Ask an Expert - Accounting in NL

Ask an Expert is a webinar series created by Connector NL and TeamGrowNL with the St. John’s Board of Trade that will allow industry experts and employers to engage with jobseekers that are interested in working in various sectors of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Join our Experts to learn about opportunities in NL:

Jason Hillyard, CPA, CGA
- CEO of CPA NL
Kerri Riddle, CPA, CA
- Partner with Grant Thornton

Biographies
Jason Hillyard, CPA, CGA, CEO of CPA Newfoundland and Labrador
Jason Hillyard was hired in January 2014 to lead the unification of the Accounting profession in Newfoundland and Labrador and became the first CEO of CPA Newfoundland and Labrador upon proclamation of the Chartered Professional Accountants and Public Accountants Act on January 9th, 2015.
In this role, Jason leads the regulatory body of Newfoundland and Labrador’s more than 1,900 Members. CPA Newfoundland and Labrador serves and protects the public interest in all matters relating to the conduct of Chartered Professional Accountants and Public Accountants. In addition, CPA Newfoundland and Labrador exists to promote and increase the knowledge, skill, and proficiency of CPA’s and to protect the integrity of the profession.
Prior to joining CPA Newfoundland and Labrador, Jason leveraged his CPA skillset and ethical decision making to provide oversight of multi-million dollar projects through his role with Johnson Insurance and he helped clients with key strategic initiatives during his tenure with Ernst & Young in their Advisory Services practice. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University of Newfoundland and earned his accounting designation in 2007.

Kerri Riddle, CPA, CA, Partner, Assurance Services with Grant Thornton
As a Partner in our Newfoundland and Labrador office, I leverage over 10 years of experience providing assurance and advisory services to a wide range of privately-held businesses, public sector organizations, and not-for-profit organizations.
I work with clients to understand their business, the challenges they face and their opportunities for growth and success, including growing through acquisitions. I also help business owners plan for succession and maximize
stakeholder value.
I also have significant experience in the areas of business plan development and financial analysis. I use my extensive analytical skills to help my clients understand complex information and make strategic decisions. This includes a wide array of financial forecasts and business plans to support clients through business transactions and future oriented decision making.

Professional Qualifications and Memberships:

Chartered Professional Accountant, Newfoundland and Labrador, (2010)
Atlantic School of Chartered Accountancy, (2008)
Bachelor of Commerce Honours (Cooperative), Memorial University of Newfoundland, (2007)

Community Involvement: