CPA Canada
1 **Introduction to the CPA Program**
1 Overview of the CPA Program
2 Structure and Components of the CPA Program
3 Eligibility Requirements
4 Application Process
5 Program Timeline
2 **Ethics and Professionalism**
1 Introduction to Ethics
2 Professional Standards and Conduct
3 Ethical Decision-Making Framework
4 Case Studies in Ethics
5 Professionalism in Practice
3 **Financial Reporting**
1 Introduction to Financial Reporting
2 Financial Statement Preparation
3 Revenue Recognition
4 Expense Recognition
5 Financial Instruments
6 Leases
7 Income Taxes
8 Employee Benefits
9 Share-Based Payments
10 Consolidation and Equity Method
11 Foreign Currency Transactions
12 Disclosure Requirements
4 **Assurance**
1 Introduction to Assurance
2 Audit Planning and Risk Assessment
3 Internal Control Evaluation
4 Audit Evidence and Procedures
5 Audit Sampling
6 Audit Reporting
7 Non-Audit Services
8 Professional Skepticism
9 Fraud and Error Detection
10 Specialized Audit Areas
5 **Taxation**
1 Introduction to Taxation
2 Income Tax Principles
3 Corporate Taxation
4 Personal Taxation
5 International Taxation
6 Tax Planning and Compliance
7 Taxation of Trusts and Estates
8 Taxation of Partnerships
9 Taxation of Not-for-Profit Organizations
10 Taxation of Real Estate
6 **Strategy and Governance**
1 Introduction to Strategy and Governance
2 Corporate Governance Framework
3 Risk Management
4 Strategic Planning
5 Performance Measurement
6 Corporate Social Responsibility
7 Stakeholder Engagement
8 Governance in Not-for-Profit Organizations
9 Governance in Public Sector Organizations
7 **Management Accounting**
1 Introduction to Management Accounting
2 Cost Management Systems
3 Budgeting and Forecasting
4 Performance Management
5 Decision Analysis
6 Capital Investment Decisions
7 Transfer Pricing
8 Management Accounting in a Global Context
9 Management Accounting in the Public Sector
8 **Finance**
1 Introduction to Finance
2 Financial Statement Analysis
3 Working Capital Management
4 Capital Structure and Cost of Capital
5 Valuation Techniques
6 Mergers and Acquisitions
7 International Finance
8 Risk Management in Finance
9 Corporate Restructuring
9 **Advanced Topics in Financial Reporting**
1 Introduction to Advanced Financial Reporting
2 Complex Financial Instruments
3 Financial Reporting in Specialized Industries
4 Financial Reporting for Not-for-Profit Organizations
5 Financial Reporting for Public Sector Organizations
6 Financial Reporting in a Global Context
7 Financial Reporting Disclosures
8 Emerging Issues in Financial Reporting
10 **Advanced Topics in Assurance**
1 Introduction to Advanced Assurance
2 Assurance in Specialized Industries
3 Assurance in the Public Sector
4 Assurance in the Not-for-Profit Sector
5 Assurance of Non-Financial Information
6 Assurance in a Global Context
7 Emerging Issues in Assurance
11 **Advanced Topics in Taxation**
1 Introduction to Advanced Taxation
2 Advanced Corporate Taxation
3 Advanced Personal Taxation
4 Advanced International Taxation
5 Taxation of Complex Structures
6 Taxation in Specialized Industries
7 Taxation in the Public Sector
8 Emerging Issues in Taxation
12 **Capstone Project**
1 Introduction to the Capstone Project
2 Project Planning and Execution
3 Case Study Analysis
4 Integration of Knowledge Areas
5 Presentation and Defense of Findings
6 Ethical Considerations in the Capstone Project
7 Professionalism in the Capstone Project
13 **Examination Preparation**
1 Introduction to Examination Preparation
2 Study Techniques and Strategies
3 Time Management for Exams
4 Practice Questions and Mock Exams
5 Review of Key Concepts
6 Stress Management and Exam Day Tips
7 Post-Exam Review and Feedback
8 Governance in Not-for-Profit Organizations Explained

Governance in Not-for-Profit Organizations Explained

1. Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the governing body of a not-for-profit organization (NPO). It is responsible for setting the organization's strategic direction, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and overseeing the management of the organization.

Example: A charity's Board of Directors might include a mix of professionals from various fields such as law, finance, and healthcare. This diversity ensures that the organization benefits from a wide range of expertise and perspectives.

2. Governance Structure

The governance structure outlines the roles, responsibilities, and relationships among the Board of Directors, management, and other stakeholders. It ensures that the organization operates efficiently and transparently.

Example: An NPO might establish committees such as an Audit Committee, a Governance Committee, and a Program Committee. Each committee focuses on specific aspects of the organization's operations, ensuring comprehensive oversight.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

NPOs must adhere to various legal and regulatory requirements, including those related to tax-exempt status, financial reporting, and fundraising. Compliance ensures the organization's legitimacy and sustainability.

Example: A registered charity must file an annual T3010 Charity Information Return with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This form provides detailed information about the organization's activities, finances, and governance to ensure compliance with CRA regulations.

4. Financial Accountability

Financial accountability involves managing the organization's funds responsibly and transparently. This includes maintaining accurate financial records, conducting regular audits, and reporting financial information to stakeholders.

Example: An NPO might hire an independent auditor to review its financial statements annually. The auditor's report provides assurance that the organization's financial practices are sound and compliant with relevant standards.

5. Ethical Leadership

Ethical leadership involves promoting and upholding ethical standards and values within the organization. It ensures that decisions and actions are guided by integrity, fairness, and responsibility.

Example: The Board of Directors might adopt a code of ethics that outlines expected behaviors and decision-making processes. This code serves as a guideline for all members of the organization, fostering a culture of trust and accountability.

6. Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder engagement involves actively involving stakeholders in the decision-making process. It ensures that the organization considers the interests and concerns of all relevant parties, leading to more informed and effective decisions.

Example: An NPO might hold regular town hall meetings to engage with its beneficiaries, donors, and volunteers. These meetings provide a platform for stakeholders to voice their opinions and contribute to the organization's strategic planning.

7. Risk Management

Risk management involves identifying, assessing, and prioritizing risks to minimize, monitor, and control the probability or impact of adverse events. It ensures that the organization can continue to operate effectively despite uncertainties.

Example: An NPO might conduct a risk assessment to identify potential threats such as financial mismanagement, reputational damage, and operational disruptions. Based on this assessment, the organization develops strategies to mitigate these risks.

8. Performance Measurement

Performance measurement involves evaluating the organization's performance against its strategic goals and objectives. It provides insights into whether the organization is achieving its desired outcomes and helps identify areas for improvement.

Example: An NPO might use key performance indicators (KPIs) such as program effectiveness, donor retention rates, and financial sustainability to measure its performance. By regularly monitoring these KPIs, the organization can make data-driven decisions to enhance its impact.