National Honour Roll

André Caissie

Gold Medal Winner
Deloitte, Toronto
University of Ottawa 
Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, summa cum laude, 2020

A graduate of the University of Ottawa, André obtained a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (summa cum laude). He is currently a manager at Deloitte specializing in advising private corporations, their shareholders and high-net-worth individuals with corporate and individual tax strategies. André believes the CPA designation will be critical in advancing his career, providing various opportunities to be a leader and better enable client solutions.

Daniyal Ahmed

PwC, Toronto
University of Waterloo 
Master of Accounting, 2021
Bachelor of Mathematics, 2020

Pursuing a career in public accounting provided Daniyal the opportunity to gain an understanding of the operations and finances of multiple companies in mining and technology sectors. He is eager to apply the knowledge gained from his studies to his work and deliver value for clients and the betterment of society. Looking forward, Daniyal is interested in how the role of CPAs will help companies set and achieve their sustainability and ESG goals.

Eric Cavaliere

Canadian Bank Note Company, Ottawa
Telfer School of Management, University of Ottawa
Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (Co-op), 2020

It was a surreal moment for Eric when he learned that he not only passed the CFE but also made the National Honour Roll. Learning, studying, working and celebrating with his colleagues who supported him to perform and achieve at the highest level is what Eric will remember most about his road to becoming a CPA. After having written what could be the last exam of his life, he is looking forward to spending more time hiking, biking, camping and playing hockey while continuing to grow professionally.

Amber Cheung

Capital One, Toronto
University of Waterloo 
Master of Accounting, 2021
Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management, 2020

After many years of higher education, Amber was thrilled to have achieved the long-anticipated milestone of passing the CFE. She credits her success to a healthy study schedule and robust foundational knowledge from her professors. Amber hopes that the CPA designation will support her in achieving her career goals in the future.

Casey Chung

BDO, Toronto
University of Waterloo
Master of Accounting, 2021, 
Bachelor of Mathematics, 2021

Casey is grateful to everyone who supported her on her journey, especially her parents. Throughout her journey, they taught her the importance of perseverance and hard work—skills that have allowed her to be successful. She is excited for the future and the opportunities that having the CPA designation will present. In her free time, she enjoys going for walks and spending time with friends and family.

Andrew Filinski, CPA

Grant Thornton, Port Colborne    
Goodman School of Business, Brock University
Bachelor of Accounting with Honours

Growing up, Andrew had dreamed of becoming a lawyer. But at school he developed a passion for numbers and math and looked to a career where he could apply this interest instead. After experiencing some setbacks in high school, he was all the more determined and decided to pursue an accounting degree at Brock University. Despite facing initial challenges, Andrew hopes that his CPA journey inspires his family and peers to never give up on their goals.

Julee Huang

PwC, Toronto
University of Waterloo 
Master of Accounting, 2021
Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management, 2021

At the University of Waterloo, Julee enjoyed spending her spare time participating in a variety of activities, including an a cappella group, student association events, case competitions and the investment fund. She has pursued the CPA designation with the hope that it will prepare her with the necessary skills to work at any company she may choose in the future.

Vincent Jiang

PwC, Toronto
University of Toronto
Bachelor of Commerce, 2021
York University
Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting, 2021

Currently employed in the corporate tax practice, earning a place on the National Honour Roll to Vincent is not the end of his CPA journey, but the starting point of a challenging and rewarding career path with unlimited opportunities. Inspired by Nelson Mandela's saying, "I never lose, either I win or I learn," Vincent believes that determination and dedication will always lead to a dream destination. It is his desire to be a lifelong learner and a proactive contributor to the CPA community. In his spare time, Vincent enjoys outdoor activities, road trips and cooking.

Alexandra Kovacs-Espley, CPA

Richter, Toronto
University of Toronto
Bachelor of Commerce, 2018

When Alexandra learned that she had made the National Honour Roll, it proved to her that perseverance, dedication and hard work do indeed reap great rewards. Having obtained her CPA designation, Alexandra is confident that it will continue to provide opportunities to leverage the skills she has gained and further progress in her career. In her free time, Alexandra enjoys reading, travelling and attending sporting events.

Meisha Lin

Deloitte, Toronto
University of Waterloo
Master of Accounting, 2021
Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management, 2020

Meisha is thrilled to top off her university career with a spot on the National Honour Roll. To Meisha, the CPA designation represents a life-long commitment to learning and self-growth. She is excited to continue developing both professionally and personally to apply the CPA designation skill set to explore a diverse range of career opportunities. Curious and creative, Meisha enjoys trying new things like throwing pottery and rug tufting in her free time.

Alice Tze-Chun Liu

KPMG, Vaughan    
McGill University
Bachelor of Commerce, 2018

As a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan, Alice learned the value of hard work and perseverance from her parents. She is thankful to them for allowing her to devote herself to her studies and work toward her goals. Alice looks forward to leveraging her CPA knowledge and experience in different fields, where she can add value and give back to the community. She is excited about the countless opportunities the CPA designation will offer her.

Wendy Liu

Fuller Landau, Toronto
University of Waterloo
Master of Accounting, 2021
Bachelor of Mathematics, 2020

Wendy is grateful to have earned a place on the National Honour Roll and is thankful for the support from her friends and family. She believes this achievement has recognized her hard work and perseverance and strives to continue building a well-rounded skill set in public accounting. With the CPA designation, she hopes to advance her career within the tax industry and make meaningful contributions to her community. Outside of work, she enjoys solving jigsaw puzzles, jogging and learning family recipes from her parents.

Cody Lombardo, CPA

Welch, Ottawa
University of Ottawa 
Bachelor of Commerce, 2020

After four years on the Dean's List, Cody graduated from the University of Ottawa in 2020 and was awarded the Telfer School of Business Silver Medal and the KPMG Graduation Prize in Accounting. He is looking forward to applying the knowledge and skills gained in the CPA process while continuing to grow in his public accounting career at Welch LLP, where he is currently a manager.

Scott McTaggart, CPA

Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, Ottawa
University of Ottawa
Honours Bachelor of Commerce, 2020

Scott was drawn to the CPA designation due to the strong foundation it provides and its versatility in business. He hopes to leverage the CPA designation to achieve success in his career. Outside of academics and the office, Scott enjoys playing golf with friends and family and cheering on the Leafs and the Raptors. He is grateful for the support received from family, friends and colleagues throughout this process.

Jane Joohyun Oh

Ryerson University
Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction, 2019

Jane began her journey in Canada as an exchange student at Toronto Metropolitan University before transferring there permanently, and graduating with distinction. Jane gained professional experience at a public accounting firm where she realized that accounting is the best-suited career for her. Her hope is to be an accountant who contributes and makes a lasting impact to Canadian society.

Christina Rattehalli, CPA

Dawn Flett & Associates, Chartered Professional Accountant, Ajax    
Laurentian University
Honours Bachelor of Commerce, 2018

Christina pursued her CPA designation later than most, knowing that it would be an asset in her accounting career. In preparing for the CFE, she became proficient in specialized areas of tax and devised a strategy that mitigated weaknesses and demanded higher competencies. This successful approach ultimately earned her a spot on the National Honour Roll. 

Gajan Sivabalasingham

MDL CPA, Toronto
University of Waterloo
Bachelor of Mathematics, 2016

Gajan studied at the University of Waterloo in the Math and Business program, focusing on financial accounting and tax in his final years. Growing up in a family of accountants, Gajan feels that the CPA designation will help him carry on his family’s legacy in the accounting profession. Aiming to further specialize in tax, he has been accepted into the Master of Taxation program at Waterloo.

Lauren Anne Varey, CPA

Timax; A ContainerWorld Company, Oakville    
Western University
Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies, 2014

Lauren graduated from Western University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Management and Organizational Studies with a specialization in Finance. She currently works at Timax in Oakville. Obtaining her CPA designation has provided Lauren with an opportunity to consult on complex accounting and tax issues with Timax Inc’s head office in British Columbia. She is looking forward to working closely with the CPAs at head office and learning more about the accounting complexities of the alcoholic beverage industry.

Patrick Vipond, CPA

Self-employed, Toronto
Toronto Metropolitan University (Formerly Ryerson University)
Bachelor of Accounting, 2019

Patrick began his career at Yale PGC LLP, a mid-sized accounting firm, to acquire practical experience across several facets of accounting. His favourite aspects of the role were collaborating closely with colleagues at all levels, from staff to partners, and communicating directly with clients. After obtaining his CPA designation, he shifted to freelancing, allowing him the flexibility to work while enjoying hobbies such as reading, live music and card games. 

Lianna Wylie

Nestlé Canada, North York
Smith School of Business, Queen's University 
Bachelor of Commerce, 2017

After attending Queen's University, Lianna found her professional passion working in the CPG industry. As she is both analytical and motivated, her colleagues encouraged her to pursue a CPA for future career advancement. At work, she showcased her skills working on promotion optimization with customers, opening Canada's flagship KitKat Chocolatory, and is now implementing a new forecasting tool across the company. She is now travelling and continuing to implement new ideas at work.

Tiffany Xie

EY, Toronto
University of Waterloo
Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management, 2020
York University
Graduate Diploma of Professional Accounting, 2020

Tiffany has maintained a focused and determined mindset, which has contributed to her ability to excel in all aspects of her career. Currently a manager at EY Private in Toronto, Tiffany is unsure of what the future holds for her but is passionate about applying her academic background and professional experiences to make waves in the industry.

Gary Wei-Hin Yu

EY, Toronto
Schulich School of Business, York University
Master of Accounting, 2021
Bachelor of Business Administration, 2020

A graduate of the Schulich School of Business, Gary credits his hard work, resilience and dedication in helping him earn various recognitions and awards, including the Alan & Esther Hockin Achievement Award for highest academic distinction. Earning a place on the National Honour Roll, he attributes his success to the continuous support of his family, friends and mentors. Gary believes that the CPA designation will help him explore new opportunities across different businesses and industries and make a meaningful impact in his work.

Nickolas Patrick Chin, CPA

Benjamin Loewen

Nicholas Mcconkey, CPA

Cassandra Elena Piche