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 profession 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 Denise Jones, CPA, CA.
An assurance partner with Collins Barrow Durham since 2003, Denise provides accounting and business advisory services to owner-managed enterprises in farming and agriculture, manufacturing, professional services and distribution, as well as to not-for-profit organizations. She also serves in the dual capacities of Human Resources and Quality Assurance partner.
Because Denise puts so much stock in good listening and communication skills when it comes understanding her clients’ business objectives and providing them with the best advice possible, she introduced a 10-week effective communication program for all staff members and partners.
“The ability to be persuasive, to think on your feet and communicate what you want to accomplish in a way that can be readily understood cannot be overrated,” she says. “The course has been an even greater success than I imagined, giving our office members a new confidence in their communications with clients and each other. It’s also proved to be a great team-building exercise.”
Besides her admitted “soft spot for any and all socially responsible initiatives to do with children and education, Collins Barrow Durham is heavily committed to giving back to the community,” says Denise. Beneficiaries include the Spark Centre, United Way, Community Foundation, Lakeridge Hospital Foundation, Children’s Aid Society, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Durham College, Terry Fox Foundation, Whitby Chamber of Commerce, Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, Clarington Board of Trade and Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade.
As an elected council member on the latter board since 2011, Denise spent three years as treasurer and one as vice president and treasurer before assuming her current position as president. Her new role, she says, gives her “the opportunity to work with and give voice to businesses of all shapes and sizes in the municipalities of Ajax and Pickering, ensuring they are kept well-informed about every issue, policy and change affecting our catchment.
“Belief in yourself, having a passion for your work and confidence that the knowledge you share with your clients and colleagues brings them real value are key to a successful career at Collins Barrow,” says Denise. “There’s nothing more gratifying than being part of a culture totally dedicated to excellence in client service and equipped with the multifaceted advisory resources necessary to address all their business challenges and needs.”
A famous woman Denise admires
“I would love to travel back in time to meet Lady Diana. I guess a lot of it has to do with timing: she became a public figure when I was a teenager and her calm and quiet strength fascinated me. She had an amazing impact on people in her short life and even after, given the passion she demonstrated for what she believed in.”
Clarity is seeing the path to your potential. Learn how Denise can help your business by contacting her directly by phone at 905.579.5659, or by email at djones@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.