Kate Phan CPA
Edmonton
Professional career
- Senior Financial Audit Professional, Office of the Auditor General of Canada (2021 – present)
- Assistant Lecturer (contract), University of Alberta, School of Business (2026)
- Power BI Accounting Bootcamp Instructor (contract), University of Alberta, School of Business (2021 – present)
- Power BI Developer (contract), Pontem Innovations (2022 – 2023)
- Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation received CPA Alberta (2024)
- Master of Accounting, University of Alberta (2023)
- BCom (Honours), Accounting, University of Alberta (2022)
Relevant activities
- Member, CPA Registration Committee, CPA Alberta (2025 – present)
- Member, CPA Career Services Working Group, CPA Alberta (2026 – present)
- Member, Power BI Expert Group, Office of the Auditor General of Canada (2023 – present)
- Member, Data Analytics Committee, Office of the Auditor General of Canada (2022 – 2023)
- Networking Volunteer and Keynote Speaker, CPA Alberta (2025 – present)
Candidate statement
Becoming a CPA has been one of the most rewarding parts of my professional journey, and serving on the CPA Alberta Board would be part of my effort to give back to the profession that has provided me with many opportunities.
Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the crucial role of CPAs in fostering trust, promoting good governance, and serving the public interest. My work with the Office of the Auditor General of Canada (OAG Canada) has strengthened my appreciation for accountability and sound decision-making, while my volunteer work with CPA Alberta has given me insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our profession.
I am also passionate about investing in the next generation of CPAs. My teaching and mentoring work at the University of Alberta allows me to support students who are preparing to become the profession’s future leaders. Their perspectives remind me of the importance of ensuring our profession remains relevant, impactful, and prepared for the future.
As a Board member, my priorities would be to support public protection, help Alberta CPAs and candidates navigate emerging technological and regulatory changes, and contribute to recruiting, retaining, and developing of new and current CPAs.
I would bring thoughtful governance, strategic thinking, and a collaborative approach to help CPA Alberta remain fiscally responsible, innovative, and resilient as it continues to serve its members and the public with excellence.
What do you see impacting the CPA profession, and how can CPA Alberta best respond?
The CPA profession is being shaped by rapid technological change, evolving workforce expectations, increasing regulatory complexity, and growing demands for transparency and accountability. Advancing technology, especially AI and data analytics, has transformed the way professionals work and the skills employers expect from CPAs.
Meanwhile, the profession faces challenges with attracting and retaining talent. Talent that could serve as trusted advisers, exercise professional judgment, uphold high ethical standards and contribute to good governance in an increasingly complex business environment.
I believe one of the profession's biggest opportunities is to embrace these changes while remaining focused on the qualities that make CPAs trusted professionals: integrity, professional judgment, and a commitment to serving the public interest. CPA Alberta can best respond by helping members adapt and thrive in this evolving climate.
This means ensuring relevance and effective communication of regulatory change, promoting emerging skills, and ensuring education development is future-ready. It also means engaging with employers, students, and members to understand changing needs and expectations. By fostering lifelong learning, embracing technological advancement, and maintaining high standards of ethics and professional conduct, CPA Alberta can help members succeed going forward.
How do your skills and background position you to positively contribute to the CPA Alberta Board and lead the governance of the profession?
My interest in serving on the CPA Alberta Board is rooted in both my professional experience and my commitment to the future of the profession.
Through my work with the OAG Canada, I regularly assess financial reporting, governance, risk management, and accountability practices across public-sector organizations. This experience has strengthened my ability to evaluate complex issues, challenge assumptions, and balance risks, stakeholder interests, and long-term objectives.
Serving on CPA Alberta's Registration Committee and Career Services Working Group has provided me with insight into the challenges facing candidates, members, and employers. Through teaching at the University of Alberta, I work closely with students and early-career professionals, giving me valuable insight into the expectations and challenges facing the next generation of CPAs.
I believe I would bring a valuable perspective to the Board by combining governance awareness, stakeholder-focused leadership, and an understanding of emerging trends affecting both the profession and its future members.
I value collaboration, diverse viewpoints, and constructive dialogue. Most importantly, I am committed to helping CPA Alberta act in the public interest as a trusted, innovative, and resilient organization while strengthening the profession for future generations.