Wayne Kauffman FCPA, FCA
Wayne earned his designation in Ontario in 1974 before moving to Alberta, where his passion for the profession led him to spend the majority of his career in service to the profession and to his colleagues.
He served in numerous roles with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Alberta (ICAA) and CPA Alberta, including Associate Executive Director of the ICAA and Senior Vice President, CPA Life, with CPA Alberta. His work had a profound impact on the profession in Alberta, driving innovation in professional development, member services, and member advisory areas, among others. Through his efforts, Wayne became well known and highly respected by CPAs throughout the province and across the country. He was also integral to the successful unification of the profession in Alberta, helping bring together the staff and cultures of the three legacy organizations into what is now CPA Alberta.
Wayne’s desire to help others succeed has also been evident beyond his professional work. He has long been actively involved in the community, most notably through Rotary International, where he most recently completed his term as District Chair of the Rotary Foundation. The Foundation’s purpose is to “enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.” During his term as Chair, Wayne encouraged his fellow Rotarians to “do more,” resulting in the district exceeding its annual fundraising goal by 133%.
His commitment to Rotary is further exemplified by his many years of dedication to a Rotary mission that sent Canadian medical and dental teams to Cuenca, Ecuador, to provide vocational training and medical care. In addition, he coordinated a clean water project for a village of approximately 300 people, organized fundraising efforts and school supplies for a new school, and most recently returned from Cuenca, where 250 schoolchildren received new eyeglasses.
Wayne was awarded Fellowship in the profession in 2000. His profound impact on the profession in Alberta, along with the integrity, commitment, and heartfelt service to others that he has demonstrated throughout his career, make him a role model for all and a deserving recipient of the 2026 CPA Alberta Lifetime Achievement Award.
What surprises did the CPA designation bring to your life?
The CPA designation opened the door to many diverse and rewarding opportunities throughout my career, far beyond what I initially imagined.
How do you think CPAs have and can impact the province?
As knowledgeable and trusted leaders, CPAs bring valuable financial expertise, sound business judgment, and integrity that positively impact organizations, communities, and the province as a whole.
What accomplishments have made you feel the most alive and why?
Establishing the practice inspection program in its early years, developing the Professional Development Passport Program to improve affordability and participation, and playing a leading role in the merger of the three accounting professions to form CPA Alberta were especially rewarding accomplishments because they created lasting impact for the profession.
What was the most challenging moment in your successes so far?
Learning to be patient while others developed their skills and confidence was one of the most challenging—and ultimately most rewarding—parts of leadership.
What is one of the greatest things you’ve learned about leadership?
Great leadership comes from encouraging and supporting a team so individuals can achieve success together.
What advice would you give to others looking to succeed?
Be supportive of others. While leaders may help set the direction, it is a supported and motivated team that ultimately achieves success.
What professional experience in your life do you feel most grateful for?
I am most grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from the many outstanding CPAs I met throughout my 34 years of serving the profession.
What has been the most difficult, but rewarding conversation in your life?
Having conversations with team members who needed to move on was never easy. In nearly every case, however, they later recognized the change helped them find success elsewhere.
What’s your personal motto?
Be happy and grateful for all you have accomplished and for all you have been given in life.
What has been an eye-opening realization you’ve made throughout your career?
People genuinely want to succeed. A good leader provides direction, offers support, and then steps aside to allow others to thrive.
What values do you live by?
I strive to live by Rotary’s Four-Way Test:
- Is it the truth?
- Is it fair to all concerned?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Thank you quote
Throughout my life’s journey, I extend a heartfelt thank you to my wife, Vivien Wulff FCPA, FCA, and our family for their unwavering love and support.
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