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No D in firm: Should a dominant personality stay in public practice?
A learner emailed me after reading Do you even Accountant?
Feb 26, 2021
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The 10 Most Read CPAWSB Blog Posts from 2020
Just in case you missed one of these, or you want to read them again, we’ve compiled this year’s most-read blog posts from the CPAWSB archive.
Dec 11, 2020
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Tough Love: This journey is difficult
Below I outline different strategies to show kindness to yourself, both during and outside pandemic times.
Nov 13, 2020
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Where Can I Find Support for my Job Search?
Perhaps you’re a new CPA or you’re looking for a job that will help you develop new skills and competencies required to complete your designation. Searching for a new job to advance your career can be daunting. However, there are resources available for you through the western CPA provincial bodies and elsewhere online.
Oct 16, 2020
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How much does it cost?
In this “Ask an Advisor” series, we answer questions regularly received by the different teams responsible for the CPA course and module administration. This week, we focus on a question received by the Admission Advising team.
May 22, 2020
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Submitting Workshop Activities
In this “Ask an Advisor” series, we answer questions regularly received by the different teams responsible for CPA course and module administration. This week, we focus on a question received by the Learner Support team.
May 14, 2020
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Requesting an Assignment Extension
In this “Ask an Advisor” series, we answer questions regularly received by the different teams responsible for CPA course and module administration. This week, we focus on a question received by the Learner Support team.
May 7, 2020
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Accessing Mental Health Resources
In this time of anxiety, uncertainty, and social isolation, you may be looking for additional support. Western provincial CPA bodies have COVID-19resources on their websites. As well, the provincial and federal governments have set up online resources available to everyone in Canada. We care about you and we are all in this together.
Apr 3, 2020
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Your 2019 Tax Receipt
When and where to find your tax receipt from CPAWSB.
Feb 27, 2020
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Why is the CPAWSB collecting Social Insurance Numbers?
Jan 22, 2020
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Posts you may have missed from 2019
Did you miss these posts in 2019? Get a head start on your learning in 2020 with these hot topics!
Dec 12, 2019
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The F-Word: Exploring How to Use It
Feedback. Let’s get real, receiving it can be a real ego boost, or hit, and is often a bit of both. While feedback can be difficult to receive, facilitators are your coaches, and we all have the same goal: for you to pass your exam and ultimately become a CPA.
Oct 9, 2019
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Scholarships and Bursaries
CPA education foundations in Western Canada provide learners with the opportunity to apply for scholarships and bursaries to help offset the costs of their accounting studies.
Sep 27, 2019
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Ask the CPA Preparatory Course Advising Team-Question Two
In this “Ask an Advisor” series, we answer questions regularly received by the different teams responsible for CPA preparatory course administration. This week, we answer another question.
Sep 19, 2019
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How To: Transfer out of the Western Region
Learners must be enrolled with the CPA body in the province or region where they live and work. This post outlines what to when something comes up and you need to move to a different part of Canada.
Aug 29, 2019
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Something’s Come Up: Withdrawing from a Course or Module
When you register for a CPA preparatory course or a CPA PEP module, you expect to be able to complete it. However, sometimes something comes up that requires to you withdraw from a course or module. Whether it’s for a personal or professional reason, this post outlines what you need to do.
Aug 14, 2019
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Finding a Tutor Part 2: What to Look For and Where to Find Them
In Part 1 of this tutoring mini-series, we outlined what a tutor is and why and when to use one. Below, in the final part of our series, we cover what to look for and where to find a tutor, as well as instructions for CPAs and recent CFE writers looking to become tutors.
Aug 7, 2019
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Finding a Tutor Part 1: What’s a Tutor and Why Use One?
Tutors can be a valuable part of your education team. In this tutoring mini-series, we highlight why and when to use a tutor.
Jun 19, 2019
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Brightspace and Desire2Learn (D2L) Tips and Tricks for CPA Learners
We asked our CPA preparatory course Student Experience team and CPA PEP Advising team to share tips for using Brightspace (D2L).
Jun 5, 2019
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Experienced Facilitator Workshops: What do they do?
In recent months, the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB) hosted several in-person, an online, and a recorded version of 2019 Experienced Facilitator Training. This training brought together online facilitators to refine and hone their skills to further the School’s mission to deliver the preeminent business and accounting education to candidates and students.
May 29, 2019
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Requesting a CPA Transcript
There are many reasons you might want a copy of your CPA transcript as it serves as an official record of your progress in your CPA studies. Maybe you need to show it to an employer or prospective employer, include it in an immigration or visa application, or you need to provide a copy to a post-secondary institution. Below we outline how to request a transcript and what it will contain.
Apr 24, 2019
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Approaching Things Differently the Second Time Around
Though it may not feel like it at the time, one of the best ways to learn something is to fail at it. Read on for ideas on how to make failing a module, course, or exam a learning opportunity.
Apr 17, 2019
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Everything You Need to Know About CPA Studies as a Co-op or Summer Student
Are you planning on completing your CPA after your university degree? CPAWSB provides the opportunity for co-op students who are following the pre-approved program path (PPR) to register in CPA PEP to begin accumulating practical experience.
Apr 11, 2019
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Planning Your Studies
One of the things to consider when deciding whether to take a course or module is your overall schedule and when you plan to finish your studies.
Mar 6, 2019
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Annual Re-enrollment: What You Need to Know
Annual re-enrollment for the 2019/2020 academic year starts on February 11, 2019. Students and candidates enrolled at the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB or ‘the School’) are required to pay annual dues during a process referred to as annual re-enrollment. Below we share some tips.
Feb 6, 2019
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Plagiarism Investigations from 2018
Plagiarism is a serious offense and cases of suspected plagiarism are investigated on a case-by-case basis. If a student or candidate is guilty of plagiarism, penalties will be applied. Below we outline the types of cases that are dealt with regarding plagiarism and the number of cases found in the previous year from CPA PEP and CPA preparatory courses. Cases from the last CPA PEP session (Fall 2018) are not included in this number since reviews are still in progress.
Jan 30, 2019
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Financing Your CPA Education
One big question you may have when considering pursuing CPA certification is how you’re going to pay for it. As the CPA Professional Education Program and CPA preparatory courses are considered part-time and designed for post-secondary graduates and working professionals, they are not eligible for government student loans or grants.
Jan 16, 2019
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CPA Competency Map Update
CPA Canada released the first major update to the CPA Competency Map since 2013, effective January 1, 2019. Below is a summary of how the updates will be integrated into each component of CPA certification.
Jan 2, 2019
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5 Tips for Networking on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is a key tool for candidates and students in the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB). It is a platform that you can use to network and build connections with firms, peers, and potential clients on a professional level.
Nov 14, 2018
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CPA Learner Resources
You’ve decided to become a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Now what? There are a lot of steps to navigate your way from enrollment to certification.
Oct 31, 2018
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CPA Western School of Business status letters
There are many reasons why CPA learners would need a letter to confirm their enrollment in the CPA Western School of Business. Most often, these letters are requested by a potential employer, a financial institution for education financing, student discounts, or study permits. The CPA Western School of Business refers to these letters as “official status letters”. Registered CPA PEP candidates or CPA preparatory course students can request an official status letter.
Oct 10, 2018
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Increasing Focus and Limiting Distractions
The distractions we face every day can decrease our productivity and increase our stress. With a combination of the right mindset and the right tools, it’s possible to create a mental and physical environment that fosters focus. In this blog post, we share some tips for setting up a productive, distraction-free work space so you will be better prepared for academic and professional success.
Sep 12, 2018
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Know Your EQ
Have you ever heard someone refer to EQ, or emotional intelligence? It’s the ability to be aware of and understand emotions—yours and others—and many organizations embrace leaders with high EQ. You can develop your own EQ and use it to succeed as a learner and a professional by identifying, evaluating, discovering, controlling, and expressing emotions.
Aug 15, 2018
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Services and Assistance
Below we outline some of the support you have access to during your time as a learner at the School including tutors, study groups, and other short-term resources.
Jun 27, 2018
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How to Create a Professional LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is often described as the Facebook of the professional world, serving as an online place to build your network. Your profile introduces you to potential connections, builds strategic relationships, and markets you to employers by highlighting your skills, education, and employment history. LinkedIn is relatively easy to manage and doesn’t have the typical two-page space limitations that a typical resume has, so you can provide more details about positions. But like a traditional resume, it is still important to be selective about what to include. Below we share how to create a professional profile and offer suggestions on how to get more out of the platform.
Apr 11, 2018
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Scholarships and Bursaries
CPA education foundations in Western Canada provide learners with the opportunity to apply for scholarships and bursaries to help offset the costs of their accounting studies.
Feb 14, 2018
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The Certification Resource Centre
The Certification Resource Centre (CRC) is now available on the CPA Canada website and provides practical information about becoming a CPA in one central location. Below we summarize some of the CRC contents for different audiences.
Jan 31, 2018
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Networking
Networking is an excellent way to make connections with fellow CPA candidates as well as build relationships with possible employers. Networking is all about creating contacts within the CPA profession and interacting with others. Every interaction you have is an opportunity for a connection. Below, we outline some of the benefits considerations when networking.
Jan 10, 2018
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Time Management
While we all have 24 hours in a day, some people seem to be able to achieve more in a single day than another would in a week. Time management is the process of actively planning and using your time efficiently to get your activities done. This is a skill that will benefit you throughout your life, not just in education and career but in everyday activities as well.
Nov 29, 2017
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Professional Writing
The way that you converse with a friend is going to be very different from how you converse with a facilitator or a CPAWSB staff member; the same is true in written communication. Your emails and assignments should be business appropriate and reflect your professionalism. In this post we examine how to write professional-sounding correspondence, whether in your studies or at work.
Nov 8, 2017
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The CPA Competency Map and Knowledge Supplement
The CPA Competency Map and Knowledge Supplement outline the competencies expected of CPA candidates, from when they enter CPA PEP to after certification. This map also serves as the basis for the module examinations and the Practical Experience Requirements (PER).
Nov 1, 2017
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Connecting from Near and Far
With CPA education delivered primarily online and with limited opportunities to meet instructors or peers face-to-face, it can be tricky to navigate your courses and find help when you need it. Here are some ways that you can stay connected with other students and candidates and get the most out of your education, whether you live in a remote location or a big city.
This is the second in a series of posts about online education. Last week we posted some tips for getting started with online learning.
Sep 20, 2017
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How to Approach Online Learning
For many students and candidates, CPA education through CPA preparatory courses or CPA PEP is their first exposure to online learning. As an online learner, you have the freedom to plan your own studies, without having to visit a classroom regularly.
This is the first in a series of posts about online learning.
Sep 15, 2017
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How and Why to Keep Your Contact Information Updated
Keeping your contact information accurate and complete will help CPAWSB provide you information, feedback, and faster assistance. Below we outline how and why to ensure we have your contact information and how to update us if something changes.
Aug 16, 2017
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Reminder of Recent Schedule Changes
CPAWSB continuously seeks to improve the student and candidate experience. With that in mind, we want to remind you about recent changes to the CPA preparatory course and CPA PEP module delivery schedules.
Jul 12, 2017
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Common Actions Within My CPA Portal
My CPA Portal is an online account for anyone enrolled in or planning to enroll into the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB or “the School”). Through My CPA Portal, you can submit transcript assessment requests, apply to enter programs, and register for courses offered by the School. Additionally, there are some other important administrative actions that you can do within the portal. Below we outline how to accomplish four actions that we regularly receive questions about.
May 4, 2017
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Do You Want a Study Partner? Tips for Success
Do you find it easier to study with someone else than to study alone? Maybe you like to have someone to bounce ideas off, you learn by explaining concepts to someone else, you want to have someone to help keep you to a study schedule, or you simply want someone to commiserate with. Whatever the reason, a study partner can be a great resource. Below are some tips on how to get the most out of each other.
Apr 26, 2017
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Communication and Accounting
Accounting is about numbers, right? Balances, debits, credits, etc. Have you thought about how accounting is also about words? They’re important because you also need to be able to communicate about the numbers.
Apr 19, 2017
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Options for When Life Gets in the Way
Sometimes life gets in the way. There are options available to students enrolled in CPA preparatory courses and candidates enrolled in CPA PEP who need to put their studies on hold to deal with family, work, or other personal matters.
Mar 22, 2017
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Learning the Lingo
Below are terms and acronyms unique to CPA education that you are likely to encounter while enrolled as a CPAWSB student or candidate.
Feb 22, 2017
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Annual Re-enrollment: What you need to know
Students and candidates enrolled in CPA education at the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB or ‘the School’) are required to pay annual dues during a process referred to as annual re-enrollment. Below we share some tips.
Feb 7, 2017
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The School and the Provinces: Your Certification Partners
The CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB or the School) delivers pre-CPA certification education—CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP) and the CPA preparatory courses to fulfill those programs’ entry requirements. The School also administers exams written to complete each course and module, and releases results after the exams. Students and candidates also contact the School with registration questions, to pay fees, to request accommodations, and for any other education-related issue.
Jan 4, 2017
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Spellcheck: Nut Always Prefect
Spellcheck is great. Those squiggly red lines tell you that you’ve mistyped and suggest how to correct the error. Or maybe you have your settings so that Word auto-corrects as you type. But what about when you type a word, but it isn’t the one you should use? How do you catch that mistake?
Nov 23, 2016
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Transcript Assessment: Five Things to Know
Anyone planning to enroll in the CPA Professional Education Program (CPA PEP), the Advanced Certificate in Accounting and Finance (ACAF), or CPA preparatory courses, needs to first have their academic transcript assessed. This step ensures that you have met the academic prerequisites for entry into the program or courses. Below we outline five things to know about transcript assessments that will make the process easier.
Nov 16, 2016
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Balancing Work and Studies: It Can Be Done
Balancing work, studies, and life is a challenge. But it can be done, and below are a few tips to help you.
Nov 2, 2016
