Opening Keynote: Vinod Rajasekaran, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Future of Good

Topic: The New Urgency: Gaining Deep Insights into Difficult Problems

In a world marked by challenges and change, understanding complex issues is essential for increasing impact. This session isn't just about overcoming obstacles - it's about seizing opportunities and driving meaningful change. 

From intersectionality to historical context, learn ways to help you uncover profound insights that can fuel your organization's mission. 

Session #1: Jane Bowen, FCPA, FCA, Associate Teaching Faculty Ontario Tech University

Topic: Updates on the Accounting Standards for NFPs 

This session will provide an update of the accounting standards applicable to Not-for-Profit Organizations (NFPOs). Join Jane M. Bowen, FCPA, FCA for an overview of the accounting issues faced in the preparation of financial statements for private sector NFPOs. Jane will share practical insights, and you will take away an awareness off:

• What is new in the CPA Canada Handbook – Part III (and Part II, as applicable to NFPOs).
• For example, Accounting Guideline 20, Customer's Accounting for Cloud Computing Arrangements.
• Other issues Jane has identified in practice, including common disclosure weaknesses.
• Projects in progress that will impact NFPO financial statement preparation in the future.

Session #2: Natasha Smith, Partner, Social Impact Group, Miller Thomson LLP / '20/21 Civic Action DiverseCity Leadership Fellow

Topic: Not For Profit Updates for CPAs - ONCA 

With the transition period prescribed under Ontario’s Not-For-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) coming to a close, this course focuses on the corporate governance framework that will be applicable to Ontario-incorporated non-share capital non-profits as of October 19, 2024. In addition to other pertinent information, this course aims to equip CPAs with the information required to advise clients on their filing obligations and new financial review thresholds under the ONCA. The transition rules applicable to share-capital social clubs, which differ from those applicable to non-share capital corporations, will also be reviewed, including recent and critical amendments to the continuance process. 

Key Takeaways:

By the end of this course, you will understand: 

• Changes in annual meeting timelines. 
• When financial statements are due for reporting. 
• How financial review thresholds have changed from the old act. 
• The continuance process for share capital social clubs. 

Session #3 : Susan Radwan, Policy Governance Specialist & Immediate Past President of the International Association for Strategic Professionals (IASP) formerly ASP

Topic: Board Governance for NFP Organizations: The Role of a Board Member, Best Practices and How to Find a Good Board Member

Research suggests that THE #1 contributor to a high performing board is careful selection of board members. Research also shows that decision-making groups that are diverse tend to make better decisions. This session will dispel myths about recruiting board leadership and focus on what criteria boards should seek for board succession. Attendees will receive a tool to assess readiness for diversity in board membership, as well as ideas on how to find new and diverse talent to serve on your board(s).

Key Takeaways:

• Rethinking candidate criteria to seek for a strategic board
• A recognition that if the board wishes to diversify its membership, there is preparation work to be done
• Recruitment methods to attract new board members

Session #4: Breakout Sessions

Stream 1: Leanne Mongiat, CPA, CA, Partner, Co-Leader of the Charities & Not-for-Profit, Adams & Miles LLP

Topic: Collaborative Financial Leadership

Financial leaders are no longer simply number crunchers that provide reports and data to other decision makers but are critical leaders within organizations that fill key roles to ensure an organizations success and growth.  Key to this success is collaboration within the organization of the financial leader and other leaders including programming leaders and the board of directors.  We will explore what it means to have collaborative financial leadership within your organization.

Key Takeaways

• What is collaborative financial leadership and its benefits.
• How to encourage and strengthen collaboration:
  • between financial and program leaders and teams; and
  • between financial leaders and the Board of directors.
• The benefits of having a CPAs in leadership roles within your organization.

Stream 2: Ninette Bishay, Partner, Charities & Not-for-Profit Organizations Partner, Charities & Not-for-Profit Organizations Adam & Miles LLP

Topic: Financial Planning & Strategy for Not-For-Profit

Beyond simply seeking financial viability, accountants at not-for-profit organizations are uniquely positioned to ensure the organization's long-term financial sustainability. But how do we shift from a mindset of scarcity to abundance? The key is a clear financial strategy that encompasses defining financial goals and reserves planning, aligning these goals to funding opportunities, defining the true cost of program delivery, and using the organization's financial statements to effectively communicate the organization's financial story.

Key Takeaways:

• Designing a reserves strategy that addresses your organization's unique context to ensure long-term sustainability.
• Aligning the funding strategy to achieve the greatest impact.
• Calculating the true cost, including overhead, of program delivery for strategic budgeting.
• Communicating an effective financial story so your stakeholders understand and continue to support the organization's allocation of resources.

Session #5: Panel Discussion: Host Wendy Mitchell with Michael Cheong, United Way Greater Toronto, Emily Pang, Sick Kids Foundation and Barney, Barney Ellis-Perry, CEO, Nanaimo Hospital Foundation

Topic: Beyond Number Crunching: How CPAs Can Contribute to Strategic Decision Making

Closing Keynote:  Dr. Eugenia Addy, Chief Executive Officer at Visions of Science

Topic: Vision To Impact - Leadership Transformation

Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a vision into reality, to lead with purpose, and to drive impactful change in our communities and organizations? Dr. Eugenia Addy shares her remarkable journey from academia to the helm of a nonprofit startup, transforming it into a multi-million-dollar organization. Dr. Addy offers invaluable insights into building momentum, raising funds, and effective leadership development in this dynamic talk. Drawing from her experience as CEO of Visions of Science, she reveals the strategies and principles that propelled her organization to success, transforming it into a beacon of impact and community representation. Whether for personal growth or aiming to cultivate leadership within teams, this talk promises to ignite passion, spark innovation, and empower you to lead with conviction, passion and purpose.

Audience Takeaways:

• Gain valuable insights into effective leadership development strategies and principles that drive impactful change.
• Learn practical strategies for building momentum and raising funds to support organizational growth and sustainability.
• Discover how to lead with conviction, passion, and purpose to transform organizations.
• Equipped with the tools and strategies, leave inspired and empowered to lead change in your communities and organizations.