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Celebrating excellence

The Circle of Excellence Accounting Awards recognizes and celebrates Sage accountants, bookkeepers and practices making a positive impact to their colleagues, clients, communities and the accounting industry. Learn about the 2021 winners below and see their unique stories of community and client-service during this unprecedented year. 

Clyde Harris

Alan Salmon Lifetime Achievement Award
Alwyn Enterprises
Scarborough, ON

Throughout his 35-year career, Clyde has shown unwavering commitment to his clients and colleagues while consistently making a positive impact in the bookkeeping community… Read more     

Watch Clyde's story

Laurie Rauk

Accountant Partner of the Year
Lauranne E Rauk Professional Corporation
Calgary, AB

Laurie’s special set of services and talents has made her a valued advisor to a niche client base of independent consultants and small business owners… Read More

Watch Laurie's story

Debrah Burleigh

Bookkeeper Partner of the Year
Debrah Burleigh & Associates
West Kelowna, BC

From bookkeeping to consulting, Debrah has played a critical role in the financial and operational running of her clients’ businesses across a range of industries… Read More

Watch Debrah’s story

Emmanuel Lucas

Innovator of the Year
La Corporation de développement économique communautaire (CDEC)
Québec City, QC
 

Emmanuel overcame the challenges associated with moving clients to the cloud and utilizing automation with an unwavering commitment and positive attitude… Read More

Watch Emannuel’s story

Christine Hontoy

Trainer of the Year
 Tout Compte Fait Consultants Inc.
Montréal, QC
After realizing a market need almost 20 years ago, Christine put her passion for teaching to use by providing training for her clients, groups and classes on Sage solutions… Read More   

 

Watch Christine’s story

Shelley Rudiger

Trainer of the Year
Leashing Your Ledgers
Edmonton, AB
Shelley’s vast knowledge and experience teaching both bookkeeping and Sage courses throughout the years has touched hundreds of lives… Read More
Watch Shelley’s story

Jennifer Desiar

Rising Star of the Year
DESIAR Accounting & Bookkeeping Services
Fort St. John, BC
Since opening her accounting business in June 2020, Jennifer has grown her client base while expanding her knowledge through continuing education... Read More 
Watch Jennifer’s story

Judges

Yan Yan Lee

Rick Johal, CAE

Chief Executive Officer
Certified Professional 
Bookkeepers of Canada

Valoree McKay

Elizabeth Kohl

Director of Communications & User Experience
TaxCycle, Trilogy Software

Doretta Thompson

Mandeep Bains CPA, CA

Principal, Audit and Assurance
Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada

Steve Ryujin, VP Small Business, Sage

Neal Cranna

VP Marketing, Canada
Sage

Terms and Conditions

  • Nominees do not need to be Sage Accountant Network members, however nominees must support and use Sage products.
  • Nominees must meet the criteria for the category they are nominated for. For example, nominees for the Rising star of the Year award must be in the first few years of their accounting or bookkeeping career or a new practice. 
  • Nominators can nominate themselves.
  • Nominators can nominate multiple nominees.
  • Employees of software companies cannot be nominated.
  • Nominees should be based in Canada.
  • Nominees may be nominated for a maximum of two categories. If nominees are nominated for more than two award categories, once nominations close, nominees will be contacted about which category they would like to keep their nominations in. 
  • To nominate, nominators must provide the following information in the nomination form: nominees' full name, nominees’ contact details and a write-up (approximately 200 - 400 words) explaining why the nominee is deserving or embodies the award.
  • Once a nomination form is submitted, nominees will be notified by an email from [email protected]
  • Nominees have the option to decline the nomination and be removed from consideration.
  • The deadline for nomination form submissions is July 15, 2021 at 5 pm PT.
  • Nominees have the option to provide their own write-up stating why they think they deserve the award. Nominee write-ups are due by July 22, 2021 at 12 pm PT/3 pm ET. 
  • Nominator information is not shared with the nominee.
  • Nomination submissions that have exceeded the specified word counts will be disqualified.
  • Sage can alter or cancel the awards and amend these Terms of Entry without prior notice.
  • Once nominations close, all nomination write ups with references to specific names and companies will be substituted with generic names and companies (e.g. XYZ Company) for judging purposes only. All genders references will also be removed. 
  • A panel of independent judges will rank nomination write-ups based on its embodiment of the award.
  • The highest ranked nomination write-ups will be the winner in each award category.
  • The Alan Salmon Lifetime Achievement Award is selected by a panel of Sage staff.
  • No feedback will be given on individual nomination submissions.
  • Winners and respective nomination submissions may be featured in Circle of Excellence-related videos, written stories, media opportunities and additional marketing and PR campaigns. 

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