The Canadian Association of Petroleum Production Accounting (CAPPA) is a non-profit organization founded in 1961 to provide a common body and voice for those involved with accounting for petroleum products. Today over 1,900 people from across Western Canada, representing more than 300 oil and gas companies, independent contractors and government regulatory agencies make up the membership of the Association.

A primary goal of CAPPA is to provide its members with information relevant to new regulations and developments on a regular and timely basis through meetings, seminars, regulatory agencies and other industry associations, and to provide input and feedback on issues and developments that impact production accountants.

The objectives of the association are:

• To strengthen the profession of production accounting.
• To provide a forum for the people interested in the compiling and reporting of production statistics in the oil and gas industry.
• To represent this section of the industry in a technical and procedural capacity when dealing with other organizations or government agencies.
• To develop an education program designed to assist the individual member, the company, and the industry as a whole in efficient production accounting practices and procedures.
• To promote a cordial relationship among all members of the association.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Production Accounting is a professional association that provides opportunities for education; influences regulations; and strengthens industry standards.

CAPPA fosters relationships among its members, industry associations, regulatory bodies and educational institutions which enables members to evolve with the petroleum industry as it continues to change in terms of technology, regulations, markets and producing regions.

CAPPA was formed in 1961 by a group of people that wanted to further the profession of production accounting in the petroleum industry. In the 60's, there were associations for accountants and accounting, but not for Production Accounting. A group of people, known as the founding fathers, met and formally incorporated CAPPA as an Association in 1961. CAPPA is governed by the Associations Act of Alberta. We submit an annual filing to the Alberta Government to retain our Association status. It's a common misconception that the last two letters of CAPPA stand for production accountants; it actually stands for production accounting. CAPPA is an association that exists to further production accounting issues. Membership is open to anyone involved in or interested in production accounting and not just production accountants.

The founding fathers set out the Objectives of the Association:

1. To strengthen the profession of production accounting.
2. To provide a forum for the people interested in the compiling, and reporting of production statistics in the oil and gas industry.
3. To represent this section of the industry in a technical and procedural capacity when dealing with other organizations and government agencies.
4. To develop an education program designed to assist the individual member, the company, and the industry as a whole in efficient production accounting practices and procedures.
5. To promote a cordial relationship among all members of the Association.

We currently have over 1,900 members in the association. Education of Production Accountants is one of the reasons why CAPPA was originally formed. Access to the CAPPA education programs is one of the major benefits of joining CAPPA. CAPPA offers educational training and upgrading through courses and seminars at SAIT and Mount Royal College in Calgary; Lakeland College in Lloydminster; Grande Prairie Regional College; Southeastern Regional College in Weyburn and Estevan, Medicine Hat College, and the Academy of Learning in Edmonton.
CAPPA normally hosts monthly luncheon meetings at the Palliser and an annual conference in late fall that all members are encouraged to attend. CAPPA Membership entitles you to reduced fees for the CAPPA sponsored luncheons and the annual association events such as the Conference and Golf Tournament. Speakers at these forums are recognized industry experts in topics of relevance to today's production accountant.
CAPPA offers benefits specifically designed to meet the needs of its members. In 1998, CAPPA set up a benefits program offering affordable medical, dental, insurance coverage for the membership. This coverage is chiefly aimed at people who do not have coverage through their employers, such as independent contractors and consultants. Johnson Insurance Inc. offers group discounted rates because of the number of CAPPA members that use their service.
Additional CAPPA benefits include access to the CAPPA job board, attendance of social and networking functions at member rates and an excellent opportunity to network with other association members.
All memberships are personal memberships, even if a company reimburses a member or pays for memberships via a company cheque. If a person moves from one company to another, the membership always stays with the individual and any correspondence is sent to the forwarding address or home address maintained in the roster.
Students registered in any of the education programs are entitled to attend events at member rates. Register through the CAPPA office to get the reduced rate by quoting your education institution student ID number when registering.

1. CAPPA will raise member awareness of emerging issues such as:
   A) Developments taking place outside of the three western provinces, for instance
   i) Yukon
   ii) NWT
   iii) Newfoundland
   iv) Nova Scotia
   v) NEB
   vi) IOGC, INAC
   B) Current events taking shape in our industry such as
   vii) Coal Bed Methane
   viii) Mackenzie Delta
   ix) Registry developments and enhancements
   Responsible Director: Government Liaison & Emerging Issues
   
2. Provide for online registration and payment for luncheons, social events and the conference.
   Responsible Directors: Events, Corporate Relations
   
3. Prepare and implement a Case Study Based Level 5 to the current CAPPA Certificate Program.
   Responsible Director: Education Director
   
4. Implement more case studies in CAPPA Levels 2 to 4.
   Responsible Director: Education Director
   
5. Develop a Board Orientation Manual that includes the policies and procedures, roles and responsibilities, code of conduct, mission statement and objectives, director's and officer's liability coverage and bylaws. Encourage the practice of a governance workshop at the beginning of the new term to review the Manual to assist the Board Members in the stewardship function, strategic planning and conducting effective meetings.
   Responsible Director: Secretary
   
6. Develop a Code of Ethics for all CAPPA members.
   Responsible Directors: Secretary & Vice President
   
7. Review CAPPA's bylaws and draft amendments where needed.
   Responsible Director: Vice President
   
8. Provide a higher perception of value of a CAPPA membership. Improve marketing of benefits received by membership. Review and improve the Job Board service to provide a greater service level for the membership and the member companies.
   Responsible Director: Member Services
   
9. Review the volunteer process to attract new members and promote Committee involvement. Form a Sub-Committee to review and report the reward and recognition programs that are currently in place for volunteer involvement. Form a Sub-Committee to help with the ideas, coordination and planning of social events. Provide opportunity for committee involvement at a "beginner" level.
   Responsible Directors: Past President, Events
   
10. Increase attendance at luncheons and work towards more joint association functions.
    Responsible Director: Corporate Relations
    
11. Host a conference where all attendees will gain personal and professional knowledge and growth.
    Responsible Director: Events
    
12. Close out year-end in a timely manner. Introduce new accounting controls to all committees.
    Responsible Director: Treasurer