Daneal (Dan) Little, FCPA, FCA

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Retired managing partner, Doane Grant Thornton LLP

As managing partner of Doane Grant Thornton’s Vancouver Island business unit, contributed to sustained success by leading 100-plus staff and overseeing three mergers and guided strategic development nationally as a national senior leadership team member.
With a career-long commitment to the profession, advanced unification as a co-chair of CPABC’s Transitional Steering Committee (2015), was the BC & Yukon representative on CPA Canada’s board (2017-23), and also provided leadership nationally as chair of CPA Canada’s finance, audit and risk committee (2021-22).
A volunteer for 30-plus years, gives back as a committee member for the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation, advancing the funding and building of a new hospital.

Throughout his career, Dan has exemplified a passion for nurturing talent and promoting and strengthening the accounting profession. Before his retirement in 2022, he was the managing partner of Doane Grant Thornton’s Vancouver Island business unit. In addition to supporting a staff of 100, he oversaw three complex mergers and positioned the firm for sustained growth and success. As a member of its national senior leadership team, he also contributed to the firm’s strategic development across the country.

From 2005 to 2014, Dan was a board member and chair (2008-2010) of Island Savings Credit Union, playing a key role in guiding the discussions and negotiations that led to the organization’s successful 2014 merger with First West Credit Union.

Dan garnered the deep respect of CPAs across BC and Canada for his leadership during the unification of BC’s accounting profession and his dedication to ensuring that all actions prioritized the protection of the public interest. As co-chair of CPABC’s Transitional Steering Committee in 2015, he played a critical role in bringing together the best practices from the three legacy bodies. He then provided national leadership and helped establish common standards across all provincial partners through his work as the BC & Yukon representative on the CPA Canada Board from 2017 to 2023.

A community volunteer for more than 30 years, Dan is currently a committee member for the Cowichan District Hospital Foundation, which is spearheading a capital campaign to raise $20 million for critical equipment for a new hospital. He also gives back by participating in an annual charity ice hockey tournament that has raised over $100,000 for the ALS Society of BC over the past two decades. In recognition of his outstanding service to the profession and his community, Dan received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2014.

“What truly sets Dan apart is his unwavering commitment to developing people. He recognizes that the strength of our profession lies in the growth and development of its members. Dan’s focus on empowering individuals has not only enhanced our team but also has a positive ripple effect on the broader community, fostering a culture of excellence and resilience.”

– Tara Benham, FCPA, FCA, Partner and National Tax Leader, Tax Services,* Grant Thornton (*a partner through T.L. Benham Ltd.)