Share
Jessica Ruel, a former weightlifting athlete, has leveraged her determination and discipline throughout her career.
Now she successfully juggles her role of Assurance Manager, family responsibilities and commitment to her sport.
From athlete to accountant
At just 15 years old, Jessica was the youngest athlete in the Canadian Senior Weightlifting Championships. This promising debut was the start of an impressive sports career that involved competing in the Pan American Games and Commonwealth Games, for example.
At the same time, her career path was taking shape. “I was torn between teaching and accounting,” the native of Abitibi explains. “In the end, accounting allowed me to balance high-performance sport and my university studies.”
Living a double life required a high level of organization. “Every minute of the day was planned since I had to carefully juggle classes, coursework, training and competitions,” she recalls. Jessica still applies this level of discipline to every aspect of her career, which allows her to take on numerous challenges
A carefully considered transition
Jessica’s career turning point was in 2015. “I passed my Common Final Examination for CPAs on July 8 and competed in the Pan American Games in Toronto 10 days later,” she explains. This incredibly busy period is forever engraved in her memory, especially since one element made the event even more special. “For the first time, my family was able to attend an international competition. Taking sixth place in this context was amazing.”
Unfortunately, Jessica’s dream of competing in the Olympics was shattered after this competition. “I was hoping to compete in the 2016 Olympics, but I found out that Canada would qualify only one woman and I was in the running for second place,” she explained. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, Jessica quickly pivoted. “My partner and I had decided that we would concentrate on either the Olympics or building a family after I graduated. So I moved on and chose to focus on my career and growing our family.”
Impressive career advancement
Jessica’s career with the firm has been characterized by her determination. She started out as an intern in 2011 while studying for her certificate and joined ghe firm on a full-time basis in 2015 after graduating from university. She now works as an Assurance Manager.
“My role primarily involves overseeing the preparation of financial statements and corporate tax returns,” she clarifies. “I also follow up with clients and manage my team’s professional development.” Her list of responsibilities has grown recently to include regional planning. “I work with both the Rouyn-Noranda and La Sarre offices now.”
Which element of her job is she most passionate about? “The fact that no two days are the same. Each client has unique challenges that change from year to year. I enjoy solving their problems and sharing my expertise with my team.”
Family is a top priority
As a mother of two children who are five and eight years old, Jessica always has a busy schedule. “We work around extracurricular activities and have something planned for almost every day!”
It appears that Jessica has passed on her competitive streak. Her daughter already practices competitive swimming, plays the piano and now shows an interest in weightlifting. “She loved winning her first medal and now she wants to participate in every competition,” shares Jessica with a laugh. Her son excels in skating and would like to play soccer.
Jessica started out in gymnastics and then excelled in soccer on a provincial level. “Playing competitive sports at a young age taught me a lot. I hope that my children will develop the same discipline and enjoy sports as much as I did.”
Despite her numerous obligations, Jessica recently returned to weightlifting. “My former team members and I reopened our club, which had been inactive for several years. I became involved in my sport again and started coaching. And I love it!”
Flexibility is the key to success
It’s largely thanks to the work environment at the firm that Jessica manages to juggle every facet of her life. “The company’s flexible and human approach makes a healthy work-life balance possible. Even in our regional offices, we have a dynamic and family-like environment.”
What is Jessica’s next challenge? Becoming a senior manager within the next two years. However, she intends to add another string to her bow through teaching. “I’ve always enjoyed passing on my knowledge. I wouldn’t rule out teaching a university course in parallel with my work at the firm,” she confides cheerfully.
Jessica’s enthusiasm shines through when she thinks of those considering a career at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. “The firm offers everything you need to develop your potential. This includes training, support, career advancement and a host of other opportunities, particularly for students who are seeking to balance their studies and professional experience.”
Jessica Ruel is still advancing her career with the same dedication that drove her during her weightlifting days. Her journey shows that a good working environment and clear values can help you to succeed on a professional level while also protecting what matters most: family, passions and wellbeing. Jessica truly embodies this philosophy on a daily basis at the firm.