Sunday, November 28, 2010

Canadian CFOs on the Move – week ended November 26, 2010

Elgin Mining Inc. (TSX-V: ELG) announced the appointment of Brian Morales as Chief Financial Officer, succeeding the Company's current Chief Financial Officer Dustin Angelo, who will be resigning from the Company effective November 30, 2010. Prior to joining Elgin, Mr. Morales held a finance position with Kinross Gold Corporation and prior to that he was employed in equity research with Credit Suisse Securities (Canada) Inc.

Greenscape Capital Group Inc. (TSX-V: GRN) announced the appointment of Robert Geisthardt as Chief Financial Officer for the company, replacing Paul Plater. Mr. Geisthardt is currently employed in the energy trading division at Powerex Corporation where he is responsible for buying and selling electricity throughout the entire WECC (Western Energy Coordinating Council) including California and MAPP (Mid-Continent Area Power Pool) in real time. Mr. Geisthardt is also a partner at Quantum Advisory Partners LLP, which is a Canadian-based firm that provides advisory services to North American public companies.

Intelimax Media Inc. (OTCBB: IXMD) announced the appointment of Glenn Little as interim CFO and Secretary, repalcing Galit Alon who recently resigned. For the past five years Mr. Little has been working with Intelimax as a consultant doing corporate development activities. From 1999 to 2005 Mr. Little was Director and provided Corporate Development services for Stream Communications Network & Media Inc. From 1993 to 1999 Mr. Little was Vice President and Director of Trooper Technologies Inc. a TSX-V listed company.

Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. (TSX-V: GWG) announced the appointment of Jim Davidson as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Davidson was, most recently, Chief Financial Officer with Athabasca Potash Inc. Previously, Mr. Davidson spent 19 years in the finance divisions of Weyerhaeuser in several locations throughout North America.

Yangarra Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: YGR) announced the appointment of James Glessing as Chief Financial Officer, replacing Penny Payne will resign from the position of CFO for the Company, but will continue to provide consulting services to Yangarra on an ongoing basis for the preparation of financial reporting and tax matters. Mr. Glessing’s previous experience includes varying financial roles with Deloitte and Canadian Natural Resources. Mr. Glessing was controller at BlackRock Ventures which was acquired by Shell Canada in 2006. Most recently, he served as CFO and Vice President Finance at North Peace Energy Corp. which was acquired by Southern Pacific Resource Corp.

Huntington Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: HEI) announced that David Dion has been appointed as the Company's Chief Financial Officer.

Canadian Satellite Radio, a new company to be created upon the merger of Sirius Canada and XM Canada, will have Michael Washinushi, the current CFO of XM Canada, become CFO of the new company.

Exploration Orbite V.S.P.A. Inc. (TSX-V: ORT.A) announced that Jacques Bédard has been appointed Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Orbite. His résumé includes terms as Vice President Finance and CFO for companies such as Softimage and ART, and he has also held senior management positions with Microsoft, among others.

Southern Arc Minerals Inc. (TSX-V: SA) announced that Cyrus Driver has joined executive management as interim Chief Financial Officer, replacing Eduard Epshtein. Mr. Driver was founding partner in the firm of Driver Anderson, Chartered Accountants, and is currently a partner of Davidson & Company, Chartered Accountants. He specializes in servicing TSX Venture Exchange listed companies and members of the brokerage community. Mr. Driver currently serves as director and/or chief financial officer for several TSX Venture Exchange companies.

Swiss Re has appointed Jonathan Turner as chief financial officer of its Canadian operations, effective Nov. 22, 2010. Mr. Turner joins Swiss Re from Ernst & Young, where he specialized in both the property and casualty and life and health insurance sectors. He started his career with Ernst & Young in the United Kingdom and has been located in Toronto since 2001.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.

Friday, November 26, 2010

Social Media Accountants

The Accounting Profession is going through an evolution, and maybe even a revolution. This Group is for you if you are a Social Media Accounting (R)evolutionary.

Social Media tools are changing how Accounting Professionals learn and communicate with their clients, employers, the general public and their fellow professionals.

I believe there is value in having a forum for Accountants to discuss the W5s of Social Media and how it affects them. This has led me to create a new LinkedIn Group call Social Media Accountants.

If you believe that there is value in having a forum for this topic, please join and participate in the group, and ask others that are social media active to do the same.

I’m looking forward to your participation.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Canadian CFOs on the Move - week ended November 19, 2010

Paragon Pharmacies Limited (TSX-V: PGN) announced the appointment of Kristal Kaye as the Company's Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Kaye joined the Company in July 2008 as Corporate Controller and she was subsequently appointed Director of Finance and Administration in August 2009.

Sandspring Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SSP) announced the appointment of Scott Issel as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, replacing Carmelo Marrelli who has resigned as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Issel joined Sandspring in May 2009 as the Controller of GoldHeart Investment Holdings Ltd., a subsidiary company of Sandspring. He assisted in the reverse takeover transaction of Sandspring which served as the Company's Qualifying Transaction for listing on the TSX Venture Exchange. Most recently Mr. Issel served as Controller of Sandspring Resources Inc. and has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition to the public capital markets.

Canada Cartage System announced the appointment of David Bacon as the company's Senior Vice President, Finance & Chief Financial Officer. Most recently, he was Chief Financial Officer of SkyPower Corp.

Midlands Minerals Corporation (TSX-V: MEX) announced the appointment of Rakesh Malhotra to the position of Vice President, Finance.

Stroud Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SDR) announced that it has appointed Mirsad Jakubovic as its Chief Financial Officer. Previously, George Coburn, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, also served as the Corporation's acting Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Jakubovic is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Medifocus Inc., another TSX-V listed company.

Malaga Inc. (TSX: MLG) announced the appointment of Joey Trombino as Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, replacing Pierre Monet who was promoted to President of the Company. Mr. Trombino joined Malaga in February 2009 as Director of Finance. He participated in the Company's development and managed the transition to the International Financial Reporting Standards. Prior to this, Mr. Trombino was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Positron Technologies and worked in several private and public companies in senior roles.

Rogue Resources Inc. (TSX‐V: RRS) announced the appointment of Larry Johnson as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Company. The Company also announces it has received the resignation of Stephen Pearce as CFO Director.


Craig Wireless Systems Ltd. (TSX: CWG) announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Wesley Thiessen, will be leaving Craig Wireless effective February 28, 2011, to pursue other career opportunities.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Canadian CFOs on the Move - week ending November 12, 2010

OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: OGXI) announced the appointment of Michelle Burris to the position of executive vice president, operations and chief financial officer. Ms. Burris most recently served as senior vice president and chief operating officer for Trubion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. until its recent acquisition by Emergent BioSolutions, Inc. She joined Trubion in 2006 as senior vice president and chief financial officer after holding similar positions at Dendreon Corporation and Corixa Corporation.


Sulliden Gold Corporation Ltd. (TSX: SUE, OTCQX: SDDDF) announced the appointment of Denis C. Arsenault as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Arsenault's appointment follows the departure of Anna Ladd. Prior to joining Sulliden, Mr. Arsenault was the Chief Financial Officer of Central Sun Mining Inc. which was acquired by B2Gold Corp. in March 2009.

Russell Breweries Inc. (TSX-V: RB) announced the appointment of Gary Liu as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Currently, Mr. Liu is serving on the Board of Directors of Sun Entertainment Holding Corporation and Luxor Industrial Corporation. Mr. Liu is also the owner of Mt. Pacific Financial Corp., a consulting company providing accounting services to public companies.

Intellipharmaceutics International Inc. (TSX: I, Nasdaq: IPCI) announced that it has appointed Shameze Rampertab as its new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Rampertab previously served as the Director, Finance and Secretary-Treasurer for then-public Drug Royalty Corp and also served as health sciences and biotechnology analyst at several investment banking firms including Canaccord Capital, and was until recently a Partner, Healthcare Investment Banking at Loewen Ondaatje McCutcheon Limited (LOM), where he specialized in raising equity funds for life-science companies.

Imaging Dynamics Company Ltd. (TSX: IDL) announced that Swapan Kakumanu, currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of IDC, has been appointed as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, replacing Thomas Boon.

Delta Uranium Inc. (TSX-V: DUR) and Augustine Ventures Inc. announced the appointment of John Tokarsky as their new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Tokarsky replaces L. Kirk Boyd as their CFO.

Terra Firma Resources Inc. (TSX-V: TFR) announced the appointment of Raz Hussein as a director and Chief Financial Officer to replace Charles Golding, who resigned as a director and CFO. Mr. Hussein is the founder of Razzle & Company, Management Group Inc., a private company which provides accounting, administrative and financial services to public companies engaged in mineral exploration and development.

Romarco Minerals Inc. (TSX-V: R) announced the appointment of Stan Rideout as Sr. Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Rideout was most recently Executive Vice President and CFO of Swift Corp., one of the largest truckload carriers in North America. Prior to that Mr. Rideout held various positions (Treasurer, Vice President, Division Vice President, and Chief Financial Officer) over 25 years with Phelps Dodge Corporation and Phelps Dodge International, a publicly traded company that was acquired by Freeport McMoRan in 2007.

Cantronic Systems Inc. (TSX-V: CTS) announced the appointment of Kevin Tao Su to the position of Chief Financial Officer, replacing Susan Liu. Prior to joining Cantronic Systems Inc., Mr. Su was a senior accountant with Ernst & Young LLP Vancouver office for three and half years. Before joining Ernst & Young LLP, Mr. Su was a partner in McCormack, Su & Company Inc. CGAs in Canada for 4 years.

Hornby Bay Mineral Exploration Ltd. (TSX-V: HBE) announced the appointment of Rebecca Hudson as the new Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Ms. Hudson replaces Thomas D. Devlin.

Linamar Corp. (TSX: LNR) announced that its Chief Financial Officer, Edward Mahood, has resigned and the Chief Executive Linda Hasenfratz will serve as CFO till a replacement is identified.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Corporate Social Responsibility – Is it the CFOs Mandate?

In business today, we are hearing a lot about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). CSR includes all aspects of being a good corporate citizen, which is a pretty wide mandate.


What is the CFOs role with CSR?

Corporate Social Responsibility is a vision from the top. This vision should be set by the board and the CEO, with input from important stakeholders, including employees and shareholders. CSR Vision may not be the CFOs role, but reporting about CSR issues seems to be falling on to the CFOs desk.

Examples of CSR issues falling on the CFOs desk include:

Securities Regulations – With the CFO being responsible for shareholder communication, Securities Regulators are continuing to add disclosure requirements. The most recent example in Canada is CSA Staff Notice 51-333 on Environmental Reporting (See Ernst & Young’s recent Financial Reporting Alert)

Financial Statement Impact – CSR issues, specifically environmental issues, have a Financial Statement impact and needs to ensure these risks are properly recorded and disclosed in the financial statements.

Good Governance – Being a good corporate citizen requires appropriate governance. As CFO, you have been dealing with Sarbanes Oxley reporting for the past years. CFO Certification is a product of CSR.

Is CSR the CFOs mandate?

No, but it does add to the work load. As a leader in your organization, it is important that you take a leading role in CSR issues. The challenge that many CFOs face in this area is that they do not really understand what the issues are.

Education is the key.

As CFO, being aware and intelligent on CSR issues will help your company and your career. I highly recommend that you add CSR to your continuing education portfolio. A great example of this is the CICA Conference on Environmental, Social and Governance Issues, being held in Toronto on December 6 – 7, 2010.

Add your voice to the CSR conversation.

As a leader in your company, do not shy away from CSR issues. Listen, attend meetings and share your input. CSR affects you. Contribute to the conversation.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Canadian CFOs on the Move – week ended November 5, 2010


Boutique iStore has announced that Isabelle Beaulieu has joined Boutique iStore as VP Finance and Operations. Ms. Beaulieu replaces VP Finance Gareth Sargeant. Isabelle is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of corporate experience in Finance, Operations and Information technology in various companies and industries in the Montreal area. 

Lifebank Corp. (TSX-V: LBK) announced the appointment of Jeff Charpentier as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Charpentier replaces Owen Granger, who has resigned as Director and Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Treasurer of Lifebank.


BSM Wireless Inc. (TSX-V: GPS) announced the appointment of Jenny Stranges, current Executive Vice President of Finance, as the company's Chief Financial Officer. Mrs. Stranges will take over the duties of outgoing CFO Jas Mann who resigned his position earlier this month and is leaving the company effective November 10, 2010.

Leader Energy Services Ltd. (TSX-V: LEA) today announced the appointment of Graham Reid as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Reid will succeed Don Baird as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Reid was Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Norex Exploration Services Inc.

Stoneset Equity Development Corp. (CNSX: SQC) announced the resignation of Stephen Yuen as CFO and the appointment of Anna Lentz as the new CFO.

Malbex Resources Inc. (TSX-V: MBG) announced the resignation of its Chief Financial Officer, Derrick Weyrauch, effective January 31, 2011.

ANDINA Minerals Inc. (TSX-V: ADM) announced the appointment of Derrick Weyrauch as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. He is currently the Chief Financial Officer of Malbex Resources Inc., a publicly traded gold mining company, and will continue in that capacity until January 31, 2011 to assist Malbex in their transition. Previously, Mr. Weyrauch was the Treasurer and Director of Finance for Gabriel Resources Ltd., also a publicly traded gold mining company.

Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) announced that Ian Fodie has been appointed Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Fodie replaces Raymond Mitchell. Mr. Fodie has had an extensive career, including most recently serving as President and CEO of Woulfe Mining (TSX-V: WOF), as the CFO for Resinco Capital Partners Inc. (TSX: RIN), and former CFO and VP of Operations at Mainframe Entertainment Inc.

Healthscreen Solutions Inc. ("Healthscreen") (TSX-V: MDU) announce the addition of Anastasia Chodarcewicz as Chief Financial Officer. Ms. Chodarcewicz brings domestic and international experience from her seven years with Sirit Inc., a Canadian public technology company.

Forest Gate Energy Inc. (TSX-V: FGE) announced that it has appointed L. Derek Lindsay as Chief Financial Officer of the company. Mr. Lindsay joins Forest Gate from Eloda Corporation, a publicly traded media software company, where he held the position of Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2008 onward. From 2006 to 2008, Mr. Lindsay was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at CryoCath Technologies Inc.

Alto Ventures Ltd. (TSX-V: ATV) announced the appointment of Robert Anderson as the Company's new Chief Financial Officer to replace Leonard Schmidt who resigned as CFO.

Stealth Ventures Ltd. (TSX-V: SLV) announced that Roger Harman has been appointed as Stealth's new Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining the Stealth team Mr. Harman was the Chief Financial Officer at PRD Energy Inc. and the Chief Financial Officer at Canadian Superior Energy Inc. (now Sonde Resources Corp.)

Melcor Developments Ltd. (TSX: MRD), announced that following the resignation of Melcor's CFO, Michael ShabadaNaomi Stefura has assumed the role of Acting Chief Financial Officer and Brett Halford has assumed the position of Acting VP Finance. Both Naomi and Brett will remain in these positions until the CFO position is permanently filled.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Canadian CFOs on the Move – week ended October 29, 2010

Huntington Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: HEI) announced that Andrew Burgess has also resigned as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

MagIndustries Corp. (TSX: MAA) announced that William C. Burton has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Finance.

Fresco Microchip announced the appointment of Patrick Leung as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Leung brings 20 years of experience in financial management and investment banking in both private and public companies, including serving as the CFO for Tristan Capital and Rockwater Capital.

ISee3D Inc. (TSX-V: ICT) announced the appointment of Ed Myers as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Mr. Myers succeeds Baljinder Bhullar, who has resigned as Chief Financial Officer.

Sangoma® Technologies Corporation (TSX-V: STC) announced the appointment of David S. Moore as CFO. Most recently he was CFO at Truition Inc. a developer and marketer of e-Commerce software and before that CFO of Fifty-Plus International Inc. a TSX-V company now trading as Zoomer Media Inc.

Marfil Mines Ltd. (TSX-V: MFM) announced the appointment of Matthew Fowler as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Fowler served as a partner, CFO and CCP at Strata Partners, LLC, a boutique investment bank based in Seattle, Washington where he was responsible for capital raising as well as all financial, operational and compliance requirements with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Before joining Strata Partners, LLC, Mr. Fowler previously held the position of Analyst and Chief Financial Officer at Octavius Capital Management, LLC, a registered investment adviser based in Seattle, Washington serving high net worth individuals.

Global Development Resources, Inc. (TSX-V: GDV.H) announced that it has appointed Andrew Hilton to the Board of Directors of the Company and as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Chris Carmichael has resigned from the Board of Directors and as Chief Financial Officer of the Company.

First Star Resources Inc. (TSX-V: FS) announced that Robert Gardner has been appointed CFO.

Archer Petroleum Corp. (TSX-V: ARK, OTCQX: APEUF, DBFrankfurt: A6VA) announced that Robert McMorran has been appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of the Company in place of Darren Tindale, who has resigned.

If you have news about CFOs on the move, or any comments on this feature, please email us.