{"id":13930,"date":"2026-01-22T15:30:47","date_gmt":"2026-01-22T20:30:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/general-public\/complaints-and-recourses\/reporting-the-conduct-of-a-cpa\/exemples-de-decisions-rendues-par-type-dinfraction\/"},"modified":"2026-02-18T14:08:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T19:08:37","slug":"examples-of-disciplinary-decisions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/general-public\/complaints-and-recourses\/reporting-the-conduct-of-a-cpa\/examples-of-disciplinary-decisions\/","title":{"rendered":"Examples of disciplinary decisions by type of offence"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>The real-life cases presented below are representative of situations that may be subject to disciplinary proceedings.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><section class=\"block-accordions-group accordion-container aligndefault wp-block-vortex-blocks-accordions-group\">\n  \n\n<div id=\"appropriation-of-funds\" class=\"accordion ac appdefonds\" data-open-by-default=\"false\">\n  <div class=\"accordion__accordion\">\n    <button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\">\n      \n      <p class=\"accordion__header__title\">          <strong>Appropriation of funds<\/strong>      <\/p>\n      <span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\">\n          <span class=\"plus\"><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\">\n      \n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 1 <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">English version coming soon<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>L\u2019ex-CPA a mis en place un stratag\u00e8me pour s&#8217;approprier des sommes appartenant \u00e0 sa cliente. Elle a fait de fausses d\u00e9clarations aux autorit\u00e9s fiscales et \u00e0 l&#8217;Ordre, a omis de maintenir \u00e0 jour ses comp\u00e9tences dans le domaine des missions de compilation et a entrav\u00e9 le travail du syndic. Elle avait des ant\u00e9c\u00e9dents disciplinaires.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">\u00c0 quelles obligations professionnelles cette d\u00e9cision fait-elle r\u00e9f\u00e9rence ?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>La mission premi\u00e8re d\u2019un ordre professionnel est d\u2019assurer la protection du public. En cons\u00e9quence, le permis d\u00e9livr\u00e9 par un ordre est un privil\u00e8ge accord\u00e9 \u00e0 des personnes qui s\u2019engagent \u00e0 respecter les plus hauts standards de comp\u00e9tence et d\u2019int\u00e9grit\u00e9.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00c0 ce sujet, consultez&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.ca\/en\/cpa-members\/deontologie\/general-duties\/integrity\/the-fundamental-principle-of-integrity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">L\u2019int\u00e9grit\u00e9, un principe cardinal<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Chef(s) d\u2019infraction<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>La plainte disciplinaire reproche \u00e0 l\u2019intim\u00e9e, alors qu\u2019elle \u00e9tait CPA auditrice, d\u2019avoir :&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>d\u00e9tourn\u00e9 et de s\u2019\u00eatre appropri\u00e9 des sommes appartenant \u00e0 sa cliente;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fait de fausses d\u00e9clarations aux autorit\u00e9s fiscales en lien avec son entreprise;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>fait une fausse d\u00e9claration dans sa d\u00e9claration annuelle obligatoire \u00e0 l\u2019Ordre, en indiquant \u00eatre une employ\u00e9e sans pouvoir de signature;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>omis de maintenir \u00e0 jour ses comp\u00e9tences dans le domaine des missions de compilation ;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>entrav\u00e9 le travail de la syndique adjointe par ses d\u00e9clarations mensong\u00e8res, la production de faux documents et la multiplication des d\u00e9lais et retards dans ses r\u00e9ponses.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">D\u00e9cision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>L\u2019intim\u00e9e a manqu\u00e9 d\u2019int\u00e9grit\u00e9 \u00e0 plusieurs \u00e9gards.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>Elle ne pouvait ignorer ses obligations d\u00e9ontologiques :&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Elle \u00e9tait CPA depuis 2010;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>En 2023, une premi\u00e8re plainte disciplinaire l\u2019a reconnue coupable d\u2019avoir \u00e9gar\u00e9 une somme de plus de 46 000 $ appartenant \u00e0 sa cliente, d\u2019avoir fabriqu\u00e9 ou falsifi\u00e9 des documents, d\u2019avoir omis d\u2019agir avec int\u00e9grit\u00e9 et d\u2019avoir entrav\u00e9 le travail de la syndique adjointe. Une radiation de 25 mois lui a alors \u00e9t\u00e9 impos\u00e9e.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dans cette instance, l\u2019intim\u00e9e s\u2019\u00e9tait engag\u00e9e \u00e0 ne plus accepter de mandats en lien avec les transactions ou la gestion de fonds.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elle faisait l\u2019objet d\u2019enqu\u00eates disciplinaires relativement \u00e0 2 autres soci\u00e9t\u00e9s;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>L\u2019intim\u00e9e a mis en place un stratag\u00e8me pour subtiliser des fonds \u00e0 sa cliente :&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Elle a requis les services d\u2019une assistante virtuelle r\u00e9mun\u00e9r\u00e9e par la cliente;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Elle a propos\u00e9 de payer l\u2019assistante virtuelle \u00e0 m\u00eame son compte PayPal, puis a inscrit de fausses op\u00e9rations dans les comptes de la cliente afin d\u2019obtenir en remboursement des montants plus \u00e9lev\u00e9s que les sommes qui lui \u00e9taient dues.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Les manquements sont r\u00e9p\u00e9t\u00e9s, s\u2019\u00e9tendant sur pr\u00e8s de 21 mois. La cliente a subi des pertes financi\u00e8res importantes et des dommages moraux.&nbsp;<br><br>L\u2019intim\u00e9e a aussi reconnu avoir fait de fausses d\u00e9clarations aux autorit\u00e9s fiscales concernant sa propre soci\u00e9t\u00e9 en inscrivant, dans ses d\u00e9clarations de revenus des soci\u00e9t\u00e9s, des chiffres d\u2019affaires sous-\u00e9valu\u00e9s, des honoraires d\u2019experts-conseils inexacts et des frais de consultants injustifi\u00e9s.&nbsp;<br><br>De plus, elle a remis \u00e0 la syndique adjointe des factures falsifi\u00e9es pour justifier ses fausses d\u00e9clarations aux autorit\u00e9s.&nbsp;<br><br>L\u2019intim\u00e9e s\u2019est sciemment associ\u00e9e \u00e0 des donn\u00e9es erron\u00e9es. Il s\u2019agit d\u2019une r\u00e9cidive, puisqu\u2019elle avait d\u00e9j\u00e0 \u00e9t\u00e9 sanctionn\u00e9e par le conseil de discipline pour des manquements similaires.&nbsp; &nbsp;<br><br>En outre, l\u2019intim\u00e9e a inscrit des renseignements inexacts dans sa d\u00e9claration annuelle obligatoire \u00e0 l\u2019Ordre, ce qui avait une incidence sur l\u2019assurance responsabilit\u00e9 professionnelle qu\u2019elle devait payer. Elle a fait l\u2019objet d\u2019une radiation administrative \u00e0 la suite de son d\u00e9faut de corriger la situation lorsque l\u2019Ordre lui a demand\u00e9 de le faire. Cela r\u00e9v\u00e8le une insouciance et une incurie de sa part.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>Les agissements mensongers, intentionnels et frauduleux de l\u2019intim\u00e9e mettent en p\u00e9ril la protection du public.&nbsp;<br><br>Le risque de r\u00e9cidive est tr\u00e8s \u00e9lev\u00e9, l\u2019intim\u00e9e ayant commis les gestes qui lui sont reproch\u00e9s alors qu\u2019elle \u00e9tait d\u00e9j\u00e0 impliqu\u00e9e dans un processus disciplinaire pour des faits de m\u00eame nature. Toutefois, ce risque est consid\u00e9rablement r\u00e9duit du fait que l\u2019intim\u00e9e renonce \u00e0 redevenir membre de l\u2019Ordre et \u00e0 exercer des actes r\u00e9serv\u00e9s \u00e0 la profession.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br><br>&nbsp;L\u2019intim\u00e9e est d\u00e9clar\u00e9e coupable de tous les chefs d\u2019infraction, soit d\u2019avoir enfreint les articles :&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>6, 23, 34 et 61 du Code de d\u00e9ontologie des CPA* en vigueur au moment des faits&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>114 du Code des professions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Son permis d\u2019exercice est r\u00e9voqu\u00e9 : elle ne pourra plus jamais \u00eatre CPA.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">* Ces dispositions correspondent aux articles&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/fr\/document\/rc\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?&amp;cible=#se:18\" target=\"_blank\">18<\/a>,&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/fr\/document\/rc\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?&amp;cible=#se:24\" target=\"_blank\">24<\/a>,&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/fr\/document\/rc\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?&amp;cible=#se:26\" target=\"_blank\">26<\/a>,&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/fr\/document\/rc\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?&amp;cible=#se:78\" target=\"_blank\">78<\/a>&nbsp;et&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/fr\/document\/rc\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?&amp;cible=#se:79\" target=\"_blank\">79<\/a>&nbsp;du Code de d\u00e9ontologie en vigueur depuis le 9 mai 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Motifs pris en compte dans l\u2019imposition de la sanction<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facteurs aggravants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Ant\u00e9c\u00e9dents disciplinaires de l\u2019intim\u00e9e<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Teneur du stratag\u00e8me \u00e9labor\u00e9 pour d\u00e9tourner les fonds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>D\u00e9faut de l\u2019intim\u00e9e de respecter son engagement \u00e0 ne plus transiger avec de l\u2019argent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Radiation administrative et radiations disciplinaires pr\u00e9c\u00e9demment impos\u00e9es<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facteur att\u00e9nuant<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plaidoyer de culpabilit\u00e9<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/citoyens.soquij.qc.ca\/php\/decision.php?ID=EF3EAD2CFFD3F054EA75559F6E4D677B\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Consulter le texte int\u00e9gral de la d\u00e9cision sur culpabilit\u00e9 et sur sanction<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While she was a CPA, the respondent, who acted as an investments associate, forged the signature of her client, who is a family member, to divert $150,000 to herself and her spouse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The primary mission of a professional order is to ensure the protection of the public. Accordingly, the permit issued by an order is a privilege granted to persons who undertake to uphold the highest standards of competence and integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/the-fundamental-principle-of-integrity\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"13953\">L\u2019int\u00e9grit\u00e9, un principe cardinal<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The forgery of a client&#8217;s signature shows a lack of integrity, which is an essential characteristic for the practice of the profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The respondent is no longer a CPA, but she was at the time the offence was committed even though she was acting as an investments associate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The respondent&#8217;s behaviour tarnishes the entire profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conviction on the sole count of the complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was struck off the roll for six months and fined $5,000 for violating section 23* of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;(in force until May 8, 2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">*&nbsp;This section corresponds to&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:24\" target=\"_blank\">section 24<\/a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants&nbsp;<\/em>in effect since May 9, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aggravating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Offence at the heart of the practice of the profession<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal benefits derived by the CPA from the offence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mitigating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA with four years of experience at the time of the facts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guilty plea at earliest opportunity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consequences already suffered (loss of employment)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amounts of money reimbursed to client<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of disciplinary record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Isolated act<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of intention to re-enter the roll of the Order<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low risk of re-offending<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/citoyens.soquij.qc.ca\/php\/decision.php?ID=99D913FB0CFE0A0CEDFDA1CE6BE09681\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on conviction and on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA, a chief accountant in charge of payroll, diverted $2,000 belonging to his employer to his own account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The primary mission of a professional order is to ensure the protection of the public. Accordingly, the permit issued by an order is a privilege granted to persons who undertake to uphold the highest standards of competence and integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/the-fundamental-principle-of-integrity\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"13953\">L\u2019int\u00e9grit\u00e9, un principe cardinal<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Charge(s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA lacked integrity by misappropriating $2,000 belonging to his employer when preparing the payroll.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The testimony of the employer&#8217;s vice-president and manager is credible and reliable, and their version of the facts is corroborated by overwhelming evidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fact that a CPA diverted amounts of money belonging to his employer for his own profit and without authorization while he was acting as the comptroller constitutes a lack of integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is one of the most serious faults a CPA can commit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA betrayed the trust of his employer and his colleagues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fact that he used a scheme to try to hide the misappropriation shows that he understood the full extent of his actions<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conviction on the sole count of the complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was struck off the roll for 10 months for violating section 23 of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">* This section corresponds to&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:24\" target=\"_blank\">section 24<\/a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants&nbsp;<\/em>in effect since May 9, 2024<em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Aggravating factors<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA with five years of experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offence at the heart of the practice of the profession<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Premeditation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Risk of re-offending<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Facteurs att\u00e9nuants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lack of disciplinary record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Isolated act<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reimbursement of the misappropriated amount<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe9cc265 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/k9LKm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on conviction<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/a2Y8A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 4<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA, who was struggling with a gambling addiction, misappropriated close to one million dollars for his own benefit while he was the CFO of a publicly traded company. In doing so, he acted dishonestly and demonstrated a blatant lack of integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The trust the public and clients place in CPAs must be absolute.<br><br>Integrity, which is central to the practice of the profession, constitutes a fundamental principle that must guide CPAs in everything they do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/the-fundamental-principle-of-integrity\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"13953\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">L&#8217;int\u00e9grit\u00e9, un principe cardinal<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Charge(s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA&nbsp;misappropriated about $978,600 for his own benefit, while he held a position of trust and high responsibility as CFO of a company.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having a CPA as the CFO of a publicly traded company should be a guarantee of security for the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case, the CPA committed an incredibly serious breach by misappropriating funds for his benefit. He failed to act with integrity and objectivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Misappropriating the money for his benefit constitutes one of the most serious offences a CPA could commit. In doing so, he infringed on the fundamental values of the profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than proving himself worthy of his responsibilities, the CPA used his strategic, hierarchical position to abuse the trust of a third party and misappropriate the funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA personally benefitted from the amounts misappropriated and used them in sports betting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He claimed that he has been taking part in this type of gambling for the past 10 or 15 years and that his addiction had gotten worse over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is essential to send a clear message that the misappropriation of funds by a CPA will not be tolerated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Convicted of the only count of the complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was permanently struck for violating section 23* of the Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants (in effect until May 8, 2024).&nbsp;Unlike the revocation of the right to practise, the imposition of a permanent striking off allows the CPA to apply for reinstatement to the roll through a petition to the Disciplinary Council. Such a period of striking off is sufficiently dissuasive to address the risk of reoffending posed by the CPA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">*&nbsp;Section 23 of the former code corresponds to&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:24\" target=\"_blank\">section 24<\/a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants&nbsp;<\/em>in effect since May 9, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aggravating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA with 14 years of experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scale of the amount at issue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA\u2019s strategic and hierarchical position<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breach of trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consequences of the offence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Infringement of the fundamental values of the profession<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repeated breaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Duration of offence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not an isolated act<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Premeditation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal advantage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mitigating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Guilty plea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Admission of facts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sincerely remorseful<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apologies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No disciplinary record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Introspection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA\u2019s state of health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gambling addiction<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Therapy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partial reimbursement of amount misappropriated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Undertaking to reimburse full amount misappropriated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cooperation offered&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe9cc265 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/citoyens.soquij.qc.ca\/php\/decision.php?ID=21A595998DEF57B4F825903BAEF28D63\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on conviction<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/citoyens.soquij.qc.ca\/php\/decision.php?ID=63897024D1923FEF61732C9E068B80CC\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"professional-misconduct\" class=\"accordion ac\" data-open-by-default=\"false\">\n  <div class=\"accordion__accordion\">\n    <button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\">\n      \n      <p class=\"accordion__header__title\">          <strong>Professional Misconduct<\/strong>      <\/p>\n      <span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\">\n          <span class=\"plus\"><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\">\n      \n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While he was the acting auditor general of a city, the CPA made degrading remarks and behaved aggressively towards colleagues and his employer. He also tried to circumvent a harassment investigation process and disclosed confidential information to the media.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CPAs are required to act with honour, dignity, respect, and courtesy, so as not to damage the reputation of and the public&#8217;s trust in the profession. Making denigrating remarks or subjective comments about a colleague and not about their work is considered unacceptable behaviour. Professionals must foster a healthy working environment by acting courteously, respectfully, and professionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.ca\/fr\/membres-cpa\/deontologie\/devoirs-generaux\/conduite\/que-signifie-agir-avec-honneur-dignite-respect-et-courtoisie\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Que signifie agir avec honneur, dignit\u00e9, respect et courtoisie ?<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CPAs often have access to highly confidential, sensitive information, including personal information; CPAs must protect this information and use it only for the purposes intended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.ca\/fr\/membres-cpa\/deontologie\/devoirs-generaux\/confidentialite-et-secret-professionnel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Confidentialit\u00e9 et secret professionnel<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Charge(s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA:<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Was disrespectful, aggressive, and brusque towards his assistant, made degrading remarks about her, and damaged her reputation by publicly denigrating her.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Was unprofessional by:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>damaging the reputation of other members of the Order and denigrating their competence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>using disrespectful nicknames<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>making inappropriate and misogynistic statements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>disclosing sensitive or confidential information<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spoke to the media in an unreasonable manner several times<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tried to circumvent the harassment investigation process in which he was involved<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hindered the work of the assistant syndic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acted in an undignified and disrespectful manner towards SPCA employees and used his professional reputation to circumvent pet adoption policies or obtain personal favours<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The respondent\u2019s conduct damaged the image of the profession and the public&#8217;s trust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Probity and integrity are fundamental values of the CPA profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A professional&#8217;s right to freedom of expression is not absolute, and their statements must be assessed against the reasonable expectations of the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA made contemptuous or hurtful statements about women that cannot be justified under any circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA did not use lawful means to argue his case following the psychological harassment complaint filed against him and tried to put an end to this investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA&#8217;s answers to the assistant syndic&#8217;s questions could have been more specific and better structured; nonetheless, he did not hinder her investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conviction on 10 of the 13 counts of the disciplinary complaint (acquittal on the counts of obstruction and having behaved in an undignified and disrespectful manner towards SPCA employees and having used his professional reputation to circumvent pet adoption policies or obtain personal favours).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was struck off the roll for concurrent two-year periods, fined a total of $22,500, and reprimanded for violating sections 5, 23, 48, and 67* of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">*&nbsp;These sections correspond to sections&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:4\" target=\"_blank\">4<\/a>,&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:24\" target=\"_blank\">24<\/a>,&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:39\" target=\"_blank\">39<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:86\" target=\"_blank\">86<\/a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;in effect since May 9, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Aggravating factors<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA with several years of experience (close to 30 years)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Risk of re-offending<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of introspection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of remorse<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Mitigating factors<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lack of disciplinary record<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe9cc265 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/i9RWr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on conviction<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/Xy8s3\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Application to dismiss appeal granted; appeal from the conviction and the penalty dismissed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/Wi93A\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the decision rendered by the Professions Tribunal<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA committed several breaches when carrying out a mandate entrusted to him by a company. He did not display reasonable availability and diligence by failing to produce certain reports. He also lacked integrity by giving false information to his client and failed to keep its accounting and bookkeeping records.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Integrity is central to the practice of the profession. The credibility and value of the CPA designation rest largely on this fundamental principle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.ca\/fr\/membres-cpa\/deontologie\/devoirs-generaux\/integrite\/lintegrite-un-principe-cardinal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">L&#8217;int\u00e9grit\u00e9, un principe cardinal<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Displaying reasonable availability and diligence is an essential element for building and maintaining client trust. Diligence includes being responsible for respecting deadlines while doing thorough work, whereas being available means having time to devote to one\u2019s client and being accessible. If a CPA has already begun the work and realizes that the deadlines won\u2019t be met, that CPA must notify the client as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.ca\/fr\/membres-cpa\/deontologie\/devoirs-generaux\/integrite\/lintegrite-un-principe-cardinal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.ca\/fr\/membres-cpa\/deontologie\/devoirs-envers-le-client\/dispositions-generales\/diligence-et-disponibilite\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Disponibilit\u00e9 et diligence<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Charge(s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>prepared and produced reports and GST and QST returns when he must have known these contained incorrect information;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>failed to discharge his professional obligations with integrity by informing his client that the steps needed to obtain financing were moving forward, when in fact they were not.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>failed to keep his client\u2019s accounting and bookkeeping records, including the access key to the QuickBooks software;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>failed to display reasonable availability and diligence by:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>neglecting to file GST and QST reports;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>failing to carry out all the steps required to obtain financing when his client had asked him to do so;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>forgetting to hand over to his client or its new CPA the access key to its accounting in QuickBooks or any other document extracted from this software;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>neglecting to reply to a request from his client\u2019s new CPA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When CPAs accept a mandate, they must be available and ensure that they can carry it out it in its entirety and in a timely manner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case, by preparing and producing tax reports where he entered \u201c0\u201d for the amount of sales for several months, the CPA had to know that these amounts were incorrect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By lying to his client about the actual progress of his steps to obtain financing, the CPA displayed a lack of integrity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The client suffered financial losses as a result of the CPA\u2019s behaviour:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>penalties were imposed on it for failing to file its GST and QST reports;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>it had to pay a new CPA to redo its bookkeeping;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>it had to restart its financing application process.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, the CPA was detrimental to the continuity of his client\u2019s accounting services by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>forgetting to hand over the access key for the QuickBooks software;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>failing to reply to his colleague\u2019s request<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Convicted of the 7 counts of the complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was struck for concurrent periods of one month and was reprimanded for violating section 50 of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>* (in effect until May 8, 2024). He was fined $2,500 and $3,500 for violating sections 34 and 23 of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;(former). The CPA was temporarily struck for a concurrent period of one month for violating section 8 of the&nbsp;<em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%2029\" target=\"_blank\">R\u00e8glement sur la tenue des dossiers et des cabinets de consultation et sur la cessation d\u2019exercice d\u2019un membre de l\u2019Ordre des comptables professionnels agr\u00e9\u00e9s du Qu\u00e9bec<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">* Sections 50, 34 and 23 of the former code correspond respectively to sections\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:44\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">44<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:26\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">26<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:24\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">24<\/a>\u00a0of the\u00a0<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>\u00a0in effect since May 9, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aggravating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CPA with over 15 years of experience<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mitigating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No disciplinary record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guilty plea at earliest opportunity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acknowledgement of wrongdoing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional\u2019s state of health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Measures taken to prevent re-offending<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/c8SEe\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on conviction and on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"lack-of-competence\" class=\"accordion ac\" data-open-by-default=\"false\">\n  <div class=\"accordion__accordion\">\n    <button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\">\n      \n      <p class=\"accordion__header__title\">          Lack of Competence      <\/p>\n      <span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\">\n          <span class=\"plus\"><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\">\n      \n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In performing a review engagement of a company\u2019s financial statements, the CPA did not comply with the applicable standards and signed a report complacently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The practice of the profession is intended to be a token of trust both for clients and for those individuals to whom the opinions, assurance levels, attestations, certifications, and professional audits prepared by CPAs are destined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.ca\/fr\/membres-cpa\/deontologie\/devoirs-generaux\/competence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Devoirs g\u00e9n\u00e9raux &#8211; Comp\u00e9tence<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Charge(s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Failed to act with due care when performing a review engagement of financial statements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Signed a financial statement review engagement report complacently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prepared or altered documents before responding to the assistant syndic&#8217;s requests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Failed to respond to a client&#8217;s requests<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ceased to act on behalf of a client without giving the client reasonable advance notice of withdrawal and without making sure that the client could still file its income tax returns before the deadline<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hindered the work of the assistant syndic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA produced or altered documents before responding to the assistant syndic&#8217;s requests to obtain a full copy of his work file concerning the review engagement report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA failed to respond to the requests of his client, who wanted to obtain its income tax returns. He also ceased to act on the behalf of the company without giving it reasonable advance notice of withdrawal and without making sure that it could still file its income tax returns before the deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA hindered the work of the assistant syndic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conviction on five counts of the complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was struck off the roll for a 12-month period for violating sections 19, 34, and 50* of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;and section 114 of the&nbsp;<em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/fr\/document\/rc\/C-48.1,%20r.%206\" target=\"_blank\">Professional Code<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">* These sections correspond to sections&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:17\" target=\"_blank\">17<\/a>,&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:26\" target=\"_blank\">26<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:44\" target=\"_blank\">44<\/a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;in effect since May 9, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Aggravating factors<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA with 30 years of experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Age of the professional<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Number of clients involved<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Mitigating factors<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lack of disciplinary record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guilty plea at earliest opportunity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Undertaking given by the professional to permanently relinquish his auditor&#8217;s license<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/j4E7T\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on conviction and on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the assessment of the value of the shares of a company, the CPA did not comply with the applicable business valuation standards. Simply writing [translation] \u201cdraft\u201d and [translation] \u201cconfidential\u201d on the document provided to the client is not a valid defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CPAs must act with competence and due care in the performance of mandates involving the preparation of income tax returns, business valuation, or any other mandate entrusted to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.ca\/fr\/membres-cpa\/deontologie\/devoirs-generaux\/competence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Devoirs g\u00e9n\u00e9raux &#8211; Comp\u00e9tence<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Charge(s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA failed to act in accordance with applicable professional business valuation standards.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In business valuation matters, the standards of The Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators apply to CPAs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fact that the respondent CPA does not consider himself a valuator and says that he does not perform valuation mandates is not a valid defence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, simply writing [translation] \u201cdraft\u201d and [translation] \u201cconfidential\u201d on the document provided to the client is not sufficient to depart from the minimal standard requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conviction on the sole count of the complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was struck off the roll for 45 days, and a permanent restriction on business valuation assignments was imposed on him for violating section 19* of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">* This section correspond to&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:17\" target=\"_blank\">section 17<\/a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;in effect since May 9, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Aggravating factors<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA with 28 years of experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Mitigating factors<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lack of disciplinary record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Isolated act<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Due to the restriction on the right to practice, prohibiting CPA from taking business valuation mandates until he has successfully completed training to master business valuation standards, the risk of re-offending is very low<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe9cc265 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/Wn54R\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on conviction<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/y8WKb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA, who had been given a compilation engagement by a management company with several million dollars in assets, including U.S. currency, prepared his client\u2019s tax returns using the financial information provided, without personally verifying it. As a result, there were several irregularities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clients and the general public expect CPAs to be competent and offer quality services that meet the standards of the profession, good practices, and the applicable laws and standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.ca\/fr\/membres-cpa\/deontologie\/devoirs-generaux\/competence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Devoirs g\u00e9n\u00e9raux &#8211; Comp\u00e9tence<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Charge(s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA&nbsp;failed to carry out his mandate with due care, in accordance with applicable standards and current accounting information when preparing a company\u2019s federal and provincial income tax returns.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The breaches committed by the CPA openly concern compliance with good practices in tax matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In particular, the CPA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>applied compilation engagement accounting rules when preparing income tax returns whereas such rules do not exist in tax;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>failed to validate the exchange rate used for acquisitions and dispositions of assets in foreign currencies;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>abdicated his audit obligations by relying solely on information provided by his client\u2019s bookkeeper<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The client, who had to redo its tax returns for the fiscal year in question, obtained a tax refund of about $60,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The offence is serious and is central to the practice of the profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The public has the right to expect high quality services from a CPA and must be able to fully trust that CPA without having any doubts about their competence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA\u2019s behaviour undermines the public trust in members of the profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Convicted of the only count of the complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was struck for one month for violating section 19* of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;(in force until May 8, 2024).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">* Section 19 of the former code corresponds to&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:17\" target=\"_blank\">section 17<\/a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;in effect since May 9, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aggravating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA with 40 years of experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA blindly accepted information provided by the company\u2019s bookkeeper<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA failed to use the appropriate form for a tax return and perform adequate verifications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mitigating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No disciplinary record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acknowledgement of wrongdoing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guilty plea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA offered to redo the work at his own cost<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Isolated act<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaboration offered<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Low risk of re-offending.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/Rn3j5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on conviction and on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"breach-of-professional-secrecy\" class=\"accordion ac nonrespectsecretprof\" data-open-by-default=\"false\">\n  <div class=\"accordion__accordion\">\n    <button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\">\n      \n      <p class=\"accordion__header__title\">          <strong>Breach of professional secrecy<\/strong>      <\/p>\n      <span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\">\n          <span class=\"plus\"><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\">\n      \n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA sent his clients&#8217; income tax returns to a third-party email address and did not use a secure document transfer mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CPAs must protect their clients&#8217; highly confidential, sensitive information to which they have access and use it only for the purposes intended. They must also ensure that persons reporting to them comply with and protect the confidential nature of all information received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The scope of professional secrecy extends to all exchanges, regardless of their medium or form: advice that CPAs provide to their clients, telephone conversations, text messages, emails, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.ca\/fr\/membres-cpa\/deontologie\/devoirs-generaux\/confidentialite-et-secret-professionnel\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Confidentialit\u00e9 et secret professionnel<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Charge(s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Failed to comply with his professional secrecy obligations;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Failed to exercise reasonable diligence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a professional, the CPA is subject to a mandatory obligation of professional secrecy towards his client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The protection of the public was compromised by the CPA&#8217;s conduct in that confidential information gathered in connection with the practice of his profession ended up in the hands of third parties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA did not take the necessary steps to ensure the non-use and destruction of the information sent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an anxiety-provoking situation for clients who fear identity theft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although the CPA should have corrected the situation, he was not diligent after sending the emails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, the CPA failed to exercise diligence by allowing his clients&#8217; income tax returns to be sent to both levels of the government tax authorities without first obtaining their written authorization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conviction on the three counts of the complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was struck off the roll for concurrent one-month periods and fined $3,000 for violating sections 48 and 50* of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">*&nbsp;These sections correspond to sections&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:39\" target=\"_blank\">39<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:44\" target=\"_blank\">44<\/a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;in effect since May 9, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Aggravating factors<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recent publications issued by the Order as a reminder of the measures needed to deal with confidential information in a secure manner<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional secrecy is at the heart of the practice of the profession<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA with several years of experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Mitigating factors<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Guilty plea at earliest opportunity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lack of disciplinary record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Isolated act<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sincere remorse<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Steps taken to ensure that the situation does not happen again, while ensuring that documents sent to clients will now be password-protected<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Low risk of re-offending<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/s4YJk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on conviction and on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"lack-of-integrity\" class=\"accordion ac manqueintegrite\" data-open-by-default=\"false\">\n  <div class=\"accordion__accordion\">\n    <button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\">\n      \n      <p class=\"accordion__header__title\">          <strong>Lack of Integrity<\/strong>      <\/p>\n      <span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\">\n          <span class=\"plus\"><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\">\n      \n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA, who was the subject of 2 judgments rendered by a Canadian court that convicted him of a criminal offence relating to the practice of the profession, has been imposed a disciplinary penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Certain behaviour or situations are contrary to the honour and dignity of the profession because they violate the fundamental qualities the public expects from a CPA.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Charge(s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA was, on 2 occasions, the subject of a judgment by a Canadian court convicting him of a criminal offence relating to the practice of the profession, that is, of having operated a motor vehicle while prohibited from doing so.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Canadian court rendered 2 judgments in which it convicted the CPA of a criminal offence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>he was twice convicted, once in 2019 and then in 2021, for having operated a motor vehicle while prohibited from doing so;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>following these convictions, he was fined $1,000 and sentenced to 30 days\u2019 imprisonment to be served intermittently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To determine whether there is a link between the commission of the criminal offence and the practice of the profession, the fundamental qualities required to practice the profession of CPA must be taken into consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this case, the professional\u2019s attitude runs directly counter to the fundamental qualities of integrity, honesty, and probity expected from a CPA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is a link between the 2 judgments and the practice of the profession. Not only are the offences objectively serious, but recidivism occurred. It is therefore appropriate to penalize the CPA, as admitted by the parties, who made a joint recommendation in this regard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was struck for a period of 2 months under section 149.1 of the&nbsp;<em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/fr\/document\/rc\/C-48.1,%20r.%206\" target=\"_blank\">Professional Code<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA with close to 6 years of experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No disciplinary record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Admission of the link between the criminal offences and the practice of the profession<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consequences already suffered by the CPA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaboration offered<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/y9RCm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While he was a senior director of operations and finance, the CPA was complacent in producing documents for his employer that failed to take into account some of the employer\u2019s significant claims.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CPAs may not, under any pretext, prepare, produce or sign anything containing false or misleading information, nor associate themselves with this information, even when not practising their profession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The practice of the profession is intended to be a token of trust both for clients and for those individuals to whom the opinions, assurance levels, attestations, certifications, and professional audits prepared by CPAs are destined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.ca\/fr\/membres-cpa\/deontologie\/devoirs-generaux\/integrite\/en-resume-c-ayez-les-bon-reflexes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">General duties &#8211; Integrity (in French)<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Charge(s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA&nbsp;produced quarterly reports and signed attestation letters when he knew or should have known that these documents contained false or misleading information.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The employer\u2019s internal investigation revealed that the CPA failed to declare significant accounting information to the employer concerning its claims, in particular, one debt it was owed of over $1.6 million.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The requirements listed in section 34* of the Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants (in effect until May 8, 2024) are fundamental because they are measures that promote the quality of the professional service rendered and the protection of the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Violating this section is objectively serious because it creates doubt in the mind of the public regarding the thoroughness applied by CPAs when practising their activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clients, employers, or the public who read a report and letter of attestation signed by a CPA are entitled to rely on the financial information contained in these documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Professional employees performing their activities within a business have obligations towards their employer, who is also \u201ctheir client\u201d. In this case, the CPA held a management position. This particular status raises the expectations of trust where this CPA is concerned. He was therefore required to declare any claims exceeding a certain amount, which he failed to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA\u2019s employer was led to assume that the CPA would:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>not take advantage of its trust when performing his duties;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>act in a manner to protect the interests of the company that hired him.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Convicted on the 8 counts of the complaint.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, the CPA was detrimental to the continuity of his client\u2019s accounting services by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>forgetting to hand over the access key for the Quickbooks software;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>failing to reply to his colleague\u2019s request<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Convicted on the 8 counts of the complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was struck for a period of 3 months for violating section 34 of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;(former).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">* Section 34 of the former code corresponds to&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:26\" target=\"_blank\">section 26<\/a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;in effect since May 9, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aggravating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA with about 14 years of experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA held a position of trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conduct tarnishing the profession as a whole<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Injury to the image and reputation of the profession<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Repetition of the offence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Duration of the offence<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mitigating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No disciplinary record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guilty plea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>No advantage to the professional<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consequences already suffered by the CPA (termination)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Moderate risk of re-offending.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/Ry96E\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on conviction and on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA lacked integrity by requesting an advance payment of fees in connection with a training course he had committed to offering, without ever providing this service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CPAs may not, under any pretext, prepare, produce or sign anything containing false or misleading information, nor associate themselves with this information, even when not practising their profession. This obligation applies to all types of documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on this topic, please refer to&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/cpaquebec.ca\/fr\/membres-cpa\/deontologie\/devoirs-generaux\/integrite\/votre-titre-de-cpa-c-un-gage-de-credibilite-pour-linformation-a-laquelle-vous-vous-associez\/\" target=\"_blank\">Votre titre de CPA : un gage de cr\u00e9dibilit\u00e9 pour l\u2019information \u00e0 laquelle vous vous associez<\/a>&nbsp;(in French only).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Charge(s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA&nbsp;sent invoices that he knew were false since the professional services indicated on these invoices had not yet been rendered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA produced, in his client\u2019s name, invoices for professional services that he never rendered and deposited the payment made by D\u00e9veloppement \u00e9conomique de l\u2019agglom\u00e9ration de Longueuil (DEL).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA explained that he acted this way to allow his client to benefit from the assistance fund offered by the DEL during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of a service supporting the businesses of this agglomeration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The fact remains that a CPA issuing false invoices violates his duty of probity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As recalled by the case law, the practice of the profession is intended to be a token of trust both for clients and for those individuals to whom the opinions, assurance levels, attestations, certifications, and professional audits prepared by CPAs are destined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The public has a right to expect high standards of integrity and probity when dealing with CPAs to ensure the protection of their patrimonial interests and the legitimate conduct of their business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Convicted on the 2 counts of the complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was struck for a period of 30 days for violating section 34* of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;(in force until May 8, 2024). The CPA\u2019s request to be struck at a date of his choosing is dismissed: no particular circumstance justifies straying from this general rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">* Section 34 of the former code corresponds to&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:26\" target=\"_blank\">section 26<\/a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;in effect since May 9, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aggravating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA with close to 26 years of experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA who previously acted as assistant syndic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA reimbursed the amount in question only after the complaint was filed<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Mitigating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>No disciplinary record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guilty plea<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA\u2019s state of health<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA\u2019s personal situation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only one client involved in offence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sincerely remorseful<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Low risk of re-offending.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/b6H5Z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on conviction and on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"duty-of-objectivity-conflict-of-interest\" class=\"accordion ac confdinterets\" data-open-by-default=\"false\">\n  <div class=\"accordion__accordion\">\n    <button class=\"accordion__header-row accordion-toggle ac-header ac-trigger\">\n      \n      <p class=\"accordion__header__title\">          <strong>Duty of objectivity &#8211; Conflict of Interest<\/strong>      <\/p>\n      <span class=\"accordion__header__icon\" role=\"presentation\">\n          <span class=\"plus\"><\/span>\n      <\/span>\n    <\/button>\n    <div class=\"accordion__sub-rows wysiwyg ac-panel\">\n      \n\n<p class=\"is-style-large-intro\">Case 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While he was the spouse of the general manager of his client, a private seniors&#8217; residence, the CPA placed himself in a conflict of interest situation, and his integrity and objectivity were compromised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">What professional obligations does this decision refer to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The conflict of interest is a threat to CPAs\u2019 objectivity because it could influence their professional judgment. It involves a situation where CPAs risk not acting in the client&#8217;s interest, in particular due to self-interest or the interest of a person to whom they are related (e.g., a friend or family member).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Charge(s)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The disciplinary complaint alleges that the CPA:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Placed himself in a conflict of interest situation and in a position where his integrity and objectivity were compromised by:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Having his spouse approve his statements of fees for professional services rendered that exceeded the scope of his mandate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Selling an item of movable property to his client at a price higher than what he had paid<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Failing to inform his client&#8217;s board of directors that his spouse had used company funds for personal reasons and that she had given herself a salary increase that was not included in the budgets<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hindered the work of the syndic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The obligation to act with integrity, honesty, and probity is an essential ethical obligation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When a CPA is asked to prepare and sign various corporate documents, his signature certifies the information set out in those documents, which is then used by the public and public bodies to assess the financial situation of a company. These actions must therefore be beyond reproach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA acted with wilful blindness for several years while his spouse gave herself salary increases and bonuses so she could buy things for the couple and pay for major renovation work to their principal residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a CPA, he had an obligation to denounce these unlawful acts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, he misled the syndic by false statements and concealment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Conviction on the seven counts of the complaint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CPA was struck off the roll for a three-year period for violating section 23* of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants<\/em>&nbsp;and section 114 of the&nbsp;<em><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/fr\/document\/lc\/C-26\" target=\"_blank\">Professional Code<\/a><\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-title-prefix\">*&nbsp;Section 23 corresponds to&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legisquebec.gouv.qc.ca\/en\/document\/cr\/C-48.1,%20r.%206.1?langCont=en#se:24\" target=\"_blank\">section 24<\/a>&nbsp;of the&nbsp;<em>Code of ethics of chartered professional accountants&nbsp;<\/em>in effect<em><\/em>since May 9, 2024.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-marble-background-color has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"is-style-intro\">Reasons considered in imposing the penalty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Aggravating factors<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>CPA with over 50 years of experience who worked for 2 large firms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Former president of the Order<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Breach of trust<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Client who was the victim of these offences was housing vulnerable individuals<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CPA personally benefitted from the situation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Not isolated acts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Duration of offence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Mitigating factors<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lack of disciplinary record<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guilty plea<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>In their joint recommendation, the parties took into account the fact that the professional has been subject to a provisional restriction of his right to practise the profession for more than a year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-text-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/t.soquij.ca\/k8C5Z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See the full text of the decision on conviction and on penalty<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The real-life cases presented below are representative of situations that may be subject to disciplinary proceedings.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":2707,"menu_order":25,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"[]"},"class_list":["post-13930","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"pp_statuses_selecting_workflow":false,"pp_workflow_action":"current","pp_status_selection":"publish","pp_force_visibility":null,"pp_subpost_visibility":null,"pp_inherited_force_visibility":null,"pp_inherited_subpost_visibility":null,"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-06-06 06:54:58","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"translation_priority","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13930","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13930"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13930\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15384,"href":"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13930\/revisions\/15384"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2707"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpaquebec.wp.vortexdev.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13930"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}