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Other PD Opportunities

Spend a Day with David Irvine

The internationally known speaker, author and mentor - the Leader's Navigator!

Presenting a seminar on

Authentic Leadership: Building Cultures That Attract, Retain and Unleash Greatness

REGINA
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Delta Regina Hotel - Trentino Room
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM

SASKATOON
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Sheraton Cavalier Hotel - Top of the Inn
CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORM

Agriculture Update for Professionals 2010

SASKATOON, SK - HIlton Garden Inn
October 27, 2010
For more information, click here for the brochure or visit www.acca.coop

Important Information For Consultants and Farm/Agri-Business Advisors

If you are involved with providing professional advice and services to this sector, this program may be of interest to you and your clients.

There are two financial assistance programs available to farmers, ranchers and agri-business operators in Saskatchewan. Financial assistance may be available for qualified applicants looking to improve the operational and/or management systems, planning and training they are involved with in their businesses. Assistance is available for direct, private consulting and professional services and/or for training costs (tuition and books) that individuals might need to access to improve their knowledge in farm and agri-business management.

The Saskatchewan Agri-Value Program (SAVI) is designed specifically for agri-business involved in value-added processing of agricultural products (i.e. food, feed and bio-products).

The Farm Business Development Initiative (FBDI) is designed specifically for farmers and ranchers.

Additional program details on these and several other related programs are available on the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture website at the following address: http://www.agriculture.gov.sk.ca/Default.aspx?DN=28c918ed-eb98-439c-b9f6-44cd36f9008f

CFO Leadership Program

For more information, visit www.cfoleadership.ca

Corporate Controllership Program

For more information, visit www.controllership.ca

Smart Leaders

For more information, www.icabc-pd.com/smartleaders.php

Blackberry Online Course (1073_O)

Are you being out-smarted by your 5 year old when it comes to technology? Have you recently purchased a new BlackBerry Handset, and don't know how to turn it on? Learn How to Use your Blackberry is a two-hour webinar designed to help you use this exciting piece of technology efficiently, and easily. Based on hands-on training, the student is given 24 hour a day access for 60 days so they can go through all of the exercises at their own pace. The student logs in through their PC. Using their handheld, they complete the on-line training which is presented in a series of Flash films. Organized into modules and topics, the webinar has built-in navigation tools that allow students to take lessons as many times as needed, and in the order they desire.

Seminar Outline

Section 1: The Device (15 min)

Detailed review of the device
Review of applications
Review and use of accessories

Section 2: Security (10 min)

Owner / Password
Security timeout

Section 3: EMail (40 min)

Send and receive an email
Save emails
Delete emails
View attachments
Lookup
General tips

Section 4: Contacts (15 min)

Create/Edit a contact
Customize the contacts program
Sort contacts/categories

Section 5: Telephone (20 min)

Speed dial
Navigation: A conference call
Initiate a conference call
Configure the phone
Take notes and access the home page

Section 6: Options (20 min)

Custom tailor the device
Automatic insertion
Profiles and ring tones
Deactivate the radio

Who Will Benefit
Anyone with a BlackBerry who would like to learn how to use it properly.

Seminar Fees
Member: $40 Non-Member: $45
Passport Invalid

Just in Time Training and Consulting

Just in Time Training and Consulting provides various formats of online learning in the areas of human resources,management and legal issues. All of the online seminars offered are eligible for verifiable learning.

Registration Online: www.justintimetrainingandconsulting.com

Note: All seminars offered by Just in Time Training and Consulting are Passport Invalid.

Upcoming Webinars/Virtual Workshops - Schedule

Interviewing Techniques: Part I – What should I ask?
Interviewing Techniques – Part II – Impressing Candidates
Challenging Conversations – Dealing with Employee Personal Problems
Supervision BasicsLegal Aspects of Employee Dismissal
Low Cost Staff Retention Strategies
Challenging Conversations – “Good employee turned bad”
Managing Employee Performance

Canadian Standards in Transition

There are dramatic changes underway for Canadian Financial Reporting Standards and Canadian Audit and Assurance Standards. The Chartered Accountants of Canada’s Canadian Standards in Transition website site has been created primarily with the following groups in mind: CFOs, Controllers and Financial Reporting & Accounting Professionals, Directors & Audit Committee Members, CA Practitioners, Academic Community (including students), CA members at large, Regulators and government.

The information and resources within this site will also be useful to the users of financial statements (financial institutions, investment community).

We recognize that visitors to this site will have varying levels of knowledge about the coming changes and different needs with respect to the level of detailed information they require. The site has been designed to allow all visitors to have access to the type of information they require as quickly as possible.
http://www.cica.ca/transition/

Changes to Canadian Financial Reporting Standards (GAAP)
Just starting to learn about all the changes?
The changes to Canadian GAAP are different depending on the type of organization to which they are being applied. There is some basic
background on the difference in these changes here. There is also a tool to determine the classification of an organization, helping you to
determine the changes that apply. If you already know the classification of the particular company or organization you are involved in, you can access the current status and a description of the changes which will apply to that category:

Publicly Accountable Enterprises (PAEs)
Private Enterprises
Not-for-profit Organizations
Public Sector Entities

Useful introductory and overview resources related to the transition to IFRS by Publicly Accountable Enterprises include:

Introduction to IFRS - Implications for Canadian Business (eLearning course)
IFRS Background
IFRS Summaries
20 Questions Boards of Directors and Audit Committees Should Ask about IFRS Conversions
IFRS Conversions: What CFOs Need to Know and Do
The CICA’s Guide to IFRS in Canada

Looking for detailed, more specific information?
The pages for each type of organization include navigation on the left side to quickly access more detailed and specific information.

Publicly Accountable Enterprises (PAEs)
Private Enterprises
Not-for-profit Organizations
Public Sector Entities

Very specific resources for the transition to IFRS by PAEs are available:

IFRS Transition Resources
Implementing IFRS
Canadian GAAP - IFRS Differences
Industry Specific Issues
IFRS Resources from Other Organizations

Changes to Canadian Auditing Standards (GAAS)
These standards govern practitioners providing audit and other assurance services. Information on the changes to audit and assurance services is available here.
http://www.cica.ca/transition/

Business Diagnostics Online - Comprehensive

Level: Introductory

Objective:
This 7-module online course, newly updated with audio and video, will introduce CAs to an approach that will enable them to assist clients and their organizations with business diagnostics and in obtaining financing opportunities.

Who should take this course:
CAs in public practice and in industry who are looking for an approach that will enable them to assist clients and their organizations with corporate diagnostic checks and financing applications.

Benefits of taking this course:
Seasoned commercial bankers are now pointing to a serious triple threat to business borrowers: potential interest rate increases, industry sector lending caps, and tightened credit adjudication. Securing the right financing deal can make the difference between growth, stagnation, or business failure. On completion of this course, CAs will be able to:

Craft a comprehensive ‘size up' of an existing business operation, pinpointing external opportunities and threats, internal
strengths and weaknesses
Understand ‘diagnostic checks' required to ensure a satisfactory degree of corporate health and staying power
Build stronger and more trusting relationships by assisting their clients with effective applications for financing (addressing key risk concerns from the perspective of a commercial lender and an equity investor)

Content:
Modules 1 to 6 of Business Diagnostics Online - Comprehensive are focused on the use of series of practical tools, referred to as "grids". This comprehensive assessment framework guides attendees through: funding alternatives, external and internal business environment reviews, strategic direction, and risk from the perspective of a commercial banker. A detailed, real-life scenario illustrates many aspects of the content being covered throughout the course.

In Module 7, attendees are shown how to structure a request for funding and are introduced to the Enterprise Review Summary (ERS), a five to six page tactical document. The ERS is completed by a CA in conjunction with the client and presented to the bank along with the client's annual financial statements.

In addition to review questions in each module, an optional 30-question final test is provided at the end of the coursewhich, upon passing, generates a certificate.

Comments from course reviewers:
"The modules were very well presented - easy to follow, and I did not feel like I'd been staring at a computer screen for hours. I have always shied away from taking online courses, but after viewing this I would definitely consider taking one in future." "This is a great tool! It was informative at the same time interesting and the interactive nature of the online learning made it fun."

Note:
This online course is based on the one-day seminar "Getting the Bank to Say ‘Yes'" and the business publication "Business Diagnostics", 2nd Edition 2007, written by Richard Mimick and Michael Thompson.

Duration:
The length of the course is approximately 5.25 hours, made up of 7 modules of approximately 45 minutes each. Theoptional final test takes an additional 5 minutes.

Minimum requirements:
Business Diagnostics Online is optimized to run on a PC with Windows 98 or higher, equipped with Internet Explorer 5.5 or later and connected to the Internet. Minimum requirements include:

Pop-up blockers should be disabled
Any Windows Based Operating System
SVGA monitor capable of 16-bit colour and 800 x 600 screen resolution
Internet Explorer 5.5 or greater, or Netscape 7 or greater
Macromedia Flash 6 Player or Shockwave Player - both players are downloadable for FREE.
Minimum 56.6 Kbps Internet connection (High Speed cable, DSL-class or broadband access recommended)

Registration:
The cost of this course for CAs is $149 for 90 day access.

To register, go to http://www.vubiz.com/ChAccess/CA/

For a video introduction, go to www.netlearn.ca/Files/BD_VideoOL.flv or www.netlearn.ca/Files/BD_VideoOL.mp4

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Business Diagnostics Online - FastTrack

Level: Introductory

Objective:
This high-level online course, newly updated with audio and video, will introduce CAs to an approach for diagnosing business problems and maximizing financing opportunities in a complex and ever changing economic environment.

Who should take this course:
Business Diagnostics FastTrack is for CAs already assisting clients with business assessments yet looking for a new, fresh approach to corporate diagnostic checks and financing applications.

Craft a comprehensive ‘size up' of an existing business operation, pinpointing external opportunities and threats, and
internal strengths and weaknesses
Understand ‘diagnostic checks' required to ensure a satisfactory degree of corporate health and staying power for their
clients or their own business operations
Build stronger and more trusting relationships by assisting their clients with effective applications for financing (addressing key risk concerns from the perspective of a commercial lender or equity investor).

Content:
Business Diagnostics Online - FastTrack focuses on practical tools, referred to as "grids", to guide attendees through: Funding Alternatives, External and Internal Business Environment reviews, Strategic Direction, and Risk from the perspective of a commercial banker. A detailed, real-life scenario illustrates many aspects of the content as it is covered throughout the course.

In this fast-paced course, attendees are shown how to structure a request for funding and are introduced to the Enterprise Review Summary (ERS), a five to six page tactical document.

In addition to review questions in each module, a 20-question final test is provided at the end of the course that, upon passing, generates a certificate. (The optional Business Diagnostics Online 5-module Reference Series provides greater depth to the topics covered in the FastTrack course. An additional 30-question final test is also provided, together with a certificate on successful completion.)

Note:
Both Business Diagnostics Online FastTrack and the Reference Series are based on the seven-module Business Diagnostics Online course, the one-day seminar "Getting the Bank to Say ‘Yes'", and the business publication "Business Diagnostics", 2nd Edition 2007, written by Richard Mimick and Michael Thompson.

Comments from course reviewers of Business Diagnostics Online:
"The modules were very well presented - easy to follow, and I did not feel like I'd been staring at a computer screen for hours. I have always shied away from taking online courses, but after viewing this I would definitely consider taking one in future." "This is a great tool! It was informative at the same time interesting and the interactive nature of the online learning made it fun."

Duration:
Business Diagnostics FastTrack lasts between 60 to 90 minutes; the optional test would take participants an additional 5 minutes. (The Reference Series provides up to five hours of additional online training and the final test, also optional, will take a further 5 minutes.)

Minimum requirements:
Business Diagnostics FastTrack is optimized to run on a PC with Windows 98 or higher equipped with Internet Explorer 5.5 or later and connected to the internet. Minimum requirements include:

Pop-up blockers should be disabled
Any Windows Based Operating System
SVGA monitor capable of 16-bit colour and 800 x 600 screen resolution
Internet Explorer 5.5 or greater, or Netscape 7 or greater
Macromedia Flash 6 Player or Shockwave Player - both players are downloadable for FREE.
Minimum 56.6 Kbps Internet connection (High Speed cable, DSL-class or broadband access recommended)

Registration:
Business Diagnostics FastTrack for CAs is $79 for 90-day access; the Reference Series is $89 for 90-day access

To register, go to http://www.vubiz.com/ChAccess/CA/

For a video introduction, go to www.netlearn.ca/Files/BD_VideoOL.flv or www.netlearn.ca/Files/BD_VideoOL.mp4

K2 Enterprises Canada Self Study Programs

Information Technology Online Courses
ICAS is pleased to offer a new and innovative approach to professional development training. In conjunction with K2 Enterprises Canada, learning can be as easy as sitting in your office or studying at home. Launching in October 2008, the following self study programs will be offered by K2 Enterprises.

An Introduction to Vista FREE | 2 Verifiable CPD Hours
This course focuses on the most important features accountants should know, including the various editions of Vista, their respective costs, and related features and benefits; how to transfer key settings from an older computer; Vista’s enhanced security features; the benefits of joining the Microsoft Professional Accountants’ Network; resolving potential hardware and software compatibility issues; and improvements in Internet Explorer. Get the information you need today to take advantage of the features in Microsoft’s newest operating system.

Excel Tips – Part I $49 | 2 Verifiable CPD Hours
Excel Tips – Part II $49 | 2 Verifiable CPD Hours
Excel Tips – Part III $49 | 2 Verifiable CPD Hours
Excel Tips – Part IV $49 | 2 Verifiable CPD Hours

Each two hour Excel 2007 Tips self study course is divided into three sections that each contain 15 tips. In each section, there are three or four video clips to help you understand the tips. There is a short test at the end of each section and a final exam that is done online. In each course, you will learn 50 Excel tips that will enable you to work faster and smarter in Excel 2007. Upon completion of each course, you will understand more of the many shortcuts available to users of the popular Microsoft Excel 2007 spreadsheet program.

Power Excel – Part I $89 | 4 Verifiable CPD Hours
This is Part I of a four part series designed to get you up to speed with Excel 2007 in four 4-hour sessions. It starts with an overview of the new interface in Excel 2007 and then moves on to working with workbooks, making your Excel files look great, and working with workbooks and worksheets. Not only will it review the basics but you’ll also learn many shortcuts and tips that very few accountants ever discover Excel. These shortcuts will save you hours of time. At the end of the series, you will be a very competent user of Excel 2007.

Note that all these Excel courses are written for Excel 2007.

To register for a self study course, go to http://k2ecanada.coursehost.com/ and carry out the following steps:
1. click on the course you wish to register for
2. provide the registration information
3. enter the code: ICAS
4. download the manual
5. work through the manual section
6. take the practice test at the end of each session
7. take the final test
8. print your CPD certificate

For further information, contact Alan Salmon at alan@k2e.ca or visit http://www.k2e.com/

Links & Resources

Links & Resources is a list of web links for general information related to Continuing Professional Development, courses, programs and additional resources designed to advance the career of the CA in today’s competitive business world.

Low Cost PD Alternatives - http://www.albertacas.ca/Libraries/CPD_Brochures/Low_Cost_CPD_Alternatives.pdf

Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants Continuing Education- http://www.cpd.cica.ca/

CICA Knotia Store - www.knotia.ca/kStore/Home.cfm?language=1

CA Magazine: www.camagazine.com

CA Source: www.casource.com

Carswell: www.carswell.com

CCH: www.cch.com

Investor Relations Magazine: www.irmagazine.thecrossbordergroup.com

Wiley: www.wiley.com

Association of Insured Chartered Accountants: www.aica.ca

Canadian Investor Relations Institute: www.ciri.org

Financial Executives International – Canada: www.feicanada.org