Board Nomination

Introduction

The CPA Alberta Board consists of 12 members—nine CPAs and three public representatives. CPA Alberta recognizes the benefits diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents can bring to the board, and strives for a board that is reflective of the diversity of our membership.

Being a member of the board requires a time commitment of 10–15 days per year of meeting and other event attendance plus preparation time, depending on the specific responsibilities assigned to the board member (see the "Time Commitment" tab for a comprehensive breakdown of the overall time commitment required).

The board usually meets four times per year. Meetings may be held virtually or in-person. In-person meetings are regularly held at CPA Alberta offices in Edmonton and Calgary, and may be held throughout the province. Board members are also expected to attend key CPA Alberta events, including Convocations and activities during Elevate week, the annual celebration of the profession. Board members are elected for a three-year term (maximum two terms).

This year, there are two vacant positions to be filled, with two incumbents eligible to run for re-election. Ideal candidates for CPA Alberta board positions are engaged Alberta CPAs who bring a broad range of relevant experience and possess a demonstrated ability to make a significant contribution at the board level and the capacity to fully contribute. CPA Alberta is committed to building a profession where the voices and experiences of all Alberta CPAs are reflected in the governance of the profession. As such, we encourage applications for board positions from all Alberta CPAs who are members in good standing. 

This is a chance to contribute your time and expertise to advance your profession!


The Governance Committee regularly reviews the makeup of the Board to ensure the competencies and mix of Board members reflects the range of professional backgrounds within the profession and the expertise and technical knowledge required to effectively govern the organization. The Committee believes the CPA Alberta Board as currently constituted is well represented in backgrounds and the required core skill sets and competencies.

The CPA Alberta Governance Committee emphasizes the core skill sets for CPA Alberta Board Members are governance expertise and a high level of strategic thinking.


Note: If you would prefer to get the information on this webpage in a PDF format, please contact: communications@cpaalberta.ca

Board Responsibilities

As per CPA Alberta (CPAA) governing documents:

Role and Duties of the Board

General Responsibilities

  • The Board governs the business and affairs of the CPAA.
  • The Board will fulfil the purposes of the Act, including protecting the interest of the public, protecting the integrity of the profession, promoting and increasing the competence of registrants and regulating the conduct of registrants.
  • The Board will exercise CPAA’s powers in the name of and on behalf of the CPAA.
  • The Board is responsible for overseeing the CEO to ensure accountability in the day-to-day operations of the CPAA.

In addition to these general responsibilities, the Board has a number of specific duties, including:

  • Developing CPA Alberta’s overall approach to governance
  • Review and approve changes to CPA Alberta’s governing documents for, as appropriate, member and/or government consultation, ratification, or approval.
  • Provide leadership and oversight to the CPA Alberta mission, vision, operating principles, strategic plan, and annual operating plan, in conjunction with the CEO, including approving annual fees
  • Foster ethical and responsible decision making within CPA Alberta
  • Appoint members of statutory committees/rosters and other committees, as required
  • Provide input on national and regional issues
  • Monitor and evaluate financial performance
  • Ensure effective policies and procedures are in place to identify and manage risk

Yearly Time Commitment

The total estimated annual time commitment for CPA Alberta Board Members is 206 to 254 hours. This number excludes travel time but includes optional but encouraged event attendance.

The following chart provides a comprehensive breakdown of the time commitment required of CPA Alberta Board Members.

Activity

Time Commitment

Location

CPA Alberta Board Meetings

64 hours

Four full-day meetings and two one-hour video conferences, plus preparation time of approximately one meeting duration

In person in Edmonton or Calgary (rotating); virtual for video conferences

(Note: additional travel time may be required)

Committee Meetings

16 hours

Approximately four two-hour video conferences, plus preparation time of approximately one meeting duration

Virtual
New Board Member Orientations

6 to 12 hours

One to two two-hour meetings, plus preparation time of approximately one to two meetings duration

In person, tied to a Board meeting

(Note: additional travel time may be required)

CPA Alberta Board Retreat

36 to 42 hours

Over the course of a weekend, starting Friday evening

Typically in the Jasper or Banff area

(Note: additional travel time likely required)

Attendance at CPA Alberta Board Dinners

8 to 12 hours

Two to three hours the night before each in-person Board meeting

In person in Edmonton and Calgary

(Note: additional travel time may be required)

Attendance at CPA Convocation Events

4 to 12 hours

CPA Alberta Convocations consist of ceremonies and a dinner, typically running from Thursday to Saturday; ceremony attendance is optional and dinner attendance is encouraged in closest city to residence

In person in Calgary and Edmonton

Attendance at CPA Alberta Elevate Events

(includes Achievement Awards, Chair’s Long Service, FCPA Reception, CEO Dinner, Elevate Your Mind conference, and others depending on year)

72 to 96 hours

CPA Alberta’s Elevate is three to four full days of events, with signature events typically running Thursday to Saturday; attendance is encouraged

Varies; Edmonton, Calgary, or Banff/Jasper area

(Note: additional travel time may be required)

Board Eligibility

As per CPA Alberta governing documents:

Board Membership

An elected member of the Board must be a member of the CPAA who:

  • (a) resides in the province of Alberta;

  • (b) is not currently employed by the CPAA (either as a direct employee or through an
    independent contracting relationship);
    • i. was not employed by the CPAA or a predecessor of the CPAA (either as a direct employee or through an independent contracting relationship) within two (2) years of the member’s election to the Board;

  • (c) was not employed by the CPAA or a predecessor of the CPAA (either as a direct employee or through an independent contracting relationship) and whose employment or contract was terminated for cause within five (5) years of the member’s election to the Board; or

  • (d) does not have the status of a bankrupt or an insolvent person under the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act (Canada) or any other applicable federal or provincial legislation.

In addition to the eligibility requirements set out, where a member has:

  • (a) been found by the CPAA or a predecessor of the CPAA or any other professional or quasi-judicial body or court to have committed unprofessional conduct; or
  • (b) entered into a settlement agreement with a chartered professional accountant organization or a predecessor to a chartered professional accountant organization in Canada, the member is not eligible to be nominated as a Board member of the CPAA for five (5) years following the member complying with any orders or terms imposed as a result of the finding of unprofessional conduct or settlement agreement.

Candidate Sample Form

As part of the nomination process, all candidates must provide required information, including biographical information, a candidate statement outlining their interest in joining the CPA Alberta Board, and answers to two questions. The following sample candidate information provides an example interested candidates may wish to follow for their nomination.


Candidate Photograph

Placeholder image

Professional Career

• Chief Financial Officer, XYZ Company (date)
• Controller, 123 Company (date)
• Senior Accountant, 123 Company (date)
• Designation received (date)
• BComm, University of Calgary (date)

Relevant Activities

• Board Member, Calgary CPA Chapter (date)
• Member (date) and Chair (date) of Management Advisory Council
• Member, Legacy body committee (date)
• Treasurer, Town Community League (date)
• Finance Chair, an Alberta Foundation (date)
• Member, Local Chamber of Commerce (date)

 

Candidate Statement

(maximum 225 words)

I have been an active member of the profession for the last twenty years. I have reached the point in my career where I feel I have the knowledge, experience and passion needed to benefit Alberta CPAs and the CPA Alberta Board. As a board member, I will work diligently to ensure that CPA Alberta maintains its self-regulating status, protects the public, and provides the services required to ensure Alberta CPAs can achieve success.

 

Answers to the following two questions:

(maximum of 225 words each)

Sample question 1:
What do you see impacting the CPA profession, and how can CPA Alberta best respond?

The impacts of new technology is the biggest factor that will impact individual CPAs and the profession itself in years ahead. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence, are set to fundamentally change the nature of the work CPAs do. Rather than replace CPAs, these changes will allow CPAs to focus on contributing at a more strategic level. However, that will require CPAs having the appropriate skills to effectively leverage the technology, as well as organizations understanding the invaluable contributions CPAs can make to businesses and organizations of all kinds. To help facilitate this shift, CPA Alberta should help ensure members have access to resources to improve their technological competencies, while broadly promoting the value of the CPA designation and enhancing the CPA brand.

 

Sample question 2:
How do your skills and background position you to positively contribute to the CPA Alberta Board and lead the governance of the profession?

My previous board experience, especially on other regulatory entity boards, provides me a solid understanding of the mandate and governance of a professional regulatory organization. As well, my career in a variety of industries has given me insights into the Alberta business environment and the trends that will impact our province. Further, I understand the needs and expectations the business community has for CPAs, and the competencies that will help CPAs meet those needs, now and in the future. As well, I have devoted much time to mentoring the next generation of CPAs and am ready to share my insights in how the profession can best assist current and prospective CPAs thrive in our new reality.

Instructions to Interested Members

Nomination Form

If you are interested in being nominated as a candidate for the CPA Alberta Board, please complete and submit the online nomination form. 

All nominations must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 17, 2026.

You must include the name and email address of both a nominator and seconder for your nomination in the form. These individuals must be Alberta CPAs in good standing. When the nomination form is submitted, the nominator and seconder will automatically receive an email through which they can verify the nomination.

Prior to submitting the candidate form, we strongly encourage interested candidates to thoroughly read all the information provided on this webpage.

All nominated candidates for the CPA Alberta Board must provide through the nomination form:

Nomination Form

Required Information

All nominated candidates for the CPA Alberta Board must also provide:

  • Your biographical information:
    Please provide the content in bullet form, describing your role as a professional and other relevant experience relating to the CPA Alberta Board positions, as well as a Candidate Statement (maximum of 225 words) outlining why you are interested in being part of the CPA Alberta Board and what your priorities are.
  • Answers to the following two questions (maximum of 225 words each):
    1. What do you see impacting the CPA profession, and how can CPA Alberta best respond?
    2. How do your skills and background position you to positively contribute to the CPA Alberta Board and lead the governance of the profession?

  • A head-and-shoulders photograph

For examples of the required information, please view the 'Candidate Sample Form' on the previous tab.

Your submitted information may be subject to editing for grammar and length prior to distribution.

We encourage you to contact CPA Alberta with your questions about the role of the board or the election process. Please contact the CPA Alberta Governance Committee through Megan Wesolowski by phone at (780) 420-2373 or 1-800-232-9406, or e-mail to mwesolowski@cpaalberta.ca.

Note: All election procedures and counting of ballots are overseen by the Chief Scrutineer.

CPA Alberta’s strategic priorities are:

  • Protect the public: CPA Alberta will protect the public through the appropriate level of regulatory oversight.

  • Strengthen our ecosystem: Through education, outreach, and branding, CPA Alberta will learn, adapt to, and influence relevant societal issues that affect the profession and Alberta CPAs.

  • Fulfill market needs: CPA Alberta will meet the existing and emerging needs of the province for CPAs through the recruitment of new CPAs and the retention and ongoing development of existing CPAs.

  • Empower our organization: CPA Alberta will be a responsible steward of its resources, demonstrate fiscal accountability and resilience in its operations, and embody a workplace culture that reflects our values of being collaborative, innovative, impactful, ethical, and acting with integrity.
Read More: CPA Alberta Strategic Priorities


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