A new group of 2,701 Chartered Accountant students has successfully completed the CA profession’s 2008 Uniform Evaluation (UFE).

“These students have taken a significant step toward becoming members of Canada’s most valued, internationally recognized profession of leaders in senior management, advisory, financial, tax and assurance roles,” said Kevin Dancey, president & CEO, Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, in a release. “They deserve congratulations for what is truly a significant accomplishment.”

The CA qualification program develops professionals who have a unique combination of talent and integrity that enables them to make the right decisions. “It’s a combination that distinguishes CAs from members of all other financial designations,” said Dancey.

This year, the prestigious Governor General’s Gold Medal and the Chartered Accountants of Canada cash prize of $5,000 for the highest standing in Canada on the 2008 UFE has been awarded to Xavier Richard, an articling student with BDO Dunwoody s.r.l./S.E.N.C.R.L., Montreal.

The Chartered Accountants of Canada regional Gold Medal awards for the highest standing in the UFE (and cash prize of $2,500 each) go to:

> Bobby Boutilier, of Deloitte, Halifax for the Atlantic Provinces;

> Anna Nowak, of Deloitte, Kitchener, for Ontario; and

> Leanne Wingenbach, of Hudson LLP, Calgary, for the Western Region.

A national three-day evaluation, the UFE assesses CA candidate competencies including knowledge, professional judgment and ethics. The UFE is an important component of the CA qualification program, which includes a university degree requirement, a professional program of rigorous course work, practical work experience and other examination requirements. Only those who complete this entire program successfully are entitled to use the internationally recognized CA designation.

IE