CPAWSB recently recognized Dennis Shon, CPA, with the David Inhaber Distinguished Facilitator Award, an honour that highlights CPA PEP facilitators who demonstrate exceptional dedication to candidate success and embody the spirit of mentorship within the CPA profession.
A Meaningful Milestone
For Dennis, the recognition came as both a surprise and a meaningful reminder of why he continues to invest in the success of future CPAs. “As a contractor, there’s little expectation of being acknowledged beyond the role itself, so CPAWSB’s recognition of our collective contributions is incredibly motivating. It encourages me to keep growing both personally and professionally.”
Supporting Candidates Through Challenges
Dennis’s motivation to become a facilitator is rooted in his own CPA journey. He knows first-hand how challenging the program can feel, and that perspective drives his passion for helping candidates succeed. “I’ve been in their shoes, so I know how overwhelming it can be,” he explains. “If I can help candidates gain clarity, build confidence, and stay on track, then I know I’ve made a meaningful contribution to their journey.”
When candidates feel stressed, Dennis focuses on building trust through authenticity. He shares his personal struggles to show that setbacks are a natural part of the process. “I remind them they’ve made it this far for a reason, and they have the resilience to see it through. Being real with them creates a connection and shows that they’re not alone.”
Lessons in Resilience
One candidate in particular continues to inspire Dennis. After receiving a serious health diagnosis, the candidate progressed in the program while maintaining a remarkably positive attitude. Dennis recalls how the candidate’s “determination and inner strength were truly inspiring.” It reminds him that success can come in many different forms and keeps him motivated in his work.
Because of stories like this, Dennis consistently advises candidates to focus on progress rather than perfection. “You’re not expected to be CPA-ready from day one. What matters is consistent, incremental improvement. With discipline, time management, and the right mindset, success will come.”
Evolution of the Facilitator Role
Dennis has witnessed firsthand how facilitation has evolved over the years. He explains that early on, the role was primarily about guiding candidates through technical content and program requirements. Today, he says, the work is much more about mentorship, confidence-building, and critical thinking. “Facilitation is less about delivering answers and more about empowering candidates to apply professional judgment and become reflective, independent learners.”
His approach has become increasingly learner-centred, especially in the remote environment. By building personal connections and encouraging candidates to think critically, he helps them go beyond surface-level knowledge. As Dennis puts it, “Learning isn’t about having the right answers, but asking the right questions — and embracing the journey, not just the destination.”
Recognition and Responsibility
Facilitation has also shaped Dennis’s own career, strengthening his communication and leadership skills while exposing him to diverse perspectives. He views the facilitator role as more than a contract; it’s a responsibility that directly impacts the future of the profession. “This isn’t something you can approach half-heartedly. Candidates depend on us, and it’s important to lead by example.”
For Dennis, receiving the 2024 David Inhaber Distinguished Facilitator Award is both an honour and a motivator. His proudest moments come not from recognition, but from the simple messages of thanks he receives from candidates after exams. “Knowing that I played a role in their success, even in a small way, is incredibly rewarding. Those heartfelt notes are what resonate with me most.”
Future of the Profession
As the profession continues to evolve, Dennis sees CPAs taking on broader roles as trusted advisors. With automation and AI changing traditional tasks, he believes the real value of CPAs will lie in critical thinking, strategic insight, and clear communication. “Technology will keep advancing, but our ability to apply sound judgment and explain our reasoning is what will continue to set us apart.”
Guiding Candidates
At the heart of his work, Dennis remains committed to paying it forward. For him, facilitation is not just about technical knowledge, but about cultivating resilience and confidence in candidates. “The real impact comes from supporting others and helping them realize their own potential,” he says. “That’s what makes this role meaningful.”
About Dennis
Dennis Shon, CPA, CA, is a passionate CPA PEP facilitator. He’s been with CPAWSB since the legacy program days.
He brings a wealth of experience, from auditing and consulting at a Big 4 firm to building and advising startups. In addition to his CPA and CA designations, he has also earned a designation in Customer Experience, enabling him to bring even more value to the people and businesses he supports.
He’s a big believer in not always sticking to the traditional path. With the right mindset—and a CPA designation in your toolkit—you can open doors to all kinds of opportunities.
Stay tuned for the next installment of our award-winner series, where we will introduce you to another award winner. This series aims to provide insights and inspiration to new and aspiring CPAs, helping them navigate their own CPA journey and discover opportunities to give back to the profession after earning their designation. Don't miss out on the chance to learn from these accomplished professionals and explore the diverse paths within the accounting world.
