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  • A "First Class" CPA: A Conversation with Donald Meurs CPA

    A "First Class" CPA: A Conversation with Donald Meurs CPA
    2025/04/03
    This episode of Uncommon Sense is another in our series of conversations with members of Alberta's "first class" of CPAs, that first group of CPA graduates in Alberta to receive the CPA designation following unification of the accounting profession in 2015. This episode's guest is Donald Meurs CPA, a member of that 2016 class whose career has progressed impressively quickly over the last decade. Donald has gone from CPA grad to corporate CEO in just under 10 years and he now leads a Grande Prairie-based company that supports Alberta's energy sector. In this engaging discussion, Donald reflects on the growth of his career since graduation, some of the journeys his career has taken him on, and the role that fate has played in his professional life. From fancy hotel suites to the C-suite, Donald's story illustrates the wide range of doors opened for those holding the CPA designation.
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    36 分
  • Taking the Unconventional Path: Nikki Marchiel, Part 2

    Taking the Unconventional Path: Nikki Marchiel, Part 2
    2025/04/02
    In Part 2 of our two-part series featuring CPA Nikki Marchiel, Nikki and host Erin Schwartz continue their conversation about financial literacy, how money decisions affect other parts of one's life, and the ways we can teach children how to make smart choices about money and money management. Nikki explains how the phrase "Don't wish for it, work for it" can underpin responsible financial choices for children and adults, and also discusses the value of a CPA designation as a career choice. Note: If you haven't listened to Part 1 of this two-parter, we recommend you do so!
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    33 分
  • Taking the Unconventional Path: Nikki Marchiel, Part 1

    Taking the Unconventional Path: Nikki Marchiel, Part 1
    2025/03/26
    The Uncommon Sense podcast profiles Alberta CPAs who prove how diverse and unpredictable careers as CPAs can be. The words "diverse" and "unpredictable" certainly describe the unconventional career path of Nikki Marchiel CPA, CA. In this first part of a two-part series, Nikki discusses how she journeyed from more-typical accounting roles to become a post-secondary educator as well as a resource for financial literacy education and mentoring. In this engaging and lively conversation, Nikki and host Erin Schwartz also touch on topics ranging from raising financially-literate children to the importance of PowerPoint presentations. It's a fun, informative and, yes, unpredictable episode! BTW, watch for Part 2 of our discussion with Nikki, coming soon.
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    36 分
  • Convocation Conversations: Celebrating the CPA Grads of Spring 2025

    Convocation Conversations: Celebrating the CPA Grads of Spring 2025
    2025/03/19
    It's another on-the-road episode of Uncommon Sense! We popped into the February 21 CPA convocation ceremonies in Edmonton to talk with a number of the successful grads as well as CPA Alberta leaders and other guests. As we wandered through the crowd with our microphone, we came across a lot of excited grads and proud parents, many of whom chatted with us about the value of earning a CPA designation, some of the work involved in completing the CPA education program, and future career plans made possible by having those three letters after your name. Having this opportunity to connect with many of the over 600 spring 2025 CPA graduates in Alberta was a powerful reminder of what it means to achieve one's professional and educational goals. A big thanks to all of the grads and others who spoke to us and made this episode so fun to make and enjoyable to listen to!
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    32 分
  • A "First Class" CPA: A Conversation with Dave Doneleshen CPA

    A "First Class" CPA: A Conversation with Dave Doneleshen CPA
    2025/03/18
    It's another episode in our series featuring members of the first-ever class of Alberta graduates from the CPA program following the unification of the accounting profession in Canada 10 years ago. In this episode, we chat with Dave Doneleshen CPA, another member of that historic class. Dave chats with host Erin Schwartz about what it was like to be part of that inaugural class of Alberta CPAs as well as his career path since crossing the CPA convocation stage in February 2015. He also fills listeners in on his current role as Associate Director of Agriculture and Agribusiness with the BMO Financial Group, and how his company works alongside the agricultural sector in Alberta and western Canada. Along the way, Dave and Erin touch on topics ranging from artificial intelligence to the benefits of the cowboy life. (Spoiler alert: Dave has always wanted to be a cowboy!)
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    26 分
  • Tax Tips For Personal Tax Filers, 2025 Edition: Part 2

    Tax Tips For Personal Tax Filers, 2025 Edition: Part 2
    2025/03/05
    In this second half of our two-part tax tips episode for 2025, CPA Antonia Stiuca provides more information and pro tips for listeners as they work on their 2024 personal tax returns. Antonia explains how to claim medical expenses on your 2024 personal tax return, talks about what you can do if you don't get a T4 slip from an employer, and covers a whole lot of other topics related to filing your 2024 tax return. She and host Erin Schwartz also find time to talk a bit about Romanian cuisine and wine! Note: The content of this podcast is intended as general information only and should not be construed as personal advice. For questions about your tax return, please contact your tax specialist.
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    28 分
  • Tax Tips For Personal Tax Filers, 2025 Edition: Part 1

    Tax Tips For Personal Tax Filers, 2025 Edition: Part 1
    2025/03/05
    Uncommon Sense is back with its annual tax tips episode! In Part 1 of this two-part episode, CPA Antonia Stiuca walks listeners through some valuable information that will come in handy when they're preparing their 2024 personal tax returns this spring. If you're wondering if the Canada Carbon Rebate is considered taxable income or how the talk in 2024 about changes to taxes on capital gains might affect your 2024 personal tax return, then you'll want to listen to this episode. Antonia also shares some insights into her career as a tax specialist and talks about her journey from her home country of Romania to the creation of her own boutique accounting firm, named Facultas. She also fills in host Erin Schwartz with the downlow on Romania's vampire myth! Note: The content of this podcast is intended as general information only and should not be construed as personal advice. For questions about your tax return, please contact your tax specialist.
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    23 分
  • A "First Class" CPA: In Conversation with Katherina Richard CPA

    A "First Class" CPA: In Conversation with Katherina Richard CPA
    2025/02/27
    Over the next several months, Uncommon Sense will feature occasional episodes focusing on an historic group of CPAs: members of the first-ever class of Alberta graduates from the CPA program following the unification of the accounting profession in Canada. These CPAs, who crossed the CPA convocation stage in February 2016, were the first in Alberta not to have a legacy designation attached to their CPA titles. As the 10th anniversary of this class of graduates approaches, we'll hear stories and insights from members of the class. In this inaugural episode of the "first class" series, host Erin Schwartz has a free-wheeling conversation with Katherina Richard CPA, a Partner at MNP in Edmonton. Katherina shares her thoughts on being part of that memorable graduating class as well as her career path to partnership and her work serving First Nations and Metis Settlement communities. Katherina and Erin also reflect on blending motherhood with careers, explosions (!), and that forever-famous CPA "helicopter ad" from 2015.
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    28 分