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Guillaume Lafrance
MBA, CPA, EEE, CFF, Treasurer, Wikimedia Canada

About me

I am a young professional working in downtown Montreal. I lived in several other cities in Quebec (Amqui: my hometown, Granby, Rivière-du-Loup, Trois-Rivières and Quebec City). I am a sports person, I play soccer regularly and on an occasional basis running, tennis and hiking. Also, I love traveling to immerse myself in different cultures and discover new horizons.

Academic and professional training

  • 2014: CFF - Certified in Financial Forensics
  • 2013: EEE - Expert in Business Valuation
  • 2011: CA - Order of Chartered Accountants of Quebec (now CPA through the Order of Chartered Professional Accountants of Quebec)
  • 2009: Master of Business Administration (MBA), University of Quebec at Trois-Rivières
  • 2008: Bachelor's degree in Accounting Sciences, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières

My work

I worked for almost 4 years in an accounting firm where my role as head of mission was to plan and execute special mandates, audits, examinations and opinions to the reader. So I had to prepare financial statements and file tax returns for various companies and organizations. In addition, I had to evaluate the internal controls and produce letters of recommendation on the weaknesses identified.

I have been working for more than 5 years for Accuracy Canada Inc., a firm specializing in forensic accounting and advisory services in corporate finance. In recent years, I have co-authored several expert reports that have been filed in court. I have also been involved in several large-scale investigative mandates for different types of organizations. As a director, my role is to plan the missions, supervise and carry out the work, ensure the smooth running and write the reports.

Implications

I have been involved with Wikimedia Canada since December 2016 on an accounting committee. My role was mainly to validate the accounting transactions from 2011 to 2015, to prepare the 2016 financial statements and to give my opinion on various accounting issues. In addition, I get involved with the Montreal Inc. Foundation. as a volunteer counselor. My role is to advise companies on business valuation and financial forecasting topics. Finally, I got involved with Jeunes Entreprises du Québec during the 2014-2015 school year. My role was to animate a weekly session with a group of students who would set up a business, operate it and sell it at the end of the school year.

Motivation

I want to be very involved with Wikimedia Canada and use my accounting and financial skills within the organization. The mission of Wikimedia Canada is in all respects my personal interests and that is why I am applying as treasurer. Having participated in the accounting committee since December 2016, I have an excellent knowledge of the structure of the organization. So I think I'm in a very good position to manage the finances of the organization and to ensure good governance.