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Stephen Bergstrom FCPA, FCMA continues his conversation with host Erin Schwartz CPA about the value of staying busy during retirement and provides some thoughts on how people can prepare for retirement. The conversation then turns to trends in post-secondary accounting education and how students are responding to those trends. With his customary insight and wisdom, Stephen provides an informed glimpse into the value of accounting education and turning that education into a career. NOTE: The CPA Education Foundation is currently seeking up to two new board members for three-year terms beginning September 2026. For more information or to nominate yourself, visit cpaalberta.ca/foundation. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Stephen Bergstrom FCPA, FCMA is semi-retired. Well, sort of. In Part 1 of a two-part conversation with CPA Education Foundation Director Erin Schwartz CPA, Stephen explains what he means when he says he's unclear on the concept of retirement and describes how he stays busy (very busy) during his semi-retirement. Stephen chats about his career as a CPA and accounting educator—a career that included serving in support of Canada's armed forces in two different conflict zones. His conversation with Erin is wide-ranging, informative, and intriguing, and even includes one of the best meet-cute stories you'll ever hear. NOTE: The CPA Education Foundation is currently seeking up to two new board members for three-year terms beginning September 2026. For more information or to nominate yourself, visit cpaalberta.ca/foundation. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Having a mentor can be a key factor in any professional's career growth and success. Deepa Mittimani CPA has lent her unique skills and history of career accomplishments to her record of service as a mentor to Alberta CPAs and other professionals. In this episode, Deepa does a deep dive into her work as a mentor and shares how her own experiences as a new Canadian have shaped how she supports mentees new to Canada. She also touches on her work as an accomplished artist and writer, and the unexpected connections between life as a CPA and life as an artist. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

In Part 2 of our tax tips discussion with Ryan Clarke CPA, CA, FEA, Ryan walks listeners through some changes and new features related to filing of personal tax returns for the 2025 tax year. Ryan also outlines steps to take if you're unable to pay your taxes or if you make a mistake on your tax return. Note: This episode contains general information about filing your tax return and is not meant to be construed as personal advice. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Tax expert Ryan Clarke CPA, CA, FEA, joins us for this annual "tax tips" episode for personal income tax filers in Alberta. In Part 1, Ryan shares a bit about his career journey, and then outlines some general information about filing personal income tax returns for the 2025 tax year. Note: This episode contains general information about filing your tax return and is not meant to be construed as personal advice. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Jim Sand CPA, CA, CAFM is an entrepreneur and business leader who is deeply committed to his profession, his community, and his Métis heritage. On this episode of Uncommon Sense, Jim reflects on a life of volunteerism and on contributing his expertise to organizations ranging from the Accounting Standards Board to food banks and health centres. He also discusses his personal philosophy around business and entrepreneurship, and provides some observations on the importance of his work with Indigenous communities and businesses. He also finds time to talk about what it was like growing up in a national park! Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Patrick Moore CPA, CA is an Assurance Partner with the accounting firm of MNP in their Edmonton office. He is also an accomplished athlete as well as a key member of the 2026 Canadian Paralympic delegation as the Waxer for the Paralympic cross-country skiing team. In this episode, Patrick talks about his Olympic experiences and how he manages a busy day job while being active in the worlds of recreational and competitive sport. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

With Canada marking Black History Month 2026 in February, Alberta CPAs Chioma and Ako Ufodike join our host to talk about how they partnered with the accounting firm of MNP to create and fund a unique business award of excellence for Black post-secondary students, and the inspiration underpinning the award. They also chat about their own experiences as Black students and professionals, and the importance of Black History Month. Chioma and Ako bring humour and great insights to this wide-ranging and compelling discussion. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Over the course of her career, Tiffany Chow CPA, CA, CBV, has distinguished herself as a leader and skilled business valuator. She is also dedicated to making her community stronger, earning her CPA Alberta's Early Achievement Award in 2025. In this conversation with host Jessica de Groot, Tiffany discusses her work with EY Canada's Pan-Asian Professional Network as well as her contributions to Edmonton's WIN House women's shelter. This is an engaging and informative discussion about how one CPA can make a difference. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

When planning retirement, many of us focus on the financial aspects of preparing for retirement. But if you only look at the financial part of the process, then you might be neglecting some other key elements of getting ready for retirement. On this episode of Uncommon Sense, we talk with Terry Olexyn CPA, CMA, founder of PEAK Retirement Solutions Ltd. Terry shares his insights and expertise on the benefits of factoring-in considerations such as personal goals, self-awareness, "healthspan vs. lifespan", and other components of a well-rounded retirement plan. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

In November, Alberta's CPA profession celebrated the achievements of 443 successful Alberta writers of the profession's fall Common Final Examination (CFE). Passing this exam is a major step before CPA candidates earn their full designation. On November 28, 2025 in Edmonton, many of these soon-to-be CPAs gathered with their employers and other dignitaries at a luncheon, hosted by CPA Alberta. And Uncommon Sense was there! This "person on the street" episode features a collection of real-time comments and perspectives, ranging from tears of joy to cheers of delight. Thanks to everyone who took the time to chat with us, and thanks as well to CPA Alberta for accommodating our podcast crew. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

In part 2 of our discussion on investing, Ryan Gubic CPA, CGA discusses the concept of risk when it comes to investing, and explores the different ways that people manage and accept risk. He also sheds some light on what he calls a "holistic" approach to investment and financial planning, focusing on how people's values and personal goals help shape their investment decisions. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Ryan Gubic CPA, CGA and owner of MRG Wealth Management, helps us understand how to approach investing and how it can set you up for financial security. In Part 1 of our two-part discussion, Ryan talks about the fundamentals of investing and walks listeners through the ways a person can begin investing, some tips for smart investing, and how investing can help you prepare for retirement. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

On this episode, we're chatting with Alex Gulay about the Hesje Observatory, one of the many legacy projects in Alberta that the late Brian Hesje FCPA, FCA funded during his lifetime. Alex is the Programming Coordinator at the Hesje Observatory, which is located at the University of Alberta's Augustana Miquelon Lake Research Station. In her conversation with host Jessica de Groot, Alex talks about the stargazing opportunities offered by the observatory, the facility's contributions to education and research, and the lasting impact that Brian's gift has made to astronomers in Alberta. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ

Robyn Hamilton CPA, CA is a busy professional who has a demanding and rewarding passion outside of work: marathon-running. She's participated in marathons from Edmonton to Berlin to Tokyo, and has learned how the focus and resilience required of a marathon runner can also make a difference career-wise. On this episode, Robyn talks about her life as a runner, the priority she places on fitness, and some of the surprising moments of human connection that one can experience in a marathon. Let us know what you think of this week's episode. Take our survey >> https://bit.ly/4kNI2NJ