Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia Request for Proposal (RFP) CEO Selection. Request. Organizational Background

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1 Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia Request for Proposal (RFP) CEO Selection Request The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) has established a President & CEO Selection Committee ( The Committee ), which is a Board Committee formed to develop the framework and oversee the succession of the current President & CEO, Mr. Richard Rees, who is retiring effective December 31, The Board has determined that an external search firm shall be identified and engaged to work with the Committee to assist in and facilitate the hiring of a new President & CEO for CPABC. Accordingly, the purpose of this RFP is to identify, select and engage an external firm that meets the requirements and possesses the necessary qualifications to work with the Committee in identifying Mr. Rees successor. Organizational Background The Chartered Professional Accountants Act of British Columbia was proclaimed on June 24, 2015 and established the Chartered Professional Accountant ( CPA ) designation in British Columbia. CPAs play key roles within diverse segments of the economy including industry, public accounting, government, education and the not-for-profit sector. They offer a strong set of accounting, managerial and leadership skills required for today s complex and evolving environment. CPAs are broad-minded, forward-thinking professionals who undertake appropriate analysis, exercise good judgment, communicate effectively and act to protect the public interest. CPAs are highly attractive to employers and recruiters for their expertise and rigorous training that contributes to performance, efficiency and growth. CPABC represents more than 34,000 CPAs who serve the public interest across all sectors of industry. All CPAs, CPA candidates and students abide by stringent ethical standards. For more information, please see our website at Committee Mandate and Composition The mandate and purpose of the CEO Selection Committee is to develop and implement the search and selection process for the hiring of a new President & CEO for CPABC. The Committee is responsible for presenting the recommended candidate who best demonstrates the attributes and competencies of the position and candidate profile to the CPABC Board of Directors for their ultimate selection and approval. Members of the Committee include: Olin Anton, CPABC Board Chair David Hallinan, CPABC Board 1st Vice Chair and Chair, President & CEO Selection Committee Heather Banham, CPABC Board 2nd Vice Chair CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal President &CEO Selection Page 1

2 RFP CPA BC CEO Selection Brian Friedrich and Barry Macdonald, CPABC Executive Committee members Barbara Brink and Elizabeth Jackson, Public Representatives from the CPABC Board Diane Kerley, Doug Lang, and Sheila Nelson, CPABC Board Members Next Steps We are inviting search firms to deliver a proposal for arrival via by Wednesday June 15 th, These proposals will be reviewed by the Committee who will identify a short-list of proponents that may be requested to prepare and deliver a 30 minute oral presentation followed by a 30 minute Q&A period on Wednesday June 29 th, A final decision will be reached no later than June 30 th, The Terms of Reference established by the Committee for the external search firm to be engaged is outlined in Appendix A. Appendix B includes a description of the proposal submission requirements and evaluation process. A draft Position and Candidate Profile developed by the Committee is provided in Appendix C. This document has been prepared in draft with the understanding that the external search firm will work with the Committee to refine and update this Profile for the purpose of conducting the search. Proponents that intend to submit a proposal in connection with this RFP should confirm their intent to propose via no later than Wednesday June 8 th Questions or requests for clarification may be submitted via with CEO RFP in the subject line, no later than 3pm PDT on June 8 th with answers to all questions being released to all confirmed proponents by Thursday June, 9 th, The proposal should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format and ed by 4pm PDT on Wednesday June 15 th., The Key Contact for the CPABC Search Committee for all correspondence in connection with this RFP is as follows: DAVID HALLINAN, FCPA, FCMA CHAIR, PRESIDENT & CEO SELECTION COMMITTEE CPA BRITISH COLUMBIA Tel: CEOSearch@bccpa.ca CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal - CEO Selection Page 2

3 APPENDIX A Search Firm Consultants Terms of Reference Accountability The search firm consultant will be accountable to the President & CEO Selection Committee (the Committee) with the Chair of the Committee being the key contact. Confidentiality All information and documentation provided to the search firm consultant is the property of CPABC and will be treated as confidential and cannot be used outside the assignment. Conflict of Interest The consultant shall be and remain independent of CPABC. If a conflict occurs (real or perceived) the consultant will report the conflict immediately to the Chair of the Committee. Role and Responsibility The role and the principal responsibility of the search firm consultant is to advise and assist the Committee in: Developing an effective work plan to ensure timely completion of the hiring of a new President and CEO of CPABC; Conducting an effective search and recruitment process; Conducting an effective screening and interview process; and, Developing and delivering a draft employment contract, which considers both candidate qualifications and marketplace considerations. Qualifications The consultant shall: Be knowledgeable and experienced in association management. Demonstrate experience with and a strong understanding of the Vancouver and British Columbia marketplace that will aid in identifying and attracting potential candidates for the position of President and CEO of CPABC. Possess a proven track record in recruiting for similar positions with candidates drawn from a pan-canadian and international arena. CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal President &CEO Selection Page 3

4 Appendix B Proposal Submission and Evaluation Process Submission Requirements Firms are requested to submit one electronic copy of their proposal, comprising not more than 20 pages, containing the information outlined below. While the firms may choose to append additional material, all information required by the Committee to evaluate the proposal must be contained within the first 20 pages. Proponent s response should include: FIRM INFORMATION For identification and information purposes only, provide the following information about your firm: Complete legal firm name and address Primary business and length of time business established Number of direct employees Nature of the firm (i.e. sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, joint venture) Corporate head office and branch locations Primary contact for this RFP (name, title, phone number and ) Type, scope, and description of candidate database and/or tools, systems or processes CORPORATE STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS The search committee (committee) will require the successful proponent to provide a key contact (Account Manager) who will manage our search and be responsible to co-ordinate all activities described in this RFP. Include a contact listing for the Account Manager and any other representatives who would be working with the committee during the term of the agreement proposed. Include details of their relevant experience, education and expertise. Identify how planned and unplanned absences will be addressed. Describe your ideal working relationship with the committee as it relates to the actions or steps that you will have in place to ensure the committee s account will be managed, deliverables are met, communications are maintained, and include any escalation procedures. In order to maintain integrity in the process, state how your firm protects the privacy of the confidential information. CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal - CEO Selection Page 4

5 SEARCH METHODOLOGIES Describe in detail your process for sourcing and recruiting candidates for executive roles. Provide examples of recent successful, relevant executive placements. How do you measure a successful placement what validates that they are considered successful? Describe your end-to-end recruitment process from initial sourcing to successful placement. Describe what services within the end-to-end recruitment process can be provided separately. Describe what tools, processes and techniques your firm uses to validate that candidates possess the appropriate skills, competencies, values, and cultural fit. Describe what you would do to ensure that your candidates fully understand CPABC s culture and values. Describe in your proposal how you would present your recommended candidates to the committee. What is your typical turnaround time for an end-to-end recruitment process for this type of role? State your experience in developing innovative sourcing channels and tools that lead to a diverse, highly qualified talent pool. State what you do to maintain the currency of your network of candidates. PROPONENTS UNDERSTANDING What is your understanding of the role, nature and scope of CPABC? What is your understanding of CPABC s requirements? What is your understanding of the profile of the desired candidate to successfully fill this position? PROPOSED PRICING - EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRMS Provide detailed end-to-end pricing structure and your billing method (i.e. contingency or retainer based) for an executive search including all elements and costs associated with services. Provide any additional costs that may not be included otherwise.. State whether your pricing structure requires the inclusion of any compensation other than base salary (i.e. incentive pay). CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal - CEO Selection Page 5

6 COST INCURRED BY FIRMS All expenses involved with the preparation and submission of a proposal to CPABC including travel costs incurred to deliver the oral presentation, or any work performed in connection with development of the proposal, shall be borne by the search firm. No payment shall be made by CPABC for the preparation of any proposal, or for any other effort required of, or made by, the search firm prior to commencement of work as defined by the proposal approved by CPABC. WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE State any guarantees your firm provides regarding the success of the search and candidate placement including any reimbursement or recourse offered if a candidate leaves CPABC within a twelve-month period after placement. Describe your follow up process to ensure client and employee satisfaction. REFERENCES List three customers with similar demographic and cultural requirements to CPABC (for example, size of customer, revenue, types of roles, etc.) to those described in this RFP who we may contact as references for each area of expertise for which you have made a submission. For each reference, provide the following: Customer Name Contact Information (Name, Title, Phone, ) Brief description of the role filled and the service provided/performed Proposal Evaluation As part of the evaluation process, the Committee may require proponents to make oral presentations in support of their proposals. Formal PowerPoint presentations would not be expected for these presentations. Right to Withdraw the Request for Proposal CPABC reserves the right to withdraw, at its discretion, this request for proposal at any time, and shall not be liable for any expense, cost, loss or damage incurred or suffered by any search firm as a result of such withdrawal. Confirmation from CPABC CPABC will confirm receipt of all submissions, and will notify all firms of its decision. Letter of Engagement/Contract Upon selection of the best qualified search firm by the Committee and successful negotiation of terms and conditions of the business arrangement, CPABC will issue a letter of engagement and/or sign a contract with the firm selected. CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal - CEO Selection Page 6

7 APPENDIX C Draft Position and Candidate Profile Position Title: Reports To: President & Chief Executive Officer CPA British Columbia Board Date: 2015 About the Chartered Professional Accountants British Columbia The Chartered Professional Accountants Act of British Columbia was proclaimed on June 24, 2015 and established the Chartered Professional Accountant ( CPA ) designation in British Columbia. CPAs play key roles within diverse segments of the economy including industry, public accounting, government, education and the not-for-profit sector. They offer a strong set of accounting, managerial and leadership skills required for today s complex and evolving environment. CPAs are broad-minded, forward-thinking professionals who undertake appropriate analysis, exercise good judgment, communicate effectively and act to protect the public interest. These professional accountants are highly attractive to employers and recruiters for the solid training and expertise that contribute to improved efficiency and growth. CPA British Columbia represents more than 34,000 CPAs who serve the public interest across all sectors of industry. All CPAs, CPA candidates and students abide by stringent ethical standards. For more information, please see our website at The Position The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will provide successful leadership by working closely with the CPA British Columbia Board and staff within a Policy Governance framework to achieve the goals and strategic ends of CPA British Columbia within the executive limitations provided by the Board. The President & CEO will be responsible for creating a high performance organization that develops and delivers CPA programs and services, providing regulation of those programs and services, and establishing/maintaining positive relationships with members and stakeholder groups. The President & CEO champions the vision, direction, and strategic ends of CPA British Columbia and the profession generally, and provides leadership to ensure integration, effective operations, regulation, ongoing promotion and growth, risk management and effective succession management of the organization. CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal - CEO Selection Page 7

8 Position and Candidate Profile Reporting to the CPA British Columbia Board, the President & CEO will lead a senior management team and a committed staff to maintain the successful integration of legacy operations post-enactment of legislation, while ensuring high quality programs and services are provided to members, the effective and efficient use of resources, and the implementation of the strategic and business plans of CPA British Columbia. Key Leadership Accountabilities 1. Facilitate and support the Board Advise and assist the Board in the development and implementation of policies, strategic ends and objectives, new initiatives, fiscal priorities to support CPA British Columbia and its members; including drafting CPA British Columbia s strategic plan for approval by the Board and providing advice and guidance on national or inter-provincial matters of significance. Implement the by-laws, policies and strategies set by the Board, and ensure effective administration of approved policies and plans. Be available to the Board for both formal and informal discussions and attend all meetings of the Board. Report to the Board on a regular basis to ensure the Board is appropriately informed of progress and provide formal written documentation, including reports, background information and briefing materials, to support the Board in establishing and maintaining policy, setting direction and making decisions. Advise and inform the Board on CPA British Columbia operational issues including specific internal and external activities and projects, all key current and anticipated issues, and risk mitigation plans. Serve as the official link between the CPA British Columbia Board, the employees and members to ensure effective formal communications and the appropriate sharing of information between the governing bodies, employees and membership. Lead and champion initiatives to support strong working relationships with the public, government, national/regional/provincial partners, and other stakeholders in accordance with the Board s strategic mandate. 2. Strategy and Planning Provide leadership in formulating the strategic direction, objectives and policies of the organization ensuring they are consistent with the organizational strategic ends. Translate the long-term strategic plan into annual operational plans and priorities, and ensure that the operational objectives are communicated to all employees and appropriate stakeholders. Review the preparation of annual departmental plans to ensure alignment with ends, strategic plans, operational plans and priorities, and objectives of the Board. Provide advice in the development and implementation of processes to identify membership needs, economic, social, and environmental trends, and evaluate the organizations ability to fulfill needs and address future issues and concerns. CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal - CEO Selection Page 8

9 Position and Candidate Profile 3. Legislation and Standards Administration Provide leadership and direct the administration of the CPA British Columbia Act and legislative framework that was proclaimed on June 24, Monitor compliance of BC CPAs with the behaviours codified in the Act, By-laws, and Code of Professional Conduct that assure public protection, accountability, high standards, and professional credibility through accreditation, professional development, public practice registration and compliance review, and member discipline. 4. High Performance Organization Develop and sustain an environment where ideas are freely shared and multiple perspectives sought out, appropriate risks are encouraged and all employees are committed to providing the best service to new and legacy members. Build a cohesive senior management team who are committed to the best interests of members and stakeholders of CPA British Columbia, and who consistently look for opportunities to integrate/enhance programs and services. Ensure the development, implementation and monitoring of an effective organizational structure, short and long-term employee development and succession plans, recruitment and retention initiatives, and related budgets to support best human resource practices. Ensure the establishment of performance expectations that provide clear direction to staff of what is expected and how they contribute to the success of the organization. Establish total compensation programs for employees that appropriately compensate individuals for their performance, attract and retain high quality employees, incent desired behaviours and are consistent with the financial environment of a not-for-profit, membership-based organization. 5. Stakeholder Relationship Management Represent the British Columbia profession on committees of the CPA Canada Council of Chief Executives, and where appropriate, other national / international accounting or professional bodies. Establish and maintain strong and enduring relationships with stakeholders including members, industry, government, regulators, post-secondary institutions, and other partners to promote cooperation and protection of the interests of members. Establish and maintain strong and enduring relationships with national, regional and provincial partners to promote cooperation, share lessons learned, and to support and protect the interests of the membership locally, provincially, and nationally. Meet with various stakeholder groups to discuss issues and develop recommended plans of action as required. Ensure the dissemination of effective and appropriate communication and sharing of information, knowledge and expertise with members, stakeholders and the public. Enhance the reputation and stature of the profession by supporting and encouraging CPA member development, and creating a culture among members who promote their own designation. CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal - CEO Selection Page 9

10 Position and Candidate Profile Oversee the development and implementation of effective marketing initiatives, programs and services for the CPA designation. Ensure the development and implementation of networking, professional development and volunteer opportunities to position the CPA designation and CPA British Columbia for success via a broad network. Set the expectations for the use of effective communication tools such as the organizational website, newsletters and other media for communication with all members and stakeholders including government, regulators, post-secondary institutions, special interest groups and the public. Reinforce that all communications are consistent with the overall strategy of the CPA profession at the provincial and national levels. Represent CPA British Columbia at official functions and events as required. 6. Financial, Operational and Performance Management Define and manage the infrastructure of CPA British Columbia, including overseeing the preparation of annual operating budgets and recommending the adoption of the budgets to the Board. Within the defined Policy Governance framework, assume overall accountability for the annual operating and capital budgets, and ensure departmental, programming, and special initiative budgets align with the overall budget. Provide oversight to the monitoring and directing of the organization s performance to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality programs and services to members, and adherence to Board direction, established budgets and performance standards. Ensure regular reviews of organizational performance against the objectives are completed and provide regular reports to the Board as required. Confirm that effective financial, information management, and administrative systems are in place for the ongoing and effective operation of CPA British Columbia. Oversee the processes and procedures for the efficient and effective delivery of CPA British Columbia programs and services, and if applicable, the continued devolution of legacy programs. CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal - CEO Selection Page 10

11 Position and Candidate Profile The Candidate Experience and Education The candidate will have a minimum of ten years of progressive experience at a senior management level, with preference being given candidates with a CPA designation and/or graduate degree(s). The candidate will have excellent communications, public relations, networking, strategic thinking, mentoring and execution skills to provide competent leadership. The candidate must also have an excellent understanding of risk management and preferably have experience working in a Policy Governance environment with a Board. Experience functioning at strategic and operational levels with a collaborative leadership style and a proven track record of delivering results is essential to success in this position. Competency requirements The CEO position requires strong leadership skills and the ability to develop and maintain an environment aligned with the organization s strategic ends and key values, gain the support, commitment and followership of staff, and work effectively with internal and external stakeholders to achieve organizational goals. The CEO is responsible for ensuring the overall success of CPA British Columbia. As the Board will rely on the skills, knowledge and abilities of the incumbent in this role, candidates must be able to demonstrate strong leadership and technical competencies as outlined below. Integrity, Ethics and Values Strategic Thinking Demonstrates adherence to standards and values of CPA British Columbia. Keeps the greater good of CPA British Columbia in mind at all times. Able to build others trust in one s own professionalism, expertise and ability to get results. Makes principle-centered decisions. Assumes responsibility, accountability and follows through when making commitments. Is respected and trusted, appreciates the importance and appropriately manages sensitive and confidential information. Ensures that a respectful and inclusive workplace is created and maintained throughout the organization by developing and implementing appropriate strategies. Able to adopt a long-term view of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks in a transitioning and changing operational environment. Has broad knowledge and perspectives. Able to identify critical operational issues that will have an impact on the effective operation of CPA British Columbia and on its members. Successfully anticipates future trends and consequences. Identifies opportunities to improve systems, processes and practices to more efficiently achieve desired outcomes. Articulates credible visions of possibilities and like. CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal - CEO Selection Page 11

12 Position and Candidate Profile Organizational Awareness / Business Acumen Results / Quality Orientation Effective Oral, Written and Presentation Skills Understands and respects the role of the Board and delegated representatives, and the role of staff and how they work together. Able to identify and explain the impact of external events on the organization and the community. Anticipates potential hot spots and/or red flags and develops appropriate approaches. Gains and effectively uses knowledge of formal and informal regulatory, political, social and organizational structures, relationships, norms and policies and their potential impact and implications on CPA British Columbia to achieve positive outcomes. Establishes quality procedures and standards. Employs advanced quality techniques and strategies to optimize systems and improve organizational effectiveness. Promotes and integrates continuous improvement initiatives and best practices into current operations. Ensures that evaluation programs and services are in place to measure organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Driven to meet a high standard of performance. Monitors progress towards a goal, anticipates problems and makes adjustments when necessary. Sets goals and priorities that maximize the use of resources available to consistently deliver results based on Board direction and stakeholder expectations. Defines the principles and framework of effective organizational communication. Ensures the Board is appropriately informed of issues. Provides sound and thorough information to the Board and communicates ideas and actions to individuals at all levels of the organization. Demonstrates strong verbal, written and listening skills. Articulates complex ideas in a clearly understandable way. Effectively communicates the rationale for decisions. The ability to actively and empathetically listen to messages being communicated by stakeholders, and communicate the right messages in an effective manner in writing and orally. Develops well-constructed documents and reports. Effectively facilitates meetings and discussions to assist participants in reaching shared decisions and fostering positive relationships. Creates and conducts powerful presentations to small and large groups. Influences, directs and clearly communicates with all stakeholders to accomplish objectives and direct the organization through change in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent. Manages conflicts with a proven history of implementing effective conflict resolution strategies. CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal - CEO Selection Page 12

13 Position and Candidate Profile Customer Service Orientation Quality Decisions / Judgement / Effective Problem Solving Managerial Courage Fosters Teamwork, Collaboration and Accountability Builds Credibility and Maintains Composure Identifies global trends and best practices related to membership in the profession. Initiates the identification of standards and behaviors for professional excellence. Develops and facilitates the implementation of strategies to achieve defined expectations and superior program and service delivery. Incorporates the needs of members, students, government, and stakeholders when setting standards, strategies and organizational direction. Ensures organizational culture and recognition methods reinforce quality member service. Efficiently and effectively perceives and assesses situations. Draws sound conclusions and recommends changes in policies and practices as required. Identifies the impacts and risks associated with decisions and takes appropriate risks. Influences decisions that challenge the status quo and provoke growth and positive development in the organization. Takes responsibility for difficult decisions. Ensures the Board is appropriately informed of issues. Defines decision-making model(s)/principles/criteria for others. Utilizes objective, factual and valid information from a variety of sources to make informed decisions, understands the potential impacts, and keeps all relevant parties informed. Makes tough decisions even when unpopular. Stands up for and does what is right. Takes action when necessary. Does not avoid initiating conflict when necessary. Keeps the organization energized and focused through tough times. Establishes a shared vision and common goals and creates the environment where the organization can achieve them. Able to inspire and lead diverse teams of professionals in doing what is best for CPA British Columbia. Surrounds self with high quality talent, monitors performance carefully and addresses poor performance in a fair and timely manner. Defines objectives and keeps organization focused while driving toward results and holding self and others accountable for them. Promotes cooperation, collaboration and partnerships between individuals or groups both within and outside the organization ensuring that everyone understands each other s roles, responsibilities and contributions. The ability to build others trust in one s own professionalism, integrity, expertise and results. Projects a confidence in one s own ability to be successful, to meet challenges and to overcome obstacles. Maintains composure when dealing with vocal or dissatisfied people, manages stress effectively, takes setbacks in stride, brings situations under CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal - CEO Selection Page 13

14 Position and Candidate Profile control and is not threatened by ambiguity and conflict. Initiative Financial Literacy Identifies new, creative and practical solutions to the challenges faced by the organization and its stakeholders. Introduces new ideas, processes or services or applies current knowledge in new environments to achieve greater quality, efficiency and service; operates as a catalyst for the introduction of improved organizational structures and systems. Promotes and rewards creative problem solving in others and is willing to take measured risks in order to achieve improved performance. Creates strategies to position the organization 2 to 5 years in the future by anticipating and acting on trends affecting internal/external clients. Sets of tone of decisiveness while making decisions in a timely manner with the appropriate sense of urgency. Attends to a broader range of activities and focuses on setting priorities while utilizing time effectively and efficiency. Understands the financial model of the organization and the elements that impact the model and financial performance. Implements a risk-based approach to financial management and ensures appropriate policies and practices are in place. Strong understanding of effective budgeting and financial reporting processes. Implements strong budgeting, financial reporting and monitoring processes. CPA British Columbia Request for Proposal - CEO Selection Page 14