Accounting alum at the top of his class

Mitch Turko came to VIU in 2018 to join the Mariners golf team, with plans to pursue business and finance programs. After taking a first-year accounting course, he developed a strong interest in the subject. And as he delved deeper into his new field, he realized how many different career paths the industry has.

Last spring, with the aim of broadening his options even further, Mitch wrote the Common Final Examination (CFE). The CFE is a three-day exam that all Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) candidates across Canada are required to write and pass to obtain their official designation.

To prepare for his exam, Mitch took five weeks off work. He says the preparation was intense but that he was “determined to be ready for any questions that might arise on the exam.”

This preparation and determination paid off.

When the results came back in August, he discovered he had scored in the top one per cent of his cohort – an impressive achievement since hundreds of students wrote the exam alongside him. While more than 1,400 candidates passed the May 2024 session, Mitch was one of just 16 to be named to CFE National Honour Roll in recognition of his results.

“I’m incredibly proud to be on the CFE National Honour Roll. This recognition highlights my dedication and hard work throughout both university and the CPA’s Professional Education Program,” says Mitch. “Being on the honour roll is not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the support and guidance I've received along the way. It motivates me to continue striving for success in my profession.”

VIU Accounting Professor Chris Burnley says just passing the exam is a major achievement. 

“To finish in the top one per cent of candidates across Canada is a phenomenal accomplishment,” he says. “Mitch demonstrated that he is among the very best CPA candidates in the country.”

Mitch graduated from VIU in 2021 and currently works as an accountant at Hazelwood in Nanaimo, where he has been for the past two years.

“Hazelwood operates across diverse sectors, including construction, manufacturing and property development, providing me with extensive and varied experience,” he says. “My role involves overseeing accounting activities, including financial reporting, managing cash flow, product costing and assisting with budget preparation, among other responsibilities.”

Chris calls Mitch a fantastic role model for current students.

“He stayed local, works for a great local company and got the experience to compliment his university studies and be incredibly successful on the exam.”

Mitch says the CPA designation will equip him with valuable skills “that will enhance my success in the professional world.”

For current or future accounting students, Mitch offers some advice: “There are more and more opportunities to find an internship while in your third and fourth years of university. I worked at an accounting firm in my fourth year and it helped me understand the content in my classes, as well as develop professionally.”

He also suggests joining the Accounting Students’ Association: “They host some great events with professionals from the community; it is a great chance to make connections across Vancouver Island.”

His final piece of advice is to develop relationships with professors and peers.

“These connections can offer valuable support throughout your studies and make the journey more enjoyable,” says Mitch. “University is an exciting time in your life, so embrace the adventure and have fun.”