Lizzie Zhang
Lizzie, a 2022 MFAc graduate, presently holds a position as an analyst specializing in electricity rate applications at the Ontario Energy Board. During her time at MFAc, Lizzie completed two impactful internships within the energy sector. One was with the Inspection and Enforcement Department at OEB, and the other with the Asset Strategy Team at Liberty Utilities. These internships were instrumental in securing her first full-time position at the Alberta Utilities Commission in Calgary where she worked for one year. In the summer of 2023 she returned to work full time at the Ontario Energy Board as an Analyst with the Major Rate Applications department.
Interestingly, Lizzie comes from a family deeply ingrained in the engineering and utilities field, spanning three generations. Despite this family tradition, it was her internship opportunity at OEB through the MFAc program that sparked her interest in continuing in this field.Notably, both Lizzie's father and uncle are employed at China's State Grid, the country's primary utility company. Her father, an electrical engineer, oversees operational monitoring and safety control at electricity distribution sites.
In her current role at Ontario Energy Board, Lizzie's responsibilities closely align with her position at Alberta Utilities Commission. She primarily focuses on processing rate applications and has made significant contributions to the development of Alberta's third-generation performance-based regulations for distribution companies.
Mike Mokhtar
CMA, CPA, CA, MFAC Public Licensed Accountant
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2013
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-mokhtar-bb119138/
Mike is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Management Accountant with 30 years of experience in both accounting and Business. Mike holds masters in Financial Accountability from York University, and finished the CPA Indepth Tax course (3 years program). Mike was raised in his family business (3rd generation) which made him close to the decision making process and introduced him to the business environment at a very early age. That complimented with his Bachelor of Commerce major Accounting, and Law studies. Mike is experienced as an accountant and controller with large companies starting from Liquid Carbonic, Shoppers Drug Mart, Roots Canada, The Salvation Army and T.B.G. Being part of the management team of these very strong and successful companies made Mike an experienced business man with very solid and valuable advice that he offers expertly. Mike has his own CPA public practice firm.
Metul Desai
CMA,MFAc,Manager, Branch, PBDE, Distribution Strategy, Canadian Personal Banking Data & Analytics (PBDA) at TD
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2012
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/metuldesai/
Experienced People Leader and BI, Reporting & Analytics Manager with a demonstrated history of working across various diverse teams & functions in the Banking / Insurance industry. Skilled in Business Analytics, Risk Management, Management Accounting, Regulatory & Strategic Initiatives. Graduated from York University in Financial Accountability and attained the Certified Management Accountant Designation (CMA). A big advocate of ensuring knowledge and access to data literacy, inclusivity and equity & being a student for life. He currently leads a team of Sr. Analysts supporting the entire BI and Reporting needs for all of TDs Retail Distribution network across Canada.
Zahid Islam
Senior Manager & Team Leader, Commercial Banking
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2012
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zahidislamcibc/
Zahid is part of an energetic and enthusiastic CIBC Commercial Banking team in Prince George, B.C. As a globally trained Commercial banker, he has worked with multinational banks in several different countries. His strong financial analysis skills have helped his clients mitigate risk, reduce expenses, provide solutions to their financial needs, and increase profit. In the past, Zahid has been recognized for his outstanding performance in the Canadian and international banks he has worked for. His candid and down-to-earth nature makes him an easily approachable person to explore his insights into business and your potential career path.
Zahid graduated from the MFAc program in 2012 while he has already accomplished two other Master's degrees, MBA and M. Comm (Accounting) from Asia. These Master's Degrees equipped him to face any professional challenges. Coupled with these, his 20 years of Commercial Banking experience as a Relationship Manager and Senior Relationship Manager has enriched his experience.
Here is part of the awards he received from the MFAc program and during his career:
Best Graduate Research Assistant, MFAc Program, York University – 2011
Best of the Best Award, Scotiabank Commercial Banking – 2014 & 2015
Annual Achiever Award, CIBC Commercial Banking – 2017 (CIBC Annual Achiever is an individual who has made exceptional contributions to enhancing and deepening client relationships at CIBC).
A man of perseverance and patience, he owes it all to his caring family. After gaining a wealth of experience in many different countries, he and his young family are living in Prince George BC for the last ten years.
Jessica Zhang
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-xz-zhang/
Ray 
Lei
Senior Accountant at BDO Canada
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2016
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ray-lei-vermouthunder/
Ray Lei, having 4 year experience in public accounting from large-size to small-size firms, graduated from MFAc in 2016. Ray is a senior accountant in a mid-size firm currently, providing accounting, assurance and tax services to clients in a wide range of industries including investments, real estate, professional, Non-for-profit organizations, etc. Also has experience in the financial service industry.
Ellaha Nesar
Financial Analyst at Angus Consulting Management Limited
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2016
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellaha-nesar-bba-mfac-476123181/
Ellaha Nesar graduated from MFAC in 2016, she is a strategy and finances professional who builds strong relationships and partnerships and is known as a trusted advisor driving creative business solutions. Adaptable and is an approachable leader and coach who questions the status quo, motivate high performance, collaboration and inclusions. Inquisitive, patient and methodical- a proponent of continuous learning who promotes career and personal development enabling individuals to deliver on demanding targets in their career and life.
Eunice Liu
Senior Analyst at Scotiabank
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2017
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eunice-liu-51644911a/
Eunice Liu specializes in Anti-Money Laundering/KYC investigation and Enhanced Due Diligence with 3 years working experience in financial sector. Eunice graduated from MFAc in 2017, and is now working as a Senior Analyst of AML Operations at Scotiabank. She conducts in-depth and holistic investigations on high-risk customers to make sure the customers' risks are commensurate with the Bank's risk appetite.
Diana Imonikhe
Manager Model Governance and Advisory at TD bank
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2017
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-imonikhe-mfac-31166423/
Diana Imonikhe is a Finance, Risk and Governance professional with over 13 years of experience. Her experience includes working for CIBC Mellon Global Securities and CPPIB which are leaders in the global custodian, asset management, institutional investing and large pension fund management. Since graduating from the MFAc program she has worked as a Data Steward implementing Data Strategy and Governance within the Treasury Balance Sheet Management team at TD and currently works as Manager Model Governance and Advisory for TD in the newly minted Corporate Transformation team supporting several areas with Finance. She is an experienced professional with a demonstrated history of leadership, problem-solving, delegating tasks and coaching while working in the banking and financial services sector. In addition, she is known for her great sense of humour along with her depth and knowledge in Risk Management, Regulatory Compliance, Derivatives and Treasury Management.
Siyu Luo
Senior Financial Advisor at Scotiabank
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2017
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisysiyuluo/
Siyu Luo is currently working at Scotiabank as a senior financial advisor. She is an experienced Financial Advisor with a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry for over 3 years. She is skilled in Customer Experience, Personal Banking and Financial Planning. She graduated with MFAc at York University in 2017. Customer-centric and First Time Right mindset have always been her motivation to drive forward.
Harleen Kaur Luthra
Support Officer at TD Bank
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2019
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harleen-kaur-luthra-694159136/
Harleen finished her Master of Financial Accountability Degree in 2019. She worked in various Finance and Accounting-related roles across different countries like Singapore, United States, and India. She is currently working with TD Bank in their Small Business Banking, Western Operations. During her work tenure, she received multiple awards for quality, excellence, work ethics, and working beyond miles. She believes that a person should keep learning regardless of age and that what keeps her going on.
Aref Amir Alavi
Financial Analyst at OpenText
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2019
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aref-amir-alavi/
Master in York University, which covers corporate governance, risk management, financial analysis, and compensation analysis.
Eshna Bhurtun
Analyst at Hexarem Inc
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2020
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishrutee-eshna-bhurtun-b34895b1/
Eshna is currently working in an independent executive compensation advisory firm called Hexarem Inc, where she has been applying the knowledge received from the FACC 6700 course to help develop appropriate and calibrated incentive compensation plan that will support clients during the deployment of their strategic plan over the different period and attract, retain and reward their talent capital. Eshna has worked through different industries (financial services, retail and not-for-profit) and geographies (United Kingdom, Canada). During her time at the university, she founded the MFAc Society and has been actively volunteering at MIAB.
Elaheh Mohammadisouran
Financial Advisor at TD Bank
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2020
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaheh-eli-sooran-1182a417a/
Elaheh is working at TD Bank as a personal banking associate. She is a self-starter who works independently in a dynamic work environment. She is a dynamic, diligent, and effective influencer with a can-do attitude who can handle several tasks. She is a strong communicator who can effectively connect with her clients to assure they achieving their banking needs. She has been in the banking industry for almost a year and she has proudly won a legend prize in 2020, which motivated her to grow further in this financial institution.
Miya Hong
Investment Analyst at FACT Capital
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2020
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruoyi%EF%BC%88miya%EF%BC%89hong/
• Over two years of experience in environmental protection, consumer product, and retail industries
• Founded and managed successful small business internationally
• Experienced in marketing, project management, financial analysis, and leading teams
• Established a graduate-student society at York University and held accountable for the operation
• Excellent public speaking, teamwork, time management and fast learning skills in the diversified cultural environment through extensive multinational working and learning experiences
• Post-graduate study specialized in corporate governance, board’s accountability, regulatory compliance, executive compensation, risk management, and performance measurement
Fery Yuan
Risk Rating Specialist at TD Bank
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2021
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bestluck/
Fery graduated from MFAc at York university in 2021. His CO-OP experiences in the operating side of the company improved his ability to communicate with the team effectively and also immersed him in learning a new process.
He is currently working at TD Bank as a Risk Rating Specialist, generating Borrower Risk Rating calculations for each request and also knowledge of Moody’s Risk Analyst to help their clients in a timely manner.
Ziqing(Iris) Wang
Internship Contact Coordinator at MIAB
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2021
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziqing-wang-40b3881a0/
• Knowledge of the risk and regulatory requirements of the Canadian Financial Services industry
• Proven record of leadership and problem-solving skills
• Superior communication skills to closely collaborate with team players and engage with decision-makers and stakeholders
• Bilingual: English (Fluent)and Mandarin (Native)
Babatunde Olorunfemi
Vice President, Internal Audit - Citibank
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2019
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/babatunde-olorunfemi/
Babs is currently part of the Internal Audit - Global Risk Transformation team of Citibank, Canada. He is an accomplished professional with over 20years experience spanning through international and regional geographies in consulting, commercial and investment banking, corporate governance, audit, compliance, risk management & controls; a mentor and leader with keen interest in providing platforms for the development of other younger professionals.
Babs who is a fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), graduated from York University with MFAc in 2019. He also holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Ilorin - Nigeria and a professional certificate in Risk Management from University of Toronto, Canada.
Babs enjoys soccer, music & tennis.
Sameen Sattar, MBA, MFAc, ACCA
Manager, Bank Group
Degree Earned: Master of Financial Accountability
Year Graduated: 2022
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sameen-sattar/
Sameen is a seasoned finance and accounting professional with more than a decade of experience in financial, management and regulatory reporting. He has driven process re-engineering and change management extensively within the finance space. His collaborative leadership has been effective in team building and stakeholder management.
Sameen started his career in Canada with RBC Capital Markets as Manager, Performance Management under the Wholesale Finance Team. He also worked for Dhaka Bank in Bangladesh over 10 years progressing up to Senior Manager, Reporting. In his current role as Manager, Enterprise Project Finance at TD, he works as the Financial Controller to the Business Banking Portfolio.
Sameen is an MFAc alumni and a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), United Kingdom. He also holds an MBA from Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Dhaka University. He is a bookworm, quote collector, chess enthusiast and likes to play the guitar.
