2025 FVCPAA Conference
Calm in the Chaos: Leading with Clarity in Uncertain Times
Registration is now closed.
Join us (virtually or in-person) for the Annual FVCPAA Conference on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Clarion Hotel & Conference Centre in Abbotsford (36035 North Parallel Rd.) from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Participants attending all sessions will earn a certificate for 7 hours of verified professional development (PD). Don’t miss this valuable opportunity!
SPEAKER LINEUP
GST on Real Property Transactions
Mike has 34 years of experience in public practice, specializing in indirect taxes for the past 30 years. Mike led the indirect tax practice for BC’s Interior Region and Western Canada Region at a national accounting firm. His area of expertise includes all aspects of Federal GST/HST as well as BC, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba PST. He has worked with many companies ranging from owner-managed businesses to mid-market and large enterprises in a broad spectrum of industries, including: manufacturing, construction and real estate development, agriculture, and transportation. Currently, Mike consults exclusively with small and medium-sized CPA firms. Mike also advises on transactions and activities for special sectors, including non-profits, public sector entities, including municipalities, unions, professional accreditation bodies, and First Nations bands and companies.
Current Workforce Metrics: Trends, Tensions and Talent Gaps
Sandra is an accomplished entrepreneur, having grown two multi-million dollar companies and has over 25 years’ experience in Staffing and Talent Acquisition and Management fields. Sandra is the Co-Founder & President of Miles HR which has grown to be one of the best in class independently owned Staffing and Talent management acquisition companies in British Columbia employing over 20,000 individuals in corporate fields for public, private business, government and academia
Building Resilience
Mike brings over 30 years of law enforcement experience where he was recognized for his exceptional crisis negotiation skills. A former Gang Crime Unit Sergeant and member of the Lower Mainland Integrated Crisis Negotiation Team, Mike is trained in hostage, ransom, and extortion negotiations through the elite “Red Centre” program.
Now pursuing his Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, Mike is passionate about first responder mental health, advocating for openness, education, and support around psychological well-being. As an adjunct instructor, he trains Crisis Negotiators, 911 Communicators, and frontline responders in Crisis De-escalation and Intervention. He also serves as Co-Founder of VRFY Inc., an organization delivering AI-driven solutions for law enforcement and defense.
2025 Tax Updates, Estate & Succession Planning
Daman S. Bhathal, CPA- Daman is a Senior Tax Manager at Manning Elliott’s Abbotsford office. Since joining the firm in 2016 he has built extensive experience working with a diverse range of private company clients across the Fraser Valley and Greater Vancouver area. His expertise lies in Canadian tax, with a particular focus on personal and corporate tax planning, corporate reorganizations, estate and succession planning, and compliance.
Varinder Chahal, CPA – Varinder is a Senior Tax Manager in Manning Elliott’s Tax Group, specializing in tax planning and compliance services for owner-managed businesses, including estate planning, trusts, and personal and corporate income tax. In addition, Varinder has developed in-depth tax knowledge and expertise in the trust/estate compliance sector where she assists clients with such issues as date of death and estate filings.
Cross Border Business Landscape
Drew Chapman, CPA – Drew joined Larson Gross in 2018 after earning degrees in Criminal Justice and Accounting from Washington State University. He specializes in international, state, and local tax, offering clients a calm and thoughtful approach to complex challenges. Known for his reliability and attention to detail, Drew is dedicated to helping clients navigate their tax needs with confidence. Originally from Valdez, Alaska, he enjoys reading history and biographies and dreams of exploring Italy’s rich cultural and historical landmarks.
Orion Mark, CPA – Orion joined Larson Gross in 2020, bringing over a decade of accounting experience in both the private and public sectors. A graduate of Central Washington University, he specializes in international, federal, and state tax consulting for closely held businesses and high-net-worth individuals across industries such as manufacturing, real estate, construction, and technology. Dedicated to community service, Orion has served on the board of Seattle’s Millionaire Club. Outside of work, he enjoys camping, concerts, and cheering on the Seahawks with his wife and two children.
Practical AI for Accountants: Real-World Ways to Start Today
Barinder Hans is the Founder and CEO of Red Rhino Networks, an award-winning managed IT service provider recognized for its leadership and technical excellence. With over 20 years in the tech industry and a computer science degree from UBC, Barinder has built Red Rhino into a trusted partner for BC businesses, helping organizations stay secure, agile, and competitive in today’s fast-changing digital world.
Raised in the Fraser Valley, Barinder brings a unique balance of local roots and global vision. His focus is on guiding businesses to get more from their technology—transforming IT from a cost center into a driver of growth and resilience.