Parminder Beanie Bains, CMA
Intermediate Accountant
British Columbia Teachers’ Federation (BCTF)

  MY WORK

Hours worked per week: 37.5 hours

Years at this position:  I’ve been with BCTF for 4 years

What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is performing work for a group of professionals who serve a great need in our communities. As an accountant for B.C.’s teachers, our accurate financial reporting and efficiencies within our accounting department help make critical decisions on issues such as future program budgets, and contract negotiations.  Our advice is a crucial contributing factor to allowing the continuous support of the professional development of our teachers.

What are some of the challenges you’re currently facing at work?
Change is inevitable.  From funding cuts, employee turnover, an aging and increasingly retiring workforce, to changes in the public school grading system, there are a broad range of issues which contribute to BCTF’s operations.  This is a constant challenge we face as accountants for BCTF – we may not directly influence political issues, however these issues can greatly affect the daily functions in our accounting department.  We must be aware of issues surrounding BCTF, adapt to external decisions, and keep our focus on meeting BCTF’s overall mission.

How is this position different from other jobs you’ve had?
I have been part of the not-for-profit sector for the past 10 years.  My initial position was as an Accountant for the Product Care Association. This was a smaller organization that operated on a smaller scale, and focused on raising household awareness about the proper disposal of solvents and flammable products.  Decisions were finalized by a Board of Directors consisting of eight members.   My current organization, BCTF is larger in size with increased political influences by many interested parties as opposed to one management team.

  MY EDUCATION

Degree(s) & Institution(s):
Accounting Management Diploma from Douglas College, Bachelor of Arts with a specialization in economics from Simon Fraser University and a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation

Why did you choose to pursue a CMA?
As a CMA, we are trained to perform diversified roles throughout the organization and not solely be restricted to the accounting function.  CMAs are trained to apply strategic analysis for organizations as a whole, as we incorporate strategic planning with the financial aspect. This allows us to be better leaders as we use our effective strategic and problem solving skills to improve our understanding of, not just the organization, but the people within the organization.

When did you complete your CMA program?
2010

  LIFESTYLE

Favorite recreational activity:
Running – I have been
participating in Vancouver’s BMO 22km Marathon for past three years, and plan to compete again this year. I’m eventually working up to completing a 44km marathon and a beginner’s triathlon.

Upcoming vacation plans:
Next month I will be going to Australia, Hong Kong, and India.

Community involvement:
For the past few years, and continuing into this year, I have volunteered as an Income Tax Clinic Assistant on behalf of Canada Revenue Agency.  In this role, we help clients with English as a second language complete their income tax returns. This is a rewarding role, as I’m helping mainly immigrants with low incomes – they have the motivation to succeed in their new home country, but need the assistance to understand provincial and federal guidelines.

  MY FUTURE

In five years, I see myself (both professionally and personally):
I see myself committed to BCTF and working towards a senior management role. I would also like to organize my own not-for-profit association focused on providing business advice to new immigrants.  Many immigrants in Canada have a great skill base and expertise in specific fields; however, many are unaware of how to start their own small businesses.  I would like to provide consulting services as a small business management consultant advising immigrants of the resources they’ll need to run successful small businesses.  I’ve always admired the courage and work ethic of immigrants to Canada, my hope is this not-for-profit society will build a community for these new residents, as well as support the small businesses in which our communities thrive on.