Walter R. Pela

GVA Regional Managing Partner

KPMG in Canada

As Regional Managing Partner, Walter leads BC’s largest and oldest professional services firm, operating with 1,200 people in 12 offices across the Province. Walter also serves on KPMG’s Clients & Markets Committee, overseeing client service and market development across Canada. Prior to his current role, Walter served as the Partner-in-Charge of Tax Services for KPMG's Greater Vancouver Area for 9 years. In his role as Regional Managing Partner, Walter leads conversations with clients, business leaders and organizations on business, social and economic issues, including in the area of innovation and business transformation.

With more than 25 years of experience and as an active Tax Partner, he provides tax advice to a wide variety of clients, including public and private businesses, institutional investors and private equity groups. Walter has acted as tax lead for many security offerings, private equity, mergers & acquisitions, and tax structured transactions.

 

Throughout his career, Walter has maintained an industry focus in real estate, advising developers, REITs, funds and syndications. In 2016, Walter was recognized as a Fellow of the Chartered Professional Accountants (FCPA) and until recently was Chair of the Finance Committee for UNICEF Canada.

  • University of British Columbia, Bachelor’s of Commerce Degree (Honours), 1993

  • Chartered Accountant Designation, 1996

  • Canadian Tax Compliance

  • Canadian Tax Consulting

  • International Corporate Tax

  • Mergers and Acquisitions, Tax

  • Governor of the Canadian Tax Foundation (November 2009 to present)

  • Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia (designated 1996)

  • Board of Directors, Audit & Finance Committee, UNICEF Canada (June 2009 to present)