BC's Top CPAs: Recognizing Young Innovators and Community Leaders

VANCOUVER, British Columbia – January 23, 2026 – The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) has announced the recipients of its 2026 member recognition awards, honouring six professionals who exemplify excellence, leadership, and a profound commitment to their communities. Five CPAs have been recognized with the Early Achievement Award for their remarkable career success, while one has received the Distinguished Service Award for extraordinary volunteerism.

These awards highlight the diverse and significant impact CPAs have across British Columbia, from driving innovation in major corporations to strengthening the fabric of local communities through dedicated service. The honourees represent the modern face of accounting—a profession that combines strategic financial expertise with a strong sense of social responsibility.

“Congratulations to Henry, Daniel, Carter, Ivan, and Tom! These five Early Achievement honourees are exceptional young leaders who have applied expertise and innovation to attain significant success across numerous areas. These CPAs are shaping the future and we are proud to honour their achievements,” said Lori Mathison, FCPA, LLB, president and CEO of CPABC. “Along with these honourees, Selena, our Distinguished Service Award recipient, exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose and commitment, strengthening both the community and our profession. This willingness to share skills, knowledge, and leadership has created lasting, positive outcomes that we are proud to celebrate.”

The New Guard of Financial Leadership

The Early Achievement Award celebrates CPAs who, within the first ten years of their designation, have become “shining stars” in the profession. The five recipients for 2026 demonstrate the dynamic and influential roles that young accountants are assuming across various sectors.

Among the honourees is Henry Flowers, CPA, a Senior Manager in Risk Assurance and Digital Accelerator at PwC Canada in Vancouver. Flowers is at the forefront of navigating complex governance frameworks for emerging technologies like AI and cybersecurity. His work not only helps clients meet compliance requirements but also fosters innovation securely. Beyond his professional role, Flowers is a dedicated community leader, serving as the national co-chair of PwC's Black Professionals Inclusion Network and holding leadership positions with ISACA Vancouver and the Kwantlen Polytechnic University Alumni Association. His journey showcases a commitment to both technological advancement and fostering inclusive professional environments.

Also recognized is Thomas (Tom) Miller, CPA, a Partner at Chan Nowosad Boates Inc. in Courtenay. Since becoming a partner in 2021, Miller has specialized in corporate and personal tax strategies, including complex corporate reorganizations. His expertise also extends to assurance services, where he serves as an auditor for First Nations and non-profit organizations. Miller’s community impact is substantial; as a member of the Rotary Club of Comox, he has served as Treasurer and chaired the Ducky 500 fundraiser, which raised over $65,000 for local non-profits, translating his financial acumen into tangible community benefits.

The other recipients represent a wide spectrum of influence in the financial world. Ivan Ma, CPA, CA, serves as the Senior Director of Corporate Development at The Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada's largest privately held companies. In this strategic role, he is responsible for identifying and executing mergers, acquisitions, and new business opportunities that drive the conglomerate's growth. Daniel Gardiner-McAuley, CPA, holds the position of Senior Vice-president at KPMG Corporate Finance, advising on major financial transactions. Carter Hawke, CPA, CA, has risen to the rank of Partner at MNP LLP in Surrey, a testament to his leadership and client service in one of Canada’s leading accounting firms. Together, these individuals underscore the rapid career advancement and significant responsibility that top-performing CPAs can achieve early in their careers.

Beyond the Balance Sheet: A Commitment to Service

While professional achievement is a cornerstone of the CPA designation, the profession’s ethos extends deeply into community service. This is embodied by the Distinguished Service Award, which this year honours Selena Woo, CPA, CMA, Vice-president of Private Wealth – Associates at Nicola Wealth in Vancouver.

With over two decades in the financial services industry, Woo has built an impressive career leading one of her firm's largest teams and playing a pivotal role in talent development and business growth. However, it is her extensive and passionate volunteerism that sets her apart. Woo dedicates her time and expertise to a remarkable array of organizations, including Junior Achievement, Union Gospel Mission, Yell Canada, and the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. Her commitment to mentorship is evident through her work with the Women in Capital Markets Mentorship Program.

Woo is a prominent champion for equity and inclusion. She is the host of Nicola Wealth's Women's LEAD podcast, a platform dedicated to empowering women, and serves as co-chair of Nicola's Inclusion Committee. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning her recognition as one of Wealth Professional's 5-Star Leading Women of Wealth in 2022 and a runner-up for BC Business Women of the Year in 2023 for Equity and Inclusion Champion. The Distinguished Service Award celebrates this profound dedication to leveraging professional success for the betterment of others.

Upholding Excellence and Public Trust

The annual member recognition awards are more than a celebration; they are a reflection of CPABC's core mission to protect the public by upholding the highest professional and ethical standards. As the regulatory body for over 40,000 members and 6,000 candidates in British Columbia, CPABC ensures that the CPA designation remains a symbol of integrity and expertise.

The honourees serve as living examples of the values the organization promotes. Their achievements in complex fields like digital assurance, corporate finance, and tax strategy, combined with their unwavering commitment to community service, reinforce public trust in the profession. This trust is critical, as CPAs are integral to every sector of British Columbia’s economy, providing the financial stewardship that underpins business growth and stability.

Under the province's Professional Governance Act, CPABC's regulatory role is formalized, ensuring a rigorous framework for conduct and competence. The organization also contributes directly to the community through initiatives like the CPA Financial Literacy Program, where member volunteers provide free, unbiased financial education across the province. By spotlighting members who go above and beyond, CPABC not only inspires the next generation of accountants but also reassures the public that the profession is led by individuals of exceptional character and skill.

The six honourees will be formally celebrated for their outstanding contributions at CPABC’s Member Recognition Dinner on April 1, 2026.