I was passionate about both classical music and business in my youth. However, at university I chose to major in finance and minor in music. The market demand for business graduates with an accounting background was very high at the time.
After many years as a finance professional on the corporate side, I founded my own startup in 2019, with a focus on business process improvement. In the last few months, our services have been in demand as businesses have had to develop new strategies under the impact of Covid-19. Modern financial technologies, such as blockchain and robotic process automation, are the way forward as they create new opportunities and make processes more efficient, robust and secure.
If I could advise my younger self, I’d say that the path to success has three steps: wishes, plans and actions
Setting up my own business was a big change from the comfort and security of a corporate role, and much wider in scope. But it was the right decision because I am now in control of my own destiny and I enjoy the complexity and dynamics involved. It also gives me the freedom to take on other roles.
I am a volunteer member of various boards in the not-for-profit sector. It makes me proud that I can use my knowledge of financial management to serve people who have been marginalised in society. When I was board director and treasurer of York Support Services Network, through process improvement and service expansion we were able to increase the operating budget from C$18m to C$28m.
What advice would I give my younger self? I’d say that the path to success has three steps: wishes, plans and actions. Action is the hardest because it includes how to handle failure and drawback. A growth mindset is the key to holding these three steps together.
For the right candidates, there are plenty of opportunities in Canada. Members thinking of moving here should research the job market and prepare well. The requirements for resumés and interviews are vastly different from many other countries – Canadian employers like to see evidence of creativity, teamwork, etc.
ACCA has been an important part of my life. I am a past chairperson of the ACCA Canada Network Panel and a CPA Canada instructor. These two involvements mutually benefit each other as I can invite CPA colleagues to ACCA events and help new ACCA members who’ve migrated to Canada connect to the CPA qualification. Holding multiple qualifications means I have more networking opportunities.
I’m an active martial arts practitioner, which is good exercise for body and mind. I also play the flute. If I wasn’t an accountant, I might have been a classical musician. I also listen to a lot of audiobooks – it turns unproductive time, such as when driving, into productive moments.
