Leonard D'Silva CPA, CMA
Calgary
Professional career
- Assistant Professor of Accounting, Mount Royal University (2025 – present)
- Accounting Faculty Instructor, SAIT (2020 – 2025)
- Accounting Manager, Alstar Oilfield Contractors Ltd. (2019)
- Finance Business Partner, Bow Valley College (2018)
- Senior Financial Analyst, MNP (2017 – 2018)
- Senior Financial Analyst, Alberta Health Services (2011 – 2017)
- MBA, Athabasca University (2020)
- CPA, CMA designation received, CPA Alberta (2015)
- BMgmt (Accounting), University of Lethbridge (2013)
Relevant activities
- Chair, Calgary Chapter of CPAs (2024 – present)
- Vice-Chair, Calgary Chapter of CPAs (2023 – 2024)
- Board member, Calgary Chapter of CPAs (2022 – 2023)
- CPA (CMA) Campus Ambassador (2011 – 2013)
Candidate statement
Every day, I have the privilege of working with two groups that shape the future of our profession: today's CPAs and tomorrow's. As Chair of the Calgary Chapter of CPAs, I work alongside members to strengthen our profession and community. As an accounting professor, I prepare the next generation of CPAs to enter a profession that is evolving faster than ever.
These experiences have reinforced my belief that the strength of the CPA designation depends on thoughtful governance, public trust, and a clear vision for the future. I am seeking a position on the CPA Alberta Board because I want to help ensure our profession continues to adapt, innovate, and lead while remaining grounded in the values of integrity, competence, and service.
If elected, I will bring a collaborative leadership style, a governance-focused mindset, and a commitment to listening to members and stakeholders. My priorities are to support CPA Alberta's mandate to protect the public, strengthen our profession through education and meaningful stakeholder engagement, help build and sustain a strong pipeline of future CPAs, and support the ongoing development of members as the profession evolves. I am also committed to responsible governance that reflects accountability, fiscal stewardship, and sound decision-making.
I would be honoured to help CPA Alberta remain a trusted, forward-looking profession that delivers lasting value to its members and the Albertans we serve.
What do you see impacting the CPA profession, and how can CPA Alberta best respond?
The CPA profession is being shaped by several important forces: evolving business expectations, advances in technology and artificial intelligence, changing regulatory requirements, and the need to demonstrate continued value as trusted advisers. These changes are transforming how CPAs work and reinforcing the importance of professional judgment, ethical leadership, communication, and strategic thinking.
As an accounting professor and Chair of the Calgary Chapter of CPAs, I see the impact of these changes from both the perspective of current members and the future generation of CPAs. Our profession must continue to attract talented individuals while ensuring members have the skills, resources, and support needed to succeed in an evolving environment.
CPA Alberta can best respond by strengthening professional education, supporting lifelong learning, fostering collaboration with post-secondary institutions and employers, and providing members with practical guidance as the profession evolves. Equally important is continuing to protect the public interest and promote the value of the CPA designation.By embracing change while remaining grounded in integrity, competence, and trust, CPA Alberta can ensure CPAs continue to make a meaningful contribution to Alberta’s economy and communities.
How do your skills and background position you to positively contribute to the CPA Alberta Board and lead the governance of the profession?
My experience in governance, strategic planning, and higher education positions me to contribute meaningfully to the CPA Alberta Board and the future of our profession. As Chair of the Calgary Chapter of CPAs, I have developed experience in governance oversight, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative decision-making while working with fellow board members to strengthen our CPA community.
As an Assistant Professor of Accounting at Mount Royal University, I have a direct role in shaping the next generation of CPAs. Through teaching and mentorship, I gain firsthand insight into the aspirations, challenges, and evolving needs of students entering the profession. This perspective allows me to contribute to conversations around talent development, education, and building a strong pipeline of future CPAs.
Together, these experiences enable me to support CPA Alberta’s strategic priorities and the long-term relevance of the CPA designation. I am committed to listening to members, embracing change, and helping build a profession that remains trusted, valued, and ready for the future.