COMMITTEES

This committee is pivotal in ensuring that the board operates under the highest governance standards while prioritising equity, diversity, Indigeneity, and ensuring all members of the organization have a sense of inclusion and belongingness. The focus on EDIIB is particularly relevant in today's globalized world, as it ensures that the board engages a wide range of perspectives and experiences, crucial for informed decision-making and policy development. This committee will be responsible for collaborating with other committees in implementing initiatives that can make meaningful action on the CAAA EDIIB commitments. This includes maintaining an Indigenous Reconciliation advisory function to guide all CAAA initiatives that may affect the well-being and opportunities for Indigenous Peoples in the accounting field.

CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

• Robert Andrews, Chair and CAAA Board Member
• Mouna Hazgui
• Erin Egeland
• Tisha King
• Erica Pimentel

COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Board Development and Succession Planning: The committee is responsible for succession planning for key leadership roles within the board. This includes anticipating future leadership needs and developing a pipeline of diverse and qualified candidates to ensure continuity and stability in the organization’s leadership. The committee leads the process of identifying candidates for board and committee positions and recommending these individuals to the Nominating Committee. This involves assessing the board’s current composition, identifying skill and experience gaps, and actively seeking out candidates who can bring diverse perspectives and expertise. The committee also plays a role in board member orientation, ongoing education, and performance evaluation, ensuring that board members are well-equipped to contribute effectively to the organization’s objectives.
• Promotion of Equity, Diversity, Indigeneity, Inclusion and Belonging: A central aspect of the committee’s role is to champion and embed EDIIB principles within the board and the broader organization. This involves developing strategies and initiatives that promote diversity in board composition, ensuring equitable representation across different demographics, including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, gender, ethnicity, age, and professional background. The committee is also responsible for creating an inclusive environment where all members feel valued and have a sense of belonging.
• Governance Oversight: The committee oversees the governance structures and processes of the board, setting the overall direction to ensure they are in line with best practices and effectively support and promote the organization’s mission and goals. This includes ongoing consideration of the board’s governance policies and procedures and recommending improvements when needed, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, and promoting equity.

This committee will play a vital role in advancing the accounting profession. By overseeing the association's publications and grant programs and encouraging cutting-edge and practice-focused research, this committee ensures that the CAAA continues to contribute significantly to the body of knowledge in accounting. This not only enhances the association's reputation but also provides members with access to leading research and thought leadership.

 CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

• Elizabeth Demers, Chair and CAAA Board Member
• Robert Andrews, CAAA Board Member
• Marion Brivot
• Devan Mescall
• Zvi Singer
• Rong Zhao, University of Calgary, CAAA Board Member

GRANT REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE

• Elizabeth Demers, P&R Chair and Co-Chair of the GRS
• Rong Zhao, P&R Committee Member and Co-Chair of the GRS
• Amna Chalwati
• Erica Pimentel
• Regan Schmidt
• Jingjing Wang

COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Adjudicating funding for research proposals. This involves evaluating submissions for research grants or funding provided by the organization and donors. The committee, or a sub-committee within this committee, is tasked with ensuring a fair, transparent, and rigorous review process, assessing each proposal on its merits, relevance to the profession, potential impact, and alignment with the organization’s research priorities.
• Publication Oversight & Quality Assurance: A significant part of the committee's role is to oversee the organization's publication activities, which involve managing and curating content for journals, newsletters, or other publications. The committee ensures that these publications maintain high academic and ethical standards and are accessible to both members and the wider academic community. The committee is tasked with maintaining the quality and integrity of research and publications. This involves striking a special nominating committee to search for the Editor in Chief for each of the Contemporary Accounting Research and Accounting Perspectives journals, and establishing and enforcing editorial policies, peer-review processes, and guidelines for authors and reviewers. The goal is to ensure that all published content is of high academic quality, original, and contributes meaningfully to the profession.
• Support for Emerging Researchers: An important aspect of the committee’s mandate is to support and mentor emerging researchers in the profession. This includes providing guidance, resources, and platforms for early-career researchers to present their work and contribute to the organization’s publications.

This committee will oversee the financial health of the association, ensuring transparency and adherence to the highest standards of financial reporting and compliance. Moreover, its role in identifying and managing risks—be they financial, operational, or strategic—will be crucial in navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of academic accounting.

CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

• Kim Trottier, CAAA President
• Mark Anderson, CAAA Past President
• Karim Jamal, CAAA President-Elect
• Erin Egeland, CAAA Secretary
• Carina Hackett, Executive Director
• Vittoria Fortunato, Finance & Grants Manager

COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Financial Oversight and Reporting: The committee is responsible for overseeing the organization's financial reporting process to ensure accuracy, transparency, and compliance with accounting standards and regulations. This includes reviewing and recommending the approval of annual financial statements and liaising with external auditors to ensure thorough and independent audits are conducted.
• Risk Management: A primary function of the committee is to identify, assess, and manage risks that could impact the organization. This involves developing a comprehensive risk management strategy and framework, continuously monitoring potential risks, and recommending appropriate mitigation measures. The risk portfolio may include financial, operational, strategic, and compliance risks.
• Reporting to the Board: The committee regularly reports to the board on its activities, findings, and recommendations. This includes providing insights on the organization's financial status, risk profile, and compliance issues, thereby supporting informed decision-making by the board.
  

This committee is another strategic development for the CAAA to promote innovative and high-quality teaching by developing educational programs and initiatives that cater to the evolving needs of CAAA members. By focusing on education and membership, the committee can ensure that the association remains a valuable resource for academic and professional development, thereby enhancing member engagement and satisfaction.

This committee also plays a vital role in orchestrating and enriching the association's key events, with a special focus on catering to both the Anglophone and Francophone members. This committee is instrumental in organizing a diverse array of events including conferences, webinars, and specifically tailored Francophone activities. These events are central to the dissemination of knowledge, facilitation of professional networking, and highlighting the latest trends and advancements in the accounting profession. The inclusion of Francophone activities grounds the committee's commitment to linguistic diversity and cultural inclusivity, ensuring that the needs and interests of Francophone members are well-represented and addressed. By creating a bilingual and inclusive platform, the committee enhances the association's appeal and accessibility to a broader audience.

The committee's dedication to delivering high-quality conferences and webinars positions the Canadian Academic Accounting Association (CAAA) as a pivotal hub for professional growth and dialogue in accounting. Through these events, members gain access to valuable insights, engage in meaningful discourse, and stay abreast of emerging developments in the profession. The committee’s efforts ensure that the CAAA continues to be a leader in promoting comprehensive professional development and fostering a rich, inclusive accounting community.

CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

• Karim Jamal, Chair

2026 CAAA CONFERENCE CO-CHAIRS

• Rong Zhao, Conference Co-Chair
• Ke Wang, Conference Co-Chair
• Sonia Dhaliwal, Education Chair

MEMBERSHIP

• Valerie Warren, Chair and CAAA Board Member
• Paulina Arroyo Pardo
• Claire Deng
• Lorraine Alyea
• Erica Pimentel

EDUCATION

• Sonia Dhaliwal, Chair and CAAA Board Member
• Etienne Clermont
• Anna Czegledi
• Cara Orzech
• Eric Robard
• Heidi Dieckmann
• Julie Robson
• Marlon Possard
• Megan Costiuk
• Natalya Siddhantakar
• Sandra Iacobelli
• Sanobar Siddiqui
• Andy Thomas

COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Professional Development Opportunities: The committee identifies and creates opportunities for professional development that cater to the diverse needs of the membership. This could include certification programs, skill development workshops, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement resources. The goal is to support the continuous professional growth of members at various stages of their careers.
• Member Engagement and Retention: A core responsibility of the committee is to foster member engagement and retention. This involves understanding member needs and expectations through surveys, feedback mechanisms, and direct communication. Based on these insights, the committee develops strategies and programs to enhance member satisfaction and engagement, ultimately contributing to higher retention rates.
• Promotion of Francophone Activities: A significant part of the committee’s role is to champion and promote Francophone activities within the organization. This involves organizing events, programs, and initiatives specifically tailored for the Francophone members and communities. The committee ensures that these activities are inclusive and cater to the linguistic and cultural needs of the Francophone audience.
• Membership Growth and Diversity: The committee also focuses on expanding the organization’s membership base. This involves outreach to potential members, developing membership campaigns, and creating value propositions that attract a diverse range of professionals and academics to join the organization.
• Member Services and Benefits: Overseeing and enhancing the range of services and benefits offered to members is another key aspect of the committee’s mandate. This includes evaluating and improving existing member benefits and exploring new services that could provide additional value to the members.
• Collaboration with Academic Institutions and Professional Bodies: The committee often collaborates with academic institutions and professional federal and provincial bodies to ensure that educational programs and initiatives are in sync with academic standards and meet the needs of educators, and practitioners in the profession.
• Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Continuously gathering feedback on educational programs and membership services is vital. The committee uses this feedback to make informed decisions about improvements and enhancements to better serve the members.
• Event Planning and Coordination: The primary function of the committee is to plan, organize, and coordinate conferences, webinars, and workshops. This involves selecting themes, setting dates, choosing venues or digital platforms, and managing logistical aspects to ensure smooth and successful events.
• Content Curation and Speaker Selection: A significant part of the committee’s role is to work along with the annual conference co-chairs to curate content that is relevant, engaging, and valuable to the attendees. This includes identifying and inviting speakers who are experts in their professions, setting agendas, and organizing sessions that align with the organization’s goals and the interests of its members.
• Continuing Education Credits: Given our strategic determination to connect with the accounting profession, the committee oversees the provision of continuing education credits, ensuring that the events meet the necessary criteria and standards for professional development.
• Budget Management: The committee works with the ED and CAAA staff to manage the budgets for conferences and webinars, ensuring that events are cost-effective and provide value for the investment made by the organization and its attendees.
• Feedback Collection and Event Evaluation: Post-event, the committee collects feedback from participants to assess the success of the events and identify areas for improvement. This feedback is crucial for continuously enhancing the quality and relevance of future events.

This committee represents a forward-thinking strategy to deepen and expand the association's relationships with key stakeholders, including industry leaders, academic institutions, and other professional organizations. This committee's dedicated focus on cultivating and nurturing strategic alliances is integral to the association's growth and development. Its role extends beyond mere collaboration; it actively seeks to establish synergistic partnerships that benefit all parties involved. By fostering these relationships, the committee not only facilitates resource sharing and the development of joint initiatives but also significantly amplifies the reach and influence of the CAAA. These partnerships are instrumental in providing members with access to a wider range of expertise, opportunities, and resources, thereby enhancing the value of their membership. Moreover, the committee's efforts in securing sponsorships play a vital role in supporting the association's activities and programs. These sponsorships not only provide financial backing but also bring in new perspectives and insights from various sectors, enriching the association's offerings and discussions.

CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

• Karim Jamal, CAAA President-Elect, Chair
• Kim Trottier, CAAA President
• Kayla Tomulka
• Michael Walke
• Hillary Bell
• Li Zhang
• Ryan Minor
• Ron Salole
• Mark Anderson, CAAA Past President
• Andy Thomas
• Rong Zhao

COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Establishing Strategic Partnerships & Sponsorship Acquisition: One of the primary functions of the committee is to identify and cultivate partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions, and other professional bodies. These partnerships are essential for mutual growth, resource sharing, and enhancing the organization's influence and capabilities. The committee is also tasked with helping the CAAA secure sponsorships for the organization’s events, programs, and initiatives. This involves reaching out to potential sponsors. These sponsorships are crucial in providing financial and in-kind support for the organization's activities.
• Canadian Accounting Hall of Fame (CAHF): The committee will ensure the CAHF’s activities and its annual induction outcomes are well integrated into the CAAA’s outreach and sponsorship strategies, that its operations are appropriately funded and well implemented, and that operating reports are produced to provide accountability to the Board, while respecting that the CAHF operates independently of the CAAA in the election of CAHF members.
• Collaborative Initiatives Development: The committee works on developing joint initiatives with partners that align with the organization’s goals and objectives. These initiatives can range from research projects and educational programs to events and advocacy efforts.
• Enhancing Organizational Visibility: Through partnerships and sponsorships, the committee aims to increase the visibility and profile of the organization. By associating with respected partners and sponsors, the organization can enhance its reputation and reach a broader audience.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: The committee is also responsible for monitoring the effectiveness of partnerships and sponsorships and evaluating their impact on the organization. This includes assessing the return on investment and ensuring that the collaborations align with and support the organization’s strategic vision.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with various stakeholders, including members, to understand their needs and preferences is vital. This helps in tailoring partnership and sponsorship efforts to be more effective and beneficial.