Five in five: Tammy Carlin
1. How did you get into accounting?
Unlike those who knew going into university that their path would be accounting followed by a professional designation, I sort of stumbled into the field while living in British Columbia. A few years after completing my bachelor of commerce degree, an employment opportunity arose with a small accounting firm. The firm’s two partners quickly became my mentors, providing me with invaluable guidance in the early stages of my career and as I went through the CGA program.
2. How would you describe the contribution you make to your firm?
My role during the last 15 years has evolved from staff accountant to manager, then to senior manager and now partner. This breadth of experience has enabled me to build solid connections with staff in all areas of our firm. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to wear many hats at the firm and take on a leadership role. Ultimately, I think this has given me great versatility – which, in turn, has helped our firm adapt and thrive.
3. How has your role evolved since you joined Baker Tilly?
With our firm joining the Baker Tilly network at the beginning of 2022, the main focus has been ensuring our staff and clients have a good grasp of how we all benefit from this alliance. As the first Baker Tilly firm in New Brunswick, we’re working to convey to the community what the new brand means and the benefits it brings to the firm and, above all, our clients. This is especially exciting for us as our firm celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.
4. What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
As it is for many others in this profession, having completed a professional accounting designation was a significant milestone for me. Completing the CGA program in 2002 was certainly a proud accomplishment and it opened many doors for me over the past 20 years. Then, in 2019, I achieved another career milestone when I joined our top leadership as the first female partner in our firm’s history.
5. What’s the best advice you ever received?
The best advice I ever received did not come through words. It came by observing my longtime mentor in action. His exemplary approach demonstrated to me the critical importance of building strong, supportive and long-lasting relationships with clients and colleagues. Following his lead, I prioritize respect, trust, care and empathy in serving clients and mentoring staff. This has brought me significant rewards in my career. I hope to pass on these traits and the rewards they bring to others, especially the next generation.
Tammy Carlin
Tammy Carlin