From March 6-19, 2015, Collins Barrow is highlighting the achievements of several women who continually strive to create value, break equality barriers and empower others.
International Women’s Day celebrates the women who make it happen all around the world. The women of Collins Barrow make it happen every day because ours is a workplace environment that fosters the careers of Canadian women. Over the past 20 years, the accounting industry has seen a positive shift in attitudes concerning female advancement. At Collins Barrow, we’re proud to report that we have a higher percentage of women partners, and growing, than the industry norm. Meet Joan Valente, CA.
Joan joined Collins Barrow Calgary LLP in September 1997 and specializes in providing audit and tax services to private enterprise clients, primarily in the legal and medical professions, and not-for-profit organizations. Among her proudest achievements: finishing fourth in Alberta on the Uniform Evaluation (UFE), a clear indication she’d chosen the right career path, followed by making partner in a firm welcoming to women.
In her role recruiting and mentoring new professionals, particularly up-and-coming women, she shares with them all she’s learned about balancing a busy practice and motherhood. In her volunteer work, notably with Adoption Options, Joan is determined, based on her own experience, to make a real difference in people’s lives by helping educate them about open adoption.
When it comes to business, dedication to her clients and answering the challenges they present takes precedence. “They count on us to create value in all areas of their business and we do so through excellence in client services,” says Joan. “By understanding what’s really important to our clients, we can help them set objectives and then work together as a team to meet them.”
Famous women Joan admires
If she were able to travel back in time and meet a fabled woman, Joan cites Alberta’s Famous Five, or Valiant Five who, in 1927 launched a petition all the way to the Supreme Court to have women recognized as persons. “What they did was inspirational, and needs to be remembered. They are the definition of strong, determined women, and I admire that.”
Clarity is seeing the path to your potential. Learn how Joan can help your business by contacting her directly by phone at 403.298.1517or by email at jmvalente@collinsbarrow.com
About Collins Barrow
Recognized as Canada’s mid-market leader for audit, tax and advisory solutions, our association of 26 independent member firms comprises the eighth largest public accounting group nationally by revenue. Through our strong network infrastructure, shared expertise, resources and offices from coast to coast, we provide clients ranging in size from large, publicly traded companies to owner-managed and emerging businesses with a full complement of professional services across every major industry sector.