What’s your background?
I spent the first few years of my transfer pricing career at the Big Four. Then, I went on to co‑found the Canadian office of a global transfer pricing boutique firm. Eventually, I became an independent transfer pricing consultant working for multinational clients of regional accounting and law firms. This wide‑ranging professional journey gave me three distinct perspectives, uniquely preparing me to lead and grow Baker Tilly Canada’s Transfer Pricing practice.
What keeps you busy outside the office?
I love to travel whenever possible. In the summertime, I especially enjoy cottaging in Muskoka with my family.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
When I was a first‑year manager, I was assigned to an operational transfer pricing project with a Tier One bank. I picked up the project from a recent bank staff departure, but the workplan didn’t make sense to me. So, I proactively restructured the project to better align with how the client organized their business lines. By revising the workplan, I believed the project would be more efficient and deliver what the client needed. I was nervous making my pitch to the client, but they completely agreed with my approach. The icing on the cake was when the transfer pricing partner showed me a letter from the bank praising my initiative and the difference I made.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in your field?
Find a work environment where your contributions are valued and you can see the impact you make. I think it’s also important to look for a place that makes you feel like you are part of something bigger than just yourself. And always be curious.
What are the qualities that make Baker Tilly Windsor unique?
The longer I work here, the more unique qualities I discover about the firm. But if I had to sum it up, I would say the overarching trait that sets us apart is our shared vision and mission to help businesses thrive in every possible way we can.
How would you describe your contribution to Baker Tilly Windsor?
It’s been said you should surround yourself with those who don’t think exactly like you do. As an economist by training, I have done that by joining Baker Tilly, which is mostly made up of accounting professionals. I bring a different perspective, while my colleagues do the same for me. This sharing and exchange of knowledge and experience is critical to professional growth.
If you weren’t in your current job, what profession would you pursue?
I am a classically trained pianist and one of my first jobs was as a piano teacher. Music is a deep passion for me – it’s part of my soul. So, if I had chosen a different professional path, it would most likely be something within the field of music. Maybe I should bring a keyboard into the office and entertain my colleagues.
What does “Now, for tomorrow” (Baker Tilly’s mantra) mean to you?
To me, it’s more “How now, for tomorrow.” Having a plan is important. But it goes beyond that. It really comes down to defining how that plan will be implemented. And to be successful tomorrow, now is the best time to begin the implementation process.
What does the future hold for you and your profession?
Advances in technology will have a dramatic impact on the transfer pricing field over the next decade. I see greater professional connection with clients, where we provide an even higher level of customized solutions as trusted advisors. Those in our profession who are able to embrace and quickly adapt to technological change and increased client needs will lead the profession’s future.