It’s been quite the year for Goodman School of Business alumna Suman Nagra (BAcc ’18, MAcc ’18).
Not only did she graduate from Brock twice, first with her Bachelor of Accounting co-op degree followed this fall by her Master of Accountancy degree, she started a position with EY as a senior staff accountant and capped off 2018 by finishing in the top one per cent in Canada on the CPA Common Final Exam (CFE).
Goodman School of Business alumna Suman Nagra (BAcc ’18, MAcc ’18).
The results, released by the CPA on Nov. 30, indicated that 6,163 candidates successfully wrote the exam across Canada in September, and the Top 68 performers made the prestigious National Honour Roll.
The exam represents an important milestone for CPA candidates, who face rigorous academic, practical and examination requirements before they can use the internationally recognized designation of Chartered Professional Accountant.
Nagra’s results capped a strong showing for the 2018 cohort of Goodman’s MAcc program.
“I’m extremely proud of the outstanding results we’ve obtained this year on the CFE from our graduate students,” Goodman Dean Andrew Gaudes said. “It reflects the tireless effort of the faculty in the School that have prepared them for such a leading accomplishment. I don’t think we could have done any better.”
While completing her bachelor’s degree and co-op terms at EY, Nagra knew she wanted to obtain her CPA designation, which meant picking between the CPA’s Professional Education Program or Goodman’s accredited MAcc degree that covers the CPA requirements. Choosing to complete the MAcc program allowed her to reach her goal faster.
“Choosing the MAcc program was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she said. “The co-op program and master’s get you to where you want to be at such a young age.”
The program’s small cohort provides students with individual attention from Goodman faculty and builds tight bonds among classmates.
“The amount of familiarity you end up having with the faculty allow them to focus on what your strengths and weaknesses are, to make sure that you as an individual are fully prepared from every angle,” Nagra said. “I feel that in a larger class that might not be as feasible.”
The support she has received from the program’s professors has left a lasting impression as she begins her career.
“I want to thank Pascale (Lapointe-Antunes), Barbara (Sainty) and Linda (Stillabower),” she said. “I think they are such strong female role models in the master’s program and an inspiration to everyone.”
Gaining the knowledge and skillset needed to excel on the CFE started in the BAcc program. Nagra also wanted to thank Goodman lecturers Sangeeta Hollo and Glenn Skrubbeltrang for their support and motivation throughout and beyond her undergraduate degree.
Goodman is looking forward to celebrating with all successful alumni at the CPA convocation in March 2019.
