OPG finance director named an Emerging Leader by CPA Ontario
Chessa Jope’s trusted leadership in finance has helped guide OPG through several major initiatives, including a number of important acquisitions and the development of its first-ever Climate Change Plan.
For her efforts and continuing advocacy of the Canadian energy industry, the finance director has been recognized with an Emerging Leader Award from CPA Ontario.
“I am humbled and honoured to receive this award,” said Jope, who currently serves as Director of Business Planning and Reporting at OPG. “I am proud to be able to contribute to OPG and its future success, while helping grow the accounting profession. And I look forward to continuing to help build a sustainable future while sharing my experiences in finance with the next generation.”
CPA Ontario’s Emerging Leader Award recognizes the outstanding professional and community contributions of Ontario’s young Chartered Professional Accountants under the age of 35.
In her nomination of Jope, Wendy Kei, Chair of OPG’s Board of Directors, lauded Jope’s collaborative spirit and strategic mindset as being instrumental in the company’s recent growth initiatives.
Jope played a key role in providing technical accounting advice related to OPG’s acquisitions of Eagle Creek Renewable Energy and Cube Hydro, and was also a critical finance contributor to OPG’s acquisition of four combined-cycle, natural gas-fired plants in Ontario through OPG’s subsidiary, Atura Power.
“I am proud to be able to contribute to OPG and its future success, while helping grow the accounting profession.”Chessa Jope, Director of Business Planning and Reporting at OPG
Today, she continues to provide key financial advice and guidance across the company, including leading the development of OPG’s corporate business plan and measurement of its financial performance.
Outside of OPG, Jope is leveraging her strong financial acumen to help better the entire electricity industry.
In June 2022, she was appointed to the role of Vice Chair of the Finance and Accounting Committee of Electricity Canada, where she advocates for the Canadian electricity industry on a number of emerging and financial trends while leading a committee of senior finance leaders from member utilities across the country.
Jope is also a passionate supporter of her undergraduate alma mater, Queen’s University, where she serves as a University Councillor and helps support the next generation of students. Through her role, she is dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between the university and alumni, as well as enabling an inclusive and financially accessible experience for all students.
As a trusted mentor and resource, Jope continually invests in the growth and development of her teams, which includes several CPAs.
“I’m committed to helping grow the accounting profession,” said Jope, who has mentored several CPAs through the Common Final Exam and qualification process. “I’m always encouraging my team to identify the business considerations at the core of each significant accounting issue and to understand how the financial advice CPAs provide fits into the broader strategy of the company and the industry.”
Prior to joining OPG, Jope spent several years with PwC Toronto’s assurance practice, working with mining and energy companies across Canada and the world. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queen’s University, a Master of Laws in Business Law from Osgoode Hall Law School, and is a Chartered Professional Accountant in Ontario and Alberta.
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