Andrea Holmberg CPA, CGA, Controller at Fairfield Watson Inc.
CPA Alberta sat down with Andrea Holmberg CPA, CGA—Controller for Fairfield Watson Inc., an integrated benefits consulting firm helping Canadian employers design cost-effective employee benefit plans—to ask her about her experience in completing CPA Alberta’s Controllership Executive Program Certificate.
The certificate features a comprehensive, and fully immersive, two-component curriculum designed to provide current and aspiring controllers with the foundations for success: the Controller’s Management Program is focused on management soft skills, and the Controller’s Operational Skills Program takes a deeper dive on core technical and operational skills.
“When I decided to sign up for one component of the program—the Operational Skills Program—I thought that was going to be it,” says Andrea. “Pretty quickly into the course, I saw that the management part was going to be beneficial, as well. Now, I am really glad I completed the whole certificate, which was made easier with the support and financing from my organization.”
It didn’t take long for Andrea, and her organization, to start to see the benefits of her learning. “The operational program was full of technical information that was helpful to revisit, and the management program, among other things, provided a strengths inventory analysis I was able to use right away,” she recalls. “Probably the main takeaway I had was in the people management side of things: I recognized my own people management style and was able to be more conscious of it day-to-day.”
To further advance the learning in the modules, faculty use a number of additonal tools, including state-of-the-art self-assessment instruments, confidential one-on-one Executive Coaching, tangible cases studies, and pre-work surveys. “The coaching experience surprised me,” says Andrea, “There was a very tight schedule for the session, so I wasn’t expecting to get substantial results, but I was pleasantly surprised that it got to an in-depth level that was very helpful.”
Looking back on her experience, Andrea has the following advice for anyone thinking about attending one of the programs. “First, I would suggest taking some time to do the pre-work conscientiously. There is a lot of value in the breakout group assignments and exercises, so coming in prepared is useful. Also, if there is an issue you are struggling with and want advice on, don’t be shy to bring it up in the discussion; you would be surprised as to the creative solutions you might find at your table,” Andrea says. “As well, take advantage of the networking opportunities. There are many different industries and levels of experience in the room, which makes it especially beneficial to take time and exchange ideas with the rest of the participants. Finally, the sessions are pretty intense, so take some time at the end of the day to relax and rest.”
For more information on CPA Alberta’s Executive Programs, visit www.cpaalberta.ca/Professional-Development/Executive-Programs or email pdregistration@cpaalberta.ca.
