Hearings and disciplinary decisions

Decision (in French only): 2026 QCCDCPA 6

The CPA served as vice-president and executive director of a company funded by government and private investors. He also held 25% of the voting shares. He approved forecasted financial statements intended for investors even though he knew they contained inaccuracies that falsely suggested that sales targets had been met. The evidence is overwhelming: the CPA knew that these irregularities violated applicable accounting standards and had been manipulated to mislead investors. He has been found guilty of associating his name with false or misleading information. 

Penalty to follow

Decision (in French only): 2026 QCCDCPA 7

The CPA served as chief financial officer of a company funded by several government and private lenders and investors. He provided investors with forecasted financial statements even though he knew they contained inaccuracies that falsely suggested that sales targets had been met. The evidence is overwhelming: the CPA knew that these irregularities violated applicable accounting standards and had been manipulated to mislead investors. He has been found guilty of associating his name with false or misleading information. 

Penalty to follow

Decision (in French only): 2026 QCCDCPA 5

The CPA failed to file several GST/QST returns for three related companies between 2022 and 2024. In doing so, she failed to meet her obligation of diligence. She also prepared and associated her name with financial statements when she knew they were inaccurate; in fact, she admitted to having amended those financial statements on two occasions after signing the compilation engagement report. Lastly, the CPA failed to establish and maintain a file regarding her compilation engagement at the location where she practises her profession on behalf of these three companies. 

The CPA has been found guilty on all three counts. She is struck off the roll for a concurrent period of 30 days on all three counts.

Decision (in French only): 2026 QCCDCPA 3

The CPA, who held the positions of finance director, treasurer and assistant general manager of a town:

• set up a system whereby the town’s finance department paid off the mayor’s credit card balances without supporting documents;
• failed to disclose to her employer that she was seeing the mayor and to take appropriate measures to manage the situation;
• provided inaccurate or incomplete information to the assistant syndic regarding the nature of her relationship with the mayor.

In June 2025, the disciplinary board concluded that the CPA had engaged in conduct unbecoming of the profession, had placed herself in a conflict of interest, and had hindered the work of the assistant syndic.

The violations took place over several years, while the CPA had more than 20 years of experience. They undermine public trust in the profession.

Although the risk of recurrence is low, it cannot be ruled out. The CPA was struck off the roll for seven months. 

For the decision on guilt, see 2025 QCCDCPA 15 (in French only).

On appeal before the Professions Tribunal

Decision (in French only): 2026 QCCDCPA 2

In November 2025, the CPA was found guilty of having:

• produced and signed a review engagement report when he did not hold a public accountancy permit;
• falsely declared that he did not practise public accountancy in his annual declaration to the Order;
• hindered the work of the professional inspection. 

The CPA conducted a review engagement of the company on two separate dates, which yielded differing results for various items in the financial statements. He had nearly 30 years of experience at the time of the offences, and there is a risk of recurrence. He was struck off the roll for two months and fined $2,500 for the first count. He was also struck off the roll for periods of 30 days each for the second and third counts. These strike-off periods must be served consecutively. 

For the decision on guilt, see 2025 QCCDCPA 28 (in French only).

Decision (in French only): 2026 QCCDCPA 4

While serving as a CPA and acting as a director and treasurer of a not-for-profit organization, the respondent embezzled approximately $50,000 for his own benefit. These actions spanned several years and, among other things, resulted in delays in the disbursement of grants to the organization. However, the respondent has almost entirely reimbursed the embezzled funds. He has shown genuine introspection and sincere regret for his actions. The risk of recurrence is deemed very low. Under these circumstances, permanent strike-off is required. However, this penalty does not preclude the possibility of a future application for reinstatement to the Order. The revocation of the permit, which is the standard penalty imposed for embezzlement, appears disproportionate in this case.

Decision (in French only): 2026 QCCDCPA 1

In 2024, the CPA was found guilty of conducting two review engagements for a travel agency without taking into account the limits of his capabilities and knowledge. 

The CPA acknowledges his mistake and regrets it. Currently, he conducts audits exclusively as part of a structured team, for which he must hold the title of CPA auditor. He does not intend to carry out any further review assignments. This is an isolated case: the CPA acted on behalf of a single client in the context of the pandemic. At the time of the alleged incidents, he had only two or three years of experience. The risk of him re-offending is very low. It is important to take into account the goal of rehabilitating a young professional with no prior disciplinary record. He was fined $5,000. 

For the decision on guilt, see 2024 QCCDCPA 28 (in French only).

On appeal before the Professions Tribunal