From Intro to Accounting to the Auditor General of Ontario: Shelley Spence FCPA, FCA on the power of the CPA in public service

When Shelley Spence, FCPA, FCA began her business degree, she was picturing a career in marketing. But one introductory accounting class gave her a new direction.

It came naturally, she said. And when I looked into what a CPA really was, I saw a clear career path. One with structure, opportunity, and impact.

Shelley saw how the CPA designation can prepare you for a leadership role. More than just bookkeeping, the CPA equips you with the technical expertise you need to break down problems and find solutions, as well as the insights that can drive strategy and growth forward.

The technical training you receive as a CPA is the foundation the house is built on. Once you understand the ins and outs, the debits and the credits, you have the foundational knowledge you need to go on and make the bigger decisions.

Finding Purpose in Public Service

After a wide-ranging career that included roles at one of the big four firms, Shelley decided to start her own consultancy business and took on the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario as one of her clients. This experience opened her eyes to all the ways government impacts people’s lives.

From there she moved into, eventually, a partner role at another big four firm, this time specializing in government and public sector clients.

I’ve had the opportunity to be on many different projects with a focus on improving government services. Performance auditing looks at ways a government can be more effective and efficient with their limited resources. As a CPA working in public service, it’s a great way to add value.

It was in public service that Shelley found her purpose, and on January 8, 2024, started her current role as the 14th Auditor General of Ontario. As an independent Officer of the Provincial Legislature, it’s Shelley’s role to provide the public with a non-partisan perspective on the government’s finances. The aim is to ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent in a way that provides the best value for the people of Ontario.

Governments use taxpayers’ money to provide services for people, whether it is now or economic development in the future. Our Office’s role is to make sure great advice and options are provided to decision makers. We also look at whether decisions are implemented in a way that provides the best value, Shelley said.

Shelley’s financial statement and performance audit recommendations to government have touched on a wide range of programs and services, from recommending accounting improvements to improvements in health care services, higher education, infrastructure development and cybersecurity. 

Our work affects so many people in society, Shelley added. If I can help just one more person get a doctor, or one more child see a counselor by making sure taxpayer dollars are well spent, that is an achievement I can be proud of.

CPAs Driving Ontario Forward

According to Shelley, the CPA sets you up for numerous leadership paths in government and beyond. Knowing how to challenge the status quo, asking the right questions, and doing the appropriate analysis to get the right answers are skills that are in high demand in every part of the province’s government operations.

As business partners and business strategists, CPAs are the catalyst for moving organizations, including government, forward.

Think of the days of the pandemic, when the government had to get so much up and running quickly. CPAs were a big part of that, said Shelley. And in the face of new major disruptors — AI comes to mind — CPAs can help governments grapple with these challenges.

By taking on a role in the public service, CPAs can use their skills to address some of the most serious issues impacting families and communities across Ontario. That’s rewarding. I think about a recent audit I did involving services for vulnerable children. The government agreed to all the recommendations and said they would start working on it right away. In that moment, my CPA helped me shine a light on an area that has a real impact on people’s lives.

Shelley’s Message for Prospective CPAs

The skills you develop as a CPA will give you what you need to make a positive contribution no matter where your career leads you, whether it’s in business or in government. You won't regret it.

Ready to Lead like Shelley?

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