Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are at the heart of the CGA Association and provide the perfect opportunity to network, pass on information and experience, and give back to your community. If you are interested in one or more of the opportunities listed here, return the completed registration form with a recent copy of your resume by fax to (403) 299-1339 or by email to volunteer@cga-alberta.org.
If you have any questions about volunteering with CGA Alberta or would like assistance finding volunteer positions with the community, please email volunteer@cga-alberta.org.
Member Services
Practice Review Committee
This statutory committee works to ensure each member registered in the practice of public accounting meets the minimum level of standards as required by the Association and the Practice Review Policy Board. Volunteers must provide input based on professional judgment and familiarity with The Handbook. A minimum of five years in public practice is desired with experience in audits, reviews and compilations. Committee consists of a Chair, Vice-Chair, and four additional members, all of which must be registered in public practice. The term is for three years with meetings in Calgary four to five times per year during a full weekday. Members outside of the Calgary area who wish to participate may do so via teleconference. Each November, committee members are required to attend a full day of professional development in conjunction with other accounting organizations.
Continuing Professional Development Committee
This committee reviews continuing professional development reports to ensure compliance with CGA requirements, rules on members' requests for exemptions as well as non-compliance issues and recommends Continuing Professional Development policy changes. Regular attendance of meetings held twice per year in Calgary during the late afternoon is a requirement. Between 20 and 30 hours per year of individual time for evaluation of CPD reporting forms is also required. The committee consists of six to eight members, plus the Chair, from all employment sectors for a term of two years.
Complaints Inquiry Committee
This statutory committee works to ensure that the professional conduct of members and students is in accordance with the Regulated Accounting Profession Act, Regulations, the By-laws and the Code of Ethical Principles and Rules of Conduct. Volunteers must possess an appreciation for the rules of natural justice. As well, the ability to distinguish and obtain various types of evidence and gather information is critical to the culmination of an investigation, which is presented in a fair and unbiased report to the Committee. Volunteers must also have flexibility in their schedules to accommodate some investigative work.
This committee meets on weekdays six times per year, five of which are by teleconference, with the other held either in Calgary or Edmonton. The committee consists of not less than five members, none of which may be a CGA Alberta Board Member. At least three members must be registered in public practice with the CGA Association of Alberta. One committee member is a public representative appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. Training in investigation procedures is provided.
Discipline Process Investigators and Mediators
Assist the Association in investigating and mediating professional conduct complaints. Both investigators and mediators must possess the ability to act as a neutral party and act accordingly to the requirements of the Regulated Accounting Profession Act. Previous training or demonstrated practical experience is an asset. Formal training may be provided in return for a service commitment. Two investigators and two mediators are required in both Edmonton and Calgary and one investigator and one mediator in each of northern and southern Alberta.
Appeal & Discipline Tribunal Roster
The Association requires a pool of individuals to draw upon when a discipline or an appeal tribunal is needed.
- Discipline Tribunal
This statutory committee is responsible for arriving at an objective, unbiased, fair decision with regard to complaints that are referred to the Discipline Tribunal by the Complaints Inquiry Committee. Members must pass judgment as to whether a member has violated the Regulated Accounting Profession Act, Regulations, By-laws and or the Code of Ethical Principles and Rules of Conduct. The tribunal is comprised of members from all sectors of employment who possess an appreciation for the rules of natural justice. Hearings are held approximately four times per year, on weekdays in either Calgary or Edmonton as required. Terms are for three years. - Appeal Tribunal
The Appeal Tribunal reviews previous decisions from other Association bodies. Member participation will vary with the number of appeals. Similar to the Discipline Tribunal, this statutory committee is responsible for arriving at an objective, unbiased and fair decision with regard to appeals. The Appeal Tribunal may quash, confirm, vary or reverse all or any part of a decision of the body from which the appeal was made. Terms are for two years.
Communications
CGA Alberta Research and Education Foundation
Volunteer to sit on the Foundation board of directors and assist in identifying scholarship opportunities for CGA students and prospective students and areas of possible public policy research. Board members should have fundraising experience. Meetings are held quarterly in Calgary and Edmonton.
Tax Policy Advisory Committee
Committee members assist the Association in analyzing possible changes in the federal tax system in the budget each spring. Volunteers must also be willing to share their perspective on other matters of economic and finance public policy and prepare reports on specific topics as required. Meetings are held each spring in Calgary (or via teleconference) before each year's anticipated budget.
MLA Contact Program
Individual CGA members are needed to help the Association keep the lines of communications open with the provincial government. As a volunteer, you maintain contact with local MLAs on regulatory and public policy issues of importance to CGA Alberta and its members. Volunteers must be willing to correspond and possibly meet with their local provincially elected representatives on an as-needed basis.
CGA Program of Professional Studies
CGA Information Sessions
Volunteer to help the Admission's team enhance awareness and the positive image of CGA in the business community and among post-secondary students. Volunteers will attend CGA Information Sessions and give a brief talk to the students about their experience and answer questions about the benefits of obtaining the CGA designation. Volunteers must have strong social and networking skills and a willingness to share their experience as a CGA with others. Most events are held at post-secondary institutions in the late afternoons or early evenings and last about two to three hours.
Business Community Contacts
Be a key contact for our recruitment team within your company or organization. Volunteers can promote the CGA designation by arranging a presentation at your company.
Career Partner Program
Assist the Admissions Team by sharing the names and contact information of prospective CGA students. If you know someone that is interested in the CGA Program, contact our Admission Advisor to follow up on the lead at questions@cga-alberta.org.
Student Mentoring Program
Volunteer for a newly established mentoring program that aims to connect CGA students with CGA members. A good mentor must be a source of experience, knowledge and encouragement for students and know what it takes to be highly successful in the CGA program and in the profession. The Association will assist by providing guidelines to the mentors and proteges, but the time commitment and relationship is decided by the participants.
For mentors and students in Edmonton and Calgary, networking events are organized by CGA Alberta four times a year, twice in each city. For those in rural areas, please contact the CGA Alberta office to get connected with students or mentors in your local community.
Exam Supervisors
Exam Supervisors provide on-site supervision of CGA examinations in Calgary and Edmonton. Individuals should be available to supervise between three and four exam sessions throughout the academic year. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that appropriate security is in place during the exam in order to comply with the required national policies. Volunteers must demonstrate concern for the progress of students in obtaining the CGA designation and there are no meetings required.
