Robyn Hamilton CPA, CA is a busy professional who has a demanding and rewarding passion outside of work: marathon-running. She's participated in marathons from Edmonton to Berlin to Tokyo, and has learned how the focus and resilience required of a marathon runner can also make a difference career-wise. On this episode, Robyn talks about her life as a runner, the priority she places on fitness, and some of the surprising moments of human connection that one can experience in a marathon. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Whether serving on the Board of the Calgary Performing Arts Festival or honing her dance skills, Sarah is equally at home in the dance studio or the boardroom. On this episode of Uncommon Sense, Sarah talks about her passion for the arts, her commitment to volunteerism, and how those endeavours mesh with being a CPA. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

CPA firms in small towns are more than simply local businesses – they are fully engaged in the life and success of their towns. Guest Sarah Vodden CPA, CGA is a partner at Hendrickson Black LLP. In this episode, Sarah discusses the many ways she and her colleagues participate in their communities and support their clients. On a more-personal level, Sarah talks about her pride in her Métis heritage and the importance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. With warmth and humour, Sarah gives us a glimpse into a life and career rich in fulfilment. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

This episode of Uncommon Sense kicks off a series of episodes looking at CPAs' roles in implementing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concepts in today's workplace. Darcy Yamada CPA, CA is the current Vice Chair of CPA Alberta's board, and a leader at his firm, EY Parthenon, where he serves as a Senior Vice President of Strategy and Transactions. Darcy also has taken on the role of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Partner Champion for EY's Edmonton office. In this episode, Darcy talks about the importance of creating a sense of belonging for everyone in the workplace, as well as the benefits for companies that embrace the concept of DEI. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

In the episodes focusing on the evolution of accounting education at the post-secondary level, we welcome Dr. Sherif Elbarrad, Dean of Management at Concordia University of Edmonton. With decades of experience teaching, planning and leading accounting education, Dr. Elbarrad has a close-up view on changes in the classroom and how they relate to the workplace and beyond. He discusses how new technologies and priorities are shaping how future CPAs are educated, and weighs in on trends he expects to see in the near future Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

In this episode, Alberta CPA and author, Nadine Niba, shares how her own experience as an immigrant inspired her to write her book, called “Quarterback.” The book is a guide to Canadian business culture for immigrants new to Canada, and it offers advice, tips, and positive thinking about how new Canadians can get their careers started and prosper in their new business environment. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Frank Potter FCPA, FCMA dedicates much of his time to raising awareness about the beauty and diversity of Alberta's thousands of natural areas. In this episode of Uncommon Sense, Frank talks about his work to promote natural areas and the importance of using them wisely. He also shares his perspectives on why volunteering in the community can be uniquely rewarding. Frank's own commitment to volunteerism and giving back helped him earn his Fellowship designation from CPA Alberta in 2025. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. We’d love to hear your feedback! Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

For many accountants, being a CPA isn't simply a 9-to-5 job. Across Alberta, CPAs are lending their expertise and energy to many charitable causes and volunteer projects. On this episode of Uncommon Sense, host Jessica de Groot sits down with Edmonton-based CPA Mark Siderson to talk about his involvement in community-oriented activities--activities that range from volunteering at his synagogue to serving as an occasional accounting instructor and tutor. Mark talks about his personal approach to volunteerism, an approach rooted in the saying, "You get what you give." Mark also talks about what his CPA designation has meant to him over his career, and he reflects on his commitment to personal fitness and wellness. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. We’d love to hear your feedback! Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Season 2 begins in conversation with Cheryl Gibson KC, FCPA, FCA, an Edmonton-based accountant and lawyer who has earned the highest honours in both professions. She also happens to be one of Canada's most-distinguished competitive swimmers, having won medals at the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, the Pan-Am Games, and many other competitions. In this episode, Cheryl talks about what it has been like to build a successful career as a dual-designated professional…and perhaps even shares a few thoughts about the state of competitive swimming in Canada, including current phenom, Summer McIntosh!

In this memorable encore episode, CPA Tetyana Litot talks powerfully about her career and life journey from Ukraine to Edmonton, and how she works today to support Ukrainian newcomers to Alberta.

CPA Katherina Richard was a member of Alberta's first-ever graduating class of CPAs following the unification of the accounting profession in 2015. In this episode, Katherina talks about what it was like to be a part of that historic moment and how her life and career have evolved in the decade since she graduated.

Josh Spurrell CPA, CA is the guest on this encore episode, outlining the ins and outs of starting your own small business.

Noted author and financial planner (and CPA!) Robin Taub CPA, CA provides tips and insights for parents on how to make their children money-smart.

BIPOC CPAs Tope Roth CPA, CGA and Meagan Schroeder CPA, CGA talk about how they have built their own, very unique accounting firm.

Artificial intelligence and its potential impact on the workforce are the topics of this encore episode, with guest Rachel Lee CPA. Uncommon Summer is a collection of encore episodes from the first season of Uncommon Sense, and from our previous podcast, Straight From the CPA's Mouth, to help you through the dog days of summer. Enjoy!

Guest Deepa Maisuria CPA, CA, talks about how to be your best, in and out of the office. Uncommon Summer is a collection of encore episodes from the first season of Uncommon Sense, and from our previous podcast, Straight From the CPA's Mouth, to help you through the dog days of summer. Enjoy!

July 1, 2025, marks the 10th anniversary of the unified regulated accounting profession in Alberta. To celebrate this milestone, we're wrapping up the first season of Uncommon Sense with a look back at the unification process that led to the creation of the CPA designation, and the impact of unification on the profession over the last decade. And there's no one better to lead this discussion than two people who were at the forefront of the work to bring the old accounting designations together: Rachel Miller FCPA, FCA, CEO of CPA Alberta, and Greg Draper FCPA, FCGA, Board Chair at the time of unification. Rachel and Greg are the guests on this episode, and their conversation is both a nostalgic reflection on an historic (and occasionally hectic) time for the accounting profession and an overview of the growth of the CPA profession in the 10 years since unification became official. This episode marks the end of Season 1 of the Uncommon Sense podcast. The Hesje CPA Knowledge Centre team thanks everyone who has listened to our podcast since its launch last September. We're grateful to the CPAs who have been guests on the 47 episodes we've produced over the last 10 months; their knowledge and expertise are what have made the podcast a success. We won't be disappearing completely during the next six weeks. Through July and early August, listen for some "encore" episodes of Uncommon Sense and its predecessor podcast, "Straight From The CPA's Mouth." We'll be back with new episodes in mid-August. Happy Summer to all of our listeners and followers!

Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis—usually referred to as AGLC—is a crown corporation with a huge, complex, and important mandate when it comes to serving Alberta. As the organization's Chief Executive Officer, Kandice Machado CPA, CMA leads a team committed to effectively regulating alcohol, gaming and cannabis on behalf of Albertans while generating revenues that support charities across the province. In this episode, Kandice joins host Jessica de Groot to provide an informative, eye-opening look at the work of AGLC and how it balances its economic and social responsibilities. Kandice also shares her insights into how AGLC has evolved over the years to respond to the ever-changing nature of the gaming, liquor and cannabis industries. As well, she reflects on what she has learned about leadership, the value her CPA designation has brought to her career, and how to thrive professionally as an introvert.

Jennifer Neal CPA, CMA has dedicated much of her career to roles in the non-profit sector, or, as Jennifer more aptly calls it, the for-impact sector. She derives meaning from her work by helping to create possibilities for others. In this episode, Jennifer describes the work she does with AdaptAbilities, an organization that supports those with disabilities, and reflects on why it's important for any professional to get involved in the community and dedicate time to helping others. Jennifer's story is both personal and universal, and she has many powerful insights to share. In addition, Jennifer fills listeners in about the time her father, a celebrity radio DJ in Barrie, Ontario in the 1960s, attended a Beatles news conference in 1966 and took what might be Canada's first-ever selfie, with a Beatle or two in the background!

As part of its annual Elevate celebrations, CPA Alberta hosted the 2025 Chair's Long Service Awards ceremony on May 20. This year's celebration was in the form of a brunch at Edmonton's Fairmont Hotel MacDonald and was held to honour CPAs who had reached milestones of 40, 50, 60, and even 70 years as designated accountants. The Uncommon Sense team dropped into the brunch to chat with many of the honourees and reflect on their careers and the lessons they learned. Their insights, humour, and humility, honed through decades of experience as CPAs, make for enjoyable and thoughtful conversations, as you'll hear. In this "person on the street" episode, you'll also hear from CPA Alberta's Chair, Ruth McHugh FCPA, FCMA, as she reflects on the achievements and contributions of these remarkable honourees.