Lester Jager CPA, CMA
Calgary
Professional career
I am a Calgary-based CPA, CMA, and financial executive with more than 30 years of experience in finance, leadership, governance, and business strategy. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with organizations of varying sizes across regions worldwide, helping them navigate challenges, plan for the future, and achieve their goals. These experiences have shaped my commitment to loyalty, respect, continuous learning and growth, and open dialogue that encourages different perspectives, which have guided how I work with others and how I approach challenges and decisions.
Today, through Acadia Enterprises Inc., I provide independent financial assessment, tax planning, budgeting, forecasting, financial modelling, and strategic advice to my clients, helping them achieve their financial and family goals. I enjoy helping clients make informed decisions, strengthen their financial position, and build a solid foundation for future success.
Prior to this, I spent more than 20 years with CNOOC International/Nexen in a variety of leadership roles, including Managing Director, Nigeria; Vice-President, Finance and Administration; and Finance Manager. Those experiences enabled me to work across diverse cultures and business environments while leading teams and supporting functions including financial reporting, tax, audit, risk management, internal controls, banking relationships, and business planning. I also served on the boards of several company entities, where I contributed to governance, oversight, and strategic decision-making.
Candidate statement
The CPA profession plays an important role in my life. Being a CPA opens doors for me, challenges me to grow, and gives me skills and experiences that stay with me throughout my career. Just as importantly, it connects me with a community of supportive professionals who care about professionalism, ongoing personal development, and making a positive impact.
The various roles that I have held across both Canadian and international organizations have given me the opportunity to lead through change. These experiences have reinforced the value of listening, building relationships, and making thoughtful decisions.
I am putting my name forward for the CPA Board because I would like to give back to a profession that has given me so much. I care about where our profession is headed and want to help ensure that being a CPA remains a profession where members feel supported, connected, and proud to belong.
If elected, I would focus on how we support members at all stages of their careers as CPAs, from students to active and current members. I am very interested in what being a CPA means to Alberta communities and businesses alike, as well as to CPAs themselves.
It would be a privilege to serve on the Board and contribute to the strength and growth of the profession and its members.
What do you see impacting the CPA profession, and how can CPA Alberta best respond?
The CPA profession is in a period of transition, and it’s important to clarify what it means to be a CPA today. A clear, inspiring identity helps attract new candidates and re‑energizes current members, reminding everyone why the profession matters and how it continues to evolve.
Also, I believe the CPA profession is being shaped by the rapid pace of technological change—especially with the rise of AI—along with the growing expectation that CPAs play a more active role in helping organizations make decisions and navigate complexity. Supporting members to navigate this change needs to be a focus for CPA Alberta. To stay relevant, CPA Alberta can provide more technical learning to help members build confidence, good judgment, and the ability to adapt. That means supporting lifelong learning in practical areas such as leadership, AI data skills, communication, and risk.
The profession needs a balance of practical learning, thoughtful use of technology, strong professional values, and support across career stages. With this approach, CPA Alberta can continue to serve its members well and strengthen the value CPAs bring to the organizations and communities they support, while maintaining public trust through strong standards and accountability.
How do your skills and background position you to positively contribute to the CPA Alberta Board and lead the governance of the profession?
My career experience as a CPA and business leader has strengthened my ability to provide thoughtful governance, exercise independent judgment, and contribute effectively in a board environment. I understand the importance of balancing the interests of members, the public, and the profession while upholding the highest standards of ethics, accountability, and transparency.
This commitment has led me to contribute beyond my professional roles, including serving as past President of the Radiance Family Society in Calgary, a non-profit organization, where I helped advance the organization's mission through sound governance and responsible stewardship. I also lead international governance reviews of charitable organizations in Bangladesh and Cambodia, evaluating organizational effectiveness and governance practices. These experiences reinforced my understanding of the need for honest, strong leadership and accountability to its members.
I have a deep commitment to the CPA profession and the values it represents. I believe lifelong learning and continuous professional development are essential to the success of our members and the relevance of our profession. CPA Alberta has a critical role to play in supporting, developing, and inspiring current and future CPAs. I want to contribute to that future.