Welcome to the IIA Vancouver Island Chapter!

Welcome to the IIA Vancouver Island Chapter

The Vancouver Island Chapter of the IIA was approved by the International Board of the IIA in March 2007. This was the culmination of an initial idea and a lot of work from the Vancouver Chapter, including Tom Peerless, Jeremy Picco and Doug Cruikshank. The Vancouver Island Chapter Formation Committee consisted of Greg Diemer, David Fairbotham, Jackie Bruneau and Stephen Ward.

The objective of the Vancouver Island Chapter is to provide the opportunities on Vancouver Island for professional development and networking.

As a small Chapter, we are proud to say that we have continued to be awarded with our Platinum Status from the IIA for the year 2020/2021, and will strive to carry this forward in the years to come.

Chapter Officers

Ever since its inception in 2007, the IIA Vancouver Island Chapter has been involved in the development of the Internal Audit profession. The chapter believes in not only providing exceptional professional development, but in building capacity in the local profession. We do this by encouraging and supporting IIA designations and also providing Scholarships for local students. The chapter provides study material and awards, as budget allows, to members who successfully complete IIA designation exams.

Additionally, a past Board member developed the Acct 385 Internal Audit course that is now offered at Camosun College and instructs the class as well. Annually we award a $1,000 scholarship to a student from this course, who both performs well in the class and also writes a scholarship essay on a set topic. The chapter also worked with Camosun College, assisting the college in achieving acceptance into the IIA’s Internal Audit Academic Awareness Program.

Dear Members,

2020 is officially behind us, but its repercussions will live with us for a long time. Nothing prepared us - professionally or personally - for this pandemic. COVID-19 probably has permanently changed the ways we operate and the way we plan forward. But we’ve been resilient as we work through tremendous disruptions. We’re fighting the good fight to protect and support our organizations to thrive in these uncertain times despite our limitations.

This year, we have a wonderful team combined of new and familiar faces who are committed to continue to provide you with the value and resources you need to succeed in the internal audit profession. As we adapt to the “new normal”, the Vancouver Island Chapter and its strong group of passionate individuals are planning exciting programs and initiatives that will adapt to the current world’s conditions and will allow for all our members to continue to get the value they have been getting for years.

We hope to continue to pivot the virtual world and support you by ensuring that you have the tools, training and networking opportunities needed to adapt to the changing landscape and emerging risks posed by COVID, while delivering on the internal audit value proposition. Some key virtual events later this year include the Internal Audit Leadership Event on March 11 and National Conference (hosted by the IIA Calgary Chapter) on September 14-16.

It is clear that risk landscape has changed dramatically since the beginning of the pandemic. However, if we come together and work collaboratively – internally and externally – then we can share our knowledge and experience to carve-out vital strategies. Harnessing this collective knowledge and experience has been the hallmark of resilient audit functions.

Leadership is not a title; rather a responsibility and a privilege, which respects diversity and inclusion. Our new Chapter Leadership Team is humbled by the opportunity to serve you and excited to face with you the challenges that lay ahead. Please get in touch and let us know what you or your teams need; we are listening and look forward to a successful year together.

I would like to extend my sincerest appreciation to the Board of Governors, to our amazing Officers, to all of you who have volunteered with our Chapter and all of our members for your continued participation. The success and achievements of Vancouver Island Chapter are a result of your interest, dedication, support, and involvement.

If you have any questions throughout this year, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for being a part of Vancouver Island Chapter.

Imran Zia

President, IIA Vancouver Island Chapter

syedimranzia@gmail.com

We are Remote, But Connected and Resilient

Chapter Achievement Program (CAP) - Captures the Chapters Leadership and commitment to its members

The Vancouver Island Chapter has again maintained it’s ‘Platinum Chapter’ status. This is the highest level of honor designating the Chapter as a top performer. The points are granted based on the IIA’s Chapter Achievement Program (CAP) which includes points being awarded in the following categories: Services to Members; Services to the Profession; and Chapter Administration. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of its passionate and dedicated Board of Directors who volunteer their time and our members.

The following are highlights over the past year, where the Vancouver Island Chapter Board of Directors shared their leadership across Canada and Internationally through virtual conference presentations: • Our Chapter President, Imran Zia presented at these topics at the following conferences/institutions:

• Exploring the Future of Digital Internal Audit - IIA’s Conference of Internal Auditors (Dubai, UAE – July 2020)
• Making Your Presence Count at the Workplace (How to increase influence) - ACCA (August 2020)
• Adapting to the new normal of internal audit (time to question the status quo) - ACFE, National Fraud Conference (November 2020)
• Future Ready Internal Auditor – ACCA (March 2021)
• Adapting to the new normal of internal audit (time to question the status quo) - ACFE, Middle East Fraud Conference (Dubai, UAE – April 2021)
• Our past President, Lisa DeWitt had the opportunity to present on the Internal Audit profession and her career to the following institutions:
• Braampton Middle School in Ontario on January 28, 2021, and
• In January 2021, the Chapter also presented at the annual Camosun College Accounting Week, which again proved to be another successful event.