In this exclusive interview with CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Rick Johal, a strategic leader in association management and public affairs, sheds light on the role of Certified Professional Bookkeepers (CPB) in fostering business success. As the driving force behind CPB Canada, he discusses how the organization has become a vital resource for bookkeepers across Canada, offering unmatched support, industry knowledge, and technological integration. Rick shares valuable insights on the significance of professional bookkeeping in ensuring financial stability, managing risk, and fueling long-term growth for small businesses.
Rick is a strategic executive with 15 years of leadership experience in association management and public affairs. He specializes in transforming vision into measurable outcomes for members, constituents, and communities. Rick thrives at the intersection of policy, people, and purpose, driving innovation, shaping narratives, and fostering collaboration across organizations and teams.
CPB Canada is recognized as the nation’s authority on bookkeeping standards. What sets the organization apart, and how has it become the go-to resource for bookkeepers and businesses across Canada?
CPB Canada stands out as the nation’s authority by setting and maintaining an uncompromising standard for bookkeeping competence. What sets us apart is the commitment to elevating the profession through the CPB designation, ongoing learning requirements, and a strong ethical framework. The CPB is recognized across Canada as the mark of credibility, competence, and professionalism.
Since 2021, CPB Canada has grown annually to nearly 2,500 members and stands alone as the professional body for bookkeepers in Canada. The association offers unmatched support through webinars, regional meetings, and an annual national conference, keeping professionals ahead of industry trends and technology. Its strategic partnerships cut across the industry and research initiatives—like the PwC-backed economic impact study—further solidifying our thought leader role.
For businesses, CPBs offer peace of mind through accurate financial reporting, streamlined workflows, and trusted compliance. It’s a launchpad for career growth, credibility, and connection for professionals. CPB Canada isn’t just a resource—it’s the quiet backbone of our accounting industry.
In what ways does hiring a Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) impact the financial stability and long-term growth of small and medium-sized businesses?
Hiring a Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) is a strategic move that will strengthen a business’s financial foundation and long-term trajectory. CPBs bring verified expertise in full-cycle bookkeeping, reducing costly errors and ensuring timely reporting and filings. Many CPBs provide value beyond basic bookkeeping, offering a range of strategic advisory services to help owners make informed decisions about cash flow, budgeting, and growth planning.
CPBs are the accounting leaders in streamlining financial workflows and leveraging technology tools and automation. As a result, CPBs free up valuable time for business owners to focus on operations, innovation, and growth. Their insights can uncover inefficiencies, identify tax-saving opportunities, and support better forecasting.
Ultimately, CPBs don’t just balance books—they build confidence. Their credibility and commitment to ongoing professional development mean businesses gain a trusted partner who evolves with the rapid pace of technology and associated standards.
The pandemic highlighted bookkeepers as vital allies for Canadian entrepreneurs. Can you share insights or stories on how CPB Canada members went above and beyond during times of economic uncertainty?
The pandemic brought about unprecedented challenges for many small businesses. Throughout that time, many struggled to operate, and many went insolvent. During this time, bookkeepers served on the front line or as first responders for so many small businesses to help them understand how to pivot their operations, access key government supports, and recalibrate in a rapidly changing dynamic. Bookkeepers were the first responders for small businesses.
This was exemplified when governments like British Columbia recognized CPB’s qualified professionals to assess business solvency and help entrepreneurs craft recovery plans. Furthermore, the navigation of CEBA loans and associated risk management were key support bookkeepers provided to their clients.
The pandemic solidified the professional shift to cloud accounting. Bookkeepers are known as the accounting industry’s first adopters of technology. It has paved a path whereby a fundamental aspect of modern bookkeeping is helping small businesses leverage, integrate and build technology stacks that help their businesses operate more smoothly, with greater access to valuable data, and with predictive tools to assist in business decision-making.
With ongoing advancements in technology and shifting business needs, what trends do you see shaping the future of bookkeeping, and how is CPB Canada preparing its members to adapt and thrive?
Bookkeepers are the quiet trailblazers of tech adoption in the accounting world. Canadian bookkeepers are often considered global leaders for technology adoption. Let that sink in. While accountants have a broad scope of responsibilities, bookkeepers are often embedded in businesses’ day-to-day operations, giving them a front-row seat to challenges, inefficiencies and opportunities for automation.
CPB Canada serves a unique role, almost being a conduit between the practicing bookkeepers and the industry’s technology leaders. Whether that is accounting software platforms, payroll platforms, new app integrations, or the emergence of AI, predictive analytics, digital security, and compliance tools,
CPB Canada hosts a broad trade show and exhibition at its annual conference every year. All the leading technology companies working in the accounting ecosystem come to not only update and educate our members but also to learn firsthand what accounting challenges they face. CPB Canada and our professional community are the leaders in ensuring technology meets ever-shifting business needs.
As we close, what advice or encouragement would you offer to small and medium-sized business owners navigating today’s financial landscape, especially as they consider the role of professional bookkeeping in their success?
Clarity is power in today’s financial environment, marked by many rapid changes, digital disruptions, and shifting market demands. The best advice we can offer is not to navigate the numbers alone. Professional bookkeeping isn’t a risk that is worth it. It is not just about compliance or tax preparation; it’s a strategic asset that empowers decision-making and strengthens business resilience.
Real-Time Insights: A skilled bookkeeper transforms financial data into real-time performance indicators, helping you spot opportunities and address challenges early.
Strategic Decision Support: When your books are accurate and current, you gain the confidence to invest, hire, price competitively, or pivot with purpose.
Compliance & Risk Management: Regulations are evolving. Professional bookkeeping ensures you’re on the right side of the rules and protected from costly errors.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your finances are in expert hands frees you to focus on growth, innovation, and what you do best.
Encouragement: Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, partnering with a Certified Professional Bookkeeper is an investment in your business’s health and future. We’re not just keeping books—we’re helping write your success story.
