Summary of Decision re: Andrea Gagnon 

Posted: July 27, 2023

  

The decision at issue concerns a complaint filed against Andrea Gagnon, formerly a CPA, CMA, by a former client. A complaint was filed by the former client alleging that Ms. Gagnon:

  •  While engaged by the client to perform accounting services, misappropriated the client’s fund by using the Firm’s hardware to charge the client’s credit card account amounts in excess of the amounts invoiced, to the benefit of the Firm, with such overcharges totaling $39,550, without adequate or any appropriate authorization from the client on eleven occasions;
  •  failed to advise or notify the client of the unauthorized and excessive charges to its credit card;
  •  failed to reimburse the client both as soon as she became aware of the misappropriation and after the advising the client she would do so on various dates; 
  •  failed to provide accurate and truthful information to the former client in emails with the client about the status of the repayment of the client’s funds on various dates; and
  •  failed to maintain professional boundaries and tone including the use of inappropriate language in emails to the client on various dates.

Following its investigation of the complaint, the Investigation Panel referred charges to the Discipline Committee on the basis that there was sufficient evidence to prove that Ms. Gagnon’s conduct was in contravention of the following sections of the CPA Nova Scotia Code of Professional Conduct:

  •  201 Maintenance of the Good Reputation of the Profession
  •  202 Integrity and Due Care
  •  213 Unlawful Activity

Summary of Disposition 

Andrea Gagnon entered into a Settlement Agreement with CPA Nova Scotia which was then recommended by the Investigation Panel to the Hearing Panel in accordance with the procedures set out in the CPA Nova Scotia by-laws. She admitted the conduct alleged in the charges. 

The Hearing Panel of CPA Nova Scotia accepted the admissions of Ms. Gagnon and approved the Agreement. The Settlement Agreement includes the following disposition:

  1.  Ms. Gagnon accepts a Reprimand;
  2.  Ms. Gagnon agrees that her registration is revoked;
  3.  Ms. Gagnon shall pay a fine of $10,000;
  4.  Ms. Gagnon will pay $2,950 as a contribution to the costs of the investigation;
  5.  Ms. Gagnon shall pay all costs and fines prior to reapplying for restatement to the profession.

The Hearing Panel approved the Settlement Agreement in an oral decision on June 27, 2023, and issued its written decision and Order approving the Settlement Agreement on July 26, 2023.