it rewarding for you?
I volunteered as a public non-accountant member (initially on the CMA board) to give back, to learn, and to meet interesting people. As the discussions about the merger of the three designations progressed, I was able to help with implementation using my legal background and experience.

What was the most challenging experience you encountered in serving others and why was it valuable?
It was challenging to see how each of the designations differed and then to seek ways to find common ground that everyone could agree upon to move forward. It was valuable to see how such significant negotiations could progress with a common goal.

Why is it important for you to give back?
I have been fortunate in my life and I want others to have opportunities to enjoy a satisfying career as I have.

Thank you note.
I want to thank my husband Alan for understanding the importance to me of my volunteer work.