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Fcpa Maarika Paul
Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ)
Professional Background
Maarika Paul is a distinguished Chartered Professional Accountant (FCPA, FCA) and a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) with an impressive career spanning 35 years in various finance-related roles. Currently, she holds the prominent position of Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec (CDPQ), where her expertise plays a crucial role in shaping the organization's financial landscape. In her current role, she oversees essential functions including monitoring financial performance, managing treasury operations, and ensuring the integrity of accounting and financial information. Additionally, she plays a vital part in controlling operating expenses, developing tax strategy, and maintaining financial governance, all while overseeing human resources and talent management activities at CDPQ.
Her past experience is as noteworthy as her current achievements. Prior to joining CDPQ, Maarika dedicated a decade to enhancing her skills and expertise in Corporate Finance and Business Valuations at KPMG, where she held several senior positions. Following her tenure at KPMG, she embarked on a rewarding 16-year journey with BCE and Bell Canada, contributing significantly in various high-level roles such as Senior Vice-President of Corporate Services, Senior Vice-President of Corporate Communications, and Vice-President of the Office of the CEO. This wealth of experience across different aspects of finance positions her as a respected leader within the industry.
Education and Achievements
Maarika's academic background laid a strong foundation for her impressive career trajectory. She earned her Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) degree from the prestigious Desautels Faculty of Management at McGill University. Her educational journey also includes a Diploma of College Studies (DEC) from Marianopolis College and advanced studies at the University of Toronto, where she completed the Canadian Institute of Chartered Business Valuators program. Furthermore, she holds a Graduate Diploma in Public Accounting from McGill University, showcasing her commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
In acknowledgment of her contributions to the business field, Ms. Paul obtained her ICD.D designation as a corporate director in 2015, further enhancing her professional qualifications. Her commitment to excellence did not go unnoticed, as she was honored in 2008 by the Women's Executive Network as one of Canada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100, a testament to her leadership and influence in the finance industry. Adding to her accolades, she received the Leadership Award from the Association of Québec Women in Finance in 2013, underscoring her dedication to empowering women in finance and business leadership roles.
Beyond her extensive professional accomplishments, Maarika is dedicated to community involvement. She generously shares her expertise and insights as a member of the Board of Directors of the Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Furthermore, she contributes to the advancement of accounting standards and practices as a member of the IFRS Advisory Council of the International Accounting Standards Board, and serves on the Board of Directors for Financial Executives International (Quebec).
Achievements
Throughout her career, Maarika Paul has displayed a remarkable record of achievements that highlight her commitment to excellence and leadership in finance. As a trailblazer in her field, some of her notable accomplishments include:
- Being recognized as one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 by the Women’s Executive Network in 2008, a prestigious accolade celebrating influential women leaders across the nation.
- Receiving the Leadership Award from the Association of Québec Women in Finance in 2013, an acknowledgment of her contributions to the finance industry and her role in promoting gender equality within corporate leadership.
- Obtaining her ICD.D designation, which signifies her expertise in corporate governance and her readiness to serve on boards as an effective corporate director.
- Actively participating in various boards and councils that support community growth and professional development in finance, including her role on the Board of Directors for the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Advisory Council.
Through her extensive career filled with accomplishments and her dedication to community engagement, Maarika Paul stands out as a leading figure in the financial sector, a role model for aspiring professionals, and a proactive contributor to the betterment of society. Her leadership within CDPQ and her involvement across multiple organizations reflect her outstanding commitment to excellence, both professionally and personally.
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