UOAA Outlook 2013

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DESIGN TEAMSTEFAN LUCASSANDI LEUNG

SAMANTHA SINN

ARTICLE TEAMMAHA AKHTARALYSSA FRY

MICHAEL NICOLAOU

THANK YOU TO ALL UOAA SPONSORS

Events For The Semester

Making A Difference Together, PwC

Community Matters, UOAA

CMA Stands For Community Service

Where Are They Now?

DO MORE! CGA Ontario

Fall 2012 Events Gallery

UOAA 2013 Conference

60% of taxpayers must hire

a professional to get throughtheir own return. Which meansaccountants are hardly everout of jobs, people need us.

An accountant named WalterE. Dimer was the inventor ofbubble gum!

Bookkeeper and words derivedfrom it (eg bookkeeping) arethe only words in the Englishlanguage with threeconsecutive double letters.

Did You Know...

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PRESIDENTS

MESSAGEDear Readers,I am proud to be addressing UOIT students and faculty, UOAA sponsors andpartners, and my peers as the president of the UOIT Accounng Associaon(UOAA) one last me. It has been a privilege to have served as president fortwo years; to have worked with such dedicated, movated, and supporveindividuals. In the near future, I guarantee that the UOAA will be led by a groupof enthusiasc individuals who will take the associaon to further heights ofachievements and successes. I look forward to assisng the UOAA 2013-2014

execuve team in the capacity of an advisor.The only innovaons that interest me are the ones that lead to greater strength and quality. August Horch, Founder Horch/Audi.

At rst glance, it may seem odd that I have just quoted the founder of a car manufacturer. However, this very quote has

stuck with me since the rst me I read it at the 2008 Auto Show in Toronto. Every so oen I read the quote and I amreminded that every conict I am confronted with will develop me into someone greater. Each year I have encountered newexperiences and new challenges which have ensured that I gain the strengths and qualies necessary to become a beerleader. During my rst year as president I was adamant to implement strategies, pursue partnerships, and take control.

Although I was extremely dedicated and self-movated; I was also overworked and did not capitalize on the skills thatmembers of my team possessed. In the summer of 2012 I took note of the posive and negave aspects of my year aspresident and sought to become beer. During my second year as president I took on the role of a mentor; driven by the

strategies I had implemented and by the mistakes I had made in the year previous. I ensured to delegate and empower myteam members who demonstrated their passion to succeed. These two years as president have led to personal strengths

and qualies of a leader that I would like to connue to become.

This newsleer will demonstrate to readers the innovaons that the UOAA has made over the fall semester and willconnue to make in the winter semester. With every semester, the UOAA takes yet another step to reach its full potenal.The introducon to social events such as Bowling with Professionals and Casino Night displays the UOAAs aempt tobring a social experience to professional events. Addionally, the UOAA mobile applicaon and website increases theexposure of our sponsors and partners. The UOAA has made necessary improvements parallel to the growth of the

university.

I am grateful to have spent my four years at the University of Ontario Instute of Technology. The university has providedme with the opportunies to network with industry professionals, to iniate new clubs on campus, and develop personalconnecons with faculty and peers. Students should take advantage of the resources that the university and UOAA provideThank you to sponsors and partners of the UOAA who have assisted in the development of the associaon during my twoyear tenure. Without the support of these groups, the UOAA would not have reached the successes it has seen.

It is me that I pass on the torch to my successor who will demonstrate the passion and enthusiasm necessary to lead an

execuve team as movated as that of the UOAA. Good luck to the associaon for many years to come!

Sincerely,

Michael Nicolaou

UOAA President, 2011-2013

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FEB 6TH, 2013

FEB 12TH, 2013

5:10PM-7:30PM

G213 DINING HALL

5:10PM-6:30PM

G213 DINING HALL

MARCH 5, 2013

5:10PM-7:30PM

G213 DINING HALL



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FEB 27TH, 2013

5:10PM-6:30PM

G213 DINING HALL

MARCH 15-16, 2013

8:00AM-5:00PM

VARIOUS

LOCATIONS

TBA

TBA

OSHAWA GOLF ANDCURLING CLUB

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DETAILS COMING SOON!Come out and network with recruiters from various rms and industry companies!

Visit www.uoitaccounting.com for details as it becomes available!

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By Fahad Meer PwC Associate

If everyone lived for themselves, where would this world be? If everyone helped no one but themselves,where would you be? Interesng thought. I know I denitely would not be in the posion I am right now. No, am not talking about myposion as an Associate in the Audit and Assurance Group at PwC. I am rather talkingabout being in theposion to help others and making a dierence in their lives. Making a dierence in yourlife. The importance of helping others is invaluable and for those of you who know me, or know about me,you would agree that I do my best to help others out as much as possible. Giving back to the community iswhat dierenates PwC from other rms. That is why I chose PwC.

If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path. Buddhist saying

Many people ask me why? I always answer back saying why not. Why should we not give each other a

helping hand? Why should we not help each other succeed? What most people fail to realize is the fact thatby giving back to the community, you are not only helping the people around you become stronger, but youare also helping yourself become a stronger and a more respectable person.

We have a saying around the oce that I have shared with many of you through this recruing process:Teach, dont tell! Would you enjoy working for a rm where people telleach other what to do? Or wouldyou rather enjoy working for a rm where colleagues share informaon and teach others what they needto be taught (versus telling them what to do)? The answer is obvious. Teaching leads to empowerment andempowerment leads to knowledge. With that in mind, knowledge leads to success and knowledge can neverbe told. It can only be taught. That is why we at PwC teach each other not only in the oce and at clients, butalso teach and share outside the oce through volunteer programs to spread knowledge in the community.

We are living in a world that is run by the service sector of the economy in which the reputaon and respectof businesses and individuals trumps any other trait or characterisc. That is why PwC has always been re-garded as one of the most trusted and esteemed rms in the world. That is why I am proud to say that I workfor PwC.

We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give. Sir Winston Churchill

Did you know that charitable work literally makes the heart grow stronger or that those who volunteer havefewer incidents of heart disease? I didnt. But now I understand why PwC invests greatly in programs toengage employees to give back to the community.

You and PwC Making aDiference Together Fahad Meer, PwC Associate



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When I was in your shoes not too long ago, I was seeking answers to two important quesons that wouldeventually decide which rm I would work for. The rst queson being which rm is the best t for me andmy personality? and the second which rm would foster and further develop my passion to give back to thecommunity? The decision was quite simple once I found the answers to my quesons: PwC and thePricewaterhouseCoopers Canada Foundaon. PwC strives to make a dierence in the community it isembedded in, similar to myself.

The PriceawterhouseCoopers Canada Foundaon is all aboutgiving. Giving its employees a paid day o everyyear to volunteer at a local charity of choice. Givingthe community the needed nancial and leadershipsupport to sustain a healthy and happy lifestyle. Giving a $300 donaon to the charity of choice of theemployee that volunteers at least y hours of his/her me to that specic charity. Givingme theopportunity to pursue my passion for doing what I love doing best: givingback to my community whetherit is through my blogs posts, presentaons or my commitment for making the community a beer place foreveryone to live in.For more informaon about the PriceawterhouseCoopers Canada Foundaon, please visithp://www.pwc.com/ca/en/foundaon .

Those who have nothing to give should be given nothing.

Many of you might see your friends in the same boat as you, passionately working hard to land a job at anaccounng rm. Some of you might see them as compeon whereas others might work alongside yourfriends to cooperavely achieve your goals collecvely. I did the laer with my friends when I was in yourshoes last year. I movated and pushed them every day through the recruing process and wished for themwhat I would wish for myself. We collecvelyscrunized each others applicaons and gave each other psthat would help us succeed. What was the result ofhelping and giving? All of us landed jobs in the rms wewanted to work for. No one was le behind.

Everyone has something to give, whether it is money, knowledge or even me to help someone out. It is nota maer of what to give but rather how to give it. Through the PricewaterhouseCoopers Canada Foundaonalongside many other unique corporate social responsibility programs at PwC, the queson of howbecomes a queson of when. For me, I found the answer to that queson on May 25, 2010 when I joinedPwC as a Summer Intern.

When will it be for you?

You and PwC Making aDiference Together

Inside Look of PwCs New Building!

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http://www.pwc.com/ca/en/foundationhttp://www.pwc.com/ca/en/foundationhttp://www.pwc.com/ca/en/foundationhttp://www.pwc.com/ca/en/foundationhttp://www.pwc.com/ca/en/foundationhttp://www.pwc.com/ca/en/foundation


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CLIMBING TO CFO OFTHE YEAR AND HIGHER

Colleen Johnston, FCAGroup Head Finance and Chief Financial O cer

TD Bank Group

www.guidetorulingtheworld.ca

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The UOAA is committed to providing UOIT studentswith the resources and opportunities they need tobecome successful in the eld of accounting. However,

the Oshawa and Durham Region community mattersto the executives of the UOAA. Each year, the UOAAdoes its part to give back to the community which willbe proudly discussed below.

The UOAA has held an Annual Holiday Food &Toy Drive for two consecutive years now! This is acombined effort by the UOAA, UNICEF on Campus,and the Health Science Council (HSC). Food and toydonations are received by Feed the Need Durham;feeding the less fortunate during the holiday season.

Any monetary donations collected are happily received

by UNICEF. The UOAA and its partners have had atremendous amount of success with this annualinitiative! In 2011, the groups collected over $700and 5 full boxes of food and toys. In 2012, the groupssuccessfully collected7 boxes of food. With the useof an inatable snowman over 14 feet tall, the groupsattracted a lot of attention from UOIT faculty andstudents. We thank everyone for contributing towardsthis initiative!

Together with the CRA, the UOAA provides theAnnual Tax Clinic Service for low income

individuals. The UOAA has student volunteers trained bythe CRA to complete tax returns free of charge. This is anoutstanding initiative for students to be a part ofbecause of the tax experience they gain as wellas the ability to assist individuals who cannotnecessarily afford tax services. In a secluded, professionalenvironment, individuals of the community come tothe tax clinic where they are welcomed warmly andprovided with goods provided by our sponsors. Moreinformation about the tax clinic can be found on ourwebsite.

The UOAA continuously strives to provideopportunities for students to build their professionadevelopment skills. We understand that our students

are the key to the foundation and reputation of UOITAlthough the UOAA is fortunate to have sponsors andpartners in the accounting profession, these samegroups are gearing their events and presentationstowards all students. No matter what eld of studystudents are in, the UOAA ensures that eventsare tailored towards professional development forall. Additionally, the association provides videotutorials (VBlogs), resume and cover letter tips, andnetworking sessions! These resources and services areprovided in order for students to be one step closer to theirprofessional career. Take advantage of what the UOAA

has to offer!

These are a few ways that the UOAA gives back tothe community and the university; initiatives that wilcontinue in the coming years. Community matters fothe UOAA now how much does it matter to you?

COMMUNITY MATTERS!



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www.guidetorulingtheworld.ca

THE WORLDS BIGGESTBUSINESSES CALL

ON THE WORLDS BIGGEST BRAINS

Neal Mizrahi, CACBVManaging Director

FTI Consulting

Devi Rajani Villegas, CADirector

FTI Consulting

Ellen Dong, CAConsultant

FTI Consulting

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2012 KPMG LLP, a Canadian limited liab ility partnership and a member frm o the KPMG network o independent

member frms afliated with KPMG International Cooperative (KPMG International), a Swiss entity. All rights reserved.

The possibilitiesare limitless.Discover howwith KPMG.

kpmg.ca



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Stands forCommunity Service

The letters CMA represent a community of strategic managementprofessionals with accounting expertise who create a foundation forsuccess for businesses and communities alike. CertiedManagement Accountants are professionals who provide leadership,innovation and an integrating perspective to organizations of all sizesMany CMAs not only enjoy career success, but often contribute to thecommunities they are part of, like Balwinder (Bal) Jandu, CMA.

In 2012 Bal Jandu, CMA, Commercial Account Manager, Bank ofMontreal, received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal forhis exceptional community service. The medal commemorates the 60anniversary of the Queens accession to the Throne. That year 60,000Canadians received the medal for their contributions andachievements.

It is easy to see why Bal received this award. He has been involvedwith many charities for more than 15 years and is passionate aboutmaking a difference in the community and around the world.

I am extremely honoured to receive this award and I will cherish it fora long time, says Bal. I am very fortunate to have almost everything have always wanted. Because I am so blessed, I want to give back.

As President of his local Rotary Club, he was responsible formanaging and distributing funds to various youth and seniors programand International projects. For the last three years, he helped organizthe Rotary Valentines Dance fundraiser in support of Credit ValleyHospital and this year the dance raised about $10,000.

Since 2008, the Rotary Club has helped the Ekal VidyalayaFoundation charity build four schools a year in remote parts of India.His club also works with other Rotary Clubs to put clean waterreservoirs in Tanzania villages.

Bal has also worked at Camp Enterprise, a four-day boot camp forpotential young entrepreneurs sponsored by the Rotary Club. Over 10Grade 12 students participate and Bal judges and provides feedbackon the business case competition.

Bal has been working at BMO for 11 years and he approaches his jobwith the same enthusiasm and commitment as he does his charitablework. Last year, he received the Bravo Award for Top PerformingCommercial Account Manager. Accounting and nance are thebackbones of the business world and Bals CMA designation hasprovided him a rewarding and diverse business career built on afoundation of accounting, management and strategy.

Visit www.becomeacma.comfor upcoming CMA events oncampus or email Lori Dalton,Regional Marketing Directorat [email protected].

Bal Jandu, CMA (on the right)

Lori DaltonRegional Marketing Director

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http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14019&lan=enghttp://www.ekal.org/http://www.ekal.org/http://www.becomeacma.com/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.becomeacma.com/http://www.ekal.org/http://www.ekal.org/http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=14019&lan=eng


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Each academic year, the UOAA Winter Newletter will introducestudents to past UOAA presidents to get an idea of where theyare now. What better then to begin this tradition with ChristinaBasanti, the founder and rst president of the UOAA!

Christina Basanti has over 5 years of experience working in the eldof accounting with clients from all over North America. Christinabegan her career at KPMG in the Enterprise practice which has led toher current role at KPMG as a manager in the Financial Services andBuilding, Construction and Real Estate practice. She hasassisted KPMG in campus recruiting at UOIT and has given students

invaluable advice based on her experiences. Christina was fortunateto have been selected for an internship with KPMG in her 3rd year atUOIT which has led the way for many more students.

There are many specializations to explore for commerce students.When asked what made her choose accounting, Christina said Iwanted to be an accountant ever since grade 11; I loved havingaccounting classes when I was in high school. Since that time I havebeen dedicated to becoming an accounting professional and workingtowards my goal. When I started university, the support I receivedfrom professors helped me pursue those goals.

At UOIT, students understand how important it is to be involved with

the UOAA. Christina stated that her teamwork and leadership skillswere developed during her time as president and being an executivehelped her land a job with KPMG.

One of the most discussed topics as an accounting undergraduateis networking, so we asked Christina what she did to prepare fornetworking events that helped her distinguish herself. One of the keyfactors to networking, Christina notes, is that networking is not justabout asking questions; it is a process of building your connection.Try to have a conversation with people, it is not necessary for it tobe job-related, it can be anything that you are interested in such ascommunity involvement. Knowing the organizations and even doing

some research beforehand is a great start to networking. Christinaalso advices students to talk to all representatives in attendance andto always write a follow up email subsequent to the event.

In terms of job search strategies for UOIT students, Christina says,students should apply to as many rms as possible and keep theiroptions open. Do not limit yourself to specic rms. You can evenconsider rms at different ofce locations.

Once the networking stage is over and an opportunity foremployment is evident, the next matter of concern is the dreadedinterview!

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

CHRISTINA BASANTI, CA

KPMG LLPManager,

Audit, Financial Services andBuilding, Construction andReal Estate

Toronto Bay Street Location

CURRENT CAREERS - PAST UOAA PRESIDENTS



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When asked how she prepared for her interview withKPMG, Christina emphasized the fact that she hadto differentiate herself from her competition. Beingthe president of UOAA and developing key skillshelped her stand out. She discussed interview tipswith many individuals and was very condent duringthe interview - she knew that being herself wasimportant.

We asked Christina for advice that she can provideto students to prepare themselves for recruitmentbased on the challenges she faced during herexperience. I would suggest students to getinvolved as much as they can, it does not have tobe accounting related or on campus. Recruiters arelooking for well-rounded people who havedemonstrated great interpersonal and leadershipskills, says Christina.

When asked about the most interesting aspect of herwork, Christina told us about the ongoing learningshe experiences through her wide array of clients.She has had the opportunity to work with differentkinds of businesses within different industries andgain knowledge into the various business aspects.

Christina also shared her thoughts in regards to thespecic personal and professional skills needed tosucceed as an accountant. Christina points out timemanagement as a major skill due to the fact as aManager, she is delegating tasks to staffaccountants while nishing her workload as well.Working effectively and efciency are also crucial

elements of time management.

Christina says that her next career move (orsomeone similar in her position) would be to worktowards the title of partner at the rm or gain amanagement position within the industry.

Due to her experience in recruitment at KPMG andUOIT, Christina was able to give some advice tocurrent UOIT students. Her advice is for students tobe involved as much as possible and buildinterpersonal and time management skills. She alsodiscusses the value of networking in regards tobuilding professional relationships.

Compared to students at other universities, weasked Christina if there were some areas ofimprovement that UOIT students should be awareof. Christina mentions the erce competition outthere as there are students at other universities withexcellent resumes and networking skills.

Christina Basanti shared her very valuableexperiences with us that will denitely assiststudents in achieving their goals. We were able tolearn from Christina through several perspectives:her time as a student, her position as president onthe UOAA, and as an employee with KPMG! Thankyou Christina for taking the time to meet with theUOAA and give back to UOIT!

Christina Basanti, CA

Written By Jesse YangPast UOAA VP Communications

Currently Attending IVEY

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A CGA designation is more than a piece of paper. Its a game changer.

Certified General Accountants command top-tier credibility and maximum

earning potential in the worlds most compelling companies.

Theres no better timethan the present to imaginea bigger future.

The only question is, are you ready to DO MORE?

Hear CGAs discuss their personal paths

to success at CGA-DoMore.org/testimonial

Im a fresh graduate. I feel like

the CGA designation will provide

a lot of opportunity. Ive already

been recognized at work with more

respect and increased pay.

MANJIT BAGRI, CGAManager of Finance, The Herjavec Group Inc.



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Having the CGA designa-

tion on their resum

enables them to get

the job they want, one

that its nicely into

their idea o work-lie

balance, leaving them

with enough time to pursue their passions

both at work and play.

For many CGAs, their ater-hour activi-

ties start in their communities and touch

many in ways you wouldnt normally thinkaccounting could. Volunteering their pro-

essional skills within their communities

gives CGAs the opportunity to practice

their proessional skill set, network with

likeminded proessionals and help those

in need everybody wins.

We caught up with a ew CGAs who

volunteer their proessional expertise with

various causes and organizations in their

community. Not only did the CGA desig-

nation allow them to DO MORE with their

career, it set them up to do good in their

communities too.

Each spring, more than 500 CGAsand students in the CGA program volun-

teer their time to help with tax preparation

services or qualifed seniors and low in-

come Ontarians. Collectively, these CGAs

are able to help hundreds o low income

Ontarians fle their taxes and take advan-

tage o the many tax credits available to

them. Tax preparation centres are set up

across Ontario, sometimes at the local

YMCA, community centre, accounting frm

or a politicians constituency ofce.

Janice Charko, FCGA, and chair o CGA

Ontarios board o directors, is a proud

supporter o this initiative, Volunteering

at the tax preparation services is a lot o

un, especially i you volunteer at the same

location every year. I used to participate in

one at a seniors home and it was a bit o

a social event or the seniors, they were

so happy to see us. It was always such a

satisying experience.

Many seniors and lower income am

lies in Ontario ail to receive the tax re

unds and benefts to which they are entitled, or cannot ulfl their civic duty to fle

or end up paying or tax services, simpl

because they are unable to complete the

returns. In 2012, 573 CGAs and students

rom across the province teamed up to

prepare 6,120 tax returns ree o charge

or seniors and low income Ontarians.

Many CGAs across Ontario oer thei

proessional expertise to various causes

and organizations in their community

Not only did their designation help them

get the job they desired, it also provided

them with the opportunity to give back

using the skills they learned studying inthe CGA program.

CGAs have the luxury o having grea

jobs and satisying personal lives. When

you hold a designation that employers

value, you can arrange your schedule to

ft your lie not the other way around. As

a CGA, there are plenty o opportunities

to make time or what drives you.

Every day the 21,000 CGAs working

and volunteering in Ontario prove that CGAs

see more than numbers. They see a need

in the community and work to fll it.

To learn moreabout how theCGA designationcan help youDO MORE withyour future,

visit our website,cga-domore.org.

CGAs:

FINDING BALANCEBY GIVING BACKNew grads and young proessionals oten wonder how they will

fnd the right work-lie balance when they enter the workorce.

The working world can be busy and ast-paced, but with the right

job and a commitment to achieving work-lie balance, your time on

and o the clock can go a long way. Work-lie balance is one o the

many reasons why accounting and fnance proessionals pursue the

CGA (certifed general accountant) designation.

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2012 RECRUITING SESSION



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BOWLING WITH PROFESSIONAL

A day of fun and professionalism all inone! Students were given the opportuni-ty to network with professionals in a re-laxed environment where they were ableto bowl and enjoy food and beverages.Networking can take place in any settingand this was one of them!,

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CMA: SELLING YOUR SKILLS

CAO: CA PANEL & INFO SESSION



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KEYS TO SUCCESS BEYOND THE NUMBE

,

The rst of the UOAA Dinner Series! It was an

outstanding evening with enthusiastic professionals

from the industry in attendance. Two presentations

were conducted, one by CGA Ontario whomdiscussed the importance of choosing a career youll

enjoy. The other, by CMA Ontario focused on building

professional condence. Watch out for the next

Dinner Series event, Skills Set presented by the

ICAO.

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CONNECT WITH US

The UOAA Mobile App is a new resource brought to the table this year.

Everything you need to know is at the touch of your ngertips. It includes pushnotications to make sure you never miss a deadline, sponsor news, or an eventever again!

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UOAA Outlook 2013

Documents

Transcript of UOAA Outlook 2013