Ethics and Diversity

Synopsis

Every day we face ethical decisions in our work lives and our home lives.  As a country that values diversity, ethical decisions can be more complicated.  In a world of increasing polarization, these decisions become more important.  This discussion will introduce some of the broader concepts of ethics and diversity while asking some provocative questions.

About the Presenter

Martha Okot Thomas, CPA, CA

Martha works in the Internal Audit Department of the British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), a change of pace from her past 17 years working for the BC public service.  Martha is currently responsible for providing both audit and advisory services throughout the organization, based on the current Audit Plan. Martha brought a significant amount of experience to her new role at BCI. She previously worked in a variety of different roles across many different sectors of the BC Government.  Starting in Internal Audit and Advisory Services with the Ministry of Finance, Martha gained a great deal of knowledge of the government’s financial processes and controls.  She was able to continue her skills development in a number of different leadership roles.

As the Manager, Finance Administration and Audit, she led a team of 20-25 people, oversaw facilities, human resources, and financial planning and reporting.  Moving to the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands, Martha was able to effect positive change across the Ministry in the development of revenue and accounts receivable processes.  After a period in budgeting for the Ministry of Environment, she moved to the Ministry of Finance where she became Director of Finance, and eventually serving as the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director for the Ministry of Social Development and Social Innovation.

Martha is a Board Member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and also has been a dedicated member of the FMI Victoria Chapter.  She filled the roles of program director, vice-president and president before she was elected as vice-president (2015-16) and president (2016-17) of the fmi*igf National Board of Directors. When she is not at work, Martha loves to spend time with her family.  If she is not out golfing, she can be found cavorting with her daughters or hiking some of Vancouver Island’s beautiful trails.