UWAC 2008 | The Foundation
For our third conference, UWAC 2008 is presenting the theme ‘From the Ground Up.’ The underlying idea of the theme is that accounting is the building block for all successful businesses. In order to create any prosperous activity, it is integral to have basic knowledge in the foundation of the activity. In business, accounting is one such foundation. Possessing an accounting background will be a stepping stone to many other professions and opportunities. This conference aims to promote awareness of the benefits accounting provides to a business environment.
Keynote Speakers
Phil King
President, TSN
Mr. King graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Bachelor of Arts in Administration and Commercial Studies (Economics). Prior to working as an Audit Manager in The Sports Network’s (TSN) Finance Department, he held a position at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP wherein he obtained his Chartered Accountant Designation in 1988.Mr. King’s talent and vision enabled him to quickly advance from Manager of Program Administration to Senior Vice-President of Programming. In 2004, he was appointed President of TSN. As President, Mr. King oversees all aspects of the networks operations including programming, marketing, and sales. He is also responsible for the networks sports digital services ESPN Classic Canada and the NHL Network, as well as TSN.ca and TSN Events – TSN’s new marketing division. There is no doubt that Mr. King’s strong leadership qualities have helped propel TSN to new heights, a network that is the top-rated specialty channel in Canada.
“Having my CA designation has been extremely beneficial. Sports is all about numbers – from statistics to box scores to player salaries. The same can be said for the business behind the game. I deal with numbers on a regular basis – from contract negotiations and budgeting to research analysis and projections.”
– Phil King, CA
Manjit Sharma
Vice-President of Finance, GE Canada/GE Capital
Manjit graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and went on to receive her Chartered Accountant’s designation in 1992. She worked as an external auditor with KPMG (formerly known as KPMG Peat Marwick) for five years on manufacturing, banking, retail, insurance and not-for-profit clients. In 1994, she joined the financial reporting team at Inco Ltd (now known as Vale Inco), one of the world’s largest nickel producers at the time, and during her tenure there worked in both their New York and Toronto offices. In 1998, Manjit took the position of Controller for the Canada wide pension plan, OPSEU Pension Trust. In early 1999, Manjit joined the Office of the Controller at GE Canada as Assistant Comptroller managing corporate accounting. In 2006, she was promoted to Vice-President Finance for GE Canada/GE Capital. As a member of the National Executive team she leads finance in Canada and has overall responsibility for Statutory accounting and reporting. Manjit sits on a variety of internal and external boards and pension committees.
“Virtually every activity a company engages in manifests itself in the financial results. This is why finance plays a key role in the running of a successful business.”
– Manjit Sharma, CA
Sam (Ajit) Thiara
Student Affairs Officer, Simon Fraser University
Mr. Thiara holds a double major in Business Administration and Political Science from Simon Fraser University. He is currently pursuing a Masters in Leadership Studies at the University of Exeter, while working for the Faculty of Business at Simon Fraser University as their Student Affairs Officer – the only position of its kind at a Canadian university. Mr. Thiara recently completed a contract with the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Bid Corporation, a position he notes as being one of his most intense and exciting experiences to date. He was the Community Consultation Manager, responsible for the implementation of various municipal and community projects, while building relationships with political and community representatives. Having received numerous awards including the 2006 Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award and the 2002 Outstanding Graduate Award for Leadership Vancouver, Mr. Thiara has been rightfully recognized for his devotion to helping others. He has assisted over twenty community organizations, including “Leaders of Tomorrow” and “The Children’s Wish Foundation”, achieve goals they set forth to accomplish. His passion is to inspire and motivate others in both personal and professional endeavors, through his many adventures and reflections on life’s journey.
“Everyone’s life is an autobiography, but you have to make yours worth reading.”
– Sam (Ajit) Thiara