VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 13, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is proud to recognize three Vancouver CPAs with a fellowship (FCPA), the highest distinction that is bestowed upon a CPA within the accounting profession. Nominated and selected by a committee of their peers, these Fellows are leaders, innovators, and mentors known for their dedication and commitment to their community and to the CPA profession.

The three Fellows are: Roger Bissoondatt, FCPA, FCA, FCMA, Carlo De Mello, FCPA, FCA , and Steven Reed, FCPA, FCA .

Roger Bissoondatt, FCPA, FCA, FCMA is the chief financial officer for the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB) in Vancouver, where he is known for his ability to work with diverse stakeholders and to balance public-policy initiatives and private-sector interests. Highly regarded in his field, Bissoondatt received a BC CFO Award in 2017 from Business in Vancouver for his financial leadership. He is also a passionate community volunteer who has supported many organizations through service that spans over 30 years. He is currently a board member with Columbus Residence, a not-for-profit society that provides services in complex care and dementia. Bissoondatt also serves with the Knights of Columbus, mentoring council members and sharing his financial expertise. He is a member and volunteer with the board of FEI Canada, a network of business professionals. Bissoondatt obtained his designations in 1984.

Carlo De Mello, FCPA, FCA is a partner and business unit leader for KPMG LLP’s audit practice in the Greater Vancouver Area and leads the firm’s financial services practice in Western Canada. De Mello is an active contributor to the accounting profession. He co-presents at the Institute of Corporate Directors’ Education Program and regularly speaks about the CPA profession at post-secondary institutions. De Mello also volunteers in his community, having served as a member of the board of directors of the KPMG Foundation, which supports local impact initiatives. As a member of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help parish, De Mello is an active contributor to his family’s neighbourhood and community. He has also served as a member of the board of directors of Vancouver College, an independent school. De Mello obtained his CPA designation in 1995.

Steven Reed, FCPA, FCA leads the management and operation of the tax services division at Manning Elliott LLP in Vancouver. For over 30 years, Reed has given tax presentations to special interest groups and businesses, and raised awareness of CPAs as subject matter experts. Alongside his commitment to the profession, he has an equal passion for the sport of soccer. As president of the Canadian Soccer Association, Reed played an integral role in securing the United 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup for the host nations of Canada, the United States, and Mexico. He was also part of the National Organizing Committee for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, hosted in Canada for the first time. In recognition of his service, he was granted the Life Member Award from BC Soccer. Reed obtained his CPA designation in 1981.

Quote from Lori Mathison, FCPA, FCGA, LLB, president and CEO of CPABC “We are extremely proud of Roger, Carlo, and Steven. They have distinguished themselves through their contributions to both the CPA profession and their communities, as well as their career achievements. We are thrilled to recognize their outstanding accomplishments. They are an inspiration for other business professionals in the province.”

To read the profiles of all the award winners, visit bccpa.ca/members/recognition-program .

NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: Individual profiles and publication quality photos of the recipients are available by request.

About CPA British Columbia The Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC) is the training, governing, and regulatory body for more than 36,000 CPA members and 6,000 CPA students and candidates. CPABC carries out its primary mission to protect the public by enforcing the highest professional and ethical standards and contributing to the advancement of public policy. CPAs are recognized internationally for bringing superior financial expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, and leadership to organizations.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact: Vivian Tse, Public Affairs Manager 604.488.2647