The international profile of the CGA designation has flourished in 2004-2005 under the new framework that was developed by the International Vision Task Force (IVTF). As a new direction for the International Committee and department was approved by the Board in March 2004, work began on implementing the new strategy with a goal of increasing recognition of the CGA designation and Association around the world. As CGA-Canada builds on the strength of our national and international relationships and works together to take on new initiatives, awareness and understanding of the Association continues to grow.
New CGA Chapters in Shanghai and Beijing
In the summer of 2004, new CGA chapters were established in both Shanghai and Beijing. Members welcomed the increased opportunities for networking and professional development brought about by these local organizations. Official opening ceremonies were attended by Louise Nesterenko, FCGA, CGA-Canada’s2004-2005 Chair, and local dignitaries representing the professional academic communities.
We are also currently building partnerships and identifying markets in the Dominican Republic and elsewhere in the Caribbean with a goal of increasing the number of students pursuing the CGA designation.
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Distributing Knowledge and Products Around the World
CGA-Canada continues to explore potential markets for distribution of knowledge and products. Over the last year, CGA-Canada has supported the Certified International Professional Accountant (CIPA) program in Russia and other countries of the former Soviet Union. The Association was able to provide a syllabus and course materials to CIPA, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
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Board Member Speaks on Important Issues Abroad
In March 2005, Sylvie Voghel, FCGA, and International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) Board Member, represented the Association abroad when she both chaired and spoke at the IFAC Small and Medium Practices/Small and Medium Enterprises (SMP/SME) and Developing Nations Consultative Conference in Prague, the Czech Republic.
The conference was an important opportunity for the international accountancy profession to focus on the specific concerns of small and medium-sized practices. CGA has long advocated for raising the profile of these issues within IFAC, which is what this conference succeeded in doing.
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New Appointment to International Accounting Standards Board
Dany Girard, FCGA, CGA-Canada’s First Vice-Chair, was appointed by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), to its working group on Accounting Standards for SMEs in April 2005.
IASB develops International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and is committed to developing high-quality global accounting standards. The working group was created to assist IASB in developing financial reporting standards suitable for the different requirements of SMEs. Appointees to the working group were chosen for their expertise in the SME sector, especially expertise in preparing and using SME financial statements.
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CGA-Canada Accepts World Bank Invitation
The World Bank invited CGA-Canada to work with a team in 2005 on the Report on Standards and Codes (ROSC) evaluation. The report was commissioned by the World Bank after determining that accounting and auditing standards and practices in the Republic of Azerbaijan should be tested against international standards and codes.
CGA-Canada was called upon to act as the international consultant on this project, working with local consultants and World Bank staff. The report will indicate the importance of the strength of the accounting profession to ensure global financial stability.
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