A pathway to professional growth: New Grad Duncan Knorr

Growing up in Lloydminster, Alberta, surrounded by the oil and gas industry, Duncan Knorr, Financial Analyst and CPA Candidate with Cenovus Energy’s conventional operations, has always been drawn to the energy sector. When it came time to choose a career path, Cenovus’s New Grad Program stood out to him for several compelling reasons.

As a recent graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Saskatchewan, Duncan wanted to start his career in a way that would allow him to explore different facets of the industry and the world of corporate finance. Our New Grad Program’s rotational structure provides just that. Whether their role is supporting financial reporting, operations or other disciplines, new grads have the opportunity to gain a holistic understanding of how a large company like Cenovus operates and they get experience in various roles within their profession.

Duncan’s decision to apply with Cenovus was also fueled by his belief in the importance of the oil and gas sector in western Canada. He wanted to be part of an organization that plays a crucial role in Canada’s economy and energy landscape. And Cenovus’s commitment to sustainability and responsible resource development resonated with Duncan, making it a natural fit for his first career step after graduation.

“Cenovus’s New Grad Program has been an eye opener. It offers a unique blend of flexibility and depth, and the exposure to diverse roles has allowed me to discover my true interests within the industry. I am also able to work towards my Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation during my rotations, making the program a great fit for my long-term development.” shares Duncan.

Duncan is one of several CPA candidates in the New Grad Program, working towards their designation under the company’s approved CPA program with CPA Alberta, the professional organization for more than 30,000 CPAs across the province1.

His biggest takeaways so far from the program are the importance of interdisciplinary communication and financial literacy.

“Effective communication across different teams and departments is essential. I’ve learned how to bridge gaps and foster connections throughout the company. I’ve also honed my skills in translating complex data into meaningful insights, whether it’s for executives or my direct team.”

Since joining the New Grad Program, Duncan has supported various projects from preparing month-end accounting deliverables for our conventional operations in northern Alberta, to analyzing financial data and presenting it to different teams throughout the organization and sees every task as a learning opportunity. 

“As I approach my second rotation with the Capital Markets team, I’m excited about the prospect of learning from new mentors, contributing to impactful projects, and deepening my understanding of the oil and gas sector. Cenovus’s New Grad program has provided me with a solid foundation, and I look forward to making a meaningful impact in the energy industry.”

1Chartered Professional Accountants Alberta 

LAST UPDATED: APRIL 2024

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