For the third year, I have been a member of Alberta Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA) achievement awards review committee.

Full Disclosure

For the past two years, I documented my CPA evaluation criteria, and other than some minor tweaks, am largely using the same scoring method.  As usual, I am astounded at the energy, volunteer-ethic, work-ethic and innovation of my fellow CPAs – through all stages of their career.  

While reviewing accomplishments of my peers makes me feel a bit tired (how do they find the time/energy), it also always inspires me and makes me proud to be a CPA.   As a way to honour these efforts, the following rubric is provided for full transparency so that anyone can understand how I initially rate the entries.  Initially is the operative word as the discussion of the nomination committee is just as important as this rating. 

Note to Self-Geography

Geography is a factor that I have included indirectly in this year’s scoring. As a note to myself, I may break this out into a separate criteria for the 2022 awards. The rationale is that a person who has to leave home and travel for their education has additional challenges that needs to be acknowledged. A person working in a smaller town similarly has fewer mentors or peers to rely on. For 2021, the criteria is implied – for 2022, think about it!

Evaluating Achievement

The following are my scoring criteria for: Early Achievement, Distinguished Achievement and a Fellow.  Documenting the criteria is my way of externalizing the rubric to self-evaluate as well as share/have-critiqued.  The scoring is out of 5.0 with the following assignment which is then modified to match specific criteria:

0.  Not Applicable.
1. Met the norms of an average CPA; CPA Award = No.
2. (1+) demonstrated behaviours above norms but these are not exceptional; CPA Award = Likely No.
3. (2+) Demonstrated above average but not exceptional behaviours in many to all areas; CPA Award = Maybe.
4. (3+) Demonstrated exceptional behaviour in one area in particular or strong in many areas; CPA Award = Yes.
5. (4+) behaviour was far and beyond that expected; CPA Award = Definitely.

A ‘5’ is for an individual who is exceptional in a particular criterion and normally are not given out.  The scoring for the criteria is averaged on a non-weighted basis.  The examples provided are intended as a guideline as the evaluation process is in of itself subjective.

Early Achievement Award (EAA)

From CPA-Alberta: The Early Achievement Award recognizes CPAs who have had their accounting designation for 10 years or less and have rendered exceptional service to the profession or whose achievements in their careers or in the community have earned them distinction and brought honour to the profession.

Criteria	Description	Scoring Range – Guidelines
1. – >2009	Received CPA after January 1, 2010.  Time since designation reduces the points assuming that accomplishments of recently minted CPAs are even more inspiring.	1 = CPA 2010 or 2011 2 = CPA 2012 to 2015 3 = CPA 2016 to 2017 4 = CPA 2018 to 2019 5 = CPA 2020.
2. – Education	Education or exceptional professional development.	1 = Degree required for a CPA and CPD. 2 = Other non-credit courses 3 = Related designation (e.g. CBV) 4 = Masters, other post-secondary post CPA.
3. – Volunteer	Commitment and excellence in community or volunteer services	1 = None listed. 2 = Minimum. < 10 hours/week and/or self-benefiting (e.g. kids, sales, personal passion). 3 = < 15 hours/week, or CPA focused, or selfless, or used unique skills. 4 = > 15 hours/week, and/or exceptional results. 5 = 4+ unique, exceptional or unusual.
4. – Career	Excellence, innovation or remarkable accomplishment in one’s accounting career	1 = Undertaken typical early career CPA tasks 2 = 1+ Demonstrated strong leadership, mentoring, client service, etc. 3 = 2+ Supported or was part of innovative actions (see 4 below). 4 = 3+ Proposed/implemented highly innovative actions that are clearly innovative and have added significant value. 5 = 4+ and/or entrepreneur, exceptional senior leadership position.
5. – Time Period	Activities undertaken or accomplished since graduation.	Expected activities for someone in the 20-30’s. (1+) meaning above average but not exceptional (2+) Having completed activities many years in advance. (3+) Considerable and exceptional activities.
6.1. – Outstanding	Are the above activities outstanding or remarkable	Activities are typical or within norms for life position and experience. (1+) Activities are noteworthy but not necessarily remarkable. (2+) One or more activities are outstanding. (3+) the individual has undertaken activities significantly beyond norms and expectations.
6.2. – Honour	Honour to the CPA Designation	Activities and actions are those expected of an equivalent CPA. (1+) Other CPAs would note the advancements to the designation made by the individual. (2+) Employers and associates would note the value of the CPA designation’s role in the activities. (3+) Larger society would note the value of the CPA.
7. – Awards	Awards or honorary distinctions	1 =CPA in good standing. 2 = Internal work/volunteer awards; presentation in trade or equivalent magazines. 3 = Award in a larger CPA or societal context. 4 = Significant societal, industry or CPA recognition of activities. 5 = 4+ exceptional early-career recognition.
8. – Support	Letters and Testimonials	1 = None or only from nominator. 2 = 1+ <2 letters, or letters are non-committal. 3 = 2+ <5 additional letters which are strong and verify the nomination’s claims. 4 = 3+ Very strong and compelling letters providing additional detail and descriptions. 5 = 4+ exceptional, unusual, heartfelt letters demonstration honour brought to the profession.
9. – Rounded	Well-Rounded Person, demonstrates a good development as a CPA.  These areas include family, community, work, thought leadership, accounting, etc.	1 = Not provided or person has few interests. 2 = 1+ Young family, work and other interests. 3 = 2+ Family plus demonstrates broad personal rounding in a few activities and life focuses. 4 = 3+ Very well rounded and successfully contributes to many areas. 5 = A clone must exist somewhere, just saying…
10. – Work	Career Progression, holds a responsible position at or above what would be expected 10 years in the work place (e.g. senior accountant, manager, etc.).	1 = Holds an expected level/position per education/graduation. 2 = One to two levels above expectations. 3 = Two or more levels. 4 = Significant senior position many years beyond expectations; early stages of a startup. 5 = 4+ and/or entrepreneur, exceptional senior leadership position.
11. – Industry/ Bonus	Industry currently working in or having worked in for a large portion of their career. Bonus: Geography	1 = Public Accounting Firm 2= Consulting Firm 3 = Industry 4 = Self Employed or startup Company 5 = Non-profit organization Public Sector 4 = Public Accountant working in a small City (e.g. Red Deer) 5 = Public Accountant working outside of a city (e.g. Town)
12. – COVID	How has the person reacted to COVID? (not, added to #11 for 2021 purposes).	1 = Struggled in COVID era. 2 = 1+ followed corporate and public health directions, managed family & work. 3 = 2+ Provided COVID leadership at work. 4 = 3+ Provided community COVID leadership. 5 = 4+ Unique, exceptional and unusual support of a COVID response.
13. – Score	Average of the above	SUM [1 to 12] / 12 and rounded to 1 decimal.
14. – Comments	Rationale particularly for low or high scores.	A short paragraph on the individual proving my (working) opinion on whether they have brought honour to the designation or are simply ‘mehh’.

Distinguished Service Award (DSA)

From CPA Alberta, The Distinguished Service Award recognizes members or supporters of the profession who have demonstrated a significant achievement within the last five years and have therefore brought honour to the profession.

Criteria	Description	Scoring Range – Guidelines
1. – >2015	Activities completed since 2015-01-01.	1 = Outside of the 5-year period. 2 = Most outside of the 5-year period save 1-2 years. 3 = 1-2 years outside the 5-year period. 4 = All in the 5-year period. 5 = 3+ but there are numerous concurrent or sequential activities worthy of a DSA consideration.
2. – Education	Education or exceptional professional development.	1 = Degree required for a CPA and CPD. 2 = Other non-credit courses 3 = Related designation (e.g. CBV) 4 = Masters, other post-secondary post CPA.
3. – Volunteer	Commitment and excellence in community or volunteer services	1 = None listed. 2 = Minimum. < 10 hours/week and/or self-benefiting (e.g. kids, sales, personal passion). 3 = < 15 hours/week, or CPA focused, or selfless, or used unique skills. 4 = > 15 hours/week, and/or exceptional results. 5 = 4+ unique, exceptional or unusual.
4. – Career	Excellence, innovation or remarkable accomplishment in one’s accounting career	1 = Undertaken typical career CPA tasks 2 = 1+ Demonstrated strong leadership, mentoring, client service, etc. 3 = 2+ Supported or was part of innovative actions (see 4 below). 4 = 3+ Proposed/implemented highly innovative actions that are clearly innovative and have added significant value. 5 = 4+ and/or entrepreneur, exceptional senior leadership position.
5. – Mentoring	Mentor excellence, by significantly contributing to the development of young CPAs or youth in general.	1 = No obvious involvement and/or CPA Recruitment or CPA Offices in an accounting firm. 2 = 1+ Significant firm mentorship and/or leading a CPA Office in industry.  3 = 2+ other mentoring on personal time 4 = 3+ Testimonials of significant personal impact within a firm; large number or overcoming adversity in mentoring; supporting disadvantaged youth pursue a CPA. 5 = 4+ and/or unique and innovative methods of promoting financial literacy or a career in business, government, self-employment.
6.1. – Outstanding	Are the above activities outstanding or remarkable	Activities are typical or within norms for life position and experience. (1+) Activities are noteworthy but not necessarily remarkable. (2+) One or more activities are outstanding. (3+) the individual has undertaken activities significantly beyond norms and expectations.
6.2. – Honour	Honour to the CPA Designation	Activities and actions are those expected of an equivalent CPA. (1+) Other CPAs would note the advancements to the designation made by the individual. (2+) Employers and associates would note the value of the CPA designation’s role in the activities. (3+) Larger society would note the value of the CPA.
7. – Awards	Awards or honorary distinctions	1 =CPA in good standing. 2 = Internal work/volunteer awards; presentation in trade or equivalent magazines. 3 = Award in a larger CPA or societal context. 4 = Significant societal, industry or CPA recognition of activities. 5 = 4+ exceptional career recognition.
8. – Support	Letters and Testimonials	1 = None or only from nominator. 2 = 1+ <2 letters, or letters are non-committal. 3 = 2+ <5 additional letters which are strong and verify the nomination’s claims. 4 = 3+ Very strong and compelling letters providing additional detail and descriptions. 5 = 4+ exceptional, unusual, heartfelt letters demonstration honour brought to the profession.
9. – Rounded	Well-Rounded Person, demonstrates a good development as a CPA.  These areas include family, community, work, thought leadership, accounting, etc.	1 = Not provided or person has few interests. 2 = 1+ Young family, work and other interests. 3 = 2+ Family plus demonstrates broad personal rounding in a few activities and life focuses. 4 = 3+ Very well rounded and successfully contributes to many areas. 5 = A clone must exist somewhere, just saying…
10. – Work	Career Progression, holds a responsible position at or above what would be expected 10 years in the work place (e.g. senior accountant, manager, etc.).	1 = Holds an expected level/position per education/graduation. 2 = One to two levels above expectations. 3 = Two or more levels. 4 = Significant senior position many years beyond expectations; early stages of a startup. 5 = 4+ and/or entrepreneur, exceptional senior leadership position.
11. – Industry / Bonus	Industry currently working in or having worked in for a large portion of their career. Bonus: Geography	0 = Public Accounting Firm 1-2= Accounting/Consulting Firm 3 = Industry 4 = Self Employed or starup Company 5 = Non-profit organization Public Sector 4 = Public Accountant working in a small City (e.g. Red Deer) 5 = Public Accountant working outside of a city (e.g. Town)
12. – Score	Average of the above	SUM [1 to 11] / 11 and rounded to 1 decimal.
13. – Comments	Rationale particularly for low or high scores.	A short paragraph on the individual proving my (working) opinion on whether they have brought honour to the designation or are simply ‘mehh’.

Fellow – CPA (FCPA)

From CPA Alberta,  The Fellow of Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA) will be granted to those members who have rendered exceptional service to the profession or whose achievements in their careers, the community, or in the profession have earned them distinction and brought honour to the profession.

Criteria	Description	Scoring Range – Guidelines
1. – Merit	1st impression of meritorious service/achievements bring honour to the profession	1 = An accountant and citizen in good standing but does not stand out. 2 = 1+ perhaps worthy of a DSA but achievements are not those of a lifetime. 3 = 2+ Consistent and numerous achievements which in aggregate qualify for a FCPA and/or a few significant and unique achievements. 4 = 3+ An obvious individual worthy of a FCPA. 5 = Holy Fellowship Batman!
2. – Education	Education or exceptional professional development.	1 = None (e.g. only CPD) 2 = Masters, PhD Education; Sessional Instructor. 3 = Taught at a Post-Secondary Level at least 5 years. 4 = (2 or 3+) Contributed to Thought Leadership 5 = Contributed significantly and consistently to thought leadership.
3. – Volunteer	Commitment and excellence in community or volunteer services	1 = None listed. 2 = Minimum. < 10 hours/week and/or self-benefiting (e.g. kids, sales, personal passion). 3 = < 15 hours/week, or CPA focused, or selfless, or used unique skills. 4 = > 15 hours/week, and/or exceptional results. 5 = 4+ unique, exceptional or unusual.
4. – Career	Excellence, innovation or remarkable accomplishment in one’s accounting career	1 = Undertaken typical career CPA tasks 2 = 1+ Demonstrated strong leadership, mentoring, client service, etc. 3 = 2+ Supported or was part of innovative actions (see 4 below). 4 = 3+ Proposed/implemented highly innovative actions that are clearly innovative and have added significant value particularly in the past 5-career years 5 = 4+ and/or entrepreneur, exceptional senior leadership position.
5. – Mentoring	Mentor excellence, by significantly contributing to the development of young CPAs or youth in general.	1 = No obvious involvement and/or CPA Recruitment or CPA Offices in an accounting firm. 2 = 1+ Significant firm mentorship and/or leading a CPA Office in industry.  3 = 2+ other mentoring on personal time 4 = 3+ Testimonials of significant personal impact within a firm; large number or overcoming adversity in mentoring; supporting disadvantaged youth pursue a CPA. 5 = 4+ and/or unique and innovative methods of promoting financial literacy or a career in business, government, self-employment.
6.1. – Outstanding	Are the above activities outstanding or remarkable	Activities are typical or within norms for life position and experience. (1+) Activities are noteworthy but not necessarily remarkable. (2+) One or more activities are outstanding. (3+) the individual has undertaken activities significantly beyond norms and expectations.
6.2. – Honour	Honour to the CPA Designation	Activities and actions are those expected of an equivalent CPA. (1+) Employers and associates would note the value of the CPA designation’s role in the activities. (2+) Larger society would note the value of the CPA. (3+) Obvious honour worthy of a FCPA.
7. – Awards	Awards or honorary distinctions	1 =CPA in good standing. 2 = Internal work/volunteer awards; presentation in trade or equivalent magazines. 3 = Award in a larger CPA or societal context. 4 = Significant societal, industry or CPA recognition of activities. 5 = 4+ exceptional career recognition.
8. – Support	Letters and Testimonials	1 = None or only from nominator. 2 = 1+ <2 letters, or letters are non-committal. 3 = 2+ <5 additional letters which are strong and verify the nomination’s claims. 4 = 3+ Very strong and compelling letters providing additional detail and descriptions. 5 = 4+ exceptional, unusual, heartfelt letters demonstration honour brought to the profession.
9. – Rounded	Well-Rounded Person, demonstrates a good development as a CPA.  These areas include family, community, work, thought leadership, accounting, etc.	1 = Not provided or person has few interests. 2 = 1+ Young family, work and other interests. 3 = 2+ Family plus demonstrates broad personal rounding in a few activities and life focuses. 4 = 3+ Very well rounded and successfully contributes to many areas. 5 = A clone must exist somewhere, just saying…
10. – Work	Career Progression, holds a responsible position at or above what would be expected 10 years in the work place (e.g. senior accountant, manager, etc.).	1 = Holds an expected level/position per education/graduation. 2 = One to two levels above expectations. 3 = Two or more levels and or was able to retire at least once < 65 years of age. 4 = Significant senior position many years beyond expectations; multiple careers particularly post-initial retirement. 5 = 4+ and/or entrepreneur, exceptional senior leadership position.
11. – Industry/ Bonus	Industry currently working in or having worked in for a large portion of their career. Bonus: Geography	1 = Public Accounting Firm 2= Consulting Firm 3 = Industry 4 = Self Employed or startup Company 5 = Non-profit organization Public Sector 4 = Public Accountant working in a small City (e.g. Red Deer) 5 = Public Accountant working outside of a city (e.g. Town)
12. – Score	Average of the above	SUM [1 to 11] / 11 and rounded to 1 decimal.
13. – Comments	Rationale particularly for low or high scores.	A short paragraph on the individual proving my (working) opinion on whether they have brought honour to the designation or are simply ‘mehh’.