BIPOC CPAs Tope Roth CPA, CGA and Meagan Schroeder CPA, CGA talk about how they have built their own, very unique accounting firm.

Uncommon Summer Ep 3: Breaking Barriers

Noted author and financial planner (and CPA!) Robin Taub CPA, CA provides tips and insights for parents on how to make their children money-smart.

Uncommon Summer Ep 4: Teaching Your Children About Money

Josh Spurrell CPA, CA is the guest on this encore episode, outlining the ins and outs of starting your own small business.

Uncommon Summer Ep 5: Big Business Through Small Business

CPA Katherina Richard was a member of Alberta's first-ever graduating class of CPAs following the unification of the accounting profession in 2015. In this episode, Katherina talks about what it was like to be a part of that historic moment and how her life and career have evolved in the decade since she graduated.

Uncommon Summer Ep 6: A 'First-Class' CPA: Katherina Richard

In this memorable encore episode, CPA Tetyana Litot talks powerfully about her career and life journey from Ukraine to Edmonton, and how she works today to support Ukrainian newcomers to Alberta.

Uncommon Summer Ep 7: From Ukraine to Canada: One CPA's Journey

Season 2 begins in conversation with Cheryl Gibson KC, FCPA, FCA, an Edmonton-based accountant and lawyer who has earned the highest honours in both professions. She also happens to be one of Canada's most-distinguished competitive swimmers, having won medals at the Olympics, the Commonwealth Games, the Pan-Am Games, and many other competitions. In this episode, Cheryl talks about what it has been like to build a successful career as a dual-designated professional…and perhaps even shares a few thoughts about the state of competitive swimming in Canada, including current phenom, Summer McIntosh!

A Gold-Medal Episode

For many accountants, being a CPA isn't simply a 9-to-5 job. Across Alberta, CPAs are lending their expertise and energy to many charitable causes and volunteer projects. On this episode of Uncommon Sense, host Jessica de Groot sits down with Edmonton-based CPA Mark Siderson to talk about his involvement in community-oriented activities--activities that range from volunteering at his synagogue to serving as an occasional accounting instructor and tutor.  Mark talks about his personal approach to volunteerism, an approach rooted in the saying, "You get what you give." Mark also talks about what his CPA designation has meant to him over his career, and he reflects on his commitment to personal fitness and wellness.

Let us know what you think of this week's episode. We’d love to hear your feedback! Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

CPAs In The Community: A Chat With Mark Siderson

Frank Potter FCPA, FCMA dedicates much of his time to raising awareness about the beauty and diversity of Alberta's thousands of natural areas. In this episode of Uncommon Sense, Frank talks about his work to promote natural areas and the importance of using them wisely. He also shares his perspectives on why volunteering in the community can be uniquely rewarding. Frank's own commitment to volunteerism and giving back helped him earn his Fellowship designation from CPA Alberta in 2025.

Let us know what you think of this week's episode. We’d love to hear your feedback! Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

CPAs in the Community: A Frank Discussion About Volunteerism

In this episode, Alberta CPA and author, Nadine Niba, shares how her own experience as an immigrant inspired her to write her book, called “Quarterback.” The book is a guide to Canadian business culture for immigrants new to Canada, and it offers advice, tips, and positive thinking about how new Canadians can get their careers started and prosper in their new business environment.

Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Checking In: Catching Up With Starting Quarterback Nadine Niba CPA

In the episodes focusing on the evolution of accounting education at the post-secondary level, we welcome Dr. Sherif Elbarrad, Dean of Management at Concordia University of Edmonton.

With decades of experience teaching, planning and leading accounting education, Dr. Elbarrad has a close-up view on changes in the classroom and how they relate to the workplace and beyond. He discusses how new technologies and priorities are shaping how future CPAs are educated, and weighs in on trends he expects to see in the near future

Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Trends in Accounting Education

Alberta Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) are remarkable. They’re experts and entrepreneurs; innovators and change makers; early adopters and trailblazers. And they each have a story to tell. 

Listen to the Uncommon Sense podcast to hear Alberta CPAs share their stories and insights on leadership, business, education, finance, technology, and so much more.

Uncommon Sense is produced by the Alberta CPA Education Foundation’s Hesje CPA Knowledge Centre.