Age: 44
Occupation: Controller – Finance & Administration
CAREER
Other occupation: Assistant Moderator CMA Executive Program
Company name: Justice Institute of BC
Years at position: Since September 2005
Hours worked each week (average): 45, longer at year end
Best part of job: The Justice Institute is a particularly fascinating place to work. Not only do we train the people who make our communities safe (Police, Paramedics, Fire Safety, Emergency Management, Courts, and Corrections), each division has an entrepreneurial element that makes the reporting complex. The job requires you to understand the business model for each of the ten divisions to make the financial reporting meaningful.
EDUCATION
Degree(s): BBA, CMA
School: Simon Fraser University (BBA), CMA Executive Program (CMA)
Advice: Post secondary education is very important. There are complicated subjects in business that is best learned through formal study. Plus, you often have the opportunity to learn from brilliant people. The CMA designation literally opens doors. An accounting designation was mandatory for the Controllership job at the Justice Institute. Furthermore, the CMA Strategic Leadership Program provides you with the tools and skills to deal with business problems. Just as important is the job experience. My advice is to take every opportunity to learn about the business. Talk to people at all levels and all parts of the company. Ask them what they do and find out what challenges they face. You will be able to link the stories to an aspect of the financial reporting. The combination of formal and on the job learning will allow you to speak intelligently on business issues. You will also develop a frame of reference to help you succeed at each new job.Finally, work is more fun if you are interested in the industry or product. Identify industries that interest you or ones that you have a passion for and try to connect yourself to it, either through work or by volunteering.
LIFESTYLE
Favourite recreational activity: Hiking and reading
Upcoming vacation plans: Enjoy the outdoors over the summer.In five years, I see myself enjoying (both professionally and personally)…. A healthy balance between work and leisure time.