John Asher, CIA, CISA, CITP, CPA, CA
Partner, Risk Advisory Services
Executive summary
John currently leads BDO's Risk Advisory Services Practice in Western Canada. In his role he also leads BDO's Advisory Practice in B.C., and is the National Energy & Natural Resources Industry for Advisory. In both these roles John is responsible for growing the practice as collaborating with other leaders for advanced of local and national initiatives.
John is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) with a broad range of experience in all aspects of accounting, finance, financial reporting, risk management, audit, governance, compliance, and cash management.
John provides his clients expertise in the areas of risk management and internal audit by working together with various clients to assist in continuous improvement and the achievement of objectives. He has conducted several performance and compliance audits while also performing consulting services in the areas of business process and best practice reviews.
John has led numerous consulting projects and is specialized in the areas of enterprise risk management (ERM), performance/internal audits, business process reviews, internal controls over financial report (ICFR), SOX, service organization controls (SOC 1, 2, 3) assurance engagements and IT audits.
Prior to his move over to BDO Advisory, John led numerous financial statement audits of BDO's largest clients where he was responsible for supervising anywhere from 1-10 staff on domestic and international engagements. During each of these audits John conducted internal control assessments where clients’ internal controls and IT general controls were documented, tested and assessed.
John has also taught risk management, accounting and audit topics including audit methodology, risk-based auditing, complex accounting issues, audit process tools and staff development at various conferences across Canada. His experience has crossed many industries and sectors, specializing mostly in Public Sector (Federal, Provincial and Municipal), not-for-profit, retail, real estate and construction, and technology.
Professional affiliations
Member, Chartered Professional Accountants of BC
Member, Institute of internal Auditors
Member, ISACA
Treasurer – Institute of Internal Auditors Ottawa Chapter (2013-2015)
Vice-President Operations – Institute of Internal Auditors Ottawa Chapter (2015-2017)
Treasurer – Institute of Internal Auditors Vancouver Chapter (2017-2020)
Treasury Support – Institute of Internal Auditors Vancouver Chapter (2021-Present)
Professional designations and education
Bachelor of Arts -Economics, Simon Fraser University, (2003)
Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Accountant, (CPA, CA)
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP)