Today鈥檚 Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs) attain dynamic jobs almost unrecognizable from the stereotyped image of a number cruncher holed up in an isolated cubicle. Just ask Kyla Fiddick, CPA, CMA of the .
Working at the GVHA, Fiddick is always looking at the big picture 鈥� both out her window at one of the world鈥檚 busiest cruise ship ports-of-call and in her role as its Director of Finance and Administration.
The GVHA was created in 2002 to own and operate several deep-water, marine and upland properties in Victoria Harbour after these were divested from the Canadian government. These include about 110 acres of harbour land and seabed, encompassing three main marine properties: Ogden Point, Fisherman鈥檚 Wharf and the Inner Harbour.
Strategic decision-making is vital at the GVHA, a not-for-profit with a large-footprint impact on both community and province. In describing the operation, Fiddick says, 鈥淲e are property owners, managers, partners and advocates for a vibrant working harbour. We pursue economic development opportunities for the capital region in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.鈥�
One of the greatest benefits from her CPA training is that Fiddick always considers the broad, panoramic view of what鈥檚 going on in the organization. 鈥淵ou see things from different perspectives, from all departments鈥� points of view,鈥� Fiddick explains. 鈥淚 found that the designation has really enhanced my leadership profile within the organization, because I am acting as the glue bringing the departments together when we鈥檙e making decisions.鈥�
As Director and a member of GVHA鈥檚 Leadership Team, Fiddick leads and oversees the finance, IT, board governance, risk management and administration functions of her organization. She鈥檚 actively involved in strategic and business planning and development and works closely with the GVHA Board of Directors.
Daunting responsibilities鈥攂ut Fiddick arrived at the GVHA leadership-ready. For that she credits the CPA program and the Business Administration Degree she took at Camosun. 鈥淒efinitely the CPA provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge and skills to succeed in my role beyond just technical [and] financial skills. There鈥檚 a real, strong focus on the soft skills; in particular, leadership.鈥�
A focus that, again, uses the wide lens: 鈥淎s a CPA, you have a broad knowledge and understanding of how each business operates. I think this is the greatest strength I bring to my organization. It鈥檚 helped me to grow in my career and move the company forward. It has enhanced my leadership role, allowing me to make very informed recommendations that benefit the organization overall.鈥�
Fiddick has her sights set on more than just her own professional development; her career path has also allowed her to make a significant contribution to the local community.
Fiddick has been interested in health promotion as long as she can remember. Before researching the CPA program, she considered starting a nutrition consulting business. A Tour de Victoria cyclist, she has long volunteered as a coordinator in sports activities such as marathons.
Among current volunteer roles, Fiddick is treasurer for both Leadership Victoria, which trains and mentors community leaders, and Mosqoy, a Canadian-Peruvian charity that supports the educational and cultural rights of indigenous communities in Southern Peru.
Empowered by the knowledge and skills of her CPA designation, Fiddick became even more determined to help those in need. 鈥淭he CPA sparked my passion to lend my expertise and teach people my knowledge of financial oversight and reporting to help them make better decisions for their organizations,鈥� she states.
Why should a company hire a CPA? Fiddick says, 鈥淏y hiring a CPA, you聽know the candidate has a broad range of both technical and soft skills along with practical experience.聽Plus,聽they can almost immediately contribute to efficiency and growth because of their ability to analyze the business from the inside out.聽Because they have this聽perspective, CPAs really look at business a bit differently than anyone else.
鈥淭he CPA designation itself represents a commitment to excellence and聽a high professional standard. And because CPAs are subject to regulation and have ongoing professional development requirements,聽their skills and knowledge are always based on the latest trends.鈥�
