What’s your background?
I have worked in both public accounting and private industry for more than 15 years, with an emphasis on manufacturing, retail and professional services. I completed my CMA designation in 2008 while in public practice. Over the last eight years, my focus has been on broadening my skills beyond my core accounting knowledge.
What keeps you busy outside the office?
As a father of four, my family is a huge part of my life outside the office. Between family game night, movie nights and other extracurriculars, I keep busy, but I still manage to find time for my other areas of interest. I enjoy getting out on the ice for a game of hockey, curling up with a good book (especially in the cold of winter) and completing home renovation projects.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment was navigating the uncertain environment of the pandemic in 2020, pivoting our business to a fully remote workplace. I was able to ensure a seamless transition for the firm with the increased use of collaboration tools. I also developed communication strategies for staff and converted all our paper processes to paperless.
What advice would you give someone starting a career in your field?
Find a great coach/mentor, who can challenge you and contribute to your development. During the early stages of your career, this person will accelerate your development and prove invaluable to your growth. Also, never stop investing in yourself, whether that’s technical training or other learning opportunities, no matter what stage you are at in your career.
What are the qualities that make Baker Tilly Windsor unique?
Our culture. This might sound like a cliché, but I truly believe it’s what sets us apart from other professional services firms. We have created an entrepreneurial culture that allows each of our professionals to define what success means to them. Also, our firm has a Fun Committee that organizes events designed to increase camaraderie and contribute to team building.
How would you describe your contribution to Baker Tilly Windsor?
My role is to oversee all the internal functions of the firm, including HR, IT, internal accounting and the administrative team. Keeping our back office operating efficiently allows our partners and other professionals to focus on delivering the excellent service our clients expect.
If you weren’t in your current job, what profession would you pursue?
I would likely pursue something in the IT profession. I’m fairly technical and have always been interested in that space.
What does “Now, for tomorrow” (Baker Tilly’s mantra) mean to you?
Every action and investment from Baker Tilly is intended to make tomorrow better – for our clients, our community and ourselves. We are not shortsighted in our goals. We are determined to establish deep, long-lasting relationships, whether that is with our clients or our staff.
What does the future hold for you and your profession?
Technology will continue to provide both risk and opportunity for our profession. We need to look at how we can leverage new tools and systems to provide greater value for our clients. These technologies will automate some of the more mundane tasks we currently complete and allow us to spend more of our time providing insight and recommendations.