National
Accounting
Firms Rise to
the Mentorship
Challenge
“At KPMG, the mentorship program
provides a sense of community for
CPA candidates as they embark on
the accreditation process by providing
access to an extensive peer support
network in addition to offering
workshops, and technical and practice
exam materials,” says Kate Vondette,
manager, talent attraction, GVA. “Each
KPMG CPA candidate also works
closely with a CPA coach who mentors
them throughout the process.”
Mentorship and coaching are longstanding practices at many of the
national firms. As Diane Borg, senior
manager, CPA Centre of Excellence
at PwC, explains, mentorship of PwC
candidates is a natural extension of
their training.
where I received constant guidance
and direction. I was also provided
with a different perspective, and thus
constantly challenged to become a
more well-rounded professional. Now,
as a mentor, I am able to share my
experiences and relate with current
candidates.”
BDO operates a CPA candidate mentor
program in which its CPA candidates
are paired up with recent graduates.
In an effort to help them successfully
pass the Common Final Examination,
mentors provide one-on-one support,
help candidates with study plans
and exams, and provide counselling,
support, and encouragement.
“As a CPA training office, we recruit
and train outstanding groups of CPA
candidates and students every year,”
says Raj Sidhu, human resources
manager at BDO Canada.
“ We focus on choosing the right
people and invest in the best and
brightest – those who value honesty
and trust, have an inspiring track
record of achievement in and outside
their workplace, and are committed to
working as a team. In our experience,
C PA c a n d i d a t e s a n d s t u d e n t s
encompass all of these attributes,
contributing to their success in our
organization.”
Exactly how that counselling, support,
and encouragement is communicated
is as unique as the many mentors who
provide it.
“My mentorship strategies include
leading by example, encouraging
strong work habits, and actively
listening to my mentees,” explains
Grant Thornton’s Santos. “Two-way
communication is key to developing a
strong relationship with your mentee.”
Some firms, like KPMG, provide
mentees with the support of an
extensive network.
“When candidates join our firm, they
are paired with a coach who they meet
with regularly. This coach oversees
and guides their experience and
career development and also plays
the role of a CPA mentor, ensuring
that they are on track to develop the
competencies they need to meet their
practical experience requirements. In
addition to their coach, our candidates
are also paired with a Common Final
Examination mentor who helps them
prepare for their exam.”
With contributions from:
Rainer Santos, senior accountant at
Grant Thornton;
Raj Sidhu, human resources
manager at BDO Canada;
Diane Borg, senior manager, CPA
Centre of Excellence at PwC; and
Kate Vondette, manager, talent
attraction, GVA, at KPMG.
WINTER 2015
|
page 11