Institute of Chartered Accountants of PEI recognizes UPEI alumni and faculty
Distributed by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of PEI:
In September, two UPEI alumni-Michael Fitzpatrick CA; and Ryan Pineau, CA-and one faculty member-Michael Cassidy, FCA-were recognized with Institute of Chartered Accounts of PEI awards during a celebratory event at the Delta Prince Edward.
Michael Fitzpatrick CA, and Ryan Pineau CA, were both recognized with Early Achievement Awards. This award is presented to a CA, who within the first ten years since qualifying as a CA, demonstrates excellence in professional, civic, charitable, or community service, and/or remarkable accomplishments in their career.
UPEI professor, Michael Cassidy FCA, was honoured with a Fellowship of Chartered Accountants award. FCA awards are awarded based on meritorious service which had honoured the profession over a lengthy period of time. Candidates have to demonstrate exceptional achievement in career, community service, and service to the profession. Cassidy was honoured by his colleagues for his outstanding contribution to the CA profession through his extraordinary capabilities as an educator, mentor, and role model to students considering the CA profession or entrepreneurship as a career. Cassidy, who obtained his CA designation in 1986, has spent much of his career not only as a successful businessman, but as a sessional lecturer and Assistant Professor at the UPEI School of Business, teaching primarily in the areas of Accounting and Entrepreneurship. He has also authored and delivered many course programs ranging in topics from marketing and customer service to challenges facing young people wanting to become an entrepreneur. Cassidy's charismatic personality and infectious enthusiasm has made him a much sought-after speaker for both private companies and government organizations in the areas of accounting, marketing, and sales seminars. Giving back to his community is another one of Cassidy's great strengths. He has been a long time coach of hockey, soccer, and baseball, and has been very active in his church. Cassidy lives in Charlottetown with his wife Mary Jane, and their four children.
Fitzpatrick co-founded PEI's first father/son accounting firm, Fitzpatrick and Co., which was recognized as one of Atlantic Canada's fastest growing companies in 2011 and 2012. He is an avid volunteer in the CA profession, both provincially and nationally, but also lends his accounting expertise in his community as well, serving as treasurer for the Catholic Family Services Bureau. He also serves on the boards of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of PEI, Stars for Life Foundation for Autism, Liberal Association of PEI, and the Board of Examiners for CICA. Somehow Fitzpatrick also finds time to coach minor hockey, and is active in youth employment future on PEI. He graduated from UPEI in 2002, and lives in Pleasant Grove with his wife Lori and young son Ira.
Pineau graduated first in his class from the UPEI School of Business in 2005, and quickly became the youngest partner in MacPherson Roche Smith & Associates. Pineau furthered his education in accounting by completing a variety of in-depth tax courses, and is known for his tax expertise. He manages his firm's income tax practice, and also teaches several professional development tax courses to his peers. 'Giving Back' has always been important to Pineau, as demonstrated by his countless volunteer positions. He serves on the boards of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of PEI, the Competency Map Committee of CICA, and the City of Charlottetown Economic Development Advisory Board. He is also treasurer for the PEI Progressive Conservative Party, St. Pius X Knights of Columbus, Innovation & Technology Association of PEI, Queens County Residential Services, past president of the Progressive Conservative Youth Association, and past youth delegate for the PEI Occupational Health and Safety Board. In 2011, Pineau established the Paul Ryan Pineau Award, which provides a bursary to the UPEI student with the highest mark in the taxation course. He resides in Charlottetown with his wife Becky.
Congratulations to our UPEI award winners!
