TRACY BRENNAN: MANAGING PARTNER, CENTRAL CANADA ASSURANCE SERVICES AT EY

Tell us a bit more about your career journey and how you ended up where you are today?

I was studying economics at Western and was unsure about my next step. I had a family friend who worked at Ernst & Young (EY) which led me to learn more about accounting. After visiting the firm, I was impressed by the amazing people and engaging culture. I had always been interested in business and my love of it was what motivated me to take this new opportunity. I was then offered a job at EY in the fall and transitioned to take my accounting degree at McGill. I now work as an audit partner in the assurance practice and find that it is the perfect combination of my love of business and my interest in accounting.

What is the most unexpected obstacle you have had to face in your career?

One of the most unexpected obstacles in my career was being a woman and a person with a disability in a male-dominated industry. When I started out, I faced challenges in being given equal opportunities, but I learned to fight for what I wanted by taking ownership of my career progression and finding my voice to articulate my worth. The industry was primarily oil, gas, and energy and as a new partner, I was often the only woman in the room at audit committee and board meetings. However, I found that my work spoke for itself and I was able to demonstrate my value and the quality of my work. Throughout my career, my disability has never been a hindrance and I am proud to have been part of an inclusive organization where I can be myself and bring my best to the job.

Looking back on your experiences, do you have any advice for students beginning their career journey?

Tracy’s advice to those starting out in their career is to be proactive in taking control of your career. Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you, actively seek them out, ask for what you want, and be ready to work for it. It's important to have a clear understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and look for opportunities to develop both. Additionally, always have a willingness to learn and grow. Be curious, ask questions, take on new challenges and don't be afraid to take risks. Your career is a journey and it's up to you to take the lead and make the most of the opportunities that come your way.

How has your personal definition of success changed throughout your career?

My personal definition of success has changed throughout my career as I have matured and grown as an individual. Initially, my definition of success was centered around becoming a partner in my firm and achieving professional recognition within the company. However, as I have progressed in my career, I have come to realize that success is not just about individual recognition and advancement, but also about creating opportunities and mentoring the next generation of professionals in my field. Additionally, I have become more focused on promoting inclusion and diversity in the workplace, advocating for people with disabilities and ensuring that everyone feels comfortable bringing their whole self to work, regardless of their abilities, race, gender, sexual orientation, etc. This shift in my personal definition of success reflects a broader view and a desire to make a positive impact in the world beyond just my own professional goals.

Who have been some mentors in your life and how have they helped you get to where you are today?

I have had the benefit of working with some amazing mentors throughout my career. I started my career at a firm in Montreal, then moved to Calgary and later Toronto, which allowed me to work with different people and industries. These experiences have helped me become the professional I am today and I have maintained these relationships as I have progressed in my career. I am currently the Managing Partner for Assurance Services for Central Canada and also have client responsibilities as the coordinating partner on audits. I have found it helpful to have discussions with my mentors, who continue to provide me with guidance and insights as I take on more managerial responsibilities. In addition to my mentors, I have also built relationships with colleagues and clients and am involved in a couple of non-profit boards, which allows me to continue to expand my network and contribute to important causes.

What keeps you motivated to do your work and keep going?

What keeps me motivated is the fact that there is always something new in my work. I predominantly work on public companies, which requires me to take on new challenges and work with different people every year due to rotation rules. I get to work with young and bright people within the firm and also with interesting clients in different industries, learning about their businesses and what makes them successful. The dynamic nature of my job and the fact that I encounter something new every day is what makes my work challenging and interesting, and that's what keeps me motivated.

What are some of the most important attributes that you see in effective leaders today?

Being a good listener and having transparent communication is crucial in any professional setting. Being able to hear different perspectives and having open and honest discussions can lead to better solutions and more effective teamwork. And as a mentor, being transparent and giving constructive feedback can help guide and develop the next generation of professionals. It's important to not just deliver hard messages, but to also provide support and guidance in helping individuals grow and improve in their careers.

Recent accomplishment!

She received recognition as a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ontario. This year, only 34 CPAs in Ontario were recognized as fellows, making it a prestigious recognition. The recognition is focused on individuals who have made contributions to the profession and community. She is honored to have been recognized and is now officially an FCPA. Upon becoming a fellow, she can add the designation to her name as a Fellow of the Institute.