What’s your background?
After graduating from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Commerce, I began working in industry and developed a specialty in Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) at a Big Four firm. Having worked on staff for 15 years, I eventually decided it was time to establish my own SR&ED consulting practice and spent the next six years building it. Then, in January 2023, I had the opportunity to join Baker Tilly Windsor and its highly regarded SR&ED practice. It was the perfect choice for me. Here, I help clients across the full range of incentive tax services, including opportunity assessments, claim preparation and review, system installation and training, and audit support expertise.
What keeps you busy outside the office?
My four kids! Whether it’s soccer, hockey or lacrosse, I’m usually on the go with their practices and games. I also like to keep active by playing hockey once a week. Plus, you can often find me taking the dog for a walk – or the dog taking me for a walk.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
As a senior manager at a previous firm, I had the opportunity to mentor and coach a group of analysts. I took the role very seriously because I realized my guidance would help these young professionals develop into the next generation of leaders. After I left the firm for another opportunity, one analyst I mentored contacted me. She said she had been promoted to manager and called to thank me for everything I did for her as a coach. She shared that she wouldn’t have been able to take that next step without my guidance. I still remember how proud that call made me feel.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in your field?
It sounds cliché but I believe you have to love the work you do. I love using my knowledge and experience to help clients in whatever aspect I can relating to SR&ED government incentives. I would also say anyone starting a career in this field needs to work outside of their comfort zone to truly develop their skillset and grow professionally.
What are the qualities that make Baker Tilly Windsor unique?
I think it starts from the top. The partners here are down to earth, which speaks to the firm’s culture and core values. When you have a great work environment, you do great work. You are inspired and motivated to really do your best because you know you have the support and encouragement of your colleagues.
How would you describe your contribution to Baker Tilly Windsor?
I see my contribution as being someone who is always ready and willing to help. I especially value being able to mentor and coach junior staff, and of course helping our valued clients achieve their goals. Many people think accounting is simply about numbers, impersonal and black and white. But it’s actually about finding and seizing opportunities to empower others – whether that’s supporting a colleague in their career development or guiding a client to the best solution.
If you weren’t in your current job, what profession would you pursue?
It would be a stretch at this point in my life, but playing a professional sport is a path I would have loved to pursue. That ship may have sailed long ago, but now I suppose you could say I help my clients play to win.
What does “Now, for tomorrow” (Baker Tilly’s mantra) mean to you?
It means building a strong team and real connections, so the future of our firm and the BT network continues to shine bright. I truly believe the best is yet to come. We have such an incredible and diverse team here and across our entire network, all sharing the same mission and vision to make a meaningful impact.
What does the future hold for you and your profession?
Like so many other sectors, technology will play an ever‑increasing role in the future of this profession. At the same time, though, technology and innovation must serve the needs and goals of people. We can never forget it is the relationships we have built and are building that ultimately determine how we will be able to better serve our clients.