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Accounting
The Profession

Round of applause for the top 1 per cent: CFE Honour Roll list out now 

CPA Canada congratulates all 6,163 successful writers of the rigorous Common Final Examination

People applaudingThis year a total of 6,163 individuals passed the rigorous Common Final Examination (CFE)—a key step to attaining the prestigious CPA designation. (Shutterstock/Pressmaster) 

Given the responsibility of CPAs, it’s no surprise that attaining the designation can be challenging. This year, a total of 6,163 individuals passed the rigorous Common Final Examination (CFE), a key step to achieving that goal.

CPA Canada president and CEO Joy Thomas applauded the successful candidates, commending them on their knowledge, skills and dedication.

“These devoted individuals have achieved a significant milestone on the path to attaining the prestigious CPA designation that can open the doors to many exciting career opportunities,” said Thomas. “The discipline, integrity and critical thinking that define Canadian CPAs are valued by employers in today’s ever-evolving economy.”

The CFE is a three-day evaluation designed to assess candidates’ knowledge, judgment and skills, and is a critical part of the Canadian CPA certification program. The process is designed to produce collaborative, strategic decision-makers who, during the course of their careers, will fill business and accounting leadership roles in organizations of all types and sizes.

Only those who complete the entire qualification program—consisting of education, experience and examination—are entitled to use the CPA designation. 

This year, the CFE’s top writer is from Toronto. As the recipient of this year’s Governor General’s Gold Medal award, Lawrence (Qianyu) Zhang of MNP LLP receives a cash prize of $5,000.

“The CPA path developed my technical expertise in a variety of subjects, such as audit, tax, finance and strategy,” says Lawrence. “It also had an additional focus on enabling competencies such as problem-solving, teamwork and communication. These skills will help me prepare for a successful career in any industry and will be useful in other opportunities such as volunteering.”

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

The CPA Canada regional Gold Medal awards (and cash prizes of $2,500 each) for achieving the highest standing in their region went to: 

Atlantic Canada: Bradley Smith, Auditor General of New Brunswick, Fredericton
Quebec: Michael V. Richardson, KPMG/s.r.l./S.E.N.C.R.L, Montreal
Western Canada: Ande Baweja, Airbnb, Montreal

For a complete list of honour roll members, please visit cpacanada.ca/CFEHonourRollList

FOR MORE

Learn why CPA Canada is offering two opportunities to write the CFE in 2020.