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KPMG Scholarship Recipients

Timera Boateng, Winter 2024, KPMG Scholarship Recipient

Timera Boateng

I am currently in the PAcc program as a full-time student for the winter 2024 semester. I have completed my BCom at York University with a specialization in accounting.

After completing the PAcc program, I plan to write the September 2024 CFE. I will also start working as a staff accountant at KPMG in their audit function in the fall of 2024.

In my spare time, I enjoy going to fairs, playing board games, reading, and learning the drums. Thank you to KPMG for providing such a generous scholarship. This scholarship will allow me to focus on meeting my academic and career goals. I hope to be able to help others reach their own career goals in the future.

Andre Ouellette

I am part-time student in the Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting program at York University. My journey in the world of accounting began at York University, where I graduated in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in commerce, specializing in accounting. Following my graduation, I embarked on a professional path that led me to the role of a financial controller for a medium-sized organization. My career path then evolved dynamically, steering me towards the vibrant field of financial technology consulting. Currently, I am proud to serve as a Senior Technology Consultant in the D365 practice at RSM, where I continue to grow and apply my skills in new, challenging environments.

The pursuit of the CPA designation is my next goal upon completing the PACC program. This ambition is fueled by the recognition and support I received through the KPMG Award. The award represents the hard work and perseverance I’ve dedicated to my studies and career, symbolizing not just personal achievements but the value of steadfast commitment to one’s goals. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the professors and staff involved in the PACC program. Their dedication and support have been instrumental for my success and achievements.

Outside the professional sphere, I channel my energy and leadership skills into managing a men's hardball baseball team during the summer. This role, coupled with my eagerness to continuously learn and explore new horizons, keeps me engaged and inspired in all aspects of life.

Thank you!

Andre Ouellette, Winter 2023, KPMG Scholarship Recipient
Rohan Sharma, Summer 2023, KPMG Scholarship Recipient

Rohan Sharma

I am a full-time PAcc student in the Summer 2023 term. Prior to joining PAcc, I completed my BCom with a specialization in Accounting at York. Once this term is over, I will be starting at TD in their CPA Rotational Program. My next step is to successfully write the CFE and continue to grow within the Accounting industry. I would love to teach accounting introductory courses to the next generation of CPAs.

During my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I especially love spending time with my dog Ace. I am a huge sports fan, and a big Toronto Maple Leafs supporter. Yes, I have been disappointed for a long time 🙁

I would like to thank KPMG for their generosity with this award. It has been a privilege to be chosen for this award. This award is the result of the ongoing support I have received from my peers, colleagues and undergraduate professors.

Trodian Portodo

I am a full time student at PAcc program and accepted an offer at RSM Canada. I am planning to write the CFE exam on September 2024.

I will be continuing my accounting journey helping mid-sized firms and hoping to be more involved in programs that help the communities.

I love watching movies and enjoying a nice weather in a park. Lastly, I would like to personally thank KPMG for the award. This is a great help for me to launch my career.

Trodian Portodo, Summer 2023, KPMG Scholarship Recipient

Celine Mariela Grey, Fall 2022, KPMG Scholarship Recipient

Celine Mariela Grey

I am currently enrolled in the full-time Graduate Diploma in Professional Accounting at York University. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Commerce with a Specialized Honours in Accounting in February 2022 and since then, I have been working in Assurance as a Staff Accountant at Ernst & Young specifically with financial services clients, operating in the insurance industry.

Upon completing the PACC program, I wish to continue working towards the CPA designation. The KPMG award has greatly impacted my life allowing me to appreciate all my hard work and effort I’ve done in my undergrad. It truly is proof that determination, hard work and a positive attitude are the recipe for success. I’d like to thank the professors that have been a true inspiration to me throughout my undergraduate journey and a big thank you to the Donor of the award for supporting this program and recognizing my academic achievement. By accepting this award, I hope to serve as an inspiration to other students, and to remember that we should always believe in ourselves and to keep moving forward.

Allyson Whyte

I am a full-time Pacc student and will be starting my career in the CPA Training Program with CIBC in September 2022. My next steps after the Pacc program are to write the CFE in September 2023 and work to complete my practical experience. I believe social and environmental responsibility is very important now and for future generations. My career goal is to work in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility to help improve communities and the impact that businesses have on the environment.

I enjoy spending time with family, hiking, and biking.

Many thanks to KPMG for supporting my career aspiration to become a CPA!

Allyson Whyte, Summer 2022, KPMG Scholarship Recipient
Wei Chen, Summer 2022, KPMG Scholarship Recipient

Wei En (Ryan) Chen

Currently, I am a part-time student in the PAcc program and working as a Senior Staff Accountant at Clark & Horner CPAs LLP. After finishing my PAcc program, I plan to write the CFE in September 2023 and work in public accounting for a while. I love both audit and tax, and would like to get exposure to as many different clients and industries as I can in both these fields. I would like to take the CPA In-depth Tax Program once I get my CPA, and also would like to teach accounting courses to upcoming CPA professionals at the university level.

In my spare time, I love to spend time with friends and family, going outdoors, teaching and exploring different cultures and cuisines. I love to meet new people when I get the chance and learn about their culture and experiences, and hopefully can travel around the world.

Huge thanks to KPMG for this prestigious scholarship and supporting my educational journey towards attaining the CPA designation. I’d also love to give back to York University and contribute to the CPA Profession community in any way I can in the future, and try to achieve my personal values of making a positive impact on other people’s lives.

Meharleen Gaudh

I am a full-time PAcc Student and will be writing the CFE in September 2022. I will be launching my career in public accounting. My hobbies are reading and baking. A big thank you to KPMG for supporting my CPA journey with this scholarship!

Meharleen Gaudh, Winter 2022, KPMG Scholarship Recipient
Younghyun Kwon, Winter 2022, KPMG Scholarship Recipient

Younghyun Kwon

I am a full-time student at PAcc and accepted an offer from the KPMG tax group starting October 2022. My next step after finishing the  PAcc program is to successfully complete the CFE and be a partner at the accounting firm in the future.

I faced a lot of obstacles because of my personal financial situation before enrolling this program, so I had been looking a lot for financial support. KPMG scholarship helped relieve my financial burden.

It is all thanks to KPMG that I can do it!

Photo of Benjamin Beji, Fall 2021,KPMG Scholarship Recipient

Benji Benjamin

I am a part time student at PACC and currently employed by EY. My next steps after finishing the PAcc program is to successfully finish CFE. If everything entails I hope to be a CFO in the future. I would personally like to thank KPMG for the award.

Junghwan Youn

I am a part-time student at the PAcc program. My current position is Staff Accountant at KPMG Canada. My next steps when I finish the PAcc program is to successfully write the CFE. My future career plans are to learn further about data analytics and boosting my networking skills.

In my spare time, I like to spend my time with my family and two dogs as it is getting harder to spend time with them in my daily routine. I am very particular about my personal health, when I have time, I enjoy spending time practicing martial arts such as Hapkido and Taekwondo. Additional, I love going for a drive with people who share the same passion as me.

Lastly, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to KPMG for this amazing scholarship. The KPMG scholarship enabled me to focus on my professional career and it will accelerate my personal goal to give back to the community. I am very thrilled to be the recipient for KPMG scholarship, and I am deeply appreciative of the support that I received throughout my time in PAcc program.

Junghwan Youn, Fall 2021, KPMG Scholarship Recipient
Photo o Rachel Yuxin, Summer 2021, KPMG Scholarship Recipient

Rachel (Yuxin) Yi

After graduating from PACC program as a full-time student, I started my career in one of the big five banks' CPA Rotational Program. I see myself becoming a competent CPA who can make valuable contribution to the community. I am a yogi and I dance!

Pravenaah Senthitseyon

I graduated in Summer 2021, as a full-time student, from the PAcc program at York University. After graduating, I started my career at Grant Thornton as an Accountant. My future goal is to write the CFE in 2022 and obtain my CPA designation. During my spare time, I enjoyed going for walks and playing tennis. Last but not least, I would like to thank KPMG for the scholarship and their continued support in helping me achieve my career aspirations.

Pravenaah Senthitseyon, Summer 2021, KPMG Scholarship Recipient

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