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Tanisha Welcher, recipient of the CPA Canada Atlantic Cold Medal in her backyard
Accounting
The Profession

A disciplined schedule helped this regional CFE writer win gold

Tanisha Welcher, winner of the CPA Canada Atlantic Gold Medal, on what inspired her to become a CPA and what she looks forward to in her career

Tanisha Welcher, recipient of the CPA Canada Atlantic Cold Medal in her backyardTanisha Welcher is the recipient of the CPA Canada Atlantic Gold Medal for achieving the highest standing in that region

Excelling on the Common Final Examination (CFE) on the path to become a CPA is no easy feat—and it has been especially challenging during a pandemic. For a second time since the onset of COVID-19, accounting students sat down in solitary hotel rooms to write the exam while adhering to public health protocols. 

In total, 722 students passed the May 2021 CFE, including Tanisha Welcher, who won the CPA Canada Atlantic Gold Medal for achieving the highest standing in that region. 

We spoke with Welcher, an income tax auditor at the Canada Revenue Agency in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, about what this achievement means to her, why she is drawn to the profession and her future plans.   

CPA CANADA: WHAT DOES BEING NAMED AS THE REGIONAL WINNER MEAN TO YOU?

Tanisha Welcher (TW): It was such a shock to get that phone call. I had been doubting myself leading up to the release of the marks. I was overthinking what I had written and almost worried that I failed. So, I was really excited to have just passed. But then, to get that phone call, I was speechless. It’s such an honour.

CPA CANADA: DID YOU TAKE ANY SPECIAL APPROACHES TO STUDYING FOR THE EXAM BECAUSE OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS?

TW: I don’t think the COVID restrictions had too big of an impact on my studying. For me, it was more just making a schedule and sticking to it. I kind of treated it like a workday and took my weekends off to make sure that I didn’t get burned out and got a bit of a break.

The orientation to Capstone 2 really warned against burnout. And, speaking with past candidates who had been successful on the CFE, they recommended trying to take at least a couple of days a week to just relax and try not to stress and make sure that you don’t over study because you don't want to be burned out before the exam starts. 

CPA CANADA: WERE YOU WORRIED ABOUT GOING OUT TO PHYSICALLY WRITE AN EXAM DURING A PANDEMIC?

TW: I wasn’t super worried. We’ve been really lucky in Newfoundland that our cases have been pretty low. I had complete faith that CPA Canada would take all the necessary precautions. For Core 1, we were in a conference room, but the rest of my exams have been online. So, having the hotel room was great because it allowed me to really concentrate on the task at hand and didn't allow me to get distracted by what anyone else was doing.

CPA CANADA: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THOSE PREPARING TO WRITE THE CFE?

TW: I would suggest making a schedule and sticking to it. I found taking my lunches and breaks at the same time every day really helped me get into a routine that helped keep me on track. I would recommend practicing all the cases in the time constraints because that is definitely the hardest part on the exam. And I would also recommend taking time to do what you enjoy and not stressing because it doesn’t help if you are overwhelmed with the information.

CPA CANADA: WHO OR WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE THE CPA DESIGNATION?

TW: I started doing accounting courses when I was working towards my Bachelor of Commerce degree and I really enjoyed those. I figured that becoming a CPA was the natural next step for me. 

CPA CANADA: HOW HAS THE CPA PROGRAM HELPED TO DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS?

TW: The program gives you a lot of information, especially with the case-writing aspect. It helps you learn how to apply information to real world situations, as opposed to just your technical study. 

CPA CANADA: WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED OR DISCOVERED ABOUT YOURSELF IN YOUR PURSUIT TO ACHIEVE THE CPA DESIGNATION?

TW: I've learned that, if you really put your mind to something and work towards it, you can definitely achieve it. I was shocked to receive the gold medal. However, I put in a lot of effort. And it really goes to show that if you focus on your goals, you will achieve them. 

CPA CANADA: WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?

TW: Right now, I am working as an income tax auditor with the Canada Revenue Agency. I really enjoy the job. I have to finish my experience portion before I get my CPA designation. But the great thing about the CPA designation is that it opens up so many doors. I’m really excited to see where it takes me.

FIND OUT WHO MADE THE CFE HONOUR ROLL

View the complete list of honour roll recipients and read about how the Governor General’s Gold Medal winner prepared for this year’s CFE.