From geopolitical uncertainty to shifting regulations, the risk landscape is complex. These conversations share insights on how finance teams can lead with foresight, build resilience, and embed sustainability into financial decision-making.
Other topics in our Accounting for the Future podcast:
With inflation rates at their highest since the 1980s and unprecedented interest rate increases, companies are left wondering what steps they can take to mitigate the impact of the current economic environment. In this episode, host Armand Capisciolto, BDO's National Accounting Standards Partner and leader of accounting advisory services, is joined by Kevin Meyler, national leader of BDO's Business Restructuring and Turnaround Services for a discussion about managing the current economic environment.
Guest information
Kevin Meyler, BDO Canada, Partner and Business Restructuring and Turnaround Services Leader
Kevin is a partner in BDO's Calgary office. He has more than 15 years of experience providing restructuring, insolvency, and transaction advisory services to both private and public companies on behalf of banks, financial institutions, alternative lenders, and shareholders of businesses.
Throughout his career, Kevin has provided services to clients in a wide range of industries, including real estate, restaurant and hospitality, oil field services, manufacturing, printing, agriculture, technology, and retail.
As climate volatility and new regulatory pressures escalate, business leaders are increasingly framing complex strategic decisions through the lens of sustainability and resilience.
In this episode of Accounting for the Future, host Anne-Marie Henson, Partner, National Industry Leader, sits down with Simon Hutton, National Sustainability Leader, to discuss how organizations are integrating sustainability into proactive risk management, navigating growing pressures, and using data to stay transparent.
With grounded insights and practical examples, this episode offers CFOs, audit committee chairs, and business leaders a clear path to strengthening risk oversight, enhancing reporting, and building more resilient, future-ready enterprises.
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Simon Hutton, CAIA, MCOM, National Sustainability Leader
Simon Hutton is BDO Canada’s National Sustainability Leader and a Director at BDO’s Vancouver office, with over 15 years of professional experience providing strategic, investment, and sustainability advisory services to senior executives across a variety of sectors.
His sustainability experience extends over growth strategy analysis, business planning, modelling competitive differentiators, and corporate communications.
What do interprovincial trade barriers mean for Canadian businesses and what’s changing? In this episode of Accounting for the Future, host Anne-Marie Henson sits down with Jonathan Kalles, Vice President of McMillan Vantage and former advisor to the Prime Minister, to unpack the implications of Bill C-5 and how the interprovincial trade landscape is evolving in Canada.
From the removal of federal exceptions under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement to the complexities of provincial cooperation, they explore the economic, regulatory, and strategic shifts underway. Hear practical insights for finance leaders navigating the ripple effects of new trade policies and find out what your organization can do now to stay ahead.
How can you communicate effectively with your board and turn them into one of your most valuable strategic assets? In this episode of Accounting for the Future, host Anne-Marie Henson is joined by Anthony Marinelli, Board Chair and Partner, Assurance-East Leader at BDO Canada, and Janet Boyle, Independent Board Member at BDO Canada and Senior Vice President at RBC.
Together, they unpack how CEOs and senior leaders can foster trust, transparency, and strategic alignment with their boards. Tune in to hear practical advice on the role and value of independent board members, leveraging your board as a strategic partner, and much more.
Guest information:
Anthony Marinelli, Partner, Assurance-East Leader and Board Member Chair
Anthony Marinelli is the East Leader of the Assurance practice and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. With over 20 years of professional experience, Anthony became Partner in 2014. With a Bachelor of Commerce, he obtained his Chartered Accountant designation in 2002.
Anthony has worked on mandates for public and private companies operating in several industries, namely real estate, technology, natural resources, manufacturing and consumer business, as well as not-for profit organizations. His clientele included First Nations communities and organizations. Anthony provided his clients with assurance services consisting of auditing, review engagements, special assurance reports and internal control procedures.
Janet Boyle, Independent Board Member
Janet Boyle is an accomplished leader and experienced executive in the Canadian financial services industry. Janet is an Independent Board Member at BDO Canada with over 20 years of experience as a proven and respected leader. An experienced executive in the Canadian financial services industry, she is currently the Senior Vice President of Home Equity Finance at RBC.
Having spent two decades with a large Canadian financial institution, Janet has broad experiences in driving successful financial outcomes in digital solutions, business line growth, merger and acquisition activities and risk management. She thrives on building high performing teams where people feel valued and motivated to excel.
In this episode of Accounting for the Future, host Anne-Marie Henson, Eastern Canada Markets Leader, sits down with Daniel Ma, Partner, Valuations & Modeling, to discuss the challenges of navigating political uncertainty following recent tariff announcements by the Trump administration. They explore the potential impact on Canadian businesses and share proactive strategies for managing risk through scenario planning and financial modeling—essential tools for anticipating unexpected economic or political shifts, from global pandemics to trade policy changes.
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Daniel Ma, CBV, CPA, CA, Partner, Valuations & Modelling
Daniel is a Partner in BDO's financial advisory services practice in Toronto where he specializes in valuations and financial modeling. His experience includes valuing business interests, intangible assets, and complex financial instruments for transaction advisory, compliance, and litigation support purposes.
With over seven years of professional experience, Daniel has provided services to both public and private clients across a wide range of industries including technology, manufacturing and distribution, retail, financial services, real estate, mining, and healthcare.
In part two of this two-part mini-series, host Anne-Marie Henson welcomes back Armand Capisciolto, Chair of Canada's Accounting Standards Board, BDO alumnus, and former host of the Accounting for the Future podcast. In this episode, they delve into the significant changes that have occurred among different standards, the importance of optionality in standard setting, as well as the impacts of cryptocurrency and ESG on the current standards. . This episode also explores actionable insights for businesses when looking at compliance current and future standards.
Guest information
Armand Capisciolto, Canada's Accounting Standards Board, Chair
Armand Capisciolto is the Chair of Canada's Accounting Standards Board, Armand leads the development of accounting standards for use by all Canadian entities outside the public sector. Canada's Accounting Standards Board serves the public interest by establishing standards for financial reporting by all Canadian private sector entities and by contributing to the development of internationally accepted financial reporting standards. Armand is also a BDO alumni, where he worked for 15 years as the National Accounting Standards Partner.
Host Anne-Marie Henson is joined by Armand Capisciolto, chair of Canada's Accounting Standards Board, BDO alumni, and former host of the Accounting for the Future podcast. They discuss the importance of accounting standards, the process of setting them, and Canada's influence on international standards. The episode also highlights how standards improve financial information and the role of stakeholders in the process.
Guest Information:
Armand Capisciolto, Canada’s Accounting Standards Board, Chair
Armand Capisciolto is the Chair of Canada’s Accounting Standards Board, Armand leads the development of accounting standards for use by all Canadian entities outside the public sector. Canada’s Accounting Standards Board serves the public interest by establishing standards for financial reporting by all Canadian private sector entities and by contributing to the development of internationally accepted financial reporting standards. Armand is also a BDO alumni, where he worked for 15 years as the National Accounting Standards Partner.
Auditors can provide value beyond the numbers through practical solutions and advice on governance and regulatory changes. In a special live episode, guest host Mary Mathews is joined by Anthony Marinelli, Assurance-East Leader and Chair of BDO Canada’s Board, in a discussion on how the role and expectations of auditors have evolved and how business leaders should select auditors. They also discuss the impact of ESG and how technology and AI are transforming audit practices.
Guest Information:
Anthony Marinelli, Partner, Assurance-East Leader and Board Member Chair
Anthony Marinelli is the East Leader of the Assurance practice and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. With over 20 years of professional experience, Anthony became Partner in 2014. With a Bachelor of Commerce, he obtained his Chartered Accountant designation in 2002.
Anthony has worked on mandates for public and private companies operating in several industries, namely real estate, technology, natural resources, manufacturing and consumer business, as well as not-for profit organizations. His clientele included First Nations communities and organizations. Anthony provided his clients with assurance services consisting of auditing, review engagements, special assurance reports and internal control procedures.
Having robust internal controls is necessary for accurate financial reporting. In this episode, host Anne-Marie Henson is joined by Michael Crolla, Partner and National Capital Markets & Public Company Services Leader, and John Asher, Partner and Risk Advisory Services Leader in Western Canada. Drawing from their experience, they discuss the current Canadian regulatory landscape for public companies, how strong governance affects audits, and the role that strong internal control environments play in financial reporting. Explore the challenges companies face when establishing internal controls, best practices for building an audit committee, and special governance considerations for companies planning to list. Plus, discover key insights for optimizing internal controls in an evolving business landscape.
Guest information:
Michael Crolla, Partner, National Capital Markets & Public Company Services Leader
Michael is a Partner in the Audit and Accounting department of BDO's Toronto office and leads the Capital Markets and Public Company Services Practice. He utilizes his industry expertise and applies a client-facing approach to assist clients with their business and operational needs. He is actively involved in providing advice and guidance to technology, telecommunications, and consumer business companies. Michael also has a strong background in going public transactions, complex revenue recognition, business combinations, foreign consolidation, debt/equity arrangements, and tax issues.
John Asher, Partner, West Region
John is a Partner in the Vancouver office who leads BDO's Risk Advisory Services Practice in Western Canada. He holds a broad range of experience in Technology, Public Sector, Not-For-Profit, Retail, and Real Estate. He is best known for his work in risk management, internal controls, and internal audit as well as accounting, finance, financial reporting, risk management, audit, governance, compliance, and cash management. He specializes in enterprise risk management (ERM), business process reviews, internal controls over financial report (ICFR), Sarbanes Oxley 404, service organization controls (SOC 1, 2, 3) assurance engagements, and IT audits.
Navigating the complexities of fraud prevention and detection in your organization is critical. In this episode, host Anne-Marie Henson is joined by Alan Mak, Partner and National Leader of BDO's Forensic Disputes & Investigations, and Mary Mathews, Partner in BDO's Accounting Advisory Group. Drawing from their expertise, they delve into the pervasive issue of fraud in today's financial landscape, discussing current trends, examples of fraudulent activities ranging from small-scale employee expense frauds to larger procurement frauds, and the psychological and societal implications of fraudulent behaviour. Discover key insights into the indicators of fraud in financial statements, the role of auditors in detecting fraud, and practical strategies for implementing effective controls to mitigate fraud risks.
Guest information:
Alan Mak, Partner and National Leader, Forensic Disputes & Investigation
Alan is a partner and National Forensics Practice Leader in BDO's Toronto office, with over 20 years of professional experience providing forensic and litigation accounting services.
Alan has conducted forensic and litigation accounting assignments for clients in a wide range of industries, including banking, insurance, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, food and beverage, and many others. He has successfully assisted a number of clients with fraud investigations, economic loss quantification, and accountants' standard of performance.
Mary Mathews, Partner, Accounting Advisory
Mary Mathews is a Partner in the Accounting Advisory practice and National Accounting Standards Group. She provides IFRS and US GAAP accounting advice to clients in technology, infrastructure, cannabis, and manufacturing, as well as financial institutions in Canada, the US, and the UK.
How can Canadian companies prepare to comply to Bill S-211? In this episode, host Anne-Marie Henson is joined by Pierre Taillefer, Partner and National Sustainability and ESG Leader at BDO Canada, in a discussion on the evolving landscape of ESG reporting and compliance. He sheds light on regulatory requirements in Canada, specifically, Bill S-211, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing compliance obligations regarding supply chain management and the mitigation of child labour and forced labour risks. The episode offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by organizations and provides practical strategies for navigating the complexities of reporting obligations.
Guest information:
Pierre Taillefer - National Sustainability and ESG Leader of BDO Canada
Pierre is BDO Canada's National Sustainability & ESG Leader and a member of the Senior Leadership Team. He possesses more thirty years of in-depth experience including seven years as an external auditor and over twenty-three years performing both sustainability, assurance, and risk-related advisory engagements, including corporate responsibility reporting, forestry chain of custody audits, carbon footprint and reduction engagements, as well as ERM, internal controls certifications, internal audits, and business process controls optimization reviews. In addition to being a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Auditor), Pierre holds the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designations.
Audit quality is a key issue for the interest and governance process of both auditors and companies. In today's episode, host Anne-Marie Henson, Partner, Eastern Canada & SMB Leader at BDO, welcomes BDO's Head of Global Audit Quality, Nazia Lakhani for a look at the importance of quality assurance, the challenging power of CSQM1, recent changes in assurance and quality standards and what the future of quality assurance holds.
Guest information
Nazia Lakhani, Head of Global Audit Quality
Nazia Lakhani is the Head of Global Audit Quality at BDO, and has nearly three decades of experience. Her specialties include the interpretation and implementation of assurance standards in Canada, the development of audit tools, and providing consultations to engagement teams on matters of assurance.
We hear a lot about the environmental and social aspects of ESG, but what about governance? Many companies have already implemented some ESG policies, but there may still be an overwhelming amount of work to be done. Today, host Armand Capisciolto, BDO's National Accounting Standards Partner and leader of accounting advisory services, is joined by current co-host and future host of the Accounting for the Future podcast, Anne-Marie Henson, BDO partner. Together they welcome Pierre Taillefer, BDO Canada's Sustainability Leader. He is responsible both for moving BDO Canada's internal ESG strategy forward as well as leading BDO's sustainability service offerings and has joined the podcast for a discussion about the ESG journey, what companies are already getting right, and how to advance their progress in the ESG journey.
Guest information
Pierre Taillefer - National Sustainability and ESG Leader of BDO Canada
Pierre is BDO Canada's National Sustainability & ESG Leader and a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
He possesses more thirty years of in-depth experience including seven years as an external auditor and over twenty-three years performing both sustainability, assurance, and risk-related advisory engagements, including corporate responsibility reporting, forestry chain of custody audits, carbon footprint and reduction engagements, as well as ERM, internal controls certifications, internal audits, and business process controls optimization reviews. In addition to being a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Auditor), Pierre holds the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designations.
Pierre is a control objectives and internal controls specialist. Over the last fifteen years, he has been involved as engagement partner and engagement manager in consulting and audit assignments in various sectors including Crown Corporations, financial institutions, telecommunications, transportation, and pharmaceuticals. Pierre has also acted as an expert witness on internal controls.
The speed of movement surrounding ESG changes is continually increasing and can't be ignored any longer. In today's episode, host Anne-Marie Henson, Partner, Eastern Canada & SMB Leader at BDO, is joined by Mary Mathews, Partner in BDO's Accounting Advisory Group, to discuss the rapid pace at which ESG standards are being implemented and the impact that it can have on companies. They then turn to the 2022 Accounting for the Future conversation between Anne-Marie, Armand Capisciolto, and Pierre Taillefer, BDO Canada's Sustainability Leader, who discuss all facets of the ESG journey, particularly the “G,” what companies are already getting right, and how they can advance their progress in the ESG journey.
Guest Information:
Mary Mathews, BDO Canada, Accounting Advisory Partner
Mary Mathews is a Partner in the Accounting Advisory practice and National Accounting Standards Group. She provides IFRS and US GAAP accounting advice to clients in technology, infrastructure, cannabis, and manufacturing, as well as financial institutions in Canada, the US, and the UK.
Pierre Taillefer, National Sustainability and ESG Leader of BDO Canada
Pierre is BDO Canada's National Sustainability & ESG Leader and a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
He possesses more thirty years of in-depth experience including seven years as an external auditor and over twenty-three years performing both sustainability, assurance, and risk-related advisory engagements, including corporate responsibility reporting, forestry chain of custody audits, carbon footprint and reduction engagements, as well as ERM, internal controls certifications, internal audits, and business process controls optimization reviews. In addition to being a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA Auditor), Pierre holds the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) designations.
Pierre is a control objectives and internal controls specialist. Over the last fifteen years, he has been involved as engagement partner and engagement manager in consulting and audit assignments in various sectors including Crown Corporations, financial institutions, telecommunications, transportation, and pharmaceuticals. Pierre has also acted as an expert witness on internal controls.
Climate risk management is a hot topic in boardrooms today. Organizations around the world are actively talking about climate change risk management and what that looks like in their governance structure, strategic plans and financial reporting.
In this episode of Accounting for the Future, host Armand Capisciolto, BDO's National Accounting Standards Partner and Accounting Advisory Services Leader, is joined by Kristyn Annis, a corporate commercial lawyer at BLG specializing in energy and climate change. Together they discuss director responsibility for climate risk management, regardless of mandatory climate risk disclosures, and the impact it can have on an organization - and the world.
Guest information
Kristyn Annis, BLG, Counsel
Kristyn is a corporate commercial lawyer specializing in energy and climate change. She works closely with clients to help them structure and build resilient energy and infrastructure businesses, and transition to a low-carbon future.
Kristyn's practice focuses on commercial matters and M&A, both generally and in the energy sector specifically. She has more than a decade of experience advising clients on all aspects of renewable energy development, transmission build-out, distributed energy resources and energy storage. She has worked at the top levels of government, advising both the Minister of Energy and the Premier of Ontario on energy, emissions trading, climate change, economic development and Indigenous affairs. Her policy experience in these areas provides value to her clients seeking to accelerate their energy transition, since government policy drives much of it and involves advocating on behalf of her clients with various levels of government.
Around the world, companies are working to achieve net-zero, and BDO is no different. But why is this an accounting issue? This week, we welcome Mary Mathews and Braham Moondi, both Partners in BDO's Accounting Advisory practice. Together, they discuss the role that accountants play in moving companies toward net-zero and best practices for approaching specific considerations along the way.
Guest information
Mary Mathews, BDO Canada, Accounting Advisory Partner
Mary Mathews is a Partner in the Accounting Advisory practice and National Accounting Standards Group. She provides IFRS and US GAAP accounting advice to clients in technology, infrastructure, cannabis, and manufacturing, as well as financial institutions in Canada, the US, and the UK.
With her dual role in Accounting Advisory and the National Accounting Standards Group, Mary has significant experience advising clients on complex accounting topics, both during transactions and implementation projects, driven by changes in accounting standards. She also leads pre- and post-deal reporting engagements such as the preparation of financial statements, GAAP conversions, and post-deal integration.
Braham Moondi, BDO Canada, Accounting Advisory Partner
Braham Moondi is a Partner in BDO's Toronto office and a member of the Accounting Advisory Services, Technology and Life Sciences, and Public Company groups. She has more than a decade of experience in public practice providing accounting and assurance services to large private and public companies in automotive/dealership, technology and media, leasing and financial services, and energy/utility industries.
Braham has significant IFRS and US GAAP consulting experience and has assisted clients with transitioning their financial statements to these frameworks. Additionally, she provides advisory services regarding the impacts of new and upcoming accounting standards.
Whenever you have down markets in a recessionary environment, you are likely to see an increase in litigation, particularly in the M&A space. What are the key moves that companies can make now to avoid surprises — and potential litigation — when preparing for M&A?
In this episode of Accounting for the Future, host Armand is joined by Robert Brush, Partner at Crawley MacKewen Brush LLP, specializing in corporate and securities litigation, and Michael Morrow, a BDO Partner specializing in Capital Markets and M&A. Together they discuss tactics for avoiding litigation in mergers and acquisitions.
Guest information
Robert Brush, Crawley MacKewn Brush LLP, Founding Partner
Robert is a founding partner of Crawley MacKewn Brush LLP, one of Canada's top corporate commercial and securities litigation firms. Robert is ranked nationally as a leader in the fields of corporate commercial and securities litigation. He is recognized by Lexpert as one of the Top 500 Lawyers in Canada and is featured in the Lexpert Special Edition on Canada's Leading Litigation Lawyers. He is also recognized as a leading corporate commercial and securities litigator by Best Lawyers in Canada.
Robert's wide-ranging commercial litigation practice includes disputes arising out of mergers and acquisitions, breach of contract suits, director and officer liability claims, oppression remedy matters, business tort claims, fraud and cyber-fraud investigations and claims, wrongful dismissal actions, and professional negligence suits. Robert's securities litigation practice includes class actions, proceedings before securities regulators, shareholder and corporate governance disputes, takeover bid litigation, negligence claims against investment advisors and dealers, cyber-fraud investigations and claims in the financial sector, and wrongful dismissal suits against investment firms.
Michael Morrow, BDO Canada, Managing Director, M&A and Capital Markets
Michael Morrow is a Partner and Managing Director in BDO's Toronto office, and is the National M&A and Capital Markets Leader, with over 15 years of professional experience providing mergers and acquisition (M&A), and capital raising services to private and publicly traded middle market companies in Canada.
Michael has successfully closed over one hundred transactions representing more than $2 billion in transaction value.
Michael is a member of BDO's Financial Services team, as well as the firm's Private Equity Initiative. He has also presented at several events focusing on business succession, M&A and capital raising.
With lingering uncertainty in a post-pandemic market and increases in both supply and demand, worldwide M&A opportunities have reached trillions of dollars. To highlight issues that companies are facing both before and after acquiring a business, host Armand Capisciolto is joined by two BDO advisors: Jamie Windle and Ziad Akkaoui. Together they discuss how some decisions made before a deal can cause the greatest hurdles after a deal closes.
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Jamie Windle, BDO Canada, Managing Director, M&A and Capital Markets
Jamie is a Partner and Managing Director in the M&A and Capital Markets team, based in BDO's Toronto office. He specializes in transaction support, buy-side and sell-side diligence assistance and deal advisory, and he has significant experience in identifying and resolving critical deal issues. Jamie provides transaction services in the Manufacturing, Information Technology, Distribution, Mining, Consumer Products and Business Services industries.
Ziad Akkaoui, BDO Canada, Partner, Risk Advisory Services
Ziad is a Partner in BDO's Risk Advisory practice based in Toronto and has over 16 years of experience providing advisory services to clients from coast-to-coast. He has successfully assisted a number of clients with corporate governance, risk management, and compliance monitoring. Ziad has participated in several consulting mandates working with publicly listed companies, large private companies, and the public sector in a range of industries including financial services, technology and life sciences, energy and natural resources, cannabis, and real estate.
Forward-thinking companies are working toward sustainability and increasing their focus on environment, social, and governance practices. Environmental and social issues are now business issues, but what is the impact of these efforts on financial reporting? In this episode, host Armand Capisciolto and his guest discuss the link between sustainability and financial reporting.
Guest information
Kyle Hulme, Chief Operating Officer, Pulis Investments
Kyle is a BDO Alumni, having worked as a Partner leading BDO's Strategy, Operations & Sustainability practice. With over 15 years of experience, Kyle lead a team of strategy, operations, and sustainability professionals who assisted clients with achieving their growth, performance, and sustainability ambitions. Delivering strategic business planning, operational transformations and ESG programs, Kyle worked across a wide variety of industries, focusing on private sector organizations.
Sustainability reporting is gaining momentum - and fast! Businesses that aren't already thinking about their ESG strategy are at risk of falling behind their competitors. To unravel some of the details regarding sustainability reporting around the world, in this two-part conversation we welcome BDO partners Andrew Buchanan, BDO Global's Head of IFRS and Corporate Reporting, and Christopher Tower, BDO USA's ESG Strategy and Services Leader. Together they address how sustainability reporting is impacting businesses in Canada, the USA, and Europe.
Guest information
Andrew Buchanan, BDO Global, Global Head of IFRS and Corporate Reporting
Christopher Tower, BDO USA, ESG Strategy and Services Leader
With compliance conversations heating up, sustainability reporting and options for meeting requirements continue to be top priorities for proactive businesses. This is the second part of our conversation with Andrew Buchanan, BDO's Global Head of IFRS and Corporate Reporting, and Christopher Tower, BDO USA's ESG Strategy and Services Leader. Together they explore key sustainability requirements proposed by the Canadian Securities Administrators, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.
Guest information
Andrew Buchanan, BDO Global, Global Head of IFRS and Corporate Reporting
Christopher Tower, BDO USA, ESG Strategy and Services Leader