People

Attracted by UBC Sauder’s reputation and track record for graduating successful students, Cedric Cole made the decision to enroll in the Diploma in Accounting Program (DAP) to fulfill CPA’s prerequisites. The strong sense of comradery and pay-it-forward culture fostered by DAP students has allowed Cedric Cole to make lifelong friends and connections, which have been pivotal to his success as a student. DAP’s flexible schedule has provided Cedric Cole the balance necessary to juggle his studies, a full-time accounting position, volunteer engagements with Sprouts sustainable food organization, UBC TACS (Tax Assistance Clinic for Students), and coaching the UBC quidditch team.

An international student from Nigeria, Iyinoluwa was drawn to DAP’s flexible schedule and the program’s reputation as an extensive, professional program. Taking advantage of DAP’s career workshops, one-on-one career coaching, and UBC DAP Club networking events has given Iyinoluwa the opportunity to connect with fellow DAP students and working professionals to influence her future goals and aspirations.

Since enrolling in DAP, Matthew truly feels he’s found his calling studying a subject that works with how he thinks. Connecting with the DAP student community and reaching out to office staff has provided Michael support and guidance when needed while pursuing DAP full-time. Taking advantage of UBC DAP Club networking events and employer-hosted activities has helped Matthew connect with potential employers, which resulted in an accepted job offer with a Big 4 accounting firm.

Rajdeep credits DAP for providing her life-changing opportunities that have helped her become a better communicator and listener. Attending UBC DAP Club networking events has given her the confidence to network and connect with fellow DAP students and business professionals, which has resulted in a job offer from a potential employer. Juggling work, school, and her hobbies, Rajdeep still finds time to take advantage of DAP’s career resources such as one-on-one career coaching with Russell Garrett to help update her cover letter and resume, and to prepare for interviews and job offers. She encourages all future DAP students to make the most of their time at Sauder while trying to maintain a healthy work/life balance. Rajdeep is proof it’s possible to do it all.

UBC DAP has provided Robyn the opportunity to meet and connect with people from all over the world who share similar goals and aspirations. Due to COVID-19, UBC DAP’s online delivery option has allowed for increased scheduling flexibility. Professors have made themselves available to answer Robyn’s questions through UBC DAP’s online platform or email, and the use of online break-out sessions during live-lectures has allowed students like Robyn to actively participate and make meaningful connections online.

As a student who has transition from in-class learning to online learning due to COVID-19, Sukhmaninder appreciates the UBC DAP faculty’s dedication to providing students an effective and efficient online learning experience. While learning from UBC DAP’s interactive online learning platform, Sukhmaninder continues to experience DAP’s welcoming, supportive culture which has helped him make promising connections within Vancouver’s business and accounting community.

As an assurance associate at PwC and a published author, including The 100-Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating, there’s no question Alisa leads an interesting life. After working as a freelance writer, Alisa decided to pursue UBC DAP because of its strong reputation and the level of career support provided to students.

Emily’s transition from a degree in economics to the UBC Diploma in Accounting Program led her to a successful career with Deloitte Canada. It was the program’s reputation and track record graduating top candidates that confirmed DAP was the right choice for her.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Monica decided to enroll in the UBC Diploma in Accounting Program to pursue a career in business and accounting. She enjoyed the immediate sense of camaraderie and solidarity found among fellow UBC DAP students, as well as the flexibility of the program.

With a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from UBC under her belt, Rosanna considered her options before committing to a career in accounting that would open the door to job opportunities in accounting, finance, and business strategy.

The decision to pursue UBC DAP after completing a finance undergraduate degree was the perfect fit for Stephen, as the program helped him secure a position with an accounting firm during his studies. He now spends his time working as a CFO with passionate, motivated entrepreneurs in the technology sector.

After a successful 17-year career in audit and taxation at PricewaterhouseCoopers, Mary Chong chose to leverage the mentorship skills she developed on the job and become a full-time accounting instructor. Having joined UBC DAP in 2008, she thrives on the fact that the program is constantly evolving in response to technological change and the demands of the business environment. Mary is passionate about teaching and seeing her students learn and grow, so it’s not a surprise that she has been a recipient of the UBC DAP Teaching Award on multiple occasions. Students respond to her energy and her belief that each student brings a different perspective to the classroom and is uniquely capable of making a valuable contribution to society.

If anyone knows what it takes be successful in the accounting profession it’s UBC DAP instructor Peter Norwood. Both a Chartered Accountant and Certified Management Accountant Fellow prior to becoming a Chartered Professional Accountant, Peter’s career path began in public practice and grew into a lifelong commitment to accounting education. Among his many contributions to the profession, he served as member of the Board of the CA School of Business for 6 years and member of the Certification Steering Committee responsible for all education issues pertaining to the amalgamation of the profession. He is presently Chair of the Board of Examiners for CPA Canada. All that said, the fact that teaching is his first love would not come as a surprise to UBC DAP students who consistently rate him highly as an instructor.

With a passion for teaching and extensive international experience in financial reporting and internal audit, Bryan Parker brings a unique and relevant energy to the classroom. After articling with KPMG in Montreal and Calgary, he entered industry, working in a variety of senior accounting roles. His love of teaching started at McGill University and continued as he worked as Instructor in the Accounting and Auditing Program at the Saudi Industrial Development Fund in Saudi Arabia. He has also published an audit case with McGraw Hill. Bryan’s teaching emphasizes the competencies that will be required of tomorrow’s accounting professionals in a two-standard reporting world, raising the bar to ensure students succeed in public practice or industry careers.

As a two-time winner of the Sauder School of Business Undergraduate Teaching award, Scott Sinclair is really in his element in the classroom. Drawing on industry experience and an impressive record of involvement with accounting professional organizations, Scott embraces teaching as the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of his students.