Profile
Passion for Excellence
As he takes on the role of Chair for 2005-06,
Dany Girard, BBA, FCGA, has a clear vision for
CGA-Canada in the year ahead.
FROM:
NOV-DEC 2005 ISSUE | BY
PEGGY HOMAN
On the grey October morning that I meet Dany Girard, BBA, FCGA, and
CGA-Canada's Chair for 2005-06, at
CGA-Canada's offices in Vancouver, he has already dealt with several crises. Some have to do with his role with CGA and some are related to his position as executive director of Caisse Desjardins d'Arvida-Kénogami in Jonquière, Quebec. But you would never know that it has been a demanding morning from his demeanor, as he is personable, calm, and focused on the task at hand. Just three years ago Girard did not speak a word of English, yet as we sit down for the interview, he decisively chooses to answer all questions in his second language, even though a translator is present.
As it turns out, his choice is not surprising as Girard is not one to shy away from challenges. Passion, determination, and a willingness to forge ahead, even when the path is difficult, are trademark characteristics of Girard's. And those traits have led to great success for him in a number of areas of his life. Back in the early '80s, Girard was one of 50 young men across Canada selected to receive a Hockey Canada scholarship as part of the Canadian Olympic training program, reaching a level of athletic achievement that many young hockey players only dream about. Another highlight of his hockey career was playing in not one, but two Memorial Cup (the Holy Grail of Junior Hockey) tournaments as part of the
Trois-Rivieres Draveurs, a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team.
While playing in the National Hockey League was an ambition for Girard at one point, he set his sights high in other areas as well. Focused and pragmatic, his athletic abilities and solid academic performance led to an entrance scholarship to the University of Moncton in New Brunswick, where in addition to playing for the legendary Blue Eagles hockey team, Girard pursued a business degree. He went on to complete a diploma in Economics at Laval University, followed by a bachelor of Accounting Science at the University of Quebec in Chicoutimi. Continuing on the path of high achievement, he ranked sixth in Canada out of 1,540 candidates on the CGA advanced accounting exam, earning his CGA designation in 1991. Then in 2000, he was awarded his FCGA.
His decision to become an accountant was based on several factors. "The main reason I chose to become an accountant was quite simple: I wanted to control my environment," he says. "The other reason is that accounting is a great profession — CGAs reach the top levels in industry and government and command a high level of respect in the business community. And my father told me when I was very young that he thought accounting would be a good profession for me," he recounts. Although his father was not an accountant, Girard had an uncle who worked in finance. "It always seemed to me that he had an interesting job," he says with a boyish smile.
Girard's involvement with the Association began 10 years ago with the Saguenay-Lac Saint-Jean chapter. He was recruited by his friend Serge Fournier, CGA, mayor of Hébertville-Station, who encouraged him to get involved. Girard recalls that at first he was reluctant to add more commitments to his busy schedule, as he and his wife had a two-year-old daughter. But he decided to find out more about volunteering with the Ordre des CGA du Québec. "After my first CGA meeting, I was passionate," he recalls. "I became a member of the Ordre des CGA du Québec Board shortly after, Chair of the Ordre des CGA du Québec Board in
2001-02, and a member-at-large on
CGA-Canada's Executive Committee in
2000-01."
In April of this year, Girard was one of two International Federation of Accountants' (IFAC) nominees named to the International Accounting Standards Board's (IASB) working group on Accounting Standards for Small and Medium-sized Entities (SMEs). "It is an honour to play an active role in this prestigious group as we assist the IASB in developing a set of international financial reporting standards suitable for SMEs," says Girard.
Another of his responsibilities over the past year was chairing
CGA-Canada's Strategic Planning Committee and leading development of a new strategic plan for the Association, a task undertaken every three to five years. "At this time, CGA needs a great strategic plan to carry us into the future," he says. And Girard believes the Association is well on its way to implementing such a strategy. "A draft plan will be presented for discussion at the
December 10 Board meeting in Toronto, and although it is only at the draft stage, it is a strong plan."
Turning to challenges currently facing the Association, Girard is optimistic about the possibility of obtaining full public practice rights for CGAs across the country in 2006. "Congratulations go out to
CGA Ontario and all Ontario members on the proclamation of
Bill 94,
The Public Accounting Act, 2004, which means a new era for public accounting in the province. This is a huge step forward for the Association as a whole," says Girard, who is confident the government of Quebec will move quickly in coming months to change legislation preventing qualified CGAs from practising public accounting in Quebec. "
CGA-Canada continues to stand behind the Ordre des CGA du Québec and
CGA New Brunswick's efforts," he says, adding, "both the proclamation of
Bill 94and the
Agreement on Internal Trade victory are great for the credibility of the designation, and represent an endorsement of our education model."
On the subject of the Program of Professional Studies, Girard emphasizes that another top priority for
CGA-Canada is continuing to work closely with the Affiliates to support their strong strategies for recruitment. He is clear about the critical connection between the Association and individuals working toward their CGA designation. "Students are the lifeblood of the Association," he states with conviction.
When asked about his advice for students, he says with characteristic enthusiasm, "Once they receive their designation, the most important thing is the motivation to achieve their dreams because in some ways, the designation is just a toolbox for each person — the rest depends on motivation, dedication, and leadership skills. In my view, it is impossible for people to have a good job if they do not work hard," he says. "It is not a guarantee, but if you work a lot there is a much better chance of having a great job. At the end of the day, if you like money you have to work a lot," he laughs.
So, in addition to maintaining a grueling schedule, what is the secret to Girard's long list of accomplishments? "To attain success, the most important thing is to set an objective and work toward it each day," he continues. "Each morning, I need to have a dream, because if I don't have a dream, I don't have the motivation to achieve new things. For example, two years ago when I was a member-at-large, I decided I would like to be second
vice-chair of
CGA-Canada; I had an objective and I set several criteria to accomplish it," he says.
When it comes to his leadership style, Girard is quick to point out that he is not shy. A strong communicator by nature, he emphasizes his belief in the importance of effective communication. "I always like to have a vision," he says definitively. "While I prefer to have consensus, I do not have a problem making tough decisions, especially when it comes to doing what is best for the organization." And he's been applying that philosophy in his various roles with
Caisse Desjardins since 1991. Executive director of the Kénogami branch since 1997, Girard saw the organization through a merger in
April 2000. In addition to managing more than 80 people, he currently oversees $300 million in assets. He is committed to continuous improvement, or as he says, "I like to change what is bad and improve what is good."
Girard embraces that philosophy in his community as well. He is dedicated to making his part of the world a better place through extensive community involvement, and the list of charitable activities he has participated in is long. To cite a few examples, he is currently the
vice-president of the Ville Saguenay's Economic Development Society and in the past, has been the honorary chair of the Jonquière hospital endowment fund; honorary chair of the Aînés de Jonquière
fund-raising campaign; vice-chair of the Jonquière Optimist Club's
fund-raising campaign, and has been involved with fund-raising activities for the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Red Cross.
While the demands on his time are many, he still manages to find a healthy balance through exercise and time with his wife, Manon, and daughter,
Ann-Frédéric, now 12. Whenever possible, his family travels with him on business. Despite the numerous hours he spent in hockey arenas over the years, golf clubs have now taken the place of Girard's skates. "I get out on the golf course whenever I can and I love the game," he smiles.
Not one to dwell on past accomplishments, this high achiever prefers to look ahead. "I don't like to talk about the past, as progress is made in the future," he says matter-of-factly. "I like to think ahead about what is best for the Association for the future." Pausing, he adds one more insight. "When we have dreams, we are motivated. I need that — I am like that." And with his dedication, focus on the future, and enthusiasm for setting and achieving goals, it is obvious that Girard has what it takes to accomplish whatever he sets his mind to.
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Peggy Homan is associate publisher and editor of
CGA Magazine.