Associations
CGA-BC president Gordon Clissold on recognition and diversity.
FROM: JUL-AUG 2007 ISSUE
What are your main goals for CGA-BC?
My vision for the association is that business leaders, government, and media fully recognize CGA as a leading accounting organization. I want the association to be an indispensable resource for lifelong learning.
Where do you see CGA-BC in five years?
I see CGA as the top accounting designation in the province. We’re hitting home our message about being the leading accounting designation and the opportunities that being a CGA represents.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself leading an organization. I’m currently the director of finance at the Waterfront Employers of B.C., but my experience as president of this association has helped me grow and expand. I’m also becoming more interested in politics.
What is the most valuable skill you, as a CGA, can contribute to the community?
Diversity. I’ve filled a wide variety of roles since receiving my designation in 1995, having worked in radio broadcasting, high tech, distribution, and professional services. It’s invaluable to have such a broad perspective and range of experiences.
How do you share your experience?
I speak at a couple of events at the University of British Columbia and at Simon Fraser University during the year. It’s an exciting opportunity to create interest in accounting careers. The flexibility of the CGA designation is attractive to students.
What kinds of opportunities do you see for new entrants to the profession?
I see enormous opportunities for them, and a skills shortage that’s similar to the opportunities available to the baby boomer generation when they started out. New entrants to the profession are facing an environment where positions are competing for people, not the other way around.
What gets you up in the morning?
The opportunities that every day presents. There’s so much diversity in my life right now - I feel like the luckiest guy on earth.
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