International Women’s Day – Jennifer Chasson

Have you faced any challenges about inclusion within your career?

Thirty years ago, early in my career as an accountant, I was a manager at a small accounting firm. At that time, being the only female CA in the firm, I received a “secretary’s day” gift… Rather than feeling appreciated, I felt undervalued and marginalized compared to my male counterparts – why was I receiving this gift? Well, I can definitely attest to the landscape changing for the better.

Over the past three decades, I’ve witnessed significant changes in the accounting industry. Despite facing obstacles, I chose to build my own ladder rath than climb it, starting my own financial advisory practice in 2004, then affiliating with Zeifmans LLP in 2013, and never looked back.

How do you encourage inclusion within your team and your firm?

I foster inclusion within my team and throughout the firm by:

· Cultivating creative and diverse work settings that welcome everyone. Zeifmans staff can communicate in over 19 languages across our 180+ staff members.

· Prioritizing skills and attitude when hiring, regardless of background, focusing on individuals who demonstrate a willingness to learn.

· As the sole female partner, I aim to serve as a role model for fellow staff members and strive to be approachable.

What is the business benefit of inclusion within the professional services sector?

In the professional services industry, fostering inclusivity is crucial for achieving business excellence. A significant advantage of this approach is the wealth of diverse perspectives it offers. Our team comprises experts from various backgrounds, each bringing specialized knowledge and distinctive viewpoints to the forefront. This diversity enriches our discussions and problem-solving processes, enhancing our ability to deliver top-notch services to our clients. Having experienced environments where inclusivity was lacking, I truly appreciate the significance of cultivating a workplace culture that embraces diversity and values the contributions of every individual.

Author: Jennifer Chasson, Partner and President of Springbank Capital Corp

Member firm name: Zeifmans LLP

Country: Canada

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