CM Autumn Template - Institute of Chartered Accountants of Ontario

(From page 25)
John: I have experienced a higher calibre student with the
benefit of having another avenue to recruit from
prospectively. In fact, since the Institute has published our
status as a CA Training Office on its website, I have received
many enquiries from prospective students – a situation that
didn’t exist before becoming a CA Training Office.
Richard: Are you concerned about your ability to retain
your CA student post-qualification?
John: You do your best to provide an exciting environment
while offering new challenges. Leaving our firm to gain
experience in industry isn’t necessarily a bad thing – it
provides the newly qualified CA with a well-rounded
experience, further equipping the professional with the ability
to think outside of the box. Regardless of the outcome, I
believe there are two fundamental benefits: first, a
professional that trained at my firm is a referral source for
future business, and secondly, I have been involved with
training a CA who is well equipped to advise the small-tomedium
sized business, which is good for the CA profession.
Richard: What has been the best experience with the
program to date?
John: It’s having the support from the CA profession to
assist in developing a customized training program for CA
students. The CA profession has taken the idea from
conception to implementation, providing a basis from
which we can further strengthen its application.
jennifer
mazzarolo CA
jon
nagamatsu CA
26 CheckMark • Autumn 2009
alex
barker CA
jonathon
morris CA
carmela
tersigni CA
The Mason Group specializes in the recruitment and placement of fi nance and accounting professionals
because that’s the world we come from. For permanent or contract searches – for all levels from
Financial Analyst to CFO – we know what it takes to help our clients and candidates fi nd their perfect fi t.
Richard: Do you have any advice for other small CA
Training Offices and/or sole proprietors who are thinking
about becoming a CA Training Office?
John: Don’t be afraid of the challenge of taking on something
that’s not in the traditional sense. CA students gaining
practical experience outside of the traditional audit path can
provide a fresh perspective on your business, by challenging
methodologies and/or bringing a new perspective to the
table.
For example, my current CA student has already developed
a skeptical approach in analyzing certain financial
information, which has resulted in her providing me with
valuable evidence on a particular file that I might have to
bring to court. In addition, the application process confirmed
the substance of the practical experience.
Richard: Are there any other comments that you would like
to share about your experience with this program?
John: The fundamental requirements built into the system
for any CA Training Office continue to develop the key
requirements for good CAs without diluting the value of the
designation. If you are interested in further discussing my
experience, please feel free to contact me at
johnmorgan@morgantrustees.com.
it takes one to know one
andrea
cromie CA
Discover yours at www.masongroup.ca
jeff
campin CA
mark
frankel CA
Mississauga 905-804-1100 Toronto 416-733-9393