Short Bio

Manny Banwait, CPA, CA is Director, Data Enablement at PwC Canada, leading large-scale data acquisition, analytics, governance, and the integration of AI and automation into the Assurance practice. A strategic, transformational leader, he operationalizes innovation to reimagine audits through human‑led, tech‑powered solutions while advancing digital upskilling and talent development. Manny brings tested business acumen from managing complex, cross-functional programs and partnering with clients on technology-driven change. He serves on the Board of Our Place Peel and was recognized as a 2024 CPA Ontario Emerging Leader.

Detailed Bio

Voluntary work with CPA Ontario or other professional bodies:

• Previously volunteered at CPA high school events
• Previously volunteered at CPA Tax Preparation clinic
• Core 1 and Capstone 1 module facilitation
• CFE exam proctoring
• Contributed to CPA think-tank conversations

Career achievements:

• Led a team of approximately 40 individuals across the country
• Recognized as a leader in the Assurance Technology space at PwC and considered a subject-matter expert in generative AI
• Represented PwC Canada as the Data Acquisition Leader in the PwC Global Network

Other professional accomplishments:

• Recognized as a CPA Ontario Emerging Leader in 2024
• Completed Master of Business Administration with a focus in Business Analytics and Data

Other voluntary service and recognition:

• Board of Directors for a not-for-profit organization called Our Place Peel since June 2020
• Vice Chair of the Finance, Audit and HR committee for Our Place Peel from June 2021 to June 2022
• Treasurer and Chair of the Finance, Audit and HR committee for Our Place Peel from June 2022
• Part of the South Asian Business Inclusion Network at PwC

Candidate statement

Why are you interested in joining Council?

As a CPA with a diverse background in public accounting and audit, data and technology, I’m motivated to join the CPA Ontario Council to help guide our profession through a period of transformation. We are sought-out as business leaders and, as the business world changes, the profession must adapt accordingly. I would be grateful for the opportunity to guide the profession through that change.

The CPA designation has opened many doors for me, and I see this as an opportunity to pay it forward and contribute to the future of the profession.

In 2024, I was honoured to be named a CPA Ontario Emerging Leader. That experience reinforced my passion for leadership grounded in integrity, innovation and service. It also gave me insight into the importance of engaging the next generation of CPAs and fostering an inclusive professional community.

I’m particularly interested in contributing to Council in three ways:

1. Strategic Stewardship: I want to help shape the long-term direction of the profession by supporting good governance, risk management and future-focused decision-making.
2. Championing Diversity and Engagement: As a first-generation Canadian professional, I value inclusion and representation. I want to ensure all CPAs feel heard and supported.
3. Giving Back: The CPA designation has played a significant role in my personal and professional development. Serving on Council is my way to pay that forward.

Council plays a critical role in protecting the public interest while advancing and advocating for our profession. I would be honoured to contribute my skills, perspective, and commitment to its continued success.

How do your experiences align with the following skills, attributes and experiences that have been prioritized for incoming members of Council?

• Strategic and Transformational Leadership
• Emerging Technologies
• Future of Learning and Work
• Business Acumen

My professional journey has given me direct exposure to several of Council’s priority areas, particularly in strategic leadership, emerging technologies and business acumen.

1. Strategic and Transformational Leadership:
   
   In my role as a CPA and business leader, I have led cross-functional teams through large-scale transformations, implemented new delivery models, and supported strategic planning for high growth in my organization. I have guided teams through change by fostering collaboration, clear communication, and a shared sense of purpose – key components of transformational leadership.
   
   
2. Emerging Technologies:
   
   My experience includes leveraging data analytics, automation tools, and data connectors to drive operational efficiency and improve decision-making. I have led initiatives that adopted AI-powered tools and implemented system integrations that reshaped how audit teams deliver value. In addition, I am one of the strategic leads in implementing Next-Generation Audit at the firm. I understand both the capabilities and risks of emerging technologies within the business world and how that may affect the CPA profession.
   
   
3. Business Acumen and Future of Learning and Work:
   
   My experience in public practice has allowed me to work closely with a wide range of clients, from startups to large enterprises, giving me strong insight into diverse business models, financial strategies and industry challenges. I am also actively involved in talent development, having mentored CPA students and led teams through coaching, performance management and training. I understand the importance of developing future-ready professionals who are not only technically skilled, but also adaptable, collaborative, and aligned with evolving workforce expectations.

These experiences position me well to contribute to Council’s evolving mandate and help shape a resilient, future-ready profession.

What is the greatest opportunity and challenge facing the accounting profession and CPA Ontario?

I believe there are two opportunities facing the accounting profession and CPA Ontario:

The first is to lead in an era defined by technological disruption and data-driven decision-making. With advancements in AI, automation, and analytics, CPAs have the chance to further broaden their influence beyond traditional financial reporting into strategic advisory, risk management and innovation. CPA Ontario can position the profession as a trusted voice in guiding organizations through complex, tech-enabled transformations, strengthening public trust and relevance in the process.

The second opportunity is expanding our trust agenda. In a world where biased or incorrect information flows easily and prevalently, CPAs are uniquely positioned to provide trust where it matters most.

Technology is also a double-edged sword. One of the greatest challenges facing our profession is staying agile and future-ready while preserving the integrity and trust that define our designation. Rapid technological change, evolving public expectations and global competition require CPA Ontario to rethink how it educates, licenses and supports members. As certain tasks and responsibilities become redundant due to AI, including agentic AI, CPAs must find ways to embrace this and evolve the value they provide to businesses.

Balancing innovation with regulation, and progress with public protection, will be key. CPA Ontario must continue evolving its standards, learning models, and governance in a way that empowers members while upholding its duty to the public.