Member Spotlight

Meet the People Behind FVCPAA

FVCPAA is more than meetings and professional development.  It’s a community of accounting professionals bringing a wide range of experience, expertise and perspectives to the Fraser Valley.

Each month, our Member Spotlight introduces you to one of the people who makes up our FVCPAA community. We’ll learn a little about their career journey, the work they do, their connection to the profession and even a few things you might not know about them outside of work.

 

Linda Fraser, CPA

Senior Accountant | Mentor | New Grandma | Scone Maker

 

 

 

 

 

Tell us a little about yourself and your current role.

My husband, Ted, and I are very happy to be new grandparents! Our son, Ian, and his wife, Steph, welcomed Isabelle in October, and we’re having so much fun watching her grow and master new milestones like crawling and walking.

Professionally, I’m the Senior Accountant at Chaberton Estate Winery, where I’ve been for nine years. Chaberton is celebrating its 35th anniversary, so it’s an exciting time to be part of the organization.

I also have the opportunity to work alongside colleagues who are pursuing their own CPA journeys, including Haimjeet Hans, who is currently working through the audit portion of the CPA program.

How long have you been a member of FVCPAA, and what do you value most about your membership?

I’ve actually lost track of how long I’ve been a member!

What I really value is the access to cost-effective professional development and the opportunity to have conversations with other accountants. Being able to connect with other professionals and learn from one another is a valuable part of membership.

What do you enjoy most about working as a CPA?

I appreciate the recognition that comes with having my CPA designation. It has opened doors for me professionally and provided so many opportunities to continue learning throughout my career.

What has been one of the most rewarding moments in your career?

One of the most rewarding things has been watching others achieve their own CPA goals.

My niece, Hayley Meyers, earned her CPA this past year, and my colleague, Gurneet Rai, is very close to completing hers. Seeing people I care about reach that milestone is incredibly rewarding.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give someone just starting their CPA journey?

Never, ever, ever give up.

The journey takes hard work and effort, but the opportunities that come from earning your CPA designation are well worth it.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Spending time with my husband, Ted, and our family is at the top of the list. Ted supported me throughout all the work required to earn my CPA, and these days we especially enjoy visiting our son Ian, Steph and our granddaughter Isabelle.

I also enjoy reading, water colours, drawing, making scones and going for walks. There’s always something to keep me busy!

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

Although I’m no longer working in public practice, I feel very strongly indebted to that beginning in my career.

The experience gave me a strong foundation that has stayed with me throughout the different roles I’ve held. The variety of work I encountered in public practice continues to be a valuable resource today, particularly when I come across the wide range of tasks that are part of working at the winery.

 

 

Know Someone We Should Feature?

We want our Member Spotlight to reflect the many people, career paths and perspectives within the FVCPAA community.

Nominate a fellow FVCPAA member — or put your own name forward — to be featured in an upcoming Member Spotlight.