Blog & Posts
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard by the Amendments to the Canadian Competition Act
As the world moves toward mandatory Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) measurement and reporting on a standardized basis, many organizations have embraced the trend. However, some took shortcuts, using ESG as a marketing tool rather than a genuine commitment. This has given rise to greenwashing—misleading or false claims about environmental and climate-related actions.
In my latest article, I explore how recent amendments to the Canadian Competition Act (June 2024) are expanding our responsibilities as professional accountants. These changes target greenwashing and have profound implications for financial reporting, risk management, and governance. Now is the time for professional accountants to ensure their organizations' ESG claims are genuine, backed by solid data and integrity.
What is the “ISSB” and Why Should Professional Accountants Care?
In the dynamic world of financial reporting and sustainability, it is important to stop and pay attention to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). Launched by the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation, the ISSB’s work will create a global baseline for sustainability-related disclosures. What does this mean for professional accountants, and why is it so significant? Let's explore.
What is a “Warrior Accountant” and 3 Reasons to Become One
Have you heard the term “Warrior Accountant”?
Until recently, I hadn’t either.
So what is a warrior accountant, and why might someone want to become one?
Accountants may be smart – but what else do they need to succeed?
Have you ever thought about the types of people we respect, look up to and want to work with in the world of professional accounting? I reflected on this question and thought about all the people I met over my forty-five plus years as a professional accountant.
I distilled this down to three attributes.
Problems, Problems, Problems
Have you ever faced a complex problem, one that made your head spin because it did not appear to have any solution? The frustration and stress that accompanies such challenges can be overwhelming. The common tendency is to shy away from these types of situations, hoping they'll magically disappear. Unfortunately, this avoidance only leads to recurring issues that can snowball into crises.
When I was younger, my parents taught me to believe that every single problem carries the potential for a solution.
In my lengthy professional accounting career, I have encountered all kinds of problems – ones related to bookkeeping, accounting, tax, computer audit, client relationships, and the list goes on. In many instances, the hardest problems were those related to disputes between people. Often, these problems – ones between business partners, family members and such - were more complicated than any accounting problem.
“Problem-solving” then, became a matter of having a thoughtful and strategic approach that went beyond mere wishful thinking.
So here are my top 5 recommendations on problem-solving as an accountant, or any other professional, based on my personal experience. These have helped me navigate through complex challenges and find win-win outcomes for all parties involved.
Elevate Your Success in 2024: The Power of Virtues in Business
The New Year brings a familiar buzz of resolutions, but let's face it – many of us have been down that road only to find our enthusiasm wane as reality sets in. So, instead of big, bold resolutions, what can we work on throughout the year that will bring the best results for us and for others?
Have you ever considered cultivating virtues? Think of virtues as the building blocks of our ethics, shaping both individuals and societies. Here's why developing virtues could be your secret ingredient to success this year.
What EY USA’s $100 million fine means for the CPA Profession
Have you read the news report that the SEC fined EY in the USA $100 million for cheating on the ethics component in the CPA exams and in ethics continuing professional development courses? They reported this cheating has been going on since 2012 and EY lied to the regulators during their investigation.
What is the 4th Industrial Revolution (and why CPAs should care)?
The 1st Industrial Revolution was the steam engine.
The 2nd Industrial Revolution was electricity.
The 3rd Industrial Revolution was computing.
And now the 4th Industrial Revolution is about intelligence - smart automation, artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, machine learning and biotechnology.
A Code of Conduct for a More Responsible Government
Do you feel unsure about how to elect the best candidates and the best parties for your city, province or country?
I don’t blame you.
The candidates and their parties speak about their priorities and make many promises. They appeal to our desire for a better future. Their experts advise them on the words and phrases to use to appeal to each type of voter. Often, after the election we realize that many promises are not kept and voters feel buyer remorse.
What can we do about this? Not much, except to vote them out and try another candidate or party. Then this cycle repeats again.
How do we break the cycle?
Networking - Have you been reluctant?
Are you reluctant to attend networking events – conventions, trade shows, industry association meetings, alumni events, company conferences and such events? Have you thought about why you choose not to attend these events?
I started thinking about this and came up with two factors – our beliefs and our fears.
Networking Effectively - My Top Do's and Don'ts
Last week, I attended a University alumni event and had a great time – met many wonderful people and learned so much in a single evening. I started reflecting on why I had such a good time, and whether others also had a good time. I believe many people misunderstand networking opportunities and might even decline the invitation. However, I find in my own life experience that networking is the most powerful method of achieving our personal and business goals. Several opportunities came my way simply because I struck up a conversation with an unknown person. This even led to significant career changes – changes that I could not have anticipated or planned at all.
So let me humbly share my Do's and Don’ts when it comes to networking.
4 Ways to Respond Ethically During a Crisis
Each organization will have its own challenges during a crisis. There are no right or wrong ways to do things, however, navigating the crisis using an ethical compass is crucial. Here are 4 ways Arun suggests you can respond ethically during a crisis.
Remaining Optimistic
At the start of the pandemic last year, we polled over 2,000 Canadian professionals to ask when they thought their business activities would return to “normal”. Looking back at those polling results now, one year later, has been fascinating.
Ethics Spotlight - Gravity Payments
Almost every single employee volunteered to take a temporary pay-cut of 5%-100% during the pandemic. Read more about how the employees at Gravity Payments responded during the pandemic.
What can we learn from a coffee shop employee?
A few days ago, I was reminded about something a friend of mine wrote in my grade 10 yearbook. He wrote: ‘The more you cultivate the more you gain’. It got me thinking - in the 50 years that have passed since this was written in my yearbook, what have I cultivated? Where have I devoted my time and energy? What have I gained?
Read more
1+1 can equal more than 2
I read a book written by Wallace D. Wattles, and would like to share an idea that could improve your life and the lives of many others. He said we should give more in ‘use value’ than we take in ‘cash value’. This applies to every business transaction and even to social and family interactions.