My Path to CPA: From Sociology Major to Chief Financial Officer
After graduating with a degree in sociology, Barbara MacCheyne, MBA, CPA tried her hand at several different jobs. During a contract as an accounts payable clerk, she was introduced to the CPA designation and decided to try some accounting courses.
Barbara started the program during her first year of marriage and continued it part-time for the next ten years as she worked full time, had two kids and changed employers. Step by step, Barbara has worked her way up through different roles to Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Administration, while also completing her MBA.
Barbara shares with us her path and challenges to the CPA designation.
Why did you decide to pursue a CPA designation?
After graduating university with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, I had a difficult time finding employment in my area of study and took on various temporary jobs. I started an opportunity to work temporarily as an accounts payable clerk. Shortly upon starting this position, I was introduced to the CPA program by one of the managers. I found the accounting role to be most interesting and wanted to pursue some accounting courses. At the same time, I had become recently engaged and was planning a wedding.
I started the CPA program in my first year of marriage and continued it part-time while working full-time for the next 10 years and having two children and a change in employers. Since I did not have any business course prerequisites, I did not receive any exemptions and needed to complete all six years of the program.
What does your day-to-day look like?
As the VP Administration and CFO for Durham College, I am an integral member of the senior executive team where I provide comprehensive financial expertise in financial reporting, internal controls and accounting practices. I regularly participate in strategic planning sessions with the executive leadership team and provide updates on financial results at Audit and Finance Committee and Board of Governor meetings.
In my role, I am responsible for overseeing the financial reporting and budgeting for the College, procurement, records management, risk management, facilities operations and ancillary services departments. I am also accountable for all of the major capital projects at the institution.
On a day-to-day basis, I provide strategic leadership and guidance to a large team of facilities experts focusing on high-quality and cost-effective operational solutions. My days are often spent attending a variety of meetings and consultations, responding to emails and reviewing contracts and financial reports.
Where did you start your career and how did you get to where you are today?
I started my accounting career as an accounts payable clerk at EDS Canada in January 1997. During this time, I was also able to grow my professional experience by being able to transition to other accounting departments such as accounts receivable, where I became the team lead after a very short period of time. I later moved into the role of a financial analyst and gained experience with financial analysis, internal controls, system implementations and bank reconciliations.
In 2004, I decided to pursue another temporary opportunity covering a maternity leave at Durham College/University of Ontario Institute of Technology as a senior financial analyst to gain experience in the not-for-profit sector. This new opportunity proved successful when again, I was offered full-time employment before the end of my contract.
Once at Durham College, I was able to progress into the Manager, Planning and Reporting, then became the Executive Director, Financial Operations and later in the Chief Financial Officer. In 2019, my role was expanded to become the Vice President Administration which included oversight of facilities operations and ancillary services. Also, during this time, I successfully obtained my MBA.
What was the most challenging part of getting your CPA designation?
Balancing my family with working full-time while taking courses to obtain my designation was by far the most challenging time in my life. But I am most proud of being able to persevere during times of adversity. There were many times during my journey where I felt like giving up. I was fortunate to have a very supportive husband who took on many of the family responsibilities.
What do you wish you knew at the start of your career?
I wish I knew the advantages of seeking out a mentor early in my career. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize the power of mentorship until I was well into my corporate career but certainly could have used the guidance earlier on.
What are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about appreciating time spent with family and friends. Maintaining a healthy work-life-balance is often difficult to achieve as a corporate executive.
Do you have any advice for aspiring CPAs?
It's never too late to start and don't give up. It is worth it in the end. Also, investing time and effort in active networking can go a long way towards building your career.