Q: Tell us a little bit about your background and training?
A: Well, I have a creative and artistic background: dancing, singing, performing, and public speaking most of my life. I hold a Bachelor in Arts from McGill University, where I focused on psychology, political science and the art of enjoying Montreal.
Though I always enjoyed the arts, I realized that my analytical side and strength for numbers and statistics has always been at the core of my thought processes. That realization was the first step toward a career as a CA. My articling position with KPMG cemented my interest and love for the career and its potential, but I always knew that in order to be truly happy in public practice, I’d have to shake things up at bit.
Q: Why accounting?
A: I chose accounting for three reasons:
- Numbers are my strength.
- My Dad. He is an accountant and launched his firm at a similar age. He has always been my mentor, and seeing his passion for accounting and his business inspired me to follow the same path.
- Seeing firsthand the power and results that come from providing clients with access to sound business advice.
Q: What inspired you to start Metrics?
A: I articled at a big four accounting firm at a time when a paperless model was being introduced and implemented throughout the company. The Victoria office acted as a pilot for this program, enabling me to see firsthand the efficiencies created by this new model. In contrast, I then moved to a firm that was not paperless and through this experience saw all of the room for improved efficiencies that existed. These two stark contrasts inspired me to push the boundaries to an extreme by launching Metrics Chartered Accounting as both a paperless and cloud-based accounting firm.
Q: Why now?
A: Currently, there are very few firms in Canada that are able to provide the intersection between sound accounting and technology. I see a huge opportunity here and am passionate about the real value construct that Metrics provides. I am confident, given Metrics dedication to staying on top of the latest technology, that this firm will remain at the forefront of innovation.
Q: Tell us who the Metrics customer is and why?
A: The Metric’s customer is a modern professional who is in touch with technology and appreciates the freedom and efficiency that it provides, particularly when pertaining to accounting and information systems. The Metric’s customer seeks a real-time relationship with their accountant and can either be a younger-startup or a more established company that is looking to lean their business.
Q: How do you incorporate and integrate CSR (corporate social responsibility) at Metrics?
A: At Metrics, we believe in a three-pronged approach to CSR by supporting our people, our community, and our environment.
We support our people by employing a forward-thinking business approach, which allows them to design their own work schedules contributing to a healthy work/life balance. We also include everyone on our leadership team as shareholders in the company ensuring they share in the success of our business.
We support our community by contributing to the arts, fitness, and charities. We make an annual donation to Dance Victoria, sponsor the Tour de Victoria race and Lawn Summer Nights (Cystic Fibrosis Canada), and make donations to both the Canadian Cancer Society and Cystic Fibrosis Canada.
We support our environment by operating on a 100% paperless business model and are the first accounting firm in Victoria to receive the Vancouver Island Green Business Certification.
Q: Where would you like to see Metrics in five years?
A: In five years, I see Metrics as a national firm providing an intersection of technology and accounting for businesses and their shareholders.
Q: What is your favorite part about your role at Metrics?
A: I love working with my team to improve systems within our firm and for our clients. Watching my team reach our potential is awesome, and knowing that we actively contribute to a better bottom line for our clients is empowering for our team and our clients alike.
Q: What’s your # 1 tip for anyone wanting to start a business?
A: Front load the planning-process of your business. Create an upfront plan to really realize your value construct and what differentiates your business from competitors.
Q: What’s your # 1 accounting tip for businesses?
A: Seek professional council by hiring both an accountant and a lawyer to set your business off on the right path.
Q: What gets you up in the morning?
A: My daughter, Stella.
Q: When you’re not sweating numbers, how do you spend your time?
A: Having fun with my family and friends.