A balancing act

Ayo Abu discusses how she balances her professional and personal lives, and offers tips to internationally trained professionals

by Quinta Iticka

Striking a balance between family and career can be fulfilling. It makes us better parents, better coworkers, and better members of the community. But ...Striking a balance between family and career can be fulfilling. It makes us better parents, better coworkers, and better members of the community. But is work-life balance attainable? Ayo Abu CPA, CGA, Accountant at D.F. Boiler Tube Industries, believes ...

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Settling in Canada

Maryna Bityutsky discusses the importance of setting professional goals to help with the settlement process

by Quinta Iticka

Typically, internationally trained professionals go through an adjustment period—also known as a settlement curve—when they arrive in Canada. The curve is sometimes characterized by ...Typically, internationally trained professionals go through an adjustment period—also known as a settlement curve—when they arrive in Canada. The curve is sometimes characterized by three Fs—fun, fright, and fit. Maryna Bityutsky CPA, CGA, CFO of the Centre for Newcomers ...

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The big picture

Clark Monson explains how maintaining his hobbies helps him thrive

by Sharon Ruyter

There are only 24 hours in a day and Clark Monson CPA, CA doesn’t take that for granted. Clark lists the following as just ...There are only 24 hours in a day and Clark Monson CPA, CA doesn’t take that for granted. Clark lists the following as just some of his hobbies: landscape photography, piano, guitar, mountain climbing, reading, and playing the cello—all ...

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Navigating the language barrier

Qi Chen crosses barriers with her hard work and kind personality

by Sarah Maludzinski

I can’t believe how poor my English was,” recalls Qi Chen CPA, CMA with a laugh. “Even just at the supermarket! I wanted to ...I can’t believe how poor my English was,” recalls Qi Chen CPA, CMA with a laugh. “Even just at the supermarket! I wanted to say, ‘Thank you. Have a good day.’ And I practiced tons of times before I ...

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Changing careers

Aleem Rattani shares how he went from working at a firm to being a recruitment consultant

by Kate Austin

Aleem Rattani CPA, CA is no stranger to change. Originally from East Africa, he moved to Australia before eventually coming to Canada in 2012. ...Aleem Rattani CPA, CA is no stranger to change. Originally from East Africa, he moved to Australia before eventually coming to Canada in 2012. A year later, he earned his Canadian designation through a Reciprocal Membership Agreement. “Having the ...

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From studying English to opening a firm

Esteban Rivera reflects on becoming an entrepreneur in Canada

by Kate Austin

Being an entrepreneur is risky, but if you don’t give it a shot, you’ll never reap the benefits. Just ask Esteban Rivera CPA, CGA, ...Being an entrepreneur is risky, but if you don’t give it a shot, you’ll never reap the benefits. Just ask Esteban Rivera CPA, CGA, Principal and Senior Consultant at Newriver Professional Corporation. When he arrived in Canada in 2001, ...

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Balancing career and family

Kemi Awoniyi Ige shares how reuniting her family led to new learning opportunities and connections

by Sharon Ruyter

Financial reporting. Working with auditors. Reconciliation. This is a typical day in the professional life of Kemi Awoniyi Ige CPA, CGA, FCCA, Senior Financial ...Financial reporting. Working with auditors. Reconciliation. This is a typical day in the professional life of Kemi Awoniyi Ige CPA, CGA, FCCA, Senior Financial Analyst at Canlin Energy. But life did not always look that way. When Kemi moved ...

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Being in the middle of two cultures

How do you find your place when you feel like you don’t belong to your new—or old—home?

by Sarah Maludzinski

When Carlos Bautista CPA, CA, CPC (MEXICO), and Silvia Perez CPA, CA, CPC (MEXICO) moved to Edmonton in 2006, they knew exactly one person ...When Carlos Bautista CPA, CA, CPC (MEXICO), and Silvia Perez CPA, CA, CPC (MEXICO) moved to Edmonton in 2006, they knew exactly one person in this city of approximately then-730,000—an old co-worker from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Mexico City. After ...

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Breaking down language barriers

Viviana Quintero-Browne compares learning a new language to eating—you take one bite at a time

by Quinta Iticka

It takes patience, courage, and resilience to move to a new country, learn a new language, and pursue a career in that language. Viviana ...It takes patience, courage, and resilience to move to a new country, learn a new language, and pursue a career in that language. Viviana Quintero-Browne CPA, CMA is fluent in Spanish and English. She has enjoyed a long, successful ...

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Bridging the professional gap

An IT professional with an engineering background explains how the CPA designation complements diverse skillsets

by Quinta Iticka

The CPA designation is prestigious. Combining it with other credentials can be even more impactful, providing a professional with the unique ability to solve ...The CPA designation is prestigious. Combining it with other credentials can be even more impactful, providing a professional with the unique ability to solve business problems from different perspectives. Mason Darabi CPA, Venture Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, believes ...

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Giving back to the community

Will Christensen gives back by mentoring internationally trained professionals

by Capitalize Magazine

Adapting to life in a new country can be challenging. Language barriers, culture shock, cold winters, and even a sense of isolation might hinder ...Adapting to life in a new country can be challenging. Language barriers, culture shock, cold winters, and even a sense of isolation might hinder internationally trained professionals from immediatelypursuing their goals in Canada. Seeking out and connecting with a ...

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“Canadianize” your resume while highlighting your international credentials

by Quinta Iticka

A resume is a crucial part of the job application process. It demonstrates an applicant’s ability to perform a specific role, and it should ...A resume is a crucial part of the job application process. It demonstrates an applicant’s ability to perform a specific role, and it should pique the recruiter’s interest in order to secure a job interview. The Canadian resume format ...

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