Celebrating Robert Smyth, CGA, Assertive Proud Champion

Robert (Bob) Smyth, CGA, has lived in Ottawa his entire life and was admitted into the membership of CGA Ontario in 1972. Bob has held several positions on Ottawa Chapter’s board including chapter chair for the 1991-92 year. Due to his active role in Association and chapter activities for more than 20 years, Bob received the Certified General Accountants Association of Ontario's Ontario Distinguished Service Award in 1994.

Bob began his career with the federal government in 1968—after five years in professional practice—when he joined the Office of the Auditor General. In 1972, he entered financial management with the Department of Supply and Services. In addition, Bob held posts at the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and Labour Canada (now Human Resources and Social Development Canada), from which he retired in 1996. After his retirement from the public service, Bob continued to provide tax and consulting services to 2000.

Bob has shown strong leadership, service and dedication to the Association. He has devoted a lot of time to committee work, serving on CGA Ontario's chapter, corporate and finance committees. To promote the designation in Ottawa, Bob initiated the local chapter’s Tax Preparation Services for seniors and lower-income adults (TPS) in 1989, and served as the committee’s chair for several years.

In addition to his involvement with CGA Ontario, Bob was a member of the Financial Management Institute of Canada (FMI). From 1990 to 1992, Bob served as the chair of Professional Development Week, Financial Management Stream and was CGA Ontario’s representative on its event planning committee.

Bob is extremely pleased with the success of Ottawa Chapter’s TPS. “Time has taken its toll on my memory,” said Bob, “but one item stands out. I believe it was our second year hosting Tax Preparation Services and we had planned on a repeat of the previous year's numbers (60). However, as we got close to the actual day, I was informed that the numbers had more than doubled to 120, so the committee got on the phones and in short time recruited more than 30 CGAs and students. Everyone worked hard that day to complete all tax returns by 5 p.m.”

Individuals Bob spoke about included Martin Ruben, CGA and Lillian Goh, FCGA. Martin was Ottawa Chapter’s secretary when Bob was chair, and eventually went on to become chapter chair himself. Martin took a strong interest in the chapter's operations. Lillian was instrumental in getting Bob to run for election in 1989. She has considerable background not only with the chapter but also in her capacity later on as a member of CGA Ontario’s board of governor.

Ottawa Chapter official positions:

Ottawa Chapter Chair – 1991-92
Vice-Chair, Operations – 1990-91
Director, Professional Development – 1989-90
Public Relations Committee – 1989-90
Chair, Tax Preparation Services – 1989-93
Chair, CHEO Bowl-a-thon – 1993
Treasurer, CHEO Bowl-a-thon – 1995

CGA Ontario Committees:

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