CAGFO National Conference Session Agendas
2023 CAGFO National Conference Program Overview
(CAGFO’s first hybrid LIVE conference)
Sunday, October 29th, Welcome Reception/Networking 5:30-9pm. (EST);
Sessions Monday, October 30, Tuesday, October 31st and Wednesday, November 1st, 2023, Keynote Speakers and Concurrent Sessions
OTTAWA, ON CANADA, and online (Hybrid)
Highlights of the sessions include:
– Leading edge forums
– Networking opportunities
– Industry experts at the exhibitor trade show
– Access to session recordings post-conference
– Annual general meeting
– In-person and live stream attendance options
… and much more!
October 29th &
October 31, 2023
October 29, 2023 (Sunday 5:30pm-9pm EST)
Opening Reception at the Aviation and Science Museum
October 31st, 2023 (Tuesday 6pm – Pinacle Room, Conf. Hotel)
“A Paranormal Spooktacular” at conference hotel
Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre
101 Lyon Street North Ottawa, Ontario K1R 5T9
Networking Opportunities
In-person
For those of you who are attending in person (included in your registration cost) you will be delighted to know that we are providing optimum networking experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to reconnect or make new connections with attendees by sharing a hardy breakfast, two energizing breaks, and a nice warm lunch. On Sunday, October 29th we will be opening the conference with a visit to the Aviation and Science Museum for our opening reception (5pm – 9pm EST). Seize the opportunity to meet sponsors and exhibitors and other attendees. We will have different activities for you to take part in and more great food.
We will also be having a Tuesday evening (Oct 31st) networking event, called: “A Paranormal Spooktacular” a scrumptious sit down meal will be provided (included), while you are entertained with great music, great company and fun activities!
Online Virtual
Conference Chat Rooms and Exhibitor booths where you can interact with Exhibitors and each other.
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
MONDAY
October 30, 2023
9:30 – 10:00 (EST)
Wendy Stephanson, CPA CMRP
New City Manager, City of Ottawa
Conference Opening & Land Acknowledgement
As City Manager, Wendy serves as Council’s chief administrator leading the organization to deliver services across more than 100 distinct lines of business through 10 departments and 17,000 employees.
Wendy is a strong financial steward who has devoted her entire career to public service. With more than 28 years with the City of Ottawa, she has held several leadership roles including most recently as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
As CFO, Wendy was responsible for all financial aspects of the corporation, including the development of the $4.14B operating and $989.5M capital budgets, tax policy, long-range financial plans and $1.8B annual payroll and distribution of pensions and benefits.
Throughout her tenure with the City of Ottawa, Wendy has established strong, collaborative relationships across the organization, local industry partners and key stakeholders at all levels of government. She is an accomplished servant leader who has a proven track record of developing, empowering and guiding diverse teams of people to deliver quality service.
In addition to her role with the City of Ottawa, Wendy has made significant impacts across the Province of Ontario. Through her collaboration with the Ontario Municipal Tax and Revenue Association’s (OMTRA) Education Committee, educational material for the Municipal Tax and Revenue Administration program was developed and administered by Seneca College. This work was also included in the re-developed Municipal Practitioner’s Guide to the Tax Sale Process that is used by municipal and legal professionals throughout Ontario. In 2017, Wendy received a Province of Ontario Volunteer Service Award for these contributions.
Wendy is also a member of the Big City Hub Task Force where the six largest cities in Canada collaborated to address the COVID-19 pandemic and develop a safe restart plan for Canada’s economy.
Wendy holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Carleton University, is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Certified Municipal Revenue Professional (CMRP). She is an active member of the Ontario Municipal Tax and Revenue Association, where she currently serves as a director on the board.
MONDAY
October 30, 2023
10:00 – 11:00 (EST) Plenary
Lee Jeyes
Acclaimed Business Futurist
Innovation Strategist
Former Head of Innovation, Walmart Canada
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
In our rapidly evolving business landscape, Lee Jeyes equips leaders with the tools and strategies needed to face these changes head-on and thrive.
As the most recent Head of Innovation at Walmart Canada, Lee led a team of researchers, creators, strategists and developers that continuously challenged the status quo.
Lee was the youngest store manager in both the UK and Canada for the world’s largest retailer and was part of the launch of Walmart Canada’s online grocery business which drove over $500 million in business value in a two-year period.
His contributions to the industry have been recognized in publications such as the Progressive Grocer’s Industry’s Best and Brightest Under 40 in 2021.
Spearheading the launch and leading Walmart Canada’s first innovation incubator – Blue Labs – Lee’s primary role was to discover, intake and create solutions for the most complex challenges that customers and leaders are facing today.
In his spare time, you can find him in Toronto walking along the water with his Great Dane, Wall or making music in his plant-filled loft.
MONDAY
October 30, 2023
11:30 – 12:00 (EST)
CAGFO Annual General Meeting (AGM)
MONDAY
Oct 30, 2023
12:00 – 13:00 (EST)
Info to come
Topic: Info to come
SPEAKER – (In the works)
Topic: Info to come
Session Overview:
Check back soon …
Info to come – BIO
MONDAY
Oct 30, 2023
14:00 – 15:00 (EST) Concurrent
Tim Duhamel
Tim Duhamel is the founder and president of Bloom Centre of Municipal Education.
Topic: Ignite your Leadership Skills as a Financial Professional
SPEAKER – Tim Duhamel
Topic: Ignite your Leadership Skills as a Financial Professional
Session Overview:
– Learn about the key skills required to lead as a financial professional in municipal government
– Learn about the challenges you will face on your leadership journey
– Learn how to improve your leadership skills
– Learn how to transition from being a financial professional to municipal executive or CAO roles
Tim Duhamel – BIO
Tim Duhamel is the founder and president of Bloom Centre of Municipal Education. A municipal veteran whose municipal career has spanned over 25 years, Tim has been a municipal finance manager, general manager, and CAO.
Tim’s passion is working with municipalities to better their situation and creating educational material and conducting lectures for municipal professionals.
He has lectured as far away as Kiev Ukraine for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Tim has been the lead creator of education material and course delivery for GFOA Alberta, the Canadian Association of Government Finance Officers. He has conducted in-house training for numerous clients including the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. Tim’s online education is enjoyed by numerous corporate clients Canada wide. He is also the leader of a thriving consulting practice.
Projects include:
1. Strategic plans (Municipal, Chamber of Commerce, Recreation Facilities)
2. Inter-municipal cost sharing agreements and frameworks
3. Long term tax strategies
4. Organizational structure reviews
5. Code of conduct investigations
6. CAO hiring process
MONDAY
Oct 30, 2023
14:00 – 15:00 (EST) Concurrent
Greg Clark
Greg Clark is the Director of Capital Assets and Projects at the City of London, Ontario
Topic: Preparing for Organizational Change – ERP Implementation
SPEAKER – Greg Clark
Greg Clark is the Director of Capital Assets and Projects at the City of London, leading a team overseeing the management of Corporate Asset Management, growth capital funding and Tangible Capital Asset reporting. Working to deliver organizational value through improved data collection, tracking, analysis and reporting.
He graduated from McMaster University with a Honours Bachelor of Commerce in 1999 and attained is CPA (CMA) designation in 2010. From there he found his calling in the public sector, working at the City of Guelph over the past 12 years to champion innovation and progress within the City’s capital planning and budgeting areas.
Prior to joining the City of London, he was leading Guelph’s ERP program which included the implementation of new software to manage the Procurement, Inventory, Work Order and Asset Management functions of the entire organization. Greg’s role as Manager, ERP Program saw him lead a team of 17 from across multiple functions in preparing for this substantial change. The success of a project of this nature requires a focus on building a culture of change.
Topic: Preparing for Organizational Change – ERP Implementation
Session Overview:
Many public sector organizations struggle with legacy IT systems that lack the capabilities and integration required to manage a modern City, limiting the ability to capture and utilize valuable data to enable efficient and effective decision-making. In an effort to modernize many look for a technology solution without first properly assessing and understanding their readiness for change.
This session will focus on:
– Building a Culture of Change – the importance of preparing the people who will determine your success for the future
– Assessing the Current State – understanding where you are in relation to where you want to get
– Developing a Vision for the Future – establishing corporate policy while meeting business needs
MONDAY
Oct 30, 2023
14:00 – 15:00 (EST) Concurrent
Yvette Wu
CEO and Co-founder of Yield Exchange
Topic: Beyond Credit Ratings: 5 Factors to Consider for Diversification and Risk Assessment
SPEAKER – Yvette Wu
Topic: Beyond Credit Ratings: 5 Factors to Consider for Diversification and Risk Assessment
Portfolio diversification is critical, but choosing the right financial institution can feel like a daunting task. Many decision-makers lean towards credit ratings to help assess an FI, but that shouldn’t be your sole deciding factor. In this session with Yvette Wu, CEO and Co-founder of Yield Exchange, we will explore 5 additional factors that go beyond a credit rating that will help you make better investment decisions and mitigate risk.
Yvette Wu – BIO
Yvette Wu is an emerging leader in fintech with over 15 years of experience in credit union space and strategic consulting.
She led the design and implementation of Vancity’s first board approved Enterprise Risk Management Framework and the award winning ‘Vancity Fair and Fast’ Loan. She has also led within Fortune 500 companies, medium and large-scale social enterprises, and fast-paced tech startups. Her diverse industry and corporate background lend a unique mash up of experiences and skill sets.
Yvette is frequently featured as a speaker and panelist on topics ranging from FinTech innovation to women in finance and leadership. She was also winner of the 2022 Amazon Web Services SAAS North Competition and New Ventures BC Woman Led Venture. Yvette is also a published author in Fast Company and Entrepreneur.
MONDAY
Oct. 30, 2023
15:30 – 16:30 (EST) Concurrent
Earl Hoeg, MBA
Head of People and Places with People First Inc. Founder of Gray Matters Connections. Board Member – Real Property Institute of Canada. Passionate about helping good managers do great work.
Topic: Knowing Ourselves and Appreciating Others
linkedin.com/in/earl-hoeg
Halifax, Nova Scotia
SPEAKER – Earl Hoeg
Topic: Knowing Ourselves and Appreciating Others
Session Overview:
Are there people who you feel you really click with, where the ideas just fly? Are there others where you have difficulty connecting? How well do you know yourself? How aware are you about how you are received by team members? These are just some of the questions, and answers!, that we’ll cover in this lively, fun, and interactive session to help us better understand ourselves and appreciate our differences.
We all have unique personalities and preferences, but each of us shows up in ways that we might not fully appreciate or see. Understanding our own preferences and increasing our conscious awareness of when we are using them, can help each of us connect, adapt, and work more effectively with each other.
Earl Hoeg – BIO
Earl Hoeg is an experienced public speaker, workshop leader, and trusted advisor to leaders who want to create inspiring, engaging and connected workplaces. As a former senior executive in the Canadian Public Service in diverse roles from finance, real property, leadership development and program delivery, Earl doesn’t want to just train your people he wants to help you transform your organization.
After 25+ years of leading virtual and in-person teams from five to 150+ people, Earl is on a mission is to support bold leaders and founders to make hybrid working not suck! He brings his enthusiasm, empathy, and breadth of leadership experience to all the services he offers. And with an MBA from Queen’s University and certifications from Insights Discovery, the Center for Creative Leadership and powerful people analytics from Reworc, he has the proven techniques, tools, and partnerships to elevate your team’s effectiveness.
If you want to awaken your team’s possibilities and maximize your impact, please connect.
MONDAY
Oct. 30, 2023
15:30 – 16:30 (EST) Concurrent
James Spello
President of Meeting U
Topic: Everything You Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence…But Didn’t Know to Ask
http://www.facebook.com/meetingu
http://www.twitter.com/jspellos
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jspellos
SPEAKER – James Spello
Topic 1: Everything You Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence…But Didn’t Know to Ask
Since ChatGPT exploded in our lives in 2022, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already having a significant impact on the tasks and and requirements needed for today’s education and professional work. While many are fearful that AI will replace the need for many, the reality is much more nuanced than what many are preaching, though the skill sets and tasks required are evolving. Attend this session to keep up the various tech tools that will impact your career moving forward.
After participating in this session, the learner will be able to:
– Identify 30+ AI tools that can support your work
– Review and discuss with your peers the impact of AI and other technologies on the future of the profession
– Understand how current AI technology will continue to evolve
James Spellos – BIO
James Spellos is the President of Meeting U. whose mission for over 20 years is to help people become more productive and comfortable with technology.
In 2022, Meeting Professionals International included Jim on their most influential list in the hospitality industry in honor of their 50th anniversary celebration. In 2021, Glisser named Jim one of the most influential people in virtual events.
He was a faculty member at New York University for 25 years receiving both their Award for Teaching Excellence and their Outstanding Service Award. In 2015, Jim was named one of the Meeting Industry’s trendsetters by Meetings Today magazine.
Jim is on the Board of Directors for Rock and Wrap It Up, an anti-poverty, anti-hunger organization which recovers excess food from concerts, sports and other events. Jim co-created their Whole Earth Calculator app. He also speaks about food recovery and sustainability to groups around the country. In 2018 & 2019, BizBash named Jim one of their top 500 people in events for his work in sustainability.
Jim is an accomplished musician and songwriter who released his first solo album, Stroke of Genius in 2020. He has a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies, is a certified Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine’s Food for Life Instructor, and supports Plant Powered Metro New York in educating people about a healthy diet and lifestyle, which helped to save his own life.
MONDAY
Oct. 30, 2023
15:30 – 16:30 (EST) Concurrent
Olly Morrison, CPA
Director of Corporate Services,
Canoe Procurement Group of Canada
Jeff Nichol
Director of Benefits,
Canoe Procurement Group of Canada
Optimizing Government Finances through the Power of Group Purchasing
Session
Government agencies are constantly under pressure to deliver more services more efficiently with fewer resources. In this session, learn how group procurement can help public organizations to find cost savings, enhance sustainability initiatives, and streamline finance and procurement operations.
Olly Morrison – BIO
Olly is the Director of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer for the Rural Municipalities of Alberta and Canoe Procurement Group of Canada. Olly’s team is responsible for Finance, Human Resources, and Information Technology for the association. Prior to joining RMA, Olly has spent over 20 years in Finance roles in both private and public sectors. Olly has a Bachelor of Commerce degree and holds a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.
Jeff Nichol – BIO
MONDAY
Oct. 30, 2023
17:00- 18:00 (EST) Concurrent
Ed McCaulley, CPA JD MBA BBA
Ed McCaulley is a Principal Consultant at F.H. Black & Company Incorporated.
Topic: Fundamentals of Managing Public Sector Risk
SPEAKER – Ed McCaulley
Topic: Fundamentals of Managing Public Sector Risk
Session Overview:
Abstract:
Organizations of all types and sizes are constantly at risk. The implications of unidentified or unaligned risks in Public Sector organizations can be widespread, affect entire communities, and result in public scandal.
Many organizations do not have sufficient risk management processes despite the potential ramifications. It can be a mammoth task, and public sector finance departments are already overextended. This webinar will provide an overview of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), risk governance, and the tools that enable successful risk management without overextending the finance department.
Learn how to protect your organization by identifying and keeping tabs on crucial risks before they become a crisis.
Topics to be covered include:
– ERM Introduction
– Evolution of Risk Management
– ERM definitions
– Establishing guardrails, not speed bumps
– Why adopt an ERM program?
– Risk Governance
– Overview/Key Elements
– Roles & Perspectives
– Three lines of defense
– Risk policy and program
– Risk Framework
– Risk appetite
– Risk types and risk taxonomy
– Risk monitoring and use of Key Risk Indicators (KRIs)
– Handling incidents
– Enterprise-wide risk assessments
Ed McCaulley – BIO
Ed McCaulley is a Principal Consultant at F.H. Black & Company Incorporated. Specializing in risk management, he collaborates with our clients to mitigate organizational risks by redesigning business processes and selecting, implementing, and supporting enabling technologies.
For more than 25 years, Ed has been a driving force for insightful risk management, financial management, accounting, and internal auditing for organizations of all sizes. Before joining FHB, he was Vice President at one of the US’s largest banks, where he was hired to bring a rapidly growing business line into compliance with the bank’s operational risk management policy and program that supported revenue growth. He obtained buy-in from a reluctant business that strengthened risk and control self-assessments (RCSA) and vendor management of outsourced processes and ultimately passed regulatory scrutiny.
Ed is an attorney, holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, a Juris Doctorate (JD), a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (BBA) in Accounting, and is the author of Back to Basics: Balance Sheet Reconciliations which was featured in the Internal Auditor Magazine.
MONDAY
Oct. 30, 2023
17:00- 18:00 (EST) Concurrent
James Spello
President of Meeting U
Topic: Everything You Need to Know About Artificial Intelligence…But Didn’t Know to Ask
http://www.facebook.com/meetingu
http://www.twitter.com/jspellos
http://www.linkedin.com/in/jspellos
SPEAKER – James Spello
Topic 2: Are you digitally secure? Find out:
Today’s high-profile hacks of major organizations nd institutions have increased awareness of the issues of digital security, yet most people are compromising their personal and company’s information on a regular basis, which can put their business…and themselves…at risk. Attendees at this session will better understand the digital risks and learn to separate truth from hype about how secure their presence is.
– Understand how to best keep your personal and professional digital presence from being compromised
– Identify 3 critical acronyms for your business’ digital security
– Learn over 5 tools that will significantly increase your online protection
James Spellos – BIO
James Spellos is the President of Meeting U. whose mission for over 20 years is to help people become more productive and comfortable with technology.
In 2022, Meeting Professionals International included Jim on their most influential list in the hospitality industry in honor of their 50th anniversary celebration. In 2021, Glisser named Jim one of the most influential people in virtual events.
He was a faculty member at New York University for 25 years receiving both their Award for Teaching Excellence and their Outstanding Service Award. In 2015, Jim was named one of the Meeting Industry’s trendsetters by Meetings Today magazine.
Jim is on the Board of Directors for Rock and Wrap It Up, an anti-poverty, anti-hunger organization which recovers excess food from concerts, sports and other events. Jim co-created their Whole Earth Calculator app. He also speaks about food recovery and sustainability to groups around the country. In 2018 & 2019, BizBash named Jim one of their top 500 people in events for his work in sustainability.
Jim is an accomplished musician and songwriter who released his first solo album, Stroke of Genius in 2020. He has a certificate in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies, is a certified Physician’s Committee for Responsible Medicine’s Food for Life Instructor, and supports Plant Powered Metro New York in educating people about a healthy diet and lifestyle, which helped to save his own life.
MONDAY
October 30, 2023
17:00- 18:00 (EST) Concurrent
Natalia Szubbocsev, CAIB MBA
Natalia Szubbocsev, CAIB, MBA
Appraisals International
Determining Asset Values for Insurance and Other Purposes in the Public Sector
Are you in charge of reporting municipal asset values for insurance or other purposes?
If yes, you know that determining property values for diverse buildings and their contents isn’t an easy task. Ever-changing construction costs, market dynamics and price points, hard-to-navigate personal property (or contents) exposures….. it is hard to keep up. This session will discuss the role of appraisals in municipal risk and financial management, the possible sources of values and the importance of report up—to-date, accurate property values.
– Gain an insight into the role of insurance appraisals in public sector risk management.
– Look at possible sources of property values for insurance or other purposes.
– Discuss the importance of obtaining qualified, expert opinion of value.
TUESDAY
Oct. 31, 2023
9:30-9:45am (EST)
SPEAKER – Shelley Stedall, VP MFOA
BIO
Details to come.
TUESDAY
October 31, 2023
9:45 – 10:45 (EST) Plenary
Pamela Steer, FCPA CFA
President and CEO, CPA Canada and Board Member passionate about lasting Leadership, Transformation and Sustainability.
Twitter @pamela_steer
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Pamela is the president and CEO of CPA Canada. Prior to assuming this role, she was the chief financial and corporate strategy officer at Payments Canada. She also served as chief financial officer and head of finance and employer services for the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
In 2016, Pamela was named a Fellow of the profession, and in 2019, she was honored as Canada’s CFO of the Year.
Pamela is an accomplished and dedicated community leader, serving on a number of boards and councils. She is also an active and founding member of the advisory board for the Institute for Sustainable Finance and helped found the Canadian Chapter of the Accounting for Sustainability CFO Leadership Network.
TUESDAY
Oct. 31, 2023
11:15 – 12:15 (EST) Plenary
Clyde MacLellan, FCPA FCA
Chair of the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB)
Michael A. Puskaric, CPA CMA
Director, Public Sector Accounting Standards for the Public Sector Accounting Board
PSAB Update Session
The Annual PSAB update is one of the mainstays of our conference. The session will provide up-to-date information keeping you current with PSAB proposals including an update on: strategic plan & initiatives, projects on the technical agenda (intangibles & employee benefits) and other key initiatives (Technical Advisory Group and Indigenous Advisory Group). At the end of this session, participants should have the information they need regarding new standards and be aware of emerging issues in public sector financial reporting.
Clyde MacLellan, FCPA FCA – BIO
Clyde is currently chair of the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) – Canada’s national independent public sector accounting standards setter. PSAB serves the public interest by developing high-quality accounting standards for the public sector that contribute to transparency, accountability and support decision making.
A retired Assistant Auditor General and former member of the Executive Committee of the Office of the Auditor General of Canada, Clyde has considerable experience in financial and performance auditing of Canadian public sector organizations and the promotion topics of strong governance, performance reporting, risk management and financial reporting and internal control within those organizations. He also has had experience with similar issues topics in the international public sector due to his work with organizations such as past responsibilities for the international audits of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and representing the Office of the Auditor General of Canada at the United Nations Panel of External Auditors and its technical working group.
Michael A. Puskaric, CPA CA – BIO
Michael is the Director, Public Sector Accounting Standards for the Public Sector Accounting Board. Michael has a broad base of experience based on over 20 years working in public, private and not-for-profit sector organizations.
His is a member of the special advisory committee to the Auditor General of Canada that provides advice and consultation on financial accounting and auditing matters. Michael is a part-time professor of public sector and not-for-profit-accounting at Toronto Metropolitan University and holds a Chartered Professional Accountant designation and a Master of Business Administration degree from the Schulich School of Business at York University.
TUESDAY
Oct. 31, 2023
1:15 – 2:15 (EST) Concurrent
Antonella Risi, CPA CA
Associate Director
Public Sector Accounting Board
Martha Jones Denning, CPA CA
Associate Director Public Sector Accounting Board
PSAB’s New Reporting Model
Presenters: Antonella Risi, Associate Director, Public Sector Accounting Board and Martha Jones Denning, Associate Director, Public Sector Accounting Board
Session
In March 2023 PSAB approved its new reporting model in Section 1202, Financial Statement Presentation, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning on or after April 1, 2026. The Reporting Model contained in Section PS 1202:
– is consistent with PSAB’s new Conceptual Framework;
– builds on the Reporting Model in Section PS 1201, Financial Statement Presentation; and
– provides the public with understandable information for accountability purposes.
Attend this session to obtain an overview of:
– the key principles in Section PS 1202;
– significant changes from the reporting model in Section PS 1201;
– the implications of the changes to preparers and users; and
– key consequential amendments arising from the new reporting model.
Government agencies are constantly under pressure to deliver more services more efficiently with fewer resources. In this session, learn how group procurement can help public organizations to find cost savings, enhance sustainability initiatives, and streamline finance and procurement operations.
Antonella Risi, CPA CA – BIO
Associate Director
Public Sector Accounting Board
Antonella Risi is an Associate Director with Canada’s Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB). In this role, she supports staff and the work of task forces made up of practitioners and users of financial reports to develop and amend public sector accounting standards.
Antonella has been developing public sector accounting standards for over nine years. Recently she led PSAB’s Concepts Underlying Financial Performance project.
Prior to that, Antonella was the Director of Finance of a hospital in Ontario. In this role, Antonella was responsible for implementing a new accounting, budget and payroll system. She was also responsible for the monthly, quarterly and yearly financial statements of the entity.
At the start of her career, Antonella spent over 9 years at Deloitte in the public sector practice, performing assurance and consulting services for her many clients. Clients included provincial and municipal governments, hospitals, not-for-profit organizations, charities and school boards.
Martha Jones Denning, CPA CA – BIO
TUESDAY
Oct. 31, 2023
1:15 – 2:15 (EST) Concurrent
Des Seturam
President & Delivery Executive, Vigilant Consulting Services
Topic: Town of Aurora modernizes their Financial, Budgeting and Procurement processes using Oracle Cloud Applications.
SPEAKER – Des Seturam
Topic: Town of Aurora modernizes their Financial, Budgeting and Procurement processes using Oracle Cloud Applications.
The Town of Aurora, a mid-sized town in the Greater Toronto Area, embarked on their journey to replace a highly customized medley of on-premises applications with a competent, state-of-the-art Cloud solution. After a rigorous RFP process evaluating several ERP and Municipal solutions, Oracle was selected as the software provider and Vigilant Consulting as the software reseller and implementer of Oracle Cloud Applications. Over the nearly one-year timeline Vigilant has implemented the ERP (General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Cash Management, Assets, Self-Service Purchasing, Procurement Sourcing, Procurement Contracts, Purchasing, Supplier Portal), EPM (Workforce Planning, Financial Planning and Project Planning) integrating with the Municipal Solutions (Property Tax, Utility Billing, etc.)
The Municipal By-laws and the guidelines that the Town needed to adhere were strictly adhered to on the solution blueprint. Vigilant worked with the Town to ensure streamlining, and standardisations were an essential piece of the overall design. Re-engineering of existing businesses process had to be rendered to where applicable with happy outcomes such as paperless approvals giving way to online ones. Data integrity was achieved through segregation of Business Units in the Receivables Module, and mirrored in the Municipal solution to enable a seamless integration between the two systems.
Des Seturam – BIO
Des has over 20 years of experience in Oracle Applications, primarily dedicated to business transformation, advisory and implementation of Oracle solutions. Des is the President Vigilant Consulting Services Inc. and is responsible for delivering large-scale, complex ERP and HCM solutions that help clients to achieve their goals for the project.
Prior to Vigilant, Des led the Oracle practice for Deloitte and IBM. Des has also worked with Ernst & Young and Oracle Consulting services.
TUESDAY
Oct. 31, 2023
1:15 – 2:15 (EST) Concurrent
Michael McCormack, BA CFI
Director, Forensics and Litigation Support, MNP, Edmonton
michael.mccormack@mnp.ca
Topic: People, Governance, and Government
People, Governance, and Government
Topic: Re-establishing culture and confidence in the municipal workplace.
Social movements such as #metoo movement and #blacklivesmatter as well as the fallout from the Pandemic, have led to an increase in the incidence of workplace investigations and harassment complaints across government. Employees are increasingly using formal mechanisms to mitigate workplace transgressions which, perhaps, in the past they would have tolerated or managed themselves. The onus of Occupational Health and Safety and Federal and Provincial Human Rights regulations, good municipal governance and fear of civil lawsuits has created an atmosphere of trepidation and concern within government. Although municipal guidance and good governance procedures are standard across government, the size of the government, the relationships within it, and the history of action or inaction, has impacted government officials. The finance officer is caught between fiscal responsibility and ensuring regulations are followed. Investigations are costly; both monetarily and reputationally. Michael will discuss the post pandemic concerns facing government organizations, what can be done to mitigate issues such as a toxic culture and what to do when a transgression occurs. This session will focus on:
– Identifying the toxic workplace or the poisoned work environment.
– Identifying gaps in policies – what are the best practices.
– Managing complaints of harassment and workplace misconduct.
– Deciding should we do it ourselves or hire a professional?
– What are the surprises to be expected?
– How do we manage the cost?
Michael McCormack – BIO
Michael McCormack, BA, CFI, is an accomplished speaker and trusted advisor to organizations who are concerned about the impact of workplace and harassment investigations. Michael is a Director with MNP’s Forensics and Litigation Support group in Edmonton, Alberta. He is responsible for investigations across Canada. He works with municipalities and governments, First Nations, corporations, on employee misconduct, risk assessments, due diligence, and harassment cases. Mike is designated as a Certified Forensic Investigator.
Mike has extensive knowledge and experience in the areas of employee misconduct and the investigation of harassment. He also helps organizations mitigate issues and strengthen anti-fraud and anti-harassment controls. With deep knowledge and experience in investigations and interviewing, Mike develops practical solutions and delivers results for his clients.
Before joining MNP, Mike served for 24 years at the Ottawa Police Service as a Detective Sgt in Financial Crimes and Proceeds of Crime. He has spent his career investigating financial crimes. He has experience investigating complex international financial crimes including a variety of fraud schemes, money laundering and proceeds of crime offences.
TUESDAY
Oct. 31, 2023
2:45-3:45pm (EST) Concurrent
Charles-Antoine St-Jean, FCPA FCA
CHAIR, Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB)
Renée Pichard, CPA CA
Partner, Public Sector Accounting and ESG Reporting Advisory, Deloitte
Canadian Member, International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board (IPSASB)
PSAB/IPSAB/CSSB: An overview of the current and future landscape of Sustainability reporting standards.
This session will focus on both international and national perspectives.
In this exciting session, you will get first hand details on developments in the international and Canadian landscape of sustainability reporting. With so many changes happening today and coming in the near future, this is an important time to join us for this thought provoking session. Given the recent formation of the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board, you’ll get first hand updates from the Chair on what you can look forward to in the Canadian context. Additional implications for the Public sector will also be shared. We aim to give you the information you need, with practical tips on how to get started and continue your journey with they new developments.
Charles-Antoine St-Jean – BIO
Location: Montreal, QC Appointed: April 1, 2023 Term expires: March 31, 2026
Charles-Antoine St-Jean comes to the CSSB with extensive standard-setting and leadership experience, most recently serving as the Regional Director – Americas with the IFRS Foundation®. In this position, he assisted with the implementation of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) operations in Montreal, QC. Charles-Antoine’s career was mostly spent with Ernst & Young (EY), retiring as a National Managing Partner in June 2017. Mid-career, he served as Comptroller General of Canada for several years before returning to EY. He has served as the (Interim) President and CEO of CPA Canada, where he initiated and led the bid proposal that led to the ISSB choosing Canada as the location from where it develops new standards. Charles-Antoine also served as Chair of Canada’s Public Sector Accounting Board, the Ontario Government Internal Audit Committee, and many not-for-profit boards. FRASCanada.ca/CSSB
Charles-Antoine St-Jean – BIO
Info to come.
TUESDAY
Oct. 31, 2023
2:45-3:45pm (EST) Concurrent
Kristen Michalko CPA CMA
Managing Principal, Ravic LLC
Kristen Michalko is a Managing Principal consultant at Ravic LLC, owners of Enterprise Municipality Suite. Kristen graduated from the University of Alberta in 1995 and attained the CPA (CMA) designation in 1999. Kristen has worked with a variety of organizations over the years, but mostly recently has been drawn to working with local governments, helping them get the most value out of their investment in their financial systems.
Bret Merry, Oracle Technology Developer
Managing Partner
Bret Merry is one of two inventors of the Enterprise Municipality Suite (EMS) software offered by Ravic. Bret has spent the past 12 working with Oracle technologies, 6 of those focused on municipalities. He is a proven team player with significant experience in the areas of application development, database, integrations, project management, and consulting.
Elizabeth Adams-Quattrociocchi CPA CGA
Town of Aurora
Project Manager, Financial System Project / Deputy Treasurer
Elizabeth Adams-Quattrociocchi has been working in local government for over 10 years and most recently led the implementation of a new financial system at the Town of Aurora. Elizabeth graduated from Ryerson University in 2009 and attained the CPA (CGA) designation in 2013.
Harnessing your ERP for Revenue and Cash Collection:
Lessons Learned from Implementing Enterprise Municipality Suite at the Town of Aurora
Abstract / Summary
The Town of Aurora recently implemented a new financial system, which also included implementing Enterprise Municipality Suite (EMS) for Property Tax, Utility Billing and Cash Collection. The Enterprise Municipality Suite is a user-friendly interface that manages several areas of business unique to local governments and fully integrates into your financial system of choice. This removes the need for additional systems and keeps your data together, in one repository.
Enterprise Municipality Suite integrates revenue and invoices from the Property Tax and Utility Billing modules directly into the financial system, allowing all receivables for the municipality to be managed together. In addition, implementing the integrated CashClerk module allows customer service through the Town to capture and record cash receipts for invoices and one-time payments. It also processes pre-authorized and lockbox payments as well as managing post-dated cheques and adjustments. The entries from CashClerk are automatically posted to the financial system once balanced in EMS, recording the revenue and cash in the ledger without delay.
Join us for a discussion of lessons that both the Town and the software company, Ravic, learned during the implementation of the Enterprise Municipality Suite (EMS) at the Town of Aurora. A brief background to the Town’s project, along with a brief introduction to the EMS product will be followed by a discussion of topics related to the implementation experience.
TUESDAY
Oct. 31, 2023
2:45-3:45pm (EST) Concurrent
Joseph Muhuni, CPA CGA
Deputy City Treasurer, Revenue for the City of Ottawa
Topic: Property Tax Trends
SPEAKER – Joseph Muhuni
Topic: Property Tax Trends
Session Overview: To come.
Joseph Muhuni – BIO
Joseph Muhuni is the Deputy City Treasurer, Revenue for the City of Ottawa. He is responsible for ensuring that all revenue functions at the City of Ottawa are undertaken with a strategic corporate outlook, reflect industry best practices, and comply with statutory regulations. He oversees Tax Policy, Tax and Water Billing, Customer Servicing, Collections, Assessment Base Management, Corporate Payment Strategy and Operations for over 250,000 Water Meters.
Joseph has been actively involved in setting Tax Policy for the City of Ottawa for the last nine (9) years and implementation of transformational change within the organization; the most recent being the implementation of a New Water Billing System, implementation of a New Water Rate Structure, deployment of New Tax and Water e-Billing functionality and Online Change of Ownership Portal for lawyers.
He is a Certified Public Accountant and worked in the private sector for 11 years before joining the City Ottawa where he has been for the for the last 13 years.
TUESDAY
Oct. 31, 2023
4:15-5:15pm (EST) Concurrent
More info to come
More info to come
Sustainability Forum (CSSB / PSAB / IPSASB)
Details to come.
More info to come – BIO
More info to come – BIO
TUESDAY
Oct. 31, 2023
4:15-5:15pm (EST) Concurrent
Earl Warwick, CPA CMA CTAJ
Director of Finance and Asset Management, Saskatoon Police Service
Topic: Police Finance Forum
Police Finance Forum
Earl Warwick, CPA, CMA, CTAJ, Director of Finance and Asset
Management, Saskatoon Police Service
Other names to come.
Forums are intended to be interactive sessions with full participation from attendees. It is an opportunity for attendees to network and discuss current issues amongst themselves. Please turn on your cameras and take the opportunity to learn from your peers and participate in discussions.
The Police Finance forum will provide an opportunity in a Q&A format for participants to discuss and share experiences on budget/fiscal challenges that Police services across the nation are facing. Some of the topics may include firearm replacement, space and facility planning and funding/budget
sustainability.
Earl Warwick – BIO
Earl is the Director of Finance and Asset Management at the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS). Trained and developed as a professional accountant, he has been involved with organizations in such diverse capacities as: auditor; business manager; salesperson; General Manager; self-employed professional contractor; governance and leadership; Chair of a Board of Directors; dispute adjudication; and, most recently, financial, procurement and asset management leader at the SPS.
Earl has been with the SPS since 2016, first hired as the Director of Finance overseeing budget & accounting activities, payroll and government funding. In 2019 the portfolio of Asset Management was added, contributing the responsibilities for facility, fleet, procurement and inventory management to name a few key facets of that aspect of the role.
The greatest satisfaction Earl derives from work is to see his team members succeed and thrive, supporting them as required, with the short term result of getting a quality work product delivered on time, and the long term goal of preparing them to be leaders in their own right.
TUESDAY
Oct. 31, 2023
4:15-5:15pm (EST) Concurrent
Jude Pillainayagam, MBA P. Eng. MIAM ISP
City of Coquitlam
Topic: Asset Management Forum
ASSET MANAGEMENT FORUM
Forums are intended to be interactive sessions with full participation from attendees. It is an opportunity for attendees to network and discuss current issues amongst themselves. Please turn onyour cameras and take the opportunity to learn from your peers and participate in discussions.
This will be an asset management forum discussing the current status of asset management practices and the involvement of accountants in asset management. Also to be discussed is the asset management training needs of accountants, the various training opportunities and funding available and their suitability.
Jude Pillainayagam – BIO
Jude Pillainayagam is a senior engineer in municipal engineering sector and a Fellow of Engineers Canada. He is involved in Asset Management for nearly 20 years working at Metro Vancouver, City of Surrey and City of Coquitlam.
Jude possesses a diverse educational background and experience. He is also an accountant and a certified Information System Professional. He is a member of the Institute of Asset Management UK (IAM), and the Regional Director of Canadian Network of Asset Managers (CNAM) for BC and Alberta. Jude has carried out extensive work in the area of asset management and presented in many conferences.
TUESDAY
Oct. 31, 2023
6 – 9pm (EST) / Pinacle Room
“A Paranormal Spooktacular”
Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre
101 Lyon Street North Ottawa, Ontario K1R 5T9
Networking Opportunities
In-person
For those of you who are attending in person (included in your registration cost) you will be delighted to know that we are providing optimum networking experiences. You’ll have the opportunity Tuesday evening (Oct 31st) networking event, called: “A Paranormal Spooktacular” a scrumptious sit down meal will be provided (included), while you are entertained with great music, great company and fun activities!
Online Virtual
Conference Chat Rooms and Exhibitor booths where you can interact with Exhibitors and each other.
WEDNESDAY
Nov. 1, 2023
9:30-9:45am (EST)
Terri Velasquez, CPA CPFO
Director of Finance
Finance Department | City of Aurora
Immediate Past-President, GFOA
Topic: Let’s Talk About GFOA
SPEAKER – Terri Velasquez, CPA, CPFO
Topic: Let’s Talk About GFOA
Terri Velasquez – BIO
Terri Velasquez is the Finance Director for the City of Aurora. She is responsible for operations of the City’s Finance Department and the overall management of the City’s finances. Previously, Ms. Velasquez worked for the City of Colorado Springs in a number of capacities including Chief Finance Officer. Ms. Velasquez received a Master’s degree in Finance and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Colorado and is licensed as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of Colorado. She also holds a Certified Public Finance Officer designation from the Government Finance Officers’ Association. Ms. Velasquez is the immediate Past President of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
WEDNESDAY
Nov. 1, 2023
9:45-10:45 (EST) Plenary
Susan Mowbray, MA
Partner, Economics and Research, MNP
Economic Update
In an era defined by dynamic economic forces and global uncertainties, understanding the economic landscape at the local level is paramount. Susan offers a comprehensive glimpse into Canada’s current economic situation, with a sharp focus on local dynamics. She will discuss immigration and housing and what the pivotal factors are that will shape the future of municipalities, from infrastructure investments to tax policies and the evolving nature of work. Join us for an in-depth exploration of these critical economic topics, where we’ll uncover insights and strategies for navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Canada’s local economies.
Susan Mowbray, MA – BIO
Susan is a Partner with MNP’s Consulting Practice in Vancouver and leads the national Insights and Analytics Practice. She is an economist with more than 20 years of experience in economic modelling and assessment in various contexts. Susan’s work has included assignments for public sector organizations, industry associations and private companies and has spanned many industries. Susan focuses on assisting clients with the development of quantitative estimates to inform decision-making and policy development. She goes beyond the numbers to explain what this means for decision-making. She is frequently invited to speak on economic issues and provide insights to government and industry audiences.
Contact E: Susan.Mowbray@mnp.ca T: 604.782.9935 Suite 2200, MNP Tower 1021 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6E 0C3 Education Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Simon Fraser University Master of Arts, Economics, Simon Fraser University Associations/Certifications Association of Professional Economists of BC Canadian Association for Business Economics GBA+
WEDNESDAY
Nov. 1, 2023
11:15-12:15 (EST) Plenary
Michael Lewis. B.A.
Managing Director of Michael Lewis Training, Motivation and Development
Topic: Achieving Balance: How To Achieve A Better Work/Life Balance!
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Michael Lewis is Managing Director of Michael Lewis Training, Motivation and Development, a London, Ontario-based training, and development firm that was founded in 1994 and specializes in developing and delivering personal and professional development presentations, seminars, webinars, workshops, and teambuilding facilitation to a wide range of clients. Born in 1961, He graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a B.A. in 1983, began a career in training in the corporate world, and eventually started his own training and development firm.
Michael Lewis is a very experienced and popular speaker and trainer. As of May 2023, he has spoken and/or presented workshops, seminars, webinars, and team-building sessions almost 6300 times in 404 different communities across Ontario. He has spoken and presented seminars and workshops on a wide variety of emerging and important topics to over the past 30 years at various conferences and from that unique perspective has been witness to an ever-changing world of work and has focused on common sense solutions for our business and often complex lives!
TOPIC: “Achieving Balance: How To Achieve A Better Work/Life Balance!”
Session Overview:
COVID-19 was a game changer for many of us – some working from home, some working in a hybrid arrangement and others worked as normal. We learned again that balancing a busy and often challenging professional and personal life is never easy. Life brings us all daily challenges, but it is how we choose to address each of these challenges that defines us and the quality of life that we want and deserve. In this uplifting, positive, solutions-oriented presentation we’ll explore some common-sense strategies that you can use today to achieve a better and more realistic work life balance…and live your best life.
Learning Outcomes:
– Discover why a better and more balanced begins with important conversations.
– Learn that creating and establishing boundaries serves us and others in our lives.
– Experience two powerful demonstrations on the effects of stress…and what it means.
– Examine why less is more, that you don’t have to do it all and that its about quality over quantity.
– Learn why we need to “say when” when it comes to technology.
WEDNESDAY
Nov. 1, 2023
12:15 -12:45pm (EST)
Closing Remarks
