Episodes

  • A CPA in the World of Biotechnology: In Conversation with Matthew Alexander CPA, CA

    A CPA in the World of Biotechnology: In Conversation with Matthew Alexander CPA, CA
    May 15 2025
    If you have ever wondered how the common fruit fly can be used in groundbreaking scientific work (and who hasn't wondered that?), then you'll want to tune in to this episode of Uncommon Sense, featuring guest Matthew Alexander CPA, CA. Matthew is Vice President of Finance and Administration at Future Fields, an Edmonton-based biotechnology company. In this conversation with host Jessica de Groot, Matthew talks about the exciting work Future Fields is doing in developing proteins from fruit flies and how this technology can be applied in the areas of food science, health, and the environment. Matthew describes this work in plain language, so you don't need to be a biologist to understand him as he gives listeners a peek into the fascinating world of contemporary biotechnology and talks about how Alberta is poised to become a leader in this field.
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • The Case for Case Competitions: A Discussion with Trish Stringer FCPA, FCMA, FCA

    The Case for Case Competitions: A Discussion with Trish Stringer FCPA, FCMA, FCA
    May 8 2025
    With over 15 years of experience as an accounting educator and student mentor at the U of A's Alberta School of Business, Trish Stringer FCPA has made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of students. And, her contributions to student learning don't end at the classroom door. She has devoted countless hours to advising and coaching student case competition teams, including many of those that have participated in (and often won) the CPA Education Foundation's annual Business Challenge competition. In this episode of Uncommon Sense, Trish talks with host Jessica de Groot about her career move from the boardroom to the classroom, the evolution of accounting education over the past decade and a half, and her experiences with advising student case competition teams. She reveals the keys to building a successful team and talks about the importance and value of case competitions—for students and for advisors alike.
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • From Accountant to Counsellor: The Unique Career Journey of Cheryl Pereira CPA, CA

    From Accountant to Counsellor: The Unique Career Journey of Cheryl Pereira CPA, CA
    May 1 2025
    CPA Cheryl Pereira's career path has taken a sharp turn in 2025—by applying her CPA skills and completing some recent further education, she has moved into the field of psychological counselling. With her training as a counsellor nearing completion, Cheryl is launching her own counselling practice focused on what she calls financial therapy. In this episode, Cheryl talks about what led to her moving into the field of therapy, her path to earning her therapist credentials, and the connection between people's personal finances and their psychological characteristics. And, while you might not think there's not much overlap between being a CPA and being a therapist, Cheryl draws on her own experience to demonstrate that the skills one acquires as a CPA definitely have a place in the field of counselling. Be sure to listen to this episode to learn more about Cheryl's fascinating career journey.
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • Looking Out For Your Investments—A Peek Into the Alberta Securities Commission

    Looking Out For Your Investments—A Peek Into the Alberta Securities Commission
    Apr 24 2025
    The Alberta Securities Commission (or ASC) has an important mandate: it oversees Alberta's capital markets and protects the investments of Albertans. The ASC plays a key role in countering fraud in the capital marketplace and educating Albertans on how to protect themselves when investing. In this episode, Brian Banderk CPA, the ASC's Chief Accountant, joins host Gord Beal to talk about the vital work of the Commission in fulfilling its mandate in a complex and ever-changing national and global financial environment. Brian also explains how the ASC works with its counterparts in other provinces to coordinate the regulation of capital markets across Canada. If you're an investor or thinking about becoming one, then you'll want to hear what Brian has to say in this informative and engaging discussion.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
  • A "First Class" CPA: A Conversation with Vic Cheema CPA

    A "First Class" CPA: A Conversation with Vic Cheema CPA
    Apr 17 2025
    Many Albertans have heard about the Alberta Investment Management Corporation, better-known as AIMCo. But do you know what AIMCo's role is and what it does on behalf of the province? If you've ever wanted to learn more about this important organization, then this episode of Uncommon Sense is for you. Our guest is Vic Cheema, another of our featured guests in our "First Class" series, profiling members of the first-ever class of CPA graduates following unification of the accounting profession in Alberta in 2015. In this episode, Vic reflects on what it was like to be part of that historic class of CPAs in early 2016 and discusses his career path over the last decade, a path that has led him to his current role as Senior Manager, Private Investment Valuations at AIMCo. Vic fills listeners in on what exactly AIMCo does and how it protects the financial interests of Albertans. And, you'll get to hear Vic's perspective on that famous CPA "helicopter" commercial from 2015. (Spoiler alert: you might be surprised to hear what Vic has to say on this topic!).
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • A "First Class" CPA: A Conversation with Donald Meurs CPA

    A "First Class" CPA: A Conversation with Donald Meurs CPA
    Apr 3 2025
    This episode of Uncommon Sense is another in our series of conversations with members of Alberta's "first class" of CPAs, that first group of CPA graduates in Alberta to receive the CPA designation following unification of the accounting profession in 2015. This episode's guest is Donald Meurs CPA, a member of that 2016 class whose career has progressed impressively quickly over the last decade. Donald has gone from CPA grad to corporate CEO in just under 10 years and he now leads a Grande Prairie-based company that supports Alberta's energy sector. In this engaging discussion, Donald reflects on the growth of his career since graduation, some of the journeys his career has taken him on, and the role that fate has played in his professional life. From fancy hotel suites to the C-suite, Donald's story illustrates the wide range of doors opened for those holding the CPA designation.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
  • Taking the Unconventional Path: Nikki Marchiel, Part 2

    Taking the Unconventional Path: Nikki Marchiel, Part 2
    Apr 2 2025
    In Part 2 of our two-part series featuring CPA Nikki Marchiel, Nikki and host Erin Schwartz continue their conversation about financial literacy, how money decisions affect other parts of one's life, and the ways we can teach children how to make smart choices about money and money management. Nikki explains how the phrase "Don't wish for it, work for it" can underpin responsible financial choices for children and adults, and also discusses the value of a CPA designation as a career choice. Note: If you haven't listened to Part 1 of this two-parter, we recommend you do so!
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
  • Taking the Unconventional Path: Nikki Marchiel, Part 1

    Taking the Unconventional Path: Nikki Marchiel, Part 1
    Mar 26 2025
    The Uncommon Sense podcast profiles Alberta CPAs who prove how diverse and unpredictable careers as CPAs can be. The words "diverse" and "unpredictable" certainly describe the unconventional career path of Nikki Marchiel CPA, CA. In this first part of a two-part series, Nikki discusses how she journeyed from more-typical accounting roles to become a post-secondary educator as well as a resource for financial literacy education and mentoring. In this engaging and lively conversation, Nikki and host Erin Schwartz also touch on topics ranging from raising financially-literate children to the importance of PowerPoint presentations. It's a fun, informative and, yes, unpredictable episode! BTW, watch for Part 2 of our discussion with Nikki, coming soon.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins