Discipline Decisions
Name: Ryan Kagan (2007, Toronto)
[suspended CPA, CA]
Rule: Rule 104.2 – Failure to cooperate with the regulatory process of CPA Ontario
Conduct:
Between September 24, 2021 and April 6, 2022, the member failed to cooperate with the regulatory process of CPA Ontario by failing to reply promptly in writing to communications from the Standards Enforcement Department of CPA Ontario, to which a written reply was specifically required.
Finding:
On October 14, 2022, the member was found to have committed professional misconduct by breaching Rule 104.2 of the CPA Ontario Code of Professional Conduct.
Sanction:
$5000 fine
Reprimand
Cooperation with the Professional Conduct Committee
Notice to all members of CPA Ontario and all provincial CPA bodies
Costs: $4000
As a result of the Member’s failure to comply with the Order, his membership was suspended effective November 17, 2022.
Name: Joern (John) Scholz (2000, Springwater)
[revoked CPA, CA]
Rule: Rule 201.1 – Maintenance of the good reputation of the profession
Conduct:
The member failed to act in a manner which will maintain the good reputation of the profession and its ability to serve the public interest in that on or about April 13, 2019, he was convicted of the criminal offence of fraud, contrary to section 380(1)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
Finding:
On September 15, 2022, the member was found to have committed professional misconduct by breaching Rule 201.1 of the CPA Ontario Code of Professional Conduct.
Sanction:
Revocation
$60,000 fine
Reprimand
Notice to all members of CPA Ontario and all provincial CPA bodies
Newspaper publication
Costs: $5000
Name: Mark A. Wales (2006, St. Thomas)
[suspended CPA, CA]
Rule: Rule 104.2 – Failure to cooperate with the regulatory process of CPA Ontario
Conduct:
Between December 4, 2020 and July 6, 2022, the member failed to cooperate with the regulatory process of CPA Ontario by failing to reply promptly in writing to communications from the Standards Enforcement Department of CPA Ontario, to which a written reply was specifically required.
Finding:
On October 20, 2022, the member was found to have committed professional misconduct by breaching Rule 104.2 of the CPA Ontario Code of Professional Conduct.
Sanction:
$10,000 fine
Reprimand
Cooperation with the Professional Conduct Committee
Notice to all members of CPA Ontario and all provincial CPA bodies
Costs: $3400
As a result of the Member’s failure to comply with the Order, his membership was suspended effective November 10, 2022.
Settlement decisions
Name: Brian M. Jones, CPA, CA (1973, Toronto)
Conduct:
The member failed to perform their professional services in accordance with generally accepted standards of practice of the profession with respect to multiple audit engagements.
Terms:
On October 20, 2022, the following settlement terms were approved:
- $5000 fine
- Practice restriction
- Notice to all members of CPA Ontario and all provincial CPA bodies
- Newspaper publication
- $7000 in costs
Good Character Hearings
Good Character Matters
If the Registrar is not satisfied that an applicant for registration as a student or admission to membership is currently of good character, the matter may be referred to the Admission and Registration Committee for a decision. The Public Accounting Licensing Board may also refer a person seeking a licence for a good character hearing.
Name: N. A.
Reason for referral: Criminal conviction for driving while impaired.
Outcome:
On September 13, 2022, the tribunal found the Applicant to be of good character, as the Applicant’s misconduct was an isolated event in 2017, the Applicant was remorseful in both words and actions and had engaged in rehabilitative efforts resulting in a changed lifestyle, and there was no evidence of any misconduct since the incident. The tribunal directed the Registrar to admit the Applicant as a member of CPA Ontario, upon the Applicant providing confirmation satisfactory to the Registrar of compliance with Rule 204 of the Student Code.