Five in five with: Mary Anne Maslanka

What’s your background?
I graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours BA, started out in industry, developed a specialty in SR&ED at a Big Four firm and joined Baker Tilly (formerly Collins Barrow) in 2014 in order to assist with the growth of the SR&ED service line. My current areas of specialty are SR&ED, government incentives, global mobility and cross border/international tax.

What keeps you busy outside the office?
Throughout the year, I work out on a daily basis. In the winter, I like to snowmobile and travel to warm destinations (in normal times). In the summer, I love spending time in the Kawarthas at our cottage, which has been in the family for 75 years.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
I would have to say getting to where I am today – a trusted advisor to a large number of clients – after starting my career in this industry with no professional designation or knowledge of tax.

What advice would you give someone starting a career in your field?
You have to love what you’re doing and push yourself out of your comfort zone in order to gain success and achieve the goals you set for yourself. 

What are the qualities that make Baker Tilly Windsor unique?
The partners at Baker Tilly Windsor are forward-looking, always thinking outside the box to achieve the best results. Our business model is a bit unique, as we have people working in several locations outside of Windsor, including London and Toronto. When hiring, we’re looking for people who embrace our culture and fit in with our values. Given my background with a Big Four firm, I am especially impressed to see the partners at BT Windsor are responsible for their own destination, making decisions based on what’s best for the firm.

How would you describe your contribution to Baker Tilly Windsor?
At one of my first conferences with BT, I was given the nickname “Fun Bobby” and was instantly put in charge of the “Fun Committee” in our office, planning staff outings and events. I also see myself as a mentor to junior staff. No question is a bad question, and my door is always open for a chat.

If you weren’t in your current job, what profession would you pursue?
I never thought this is where I’d arrive in my life, but I can’t imagine doing anything else.

What does “Now, for tomorrow” (Baker Tilly’s mantra) mean to you?
Building great futures for the junior staff based on the values and goals embedded in the BT brand.