The UFV School of Business is proud to share that two of our alumni, Warren Rossing and Caleb Steegstra, made it on the May 2022 CPA CFE national honour roll!
As a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) candidate, students must complete multiple individual examinations and team-based assessments that test their level of proficiency in the technical and enabling competencies of the accounting profession. The Common Final Examination (CFE) honour roll comprises the top approximately one percent of successful CFE writers in all of Canada.
Caleb Steegstra
Birthplace & current city of residence:
Chilliwack, BC
Employer: Westbow Group of Companies
Job title: Project Accountant
What will you remember most about your CFE experience?
The night after writing day two of the CFE, I got quite sick. By the morning I was well again; however, I hadn’t slept the entire night, which made day three extremely challenging. Thankfully it all worked out!
How did you celebrate the news that you made the CFE Honour Roll?
I set aside some time to spend with family and friends. (And I took a long nap!)
Who would you like to thank for providing support during your studies?
My wife, April, has supported me throughout my entire education experience. My mentor, Jason Tiessen, CPA, CA, for taking the time to help me develop as an individual. The entire team at Westbow, for supporting me throughout my studies and giving me countless opportunities to learn about all aspects of the business. The faculty of the BBA (accounting major) program at the University of the Fraser Valley for setting me up for success from day one of the CPA program.
Did you have any breakthrough or “aha” moments?
I realized early on that what matters most is your critical-thinking process, not your technical answers. Focusing on my thinking process unlocked my ability to make quick decisions and enabled me to take a methodical approach to writing case studies.
Tell us about a source of inspiration during your studies.
The concept of continuous improvement has been a huge source of inspiration for me. I’ve seen my studies as an opportunity to learn more and apply
new skills to my professional and personal life. Making great decisions based on strong analysis has always been exciting for me.
Warren Rossing
Birthplace & current city of residence:
Toronto, ON; Chilliwack, BC
Employer: Correctional Service Canada
Job title: Regional Finance Officer
What will you remember most about your CFE experience?
Not being able to see the composure of other writers, because we all wrote the exam individually in separate hotel rooms. In some ways it was less stressful—there were fewer noises, for example. But other factors made it more stressful—like having an invigilator stare at you throughout the exam!
How did you celebrate the news that you made the CFE Honour Roll?
I was planning to go to Hawaii whether I was successful or not, because just getting to the point of writing the CFE is a feat in itself. Finding out that I not only passed but also made the honour roll made this trip even better!
Who would you like to thank for providing support during your studies?
First and foremost, my wife, Aman, for her patience and perseverance. Next, my parents and my in-laws, for always encouraging and supporting me. And finally, my mentor and supervisor, Heidi Catlin, CPA, CMA, for her guidance on navigating the program and for providing the flexibility I needed to pursue my studies.
Did you have any breakthrough or “aha” moments?
There was a point in Core 2 when my mindset changed from studying to pass the module exam to studying to pass the CFE, which was still a year and a half away. That was a pivotal moment.
Tell us about a source of inspiration during your studies.
My daughter, Karmen! She was born the week I started Core 1, and that motivated me to study efficiently so that I could spend as much time with her as possible. It really pushed me to balance my priorities, which also helped me avoid burnout.