CPA Ontario names new Toronto Fellow and award recipients

Toronto CPAs recognized for their outstanding professional and community contributions

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2014 /CNW/ - The Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario is proud to announce the appointment of its new Fellows, in addition to recognizing eight chartered professional accountants who have also contributed positively their association, professions and communities. These accomplished chartered professional accountants are among today's leading accounting and finance professionals, proudly representing their profession and designation.

The FCPA designation is a prestigious honorary designation awarded to CPAs who, through their outstanding achievements including community leadership, bring distinction to the accounting profession and serve as a role model to others. FCPAs are nominated by their peers, who have recognized their exemplary qualities and contributions. To see a complete list of this year's Fellows, visit http://www.cpaontario.ca/MediaRoom/MediaReleases/2014mReleases/1009page17593.aspx.

A Toronto resident and a newly named Fellow, Patricia Barbato, FCPA, FCGA, built her career in the healthcare sector where she quickly advanced to a senior leadership role addressing such fundamental issues as ageism, seniors and technology, innovation and challenges in home care, helping clients live their lives to their fullest potential. As a member of the Board of Directors of the Ontario Home Care Association, Patricia served as treasurer for two years. She is a successful political advocate for home care with provincial governments in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, responsible for building relationships with key staff members in the Ministry of Health, MLA/MPPS and bureaucrats.

Patricia brings a long-standing relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada dating back to 1988. She joined the board as a director and treasurer soon after and in 2003 she was named Chair of the Board where she undertook numerous projects including restructuring the board committees, and implementing best practices in governance. She joined Big Brothers International in 2012.

A public speaker for the accounting profession and educational institutions, Patricia addresses courage in everyday life, mindful leadership and career transitions, among others. She enjoys mentoring young professionals and, in 2010, she authored a book entitled "Inspire Your Career: Strategies for Success in Your First Years at Work"; Patricia also lecturers in taxation at Fanshawe College.

CPA Ontario also paid tribute to the two Toronto recipients of the Ontario Distinguished Service Award, presented for distinguished service to their profession association at the provincial level; or for significant recognition to the profession in the general community; or a combination thereof, recipients:

Joanne Beaton, CPA, CGA
Joanne has been a leader, mentor and volunteer for more than 20 years. Admitted to membership in 2001, she is a strong advocate of her accounting designation. She has been an active CGA Ontario volunteer for more than 12 years, supporting numerous functions, including: student education, events, membership and communications.

Joanne has demonstrated strong support to her community and her profession. In her employment with Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, her financial and business expertise has been vital to leading and training hundreds of aspiring accountants across Ontario.

Sarosh Contractor, CPA, CGA
Sarosh has been an adviser to CGA Ontario's professional practice community for more than 20 years. He has dedicated his career to supporting fellow accountants, assisting them with practice and professional development matters. He brings a breadth of knowledge to his role and offers a high level of member service and support.

Peers, colleagues and students hold Sarosh in high regard for his professionalism and extensive experience. Since 1990, Sarosh has been involved with the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario, holding the role of auditor. Awarded by the Society for his dedication to voluntary services in 2012, he also received the Ontario Volunteer Service Award from the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration for his involvement with the Zoroastrian community.

Chartered Professional Accountants are valued by organizations for their financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, management skills and leadership. The FCPA designation further demonstrates excellence in accounting, commitment and pride to CPA Ontario. FCPAs are actively involved in improving the well-being of their respective communities bringing respect to the member and the accounting profession.

Note to editors: More information and photographs are available for the FCPA and CPA award recipients.

About the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario

The Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario is the qualifying and regulatory body of Ontario's more than 80,000 CPAs and approximately 20,000 CPA students. CPA Ontario serves the public interest by developing, monitoring and enforcing the highest standards of professional competence and ethical conduct. Chartered Professional Accountants are valued by organizations for their financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, management skills and leadership. For information on the profession, visit www.cpaontario.ca. To become a CPA in Ontario, visit www.goCPAontario.ca.

SOURCE: The Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario

Perry Jensen, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, 416-969-4271 or 1-800-387-0735, ext. 271, [email protected]; Amy Mulhern, Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario, 416-322-6520 or 1-800-668-1454 ext. 8311, [email protected]