Reaching the top has never felt so good! Just ask Acadia alumni Paul Jewer ('94), CA, Chair, Acadia University Board of Governors, and Greg Simpson ('93), CA, who joined three others in being awarded an FCA (Fellow Chartered Accountant) designation by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia (ICANS). The Institute’s highest honour, an FCA is awarded to long-standing members who have rendered meritorious service to the profession or whose career achievement or achievements in the community have brought honour to the profession.

“On behalf of Nova Scotia CAs, I’d like to offer Paul and Greg - and all our new FCAs - heartfelt congratulations on receiving an FCA,” says ICANS CEO and Executive Director Michele Wood-Tweel, FCA. “Paul and Greg are proud ambassadors of our profession and wonderful mentors for our newest UFE graduates and those to come.”

Also experiencing a sense of elation are the following Acadia alumni who were among the 68 Nova Scotia students who joined thousands more across Canada in receiving word that they passed the 2012 national Uniform Evaluation (UFE); completing the final academic ascent in becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA) – Allan Melvin ('09), Laura Sloan (’11), Sara Munden (’11), Alexandra Hirsch (’11), Amanda Lynch (’11), Katrina Roefs (’11), and Weiwei Wang (’10). Hirsch, Lynch, Roefs, and Wang were also named to the prestigious David Hope Honour Roll, and Roefs was the Valedictorian at the event.

“As future professional accountants, these students now have the financial expertise, plus the strategic thinking, business insight and leadership skills for a successful career in a variety of sectors from business to government, the non-profit community and academia,” says Wood-Tweel, who congratulated all the Nova Scotia UFE graduates.

“To be able to celebrate with our Acadia alumni and their families was a moment of great pride,” says Ian Hutchinson, Director of Acadia’s Fred C. Manning School of Business Administration. “Achieving this certification is a significant accomplishment and a testament to the quality of students who go through our program and make their way in the workforce.”

The President & CEO of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), Kevin Dancey, FCPA, FCA, also congratulated the students, adding: “Each individual who has successfully completed the UFE represents a success story. Many of those stories will feature new chapters of success going forward, as the individuals play active roles in enriching the communities where they live and work.”

Becoming a professional accountant is the result of instruction, experience and evaluation. Along with a university degree, CAs must undergo a demanding and diverse professional training program administered in Nova Scotia through the Atlantic School of Chartered Accountancy (ASCA). Students also benefit from hands-on practical experience, working with approved CA Training Offices. And finally, they must pass the UFE, which sets the standard for entrance into Canada’s CA profession.

“The qualification process to become a Chartered Accountant in Canada is recognized for its ability to prepare students for today’s constantly evolving global work environment,” explains Wood-Tweel. “By providing highly relevant training, along with strong mentoring, it develops professionals who have a unique combination of integrity and expertise and in return, they’ll enjoy incredible opportunities and rewarding careers.”

To learn more about Nova Scotia’s CA profession and Acadia's Fred C. Manning School of Business Administration, visit: www.icans.ns.ca or http://business.acadiau.ca/

About Paul A. Jewer, FCA

While being described as someone who epitomizes the very best of one’s profession may be daunting, Paul Jewer is one of those accomplished individuals whose track-record truly speaks for itself.

Originally from Grand Falls, NL, Paul graduated from Acadia University in 1994 with his Bachelor of Business Administration and joined Ernst & Young LLP in Halifax. He earned his CA in 1997, achieving the highest mark in Nova Scotia and placing ninth on the CICA Honours List. In 1998, Paul made the switch from public accounting to industry and joined Quest Software Inc. (formerly FastLane Technologies) as its Controller. In 2001, he moved to Core Networks Inc., where he served as Vice-President, Finance and Corporate Development. Then, in 2003, Paul joined Sobeys Inc., where he’s progressed from Vice-President, Finance and Treasurer, to his current role as Chief Financial Officer, leading in excess of 500 people and overseeing the company’s finance, controllership, treasury, tax management, investor relations, financial planning and internal audit functions. Moreover, Paul has strongly contributed to the company’s growth over the past nine years, and was instrumental in Sobeys’ move to become the first CA training office in industry in Nova Scotia. He also serves on the national Leadership Committee of Sobeys Inc. and is responsible for managing the company’s relationship with the Empire Company Limited Audit Committee.

Outside of work, Paul’s connection to the community is evident in the many volunteer roles he has held over the years. He is a member of Financial Executives International (FEI) and was a great contributor to the sponsorship committee for the 2007 Canadian FEI National Conference, held in Halifax, and of course, his long-term volunteer commitment to Acadia University. Currently, Paul is the Chair of the University’s Board of Governors and previous to this role, he was President of the Associated Alumni and has served on many committees. Beyond this, Paul is a member of the Halifax Grammar School Board of Governors and the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council (APEC). Moreover, he’s been a member of the Danny Gallivan Cystic Fibrosis Golf Tournament Organizing Committee for the past 17 years.

Simply put, Paul is a passionate professional who combines his quantitative and analytical skills, along with his ability to connect with people, to produce exceptional results in his professional and volunteer work. For this and more, he was named one of Canada’s “Top 40 Under 40” in 2008 and tonight we are pleased to add FCA to his list of impressive achievements.

About Gregory S. Simpson, FCA

Being an individual who can inspire and motivate others is a true gift and one that Greg Simpson has in spades. He’s served as a mentor, coach and trusted advisor to many, never hesitating to use his skills to benefit those in our community that may not otherwise be in a position to benefit from his expertise. It’s a behavior that comes naturally for Greg, and one that’s steadily grown since his days at Acadia University.

After receiving a Bachelor of Business Administration in 1993, Greg joined KPMG LLP in Halifax and earned his CA designation in 1996 -- making the David Hope Honour Roll. He subsequently obtained a CPA designation in 2001. Then, in 2005, after specializing in tax for 10 years, Greg was admitted to partnership at KPMG, eventually becoming the leader of the firm’s U.S. and cross-border tax practice in Atlantic Canada and the Regional Managing Partner for Atlantic Canada. He was also the Office Managing Partner for the firm’s Halifax Office; the Partner in charge of the Halifax Office’s tax practice, and a member of several KPMG National committees including International Tax, US Corporate Tax and International Executives Services. Then, in 2010, Greg changed career paths. Inspired by his childhood dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, he joined Mersey Seafoods Inc. in Liverpool, NS, as Executive Vice President, responsible for the overall operations of the business.

The same energy to ‘give his all’ and challenge his abilities can also be felt in Greg’s passion for volunteering and giving back to his community. Aside from being involved with his alma mater – Acadia University – one of Greg’s proudest achievements is supporting Phoenix Youth Programs, where he’s served as Treasurer, Vice-Chair, Chair and Past-Chair, and he maintains his involvement through the organization’s charitable foundation. Family is also very important to Greg and his wife, ICANS Member Tanya Simpson, CA. That said, one of Greg’s greatest enjoyments is getting involved in his children’s activities, including coaching and managing teams, and contributing to the TASA executive, where he has served as President, Executive Vice-President and Vice-President Female Hockey. Over the years, Greg has also made a significant contribution to the CA profession. He’s been involved with ICANS since 1998, serving on various committees including Recruitment, Golf, Audit, Planning Priorities, Human Resources, Nominating and Honours. He joined the ICANS Council in 2003 and subsequently served as Secretary (2007), Treasurer (2008), Vice-President (2009) and President (2010-2011).

Clearly, Greg is someone who seizes opportunities to lead and understands the importance of seeing his commitments through. In turn, his dedication and leadership are highly valued and an FCA is the perfect way to honour his contributions.

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