My Background and Focus

My education brought me into the legal world, but my passion helped me find the right path within it! After completing my education as a paralegal, I went to work for a full-service law firm in their corporate division. At the time, they needed extra help in their accounting department, and because of my love for numbers, I decided to volunteer. Over time it became apparent that accounting was a natural fit for me. The ‘volunteering’ gig turned into a 10-year job, where I honed my accounting skills and solidified my passion for numbers.

In March 1998, I joined MBM’s accounting department, working in billing and accounts payable. Initially, I worked on automating and improving the efficiency of the financial and billing processes, which helped me better understand how to manage the firm’s general financial accounts and suppliers. Then, I transitioned into a managerial role where I now oversee accounts payable and collections teams. Being involved in billings and collections allows me to work with local Canadian clients and many foreign associates worldwide. I have been fortunate to learn so much from my global colleagues (I’ve even scored a recipe or two!).

One of the more exciting projects I’ve worked on at MBM was implementing and transitioning to a new accounting system. This new system helped us streamline the billing and collections process and, as a result, optimize cash flow management. As an accounting manager, it is pure joy to see a system that works better, faster, and easier and enables you to see results and watch the money come in!

In addition to my role as Accounting Manager, I am also the unofficial ‘where can I find stuff’ resource in the office. Because by nature, I am extremely organized, and I’ve been with MBM for 25 years (a very long time!), I know where everything is and have a wealth of knowledge about MBM’s history and its staff. This is why I’m also the unofficial “Office Activities Coordinator.” I tend to organize the staff social events, the firm’s community fundraising projects and the baby blanket knitting program.

My Approach

When I think about accounting, I realize it is the perfect profession for me as it combines my love for numbers and my true passion for organization. For me, Organization is King, and if you come to my office, you will see colour-coded files in perfect order, a “post-it note” visual wall and an uber-organized desk. These are just some of my ways of keeping track of work while enjoying the process. I genuinely believe that you have to love what you do, get up in the morning and come to work every day with a positive attitude. I love coming to the office, I love the people I get to work with daily, and I love the work that I do. It is also very important that the people I manage and mentor feel challenged and happy at work. I want them to know that MBM is a place where they can learn and grow, just as I have over the past 24 years!