CPAWSB recently presented Shannon Wong, MET, CPA, with the 2024 CPAWSB Session Leader Award, which recognizes session facilitators who have had a notable and positive impact on their candidates and approach their role with a dedication to excellence.
For Shannon, the most rewarding part of her career has always been supporting others. Early on in public practice, she loved coaching junior staff and helping them grow. That passion naturally led her to become a Session Leader with the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB). “I was fortunate to have several mentors throughout my own CPAWSB journey,” Shannon reflects. “Becoming a Session Leader felt like the perfect way to give back to the profession, just as so many people had done for me.” Six years later, she still looks forward to every workshop she leads.
Shannon knows the start of the program can feel overwhelming for “candidates as they face an intensive schedule, a new learning system, unfamiliar resources, and different types of assignments.”
Her strategy is equal parts encouragement and practicality: “I remind them it’s normal to feel this way, and then I help them break tasks into smaller steps and develop a study plan. I also ask them to reflect on why they’re pursuing their CPA designation, because remembering their purpose helps them push through difficult moments.”
For Shannon, building relationships is just as important as mastering technical skills. "I recommend candidates be proactive about networking by staying in touch with instructors, colleagues, and even fellow candidates you meet along the way. You never know what opportunities may come from those conversations."
Shannon reflects that winning the 2024 CPAWSB Session Leader Award is both an honour and a motivator. “I strive to make each workshop a meaningful, high-quality experience, so being recognized for that effort means a lot. I also hope it encourages others to get involved with CPAWSB and contribute to the profession’s growth.”
Shannon believes that “critical thinking and communication skills will remain essential, regardless of the technological advancements in our profession.” During module workshops, she emphasizes “that besides having technical skills, it is important to communicate that knowledge effectively.”
As data and AI play a growing role in business, she highlights the need for skepticism and sound judgment. “It will become increasingly important to critically evaluate the information presented to us. Technology is powerful, but the ability to think critically and communicate clearly will always set CPAs apart.”
For Shannon, being a Session Leader is about more than technical knowledge—it’s about building confidence and resilience. “Supporting others has always been the part of my career I’ve enjoyed most. To see candidates grow throughout their journey is incredibly rewarding.”
Shannon enjoys a lot of outdoor activities. When not working, you can find her at the beach, trails, on her paddleboard, or at a pickleball court. She enjoys tending to her plants and spending time with her two dogs, Max and Obi.
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.
For Shannon, the most rewarding part of her career has always been supporting others. Early on in public practice, she loved coaching junior staff and helping them grow. That passion naturally led her to become a Session Leader with the CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB). “I was fortunate to have several mentors throughout my own CPAWSB journey,” Shannon reflects. “Becoming a Session Leader felt like the perfect way to give back to the profession, just as so many people had done for me.” Six years later, she still looks forward to every workshop she leads.
Helping Candidates Find Their Footing
Shannon knows the start of the program can feel overwhelming for “candidates as they face an intensive schedule, a new learning system, unfamiliar resources, and different types of assignments.”Her strategy is equal parts encouragement and practicality: “I remind them it’s normal to feel this way, and then I help them break tasks into smaller steps and develop a study plan. I also ask them to reflect on why they’re pursuing their CPA designation, because remembering their purpose helps them push through difficult moments.”
The Power of Connection
For Shannon, building relationships is just as important as mastering technical skills. "I recommend candidates be proactive about networking by staying in touch with instructors, colleagues, and even fellow candidates you meet along the way. You never know what opportunities may come from those conversations."
Recognition and Inspiration
Shannon reflects that winning the 2024 CPAWSB Session Leader Award is both an honour and a motivator. “I strive to make each workshop a meaningful, high-quality experience, so being recognized for that effort means a lot. I also hope it encourages others to get involved with CPAWSB and contribute to the profession’s growth.”
Looking Ahead
Shannon believes that “critical thinking and communication skills will remain essential, regardless of the technological advancements in our profession.” During module workshops, she emphasizes “that besides having technical skills, it is important to communicate that knowledge effectively.”As data and AI play a growing role in business, she highlights the need for skepticism and sound judgment. “It will become increasingly important to critically evaluate the information presented to us. Technology is powerful, but the ability to think critically and communicate clearly will always set CPAs apart.”
Guiding with Purpose
For Shannon, being a Session Leader is about more than technical knowledge—it’s about building confidence and resilience. “Supporting others has always been the part of my career I’ve enjoyed most. To see candidates grow throughout their journey is incredibly rewarding.”About Shannon
Shannon began her career in public practice, where she worked on assurance and taxation engagements while earning her CPA designation. She was fortunate to get involved with her firm’s internal training programs and take on various contract roles with CPAWSB. These experiences sparked her interest in education and ultimately led her to a career in this field. In addition to being a session leader with CPAWSB, Shannon is a Program Head and faculty member at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), where she teaches accounting courses to undergraduate students.Shannon enjoys a lot of outdoor activities. When not working, you can find her at the beach, trails, on her paddleboard, or at a pickleball court. She enjoys tending to her plants and spending time with her two dogs, Max and Obi.
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.
