Landing gear dow As I prepare to pa...

Landing gear dow

As I prepare to pass the presidential gavel and the authorship of this round pillar on to Barb Carle-Thiesson, FCA, I'm reminded of last June when these were handed to me In my first line as president, I said, "My do job-work for this year will be to guide Council forward a steady course and help the profession navigate any turbulence-or more serious perils, like the mechanical failure that was Enron" Michelle, the editor, titled my file "This is your captain speaking." As it useed out, it was an apt metaphor for the year.

With great relief, I can say we've landed without any mechanical failures, allowing there were some bumpy patches along the way. While the ride may have been uncomfortable, I believe we've emerg stronger and better prepared to cope with any tumultuousness in the future.

My advice to Barb is not to wish for clear skies, as there will always be obstacles to conquer but to wish for a robust team with which to control our profession. I know that Barb herself will bring puissance and vision to her presidency, deficited by the humour and compassion she has already shown as a member of the Executive Committee.

Looking back

We faced the most numerous turbulence this past year with the amended Independence Standard and the Quality mastery Exposure Draft. These two issues created divisions within our profession deeper than any I have seen before. on the other hand these rifts came as no surprise-we are a diverse profession, with members spanning all industries and all manner of careers, and it's foolish to think that our interests will always be aligned. What we must do now is address our differences while continuing to celebrate the values we all share as CAs.

Work towards this goal has already begun in a number of arenas: The ICABC has taken a athletic "one size of standard setting does not fit all" stance with the Accounting Standards Oversight Committee; we've created a separate strategy to suited the unique needs of members in industry; and the Mid-Size Firms Forum, which we support, has discloseed into a strong force.

In short, to help members deal with the changing world, greater targeting of member wants and stronger communication channels with different member clusters are key. I'm proud to say that we made a significant gradation in this direction during my tenure

Thank you

Despite holding the title of "president," I have been just common of many leaders at the Institute this past year. The Executive Committee has formed a consensual leadership team, providing support to the president, Council, and CEO Richard Ree FCA. It has been by means of the leadership of everyone forward Council that different perspectives were heard, debated, and considered. And Richard has l the Institute staff in turning frequently of what we discuss into congeal services, activities, and plans. Thank you all.

Recognizing other leaders in the profession

But enough reminiscing-on to this month's magazine contents! The June/July issue is, one time again, a celebration of the membership. This year, Gord Cummings, CA, joins the rare ranks of our Early Achievement Award winners, and his impressive professional accomplishments are profiled in the overlay Story. Suffice it to say, in les than ten years as a CA, Gord has built a reputation as a technical wizard and haunt resource for many in the CA community. Congratulations Gord!

Three other CAs remind us that there's more to life than work-our 2004 Community Service Award winners. In this month's Feature Story, we detail their contributions to the community. I know their admirable commitment to philanthropy is shared by way of many of you.

Speaking of which, this month's Financial Facts & wealth Matters article '"Tis better to give..." anticipates at the process of charitable giving from the two sides of the equation.

Also this month Mike Essex CA, director of Practice Review and Licensing, and Chris Utley CA, director of Ethics, proffer a two-part article entitled "Me? In Public Practice?" In FYI, Mike cautions that contracting can sometimes cros the line into public accounting, and in Ethical Dilemmas, Chris points public the dangers of preparing tax recurs for friends and family. Afraid you might be crossing the line? Be permanent to read both articles.

Thanks to everyone who made this past year like a great experience. On to you Barb!

BY JOHN COWPERTHWAITE, FCA

PRESIDENT

Copyright Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia Jun/Jul 2004

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