CPA Canada double winner for financial literacy initiatives

TORONTO, April 2, 2015 /CNW/ - Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) has received two prestigious EIFLE (Excellence in Financial Literacy Education) Awards.

CPA Canada was recognized in two categories:

• Adult's Book of the Year, Risk Management – Protecting You and Your Money: A Guide to Avoiding Identity Theft and Fraud
  
  
• Children's Education Program of the Year, Credit and Debit – CPA Canada's Post-Secondary Program

Now in its ninth year, the EIFLE Awards are presented by the U.S.-based Institute for Financial Literacy. They were created to acknowledge innovation, dedication and the commitment of individuals and organizations that support financial literacy education worldwide. In total, 15 awards were presented this year.

"We are honoured to be acknowledged by the Institute especially with so many wonderful efforts taking place around the world promoting financial literacy education," said Cairine Wilson, vice-president, corporate citizenship, CPA Canada. "Our organization is determined to keep developing initiatives that help Canadians strengthen their financial skills and knowledge. Success provides an added incentive to do even more."

Kelley Keehn, author of CPA Canada's honoured fraud prevention book, said the recognition helps to reinforce an important message. "We cannot let our guard down," explained Keehn. "The book provides encouragement for Canadians to fight back against scammers."

Turning to college and university campuses, the 60-minute post-secondary session that received an award is a component of CPA Canada's extensive Community Connect outreach program. The session helps post-secondary students, preferably those in their second year, learn about credit and how debt can affect future financial plans. It also outlines practi­cal ways for students to take control of their finances.

There are 11,000 professional accountants registered, trained and prepared to conduct free financial seminars in communities across the country as part of the Community Connect program.

CPA Canada has now received four EIFLE Awards, previously winning for its publication A Canadian's Guide to Money Smart Living in 2013 and last year being named Non-profit Organization of the Year.

Wilson accepted the two 2015 awards on behalf of CPA Canada at the Annual Conference on Financial Education last night in San Antonio, Texas.

Canada's financial literacy leader, Jane Rooney, was the keynote speaker at the conference. She offered CPA Canada congratulations on its international recognition.

"CPA Canada is a true champion for advancement of financial literacy and should be proud of its award-winning initiatives," said Rooney. "Financial literacy is a shared responsibility among the public, private and non-profit sectors. We are pleased to have CPA Canada as a close and valued ally that is taking action to better equip Canadians to make responsible financial decisions."

For a complete list of the award winners, visit: www.EIFLEawards.org.

About CPA Canada

Canada's accounting profession is uniting under a new single designation, Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). The profession's national body, Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada), represents and supports more than 190,000 members across the country. CPAs are valued for their financial and tax expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, management skills and leadership. CPA Canada has consolidated the operations of three national accounting bodies: The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada and The Society of Management Accountants of Canada. CPA Canada conducts research into current and emerging business issues and supports the setting of accounting, auditing and assurance standards for business, not-for-profit organizations and government. It also issues guidance on control and governance, publishes professional literature and develops certification and continuing education programs.

SOURCE CPA Canada

Related Links

www.cpacanada.ca