Straight From the CPA's Mouth CPA Alberta

With the cost of living across Canada increasing, many Albertans are concerned about paying bills and many are taking on more debt just to afford the basic necessities. So how can we manage our debt, and what can we do to dig ourselves out of it? In this episode, we speak with Sandy Lyons CPA, CIRP, CFE, a semi-retired CPA, Licensed Insolvency Trustee and Credit Counsellor residing in Lethbridge, Alberta. He is also a volunteer with the CPA Canada Financial Literacy program and he joins us to share his insights into how we, as consumers, can manage and solve our debt problems.

AI, blockchain, machine learning…these are all words we’ve heard before. But what are they and how can businesses use these tools to their advantage? In this episode, Cody Austin CPA, CMA of Digital Carbon Bank, joins our host to talk about how they are using AI and machine learning to help businesses accurately track and report on their carbon emissions as part of their environmental, social and governance reporting (ESG).

Do you have a side hussle? Are you running a home-based business or working an extra job to make more money? Then you’ll want to listen to this episode. Anna Lissa Jin CPA, CA shares her tips on how you can save money on your taxes – from income-splitting and write-offs, to keeping organized and knowing when to engage a CPA or tax professional.

The topic of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) has garnered much attention over the past few years. And while progress is being made, there is still much to be done. What needs to change in order for us to see results from all those commitments to prioritize DEIA initiatives? Rae Shungur, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Recruitment Partners, joins our host to discuss what DEIA progress can look like in the future.

Did you know that 50% of small businesses fail after five years? The reasons are varied: lack of cash flow, low demand, or unforeseen circumstances (e.g. a global pandemic). Josh Spurrell CPA, CA, and author of 100 Myths of Entrepreneurship VS. Chainsaw, and Founder of Spurrell & Associates Chartered Professional Accountants, shares common mistakes small business owners make and what they can do to maximize their chances of success.

Automation makes life and work easier. It allows us to forget about mundane tasks like paying bills and instead spend time on activities that add value to our lives. Rachel Lee CPA, CA, Manager, Consulting at PwC, joins our host for a look into the world of automation and digital transformation. They discuss the difference between automation and digital transformation, and the risks involved in implementing or not implementing automation initiatives.