The PRO Dinner

Are you a post-secondary student curious where the CPA designation can take you? At The PRO Dinner, the panel discussion will explore how the work of a CPA extends further than an Excel document or the four walls of a cushy boardroom. This year’s theme—Beyond the Numbers: The Essential Role of CPAs in Society—highlights how the CPA career path is about impact, not just accounting.

Join us to find out how CPAs investigate fraud, guide businesses through uncertainty, shape environmental policy, and even help communities manage wildfire risk.

The PRO Dinner is your opportunity to network with the PROs, discover career paths you didn’t know existed, and find out how the CPA designation can open doors across every industry. Come hungry for great food, cocktails and mocktails, valuable connections, and a bigger vision for what the designation can do for your future.

Register to attend in Edmonton Register to attend in Calgary

Event details

City

Date

Time

Location

Edmonton

Tuesday, October 21

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 

Agenda:

5:00 p.m. Reception & Networking
6:30 p.m. Dinner + CPA Panel Discussion
8:00 p.m. Event ends

Fairmont Hotel Macdonald,
10065 100 Street

Calgary

Tuesday, November 4

5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Agenda:

5:00 p.m. Reception & Networking
6:30 p.m. Dinner + CPA Panel Discussion
8:00 p.m. Event ends

Hudson Calgary,
200 8 Avenue SW, 6th Floor 



CPA PRO Dinner Panelists

Edmonton

Michael Stuart CPA

Michael is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Lawyer based in Edmonton. With a mix of public practice, legal, and private industry experience, he brings a unique perspective to business challenges of varying size and scope.

After articling as a CPA in Deloitte’s audit practice, Michael transitioned into a tax role at the firm. He subsequently attended the University of Alberta Faculty of Law, where he was awarded the Horace Harvey Medal in Law as the graduating student with the highest academic standing, and then articled as a lawyer at Felesky Flynn LLP.

Michael now serves as Manager of Finance & Legal for a privately-owned group of leading cast iron producers and suppliers, with presence across North America. In this role, Michael works with leaders at a number of operating companies and uses his background as a CPA and Lawyer to contribute solutions to the issues they face.

Outside of work, you can often find Michael at the golf course, cheering on the Seattle Mariners, or enjoying time with his family.

Jason Wong CPA, CMA

Jason is an investor, entrepreneur, and community leader who has built a diverse career across finance, recruiting, and education. After earning his CMA designation in 2012, he developed experience across multiple industries before moving into executive recruiting, where he specialized in placing senior-level finance and accounting professionals.

Jason has held several leadership roles in the accounting and academic communities. He previously served as Chair of the Edmonton Chapter of CPAs and as NAIT’s Accountant in Residence, mentoring the next generation of business leaders.

A proud University of Alberta alumnus, Jason is deeply committed to advancing his alma mater. He currently serves as President of the U of A Business Alumni Association, sits on the Alumni Council Executive, and is a member of the University’s Board of Governors, contributing to the Board Audit and Risk Committee and the Finance and Properties Committee. Through these roles, he helps shape the future of the institution that launched his career.

 

 

Calgary

Brian Banderk CPA, CA

Brian is a financial, regulatory, and operational leader with 25 years of business experience. He combines strong technical skills with hands-on business leadership to provide expertise in accounting, auditing, and financial matters in support of the Alberta Securities Commission (ASC). His team offers practical guidance to stakeholders and their advisors in these areas as they relate to securities regulation.

Prior to becoming the Chief Accountant, Brian served as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of privately held businesses, was the ASC’s Associate Chief Accountant, and held a senior role in the assurance practice of a global public accounting firm.

Brian is a Chartered Professional Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with Distinction from the University of Calgary. Over his career, he has served on numerous prominent provincial and national committees, taskforces, and boards within the accounting profession.

Nadine Niba CPA

Nadine is the Alberta Regional Leader for Risk Advisory Services at BDO Canada LLP, where she helps organizations strengthen governance, manage risk, and unlock opportunities through internal audit, IT audit, ICFR, and enterprise risk management.

With more than a decade of Big 4 experience, Nadine blends deep technical expertise with a passion for people and leadership. She is the award-winning author of Quarterback: An Immigrant’s Guide to Corporate North America, an Amazon #1 bestseller that empowers professionals to navigate and succeed in their careers.

Her leadership has earned her the CPA Alberta Early Achievement Award, the SAIT Outstanding Young Alumni Award, and multiple recognition honours. Driven by her mission to empower professionals and build resilient organizations, Nadine is a sought-after advisor, speaker, and mentor helping others thrive in Corporate North America.

Mandeep Sandhu CPA, CA

Mandeep currently serves as the Director of Internal Audit and Enterprise Risk Management for AltaLink. Before joining AltaLink, she held various financial reporting and internal audit roles in the oil and gas industry. She earned her Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary in 2007 and obtained her CPA designation in 2009 while articling with KPMG LLP.

Passionate about risk management and governance, Mandeep is committed to fostering strong workplace relationships and contributing to a positive employee culture.

Outside of work, she stays busy with her two young children’s extracurricular activities and enjoys spending time outdoors. She also enjoys running and is planning her second full marathon, hopefully at an overseas destination.

 

 


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