The Buzz

CPB Canada CEO Update

Hey members,

As I hope to do regularly, I am excited to bring a quick update.

First off, I want to convey my best wishes to everyone in staying healthy and positive during what has been a very difficult 14-15 months now since the onset of the pandemic.  The signs are increasingly optimistic around an improved public health situation driven by mass vaccinations across the country. It also does not hurt that we are amid much warmer weather with hopefully brighter and happier days ahead.

What a wild first few months!

I have to say, I am officially buzzing about the future for CPB Canada and its members.  If you have heard me speak recently, I often talk about how the foundation is set to elevate bookkeeping professionals across Canada. This is achieved with a strong and committed staff and Board team, the professionalism standard of the CPB certification, and a growing membership base. For me, this is all about building from strength to strength.

So, what is happening?! 

Lots is the most simple and direct answer but here are few highlights:

• At the close of our fiscal year on May 31st, CPB Canada very nearly beat an all-time member recruitment record. We are so very excited to have 464 new members join our professional community.  Our goal is to ensure they feel connected and that every member understands the value of being part of this growing community of bookkeepers nationally.
• The Ignite 2021 Annual Conference early bird registration launched last week to amazing support.  After less than a week, we have 240 registered delegates which is an amazing start! Over the coming weeks, we look forward to finalizing the conference educational and social program along with sharing our prominent keynote speaker. This will be an event our membership will not soon forget.
• Finally, I want to recognize those members who recently became Certified Professional Bookkeepers (CPBs).  Over the last few months, a steady stream of members continues to study. write and pass exams. In doing so, they further expand the power of what a Certified Bookkeeper means for the profession. To that end, we strongly encourage members to take full advantage of using your CPB Digital Badge. This rather unique tool carries great potential to market your credential broadly. Click here for some more information.

Beyond these highlights, the Board of Directors will finalize their strategic planning efforts next month.  We appreciated the member feedback from the survey despite sending it out during a busy tax season. The preliminary results paint a very healthy impression from members which is something we want to build on going forward.

Additionally, I am always one to try and keep the excitement going.  I believe members will be excited for what is ahead. There are a few key initiatives following the strategic plan that will enhance the profession, build member value, and improve our visibility and reach as an organization and community of professionals across Canada. Stay tuned!

In closing, I am also excited to have started a new initiative to engage with our new and existing members. It is called "Coffee with the CEO" and I will run them monthly whereby a segment of random members will be invited to chat with me to talk about anything and everything related to bookkeeping, CPB Canada, membership and so forth. For me, this is a chance to inject some rocket fuel into my learning and more importantly allows us to connect with each other. Keep an eye out for a future invite.

Wishing you and yours all the best over the summer months ahead.

Cheers,

Rick Johal, CAE