Significant milestone for 3,127 CA students: passing the 2009 Uniform
Evaluation

TORONTO , Dec. 4 /CNW/ - Canada's Chartered Accountants congratulate the newest group of CA students to successfully complete one of the most challenging professional examinations in the world - the CA profession's Uniform Evaluation (UFE).

CAs face more rigorous requirements for training, examination and practical experience than any other accounting designation in Canada .

"These students have achieved a significant milestone in their careers and deserve congratulations for what is truly a tremendous accomplishment," said Kevin Dancey , FCA, president & CEO, Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants. "The students made the personal choice to take a challenging career path that includes the UFE."

A national three-day evaluation, the UFE assesses CA candidate competencies including knowledge, professional judgment and ethics. The UFE is an important component of the CA qualification program, which includes a university degree requirement, a professional program of extensive course work, practical work experience and other examination requirements. Only those who complete this entire program successfully are entitled to use the internationally recognized CA designation.

The CA qualification program develops professionals who have a unique combination of integrity and expertise that enables them to make the right decisions. CAs play key roles within diverse segments of our economy, including public accounting, business, government and the not-for-profit sector. "People choose CAs for their strategic thinking, business insight and leadership," noted Dancey.

This year, the prestigious Governor General's Gold Medal and the Chartered Accountants of Canada cash prize of $5,000 for the highest standing in Canada on the 2009 UFE has been awarded to Jolene Kendrew , acting deputy director of finance, City of Colwood, British Columbia.

"I am flattered and thrilled," said Kendrew. "I've always loved analytical thinking and problem-solving, two key aspects of the career of a Chartered Accountant."

The Chartered Accountants of Canada regional Gold Medal awards for the highest standing in the UFE (and cash prize of $2,500 each) go to:

    
    -   David Janes with Gardner Coombs Winsor Coombs, Chartered Accountants,
        St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, for Eastern Canada
    -   Jacob Bell with Ernst & Young LLP, Toronto, for Ontario
    -   Etienne Girardin with Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche, S.E.N.C.R.L.,
        Montreal, for Quebec
    

The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA), together with the provincial, territorial and Bermuda Institutes/Ordre of Chartered Accountants, represents a membership of approximately 75,000 CAs and 12,000 students in Canada and Bermuda . The CICA conducts research into current business issues and supports the setting of accounting, auditing and assurance standards for business, not-for-profit organizations and government. It issues guidance on control and governance, publishes professional literature, develops continuing education programs and represents the CA profession nationally and internationally. CICA is a founding member of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and the Global Accounting Alliance (GAA).

For further information: or to arrange an interview, contact: Tobin Lambie, Manager, Media, CICA, [phone], [email protected]