Andrea Freeborough, FCPA, FCA on the CPA Impact and the Future of Canadian Mining
July 20, 2026
As Chief Financial Officer of Kinross Gold Corporation, Andrea Freeborough, FCPA, FCA helps lead one of Canada's largest global mining companies through a business environment rife with operational risk, geopolitical uncertainty and commodity market volatility.
Canada has long been considered a global leader in the mining sector, and with its importance for the Canadian economy only set to grow, Andrea’s experience is a testament to the increasingly strategic role CPAs can play in moving it forward.
Andrea began her career at KPMG, earning her CPA designation before broadening her experience through roles in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. These diverse opportunities have helped shape the technical and leadership skills that would later support her journey towards executive leadership at Kinross.
While mining was not initially part of Andrea’s long-term career plan, she saw Kinross as an opportunity to apply her expertise within a global industry. Joining the company as Vice-President, Corporate Controller, she embraced the challenge.
From CPA to CFO: Andrea Freeborough’s Leadership Journey
Andrea became CFO in 2019, and in her first two years helped Kinross navigate an extraordinary period of disruption. The company responded to the operational impacts of COVID-19, managed a fire at one of their mines, addressed activist investor activity and ultimately exited its Russian operations following the invasion of Ukraine. These experiences reinforced her belief that today's CFO role extends far beyond financial reporting and treasury management.
"Being the CFO of a public company is really about being adaptable and nimble," she says. "It's having the right team in place for the day-to-day operations so you can focus on leadership and the unexpected challenges.”
Shaping the Future of Canadian Mining
While mining companies are often viewed through a singular lens, Andrea notes that the industry has spent decades expanding its focus on sustainability and community impact.
"We publish an annual sustainability report that talks about our benefit footprint, including how much money we're spending supporting our host countries and local communities, as well as environmental-protection initiatives, and we have done this for years,” Andrea explained. “Treating communities and the environment wherever we work as our own is part of the Kinross culture and frankly table stakes for the industry.”
Looking ahead, Andrea is particularly excited about Kinross's future in Canada. The company is working towards opening their first operating Canadian mine in decades. This project reflects the broader opportunity for Canada's mining sector – especially gold, which is used in electronics, medical devices, aerospace technology and telecommunications.
Throughout her career, Andrea says that her CPA designation laid the foundation for leadership through technical expertise, as well as critical thinking, problem solving and communication - skills that are critical for success in today’s economy.
"The problem-solving side is really important," she explains. "It's not just applying the rules. It's understanding why they're there and finding solutions that aren't always obvious."
Recognized as a Fellow of CPA Ontario in 2025, Andrea hopes her career demonstrates the breadth of opportunities available to members of the profession. Whether taking on international assignments or stepping into unfamiliar roles, she encourages emerging CPAs to remain open to new experiences.
"The CPA really opens the door. It's such a well-respected designation. Use that opportunity, be curious and leverage it."
The 2026 nomination window for CPA Ontario Fellows is open until July 31, 2026.