Disciplinary Process

Here's what happens when the Association receives a complaint about the conduct of a Certified General Accountant:

Staff will first review the complaint; determine if the individual is a member and review the status of their membership. In some cases there may be no basis for a formal complaint, but informal communication may be required between the parties to resolve the issue.

Complaints are forwarded by staff to the Vice-President for an initial assessment, which normally will result in a preliminary investigation, gathering of evidence and generation of a report identifying the specific breaches as well as suggested action (suspension, mediation, formal inquiry, etc.).

This report is delivered to the President who at that point, if the matter is of a serious nature and the member is considered a significant risk to the public, may immediately suspend the member. The President will call a formal inquiry, appoint an inquiry committee, and that committee will proceed with formal hearings. At the conclusion of that process, the committee will report its findings and recommendations to the board who will determine the disciplinary action to be taken.

The board may fine, temporarily suspend, revoke membership, assess costs and publish the results of the findings.