Our firm has been a driving force in the accounting profession since 1948. The combined experience of three generations of the same family provides some insight into 75 years of history and how this Québec jewel has changed over this time.
Raynald, Dominic and Hugo Deslandes have passed the torch, from one generation to the next. They tell us about their inspiring career paths as well as how they view working for Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.
Strong roots
Dominic Deslandes was appointed partner in the Recovery and Reorganization Group at the age of 32, and he now has more than 27 years of seniority in the firm. A licenced insolvency trustee and newly appointed member of the Insolvency Institute of Canada (IIC), Dominic has some impressive credentials. When he was a child, his father Raynald often found him reading the economic section in La Presse or looking at financial statements! Needless to say, Raynald was very happy when Dominic decided to become an accountant!
Dominic admits that, for a while, he thought about becoming a doctor. “I liked the idea of helping others and dealing with critical situations, but this is sort of what I do as a restructuring expert. I may not be saving lives, but I’m helping companies that are often in a very difficult financial situation. My team and I ask questions, analyze information to arrive at the best possible diagnosis, and then propose the best solutions.”
Helping others
Dominic worked hard to get where he is today. Many of his partners think that he works too hard. “It must be in my blood. But there are some benefits. I met Andrée, my wife and the mother of our three children, during all those long hours at the office.”
Dominic remembers a pivotal moment in his career. He was just starting out and was assigned his first major file: a sawmill in the Abitibi region. “There I am, in a suit and tie, and everyone else is in jeans and checked shirts. It was so cold and I didn’t even have any boots,” he remembers with a laugh.
Gilles Plante, a former partner in the region, took Dominic under his wing and helped him steer this project. “Gilles was the Vice-President for his region, he had his own clients to serve, and yet he still took the time to monitor my progress and answer my questions. I can say that this helped me to build a successful career. One of my biggest regrets is that Gilles passed away before I had a chance to tell him how much his support made a difference for me,” Dominic says with sadness.
Passing the torch
That is why Dominic makes it a point of honour to help his partners as well as younger professionals by sharing his knowledge and his network of contacts. He is extremely pleased to monitor the progress of his son, Hugo, who is studying business administration at McGill University while working as a junior auditor at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. “I’m very proud of my three children. I hope that they’ll do something that makes them happy—whether they become CPAs or not.”
Hugo, for his part, has received his fair share of academic awards. He has been involved in a host of committees and all sorts of associations. In fact, he is an ambassador for the firm at McGill. “My role is to talk to students and show them the type of firm we are. Within the company, helping others is more important than being in competition.”
Looking towards the future
Since the birth of his son, Noah, a few months ago, Hugo has re-thought his priorities. He had been thinking about doing a Master’s degree abroad, but has decided to wait for a better time. He has also taken some time off from his committee work to focus on his studies and his family.
“When I look at my son, of course I don’t want to work 70 hours a week. I want to spend time with him. And, what’s more, it wouldn’t be fair to my partner, Charlotte, who has already taken a semester off after Noah was born.” His colleagues are very accommodating at work. Hugo emphasized that “people here understand the reality of employees who have children.”
A generation of builders
This was not the reality when Raynald Deslandes joined the firm in 1965, while taking night classes at HEC. Raynald is from the generation of builders who made Québec what it is today. He was also involved in many different committees. Among other things, he chaired the professional practice committee and served on the executive committee for the Montréal region as well as the national executive board to get a solid grasp of internal management.
Raynald is fully aware of how lucky he was to have a wife who took care of the family. “Without her, I would never have been able to have the same career.” He remembers with emotion the day that he learned that he had become a chartered accountant. “Back then, the UFE results were posted by the Ordre des comptables agréés. I was so nervous that I stayed in the car while my pregnant wife went to see the list of people who passed. When she came out, she was waving her arms, laughing, and screaming ‘you passed!’ It was one of the best days of my life, he says smiling.
A highly adaptable firm
He understands fulIy well that working 70 hours a week is not considered ideal for his grandson, Hugo. “Society is changing, and that’s a good thing. I’m proud to see that the firm is adapting as an employer.” He remembers that it was always like this. He, himself, saw this respect for employees as he worked alongside the firm’s founding partners. In particular, he recalls that when he was a young trainee and ill, his boss, Jacques Paré, phoned his own family doctor to look after him.
The next generation of accountant?
These three men are part of a long tradition of accountants who truly embody the firm’s values, namely collaboration, leadership, agility, integrity, respect and excellence.
The question is this: are Noah’s father and grandfather secretly plotting for him to pursue his career with Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton one day? Hugo laughs and says “it’s no secret that they are plotting. It’s already common knowledge that they’re getting ready to pass the baton to my son”.
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Samuel Havida first came here to study, but adopted Québec for good more than twenty years ago. He tells us about his inspiring journey.
Samuel Havida arrived in Montréal as an international student at McGill University in 1999 and had every intention of returning to his native country after his business studies.
However, life, with its unexpected turns, decided otherwise. At a university recruiting event that he was attending out of curiosity, a Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton partner made him an offer that would change the course of his life. Although he missed his family, Sam decided to seize the opportunity and stay in Québec.
An unrivalled spirit
Today, with 20 years’ experience under his belt, Samuel has never regretted his decision. Not only has he risen through the ranks; he has reshaped the landscape around him with rare energy and charisma. He attributes much of his success to the support and encouragement he has found within the Firm. For him, the Firm is part of his family.
His passion for his work is obvious and can be felt in every word he speaks. “What makes me most proud is to see clients or colleagues who, yesterday, thought something was impossible, and then, today, have turned that dream into reality,” he shares, with a twinkle in his eye.
Making the impossible possible
He remembers his early days. “People at the Firm believed in me more than I believed in myself.” This confidence has been the cornerstone of his remarkable ascension. He became a Partner in 2011, then Regional Vice-President in 2014, and since 2021, Samuel Havida has also become Interim President and CEO. His career path is exemplary. When he talks about his journey, he still evokes the idea of making the impossible possible. A vision that he applies to his clients, his colleagues and himself.
As Regional Vice-President, Samuel Havida manages a multidisciplinary team of over 750 professionals, providing a full range of services to meet the various needs of clients. His approach is that of a visionary, able to see the big picture while valuing individual effort.
“We need to know where we’re coming from, appreciate where we are, and above all else, understand where we’re heading to achieve our goals,” he says, with the conviction of a leader. Every transaction, every negotiation is guided by a single credo: unlock clients’ full potential and develop talent. For Samuel, client satisfaction is paramount and is measured by the excellence of the service provided.
Family and career
Outside his professional life, Samuel’s family circle plays a major role. “A lot of people say you can’t have everything at once. I think you can. I have a job that allows me to be a driving force for change, and I’m lucky to be sharing my life with an exceptional woman who sees only the best in every human being, and with whom I have three wonderful children.”
An extraordinary destiny
Samuel Havida’s journey is proof that sometimes chance, passion, perseverance and dedication can come together to create an extraordinary career. It’s the story of a man who, despite all obstacles, never lost sight of what was important to him: professional excellence, integrity and love for his family. Today, Samuel Havida is not only a pillar of the Firm, but also a leading figure in the Montréal business community and a role model for many.
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What are the best ways for standing out during an interview and making the most of your internship with us?
At the firm, we value teamwork and openness. You will be involved in a wide range of assignments in a spirit of autonomy and collaboration. This is an opportunity for you to learn and discover what you like to do.
Participate in our events
First of all, take part in on-campus activities and meet our recruiters. We make the rounds of colleges and universities every year. Keep up to date by subscribing to our LinkedIn, Facebook Recrutement Campus and Instagram pages.
Remember that while autumn is the peak recruitment period for internships, our firm offers opportunities all year long.
Develop your network
Having a good network of contacts increases your chances of hearing about internships and taking advantage of opportunities to develop your career.
Our firm specializes in several fields. By remaining current and getting involved with different teams during your internships, you’ll be able to broaden your skills and find the field that interests you most.
Ask questions
Don’t hesitate to ask questions of your peers during your studies and internship with the team. Make yourself known to our firm’s university ambassadors and ask them to tell you about their experience. You can also speak directly to recruiters via their LinkedIn account or on site at recruiting events. They’re there to answer your questions and talk with you.
During your internships, you will be given a great deal of autonomy, but you will be guided by an experienced mentor and your manager. They are there to help you find your way. What you learn at school and what you actually do in the field with clients are two different things. On a work day, you’ll put everything you’ve learned into practice, but in a different way. It’s normal to question which way to proceed and how to do things. Ask your mentor and colleagues for clarification; they’re there to help you.
It’s not a competition and we don’t expect you to be proficient at the start. Your desire to learn and motivation to work are your best assets for progress.
In interviews and internships, be curious and get involved
For your interview, just be yourself. It’s a time for talking. Prepare all your questions about the internship and the whole process. Think about the type of work and atmosphere you want. This will help you in your discussion with the recruiter.
Don’t expect very technical questions. Here, we’re primarily interested in finding out about your interests and how you work, to see if you have the potential to grow within the firm and be happy as part of our teams.
You should also think about the accounting field in which you want to do your internship. Our firm has several business lines, so the possibilities are many and varied. Have an open and genuine attitude. It counts for a lot.
Visit our Students and interns section for more information. Talk to our ambassadors and recruiters. They’ll be happy to chat with you.
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Throughout your academic career, our firm’s university ambassadors are available to answer your questions about your academic path, the recruitment process or getting an internship at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.
Thanks to their contact network, they will be able to put you in touch directly with one of our talent acquisition managers.
Each university has at least one ambassador that you can talk to. Select your university’s name below to find your contact person:
Bishop’s – Sherbrooke
École de gestion John-Molson (Concordia-JMSB)
HEC Montréal
Université Laval
Université McGill
Université d’Ottawa
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue (UQAT)
Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQÀC)
Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO)
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR)
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Campus Longueuil)
Université du Québec à Rimouski – Lévis (UQAR)
Université du Québec à Rimouski – Rimouski (UQAR)
Université de Sherbrooke (UdeS)
- Vincent Lepage
- Juliette Bull
- Jonathan Vallée (UdeS Longueuil)
Adam Baker
When it was time to begin my internships, it was crucial for me to find a firm that promoted learning and mentoring. As soon as I arrived at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, I immediately saw that collaboration and mutual aid were among the many values held by my colleagues and the Firm. I’m currently on my first internship with the Sherbrooke Office and I’ve already had the opportunity to take part in several review and audit engagements.
As an Ambassador at Bishop’s University, I’d like to be able to convey the Firm’s great values to students and help them make the right choice for their next internship.
Davit Aghajanyan
As an Ambassador, I’m fortunate to represent a firm that embodies the values I hold dear: collaboration, integrity and excellence. I am very proud to commit to inspiring you and showing you that, together, we can reach unimagined heights.
My mission is to share with you the exciting opportunities we offer, guide you on your road to professional success and help you develop the skills you need to stand out in the business world.
We all have incredible potential, and I’m here to remind you that there’s no limit to what we can achieve collectively.
Together, we’re going to create a dynamic and inspiring community, where each of us can flourish and realize our boldest aspirations.
Sarah Cloutier
During my first year of the BBA, I quickly discovered my interest in accounting. The field’s versatility strongly appealed to me because accounting skills can be applied in a wide range of areas, including businesses, accounting firms and even entrepreneurship.
My internship at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton was a defining experience that confirmed my interest in accounting. Right from the start, I was given the opportunity to be in the field and interact with controllers, business leaders and corporate directors. This firm values all its employees and promotes collaborative values.
As an ambassador, I want to show students that an internship here is an opportunity to develop their accounting and interpersonal skills. My role is to be accessible and a good listener so that students can ask me any questions they might have.
Sandrine Legault
In my personal life, I’ve always been a family person. I like to be surrounded by those closest to me and that’s why I chose to go to HEC Montréal. Working with the school’s CPA committee, I felt a community spirit based on knowledge-sharing among avid learners.
Now that my schooling is almost over, I’m happy to find that same atmosphere at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. Here, I feel I can grow 100%, while still being myself. The possibilities are endless. My role as an Ambassador is to help you find your place too.
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton is a big family and I’m proud to now be part of it.
Jérémy Renaud
Throughout my university career, I participated in various projects such as university competitions and the CPA committee. I developed a strong aptitude for working as a team and having fun at the same time. I found that same energy at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, where teamwork and collaboration are ever-present.
Because I was completing a session abroad, I started my summer internship three and a half weeks late. But I felt welcome and at home right from the start. The atmosphere among juniors is awesome and we always find a way to have fun while working. In the seven weeks I’ve been interning here, I’ve worked on everything from compilation engagements to reviews, audits and T2 forms.
Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions. I’ll be able to point you towards the best internship for you.
Claudie Tremblay
After a year at university, I decided to join the Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton team for a summer internship. I wanted to see what the accounting profession was really all about, and I loved my experience. The team made me feel very welcome and listened to my needs. I felt at home straight away. I immediately got to work on assignments and dealt with clients while being properly coached.
I’ve just started my second summer internship this year and it’s really confirmed that I’ve chosen the right place. As an Ambassador, I aim to share my experience and answer students’ questions, guiding them in their career paths.
Hugo Deslandes
When I entered McGill University, I was determined to pursue a career in accounting. Coming from a family of accountants, I knew that accounting would open many doors for me and would give me an in-depth understanding of how finances work within a business.
I chose to do my internships with a firm so that I’d be exposed to a wide range of businesses and be part of high-performance teams working in a friendly atmosphere. That’s why Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton was the natural choice for me. Here, trainees start off directly in the field by interacting with the controllers and management of client organizations, and actively participate in carrying out assignments. Regardless of their position, each team member is given an integral role in the assignment, where collaboration between everyone is a day-to-day reality.
The Firm promotes the values of mutual support and work-life balance, which are key criteria for many young people looking for an internship. What’s more, the numerous organized activities reinforce a sense of belonging and create closer bonds between colleagues. I can’t wait to return next summer!
Isabelle Delorme
After graduating with a DCS in natural sciences, I decided to study accounting at the University of Ottawa, where I quickly found my calling. I then landed an internship at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. I loved the experience because it gave me the opportunity to work on different assignments and grow as a member of an inspiring team.
My role as an Ambassador is to answer students’ questions about the Firm and discover people who will bring their own special touch to the Firm. Researching and obtaining key information is crucial to choosing the right internship. That’s why I want to share my experience with other students.
Bryan Camirand
I did my first internship at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton and it was a highly enriching experience. I was lucky enough to be welcomed by professionals who care deeply about our integration and learning within the Firm. I came away from my internship full of new knowledge and so I hope that others will be able to benefit from this wonderful experience.
As an Ambassador, I’d like to tell students about the benefits of working at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. But above all, I’d like to reassure them and answer their questions. In fact, I’d like them to get a feel for the work atmosphere and climate of trust that this Firm provides. My goal is to be a resource for these students and to be there to help and support them on their journey.
Noémie Bérubé
I did my first internship at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton and it was a thoroughly enriching experience. I was lucky enough to be welcomed by professionals who care deeply about our integration and learning within the Firm. I came away from my internship full of new knowledge and I hope that others will be able to benefit from this wonderful experience.
As an Ambassador, I’d like to tell students about the benefits of working at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. But above all, I’d like to reassure them and answer their questions. In fact, I’d like them to understand the work atmosphere and climate of trust that this Firm provides. My goal is to be a resource for these students and to be there to help and support them on their journey.
Léa Gagné
At the end of my CEGEP studies, I had to make a very difficult choice between my two favorite fields: law and accounting. After much deliberation, my love of numbers won out and I enrolled in the Bachelor of Accounting program at UQO. It wasn’t long before I discovered Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton at recruitment cocktail parties. I loved the Firm’s values and the energy of the Gatineau team.
The internship allowed me to work in my two favourite areas, assurance and tax. I believe that an internship is the best learning experience because it allows me to apply what I’ve learned in university to real-life situations.
As a UQO Ambassador, I’m available to answer students’ questions on any topic!
Aurélie Ayotte
I’ve been passionate about taxation ever since my college days. This passion led me to pursue my studies at the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. When Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton offered me the opportunity to intern in this field, I accepted immediately.
Every day, I have the chance to learn and enrich my knowledge in a respectful, friendly work environment surrounded by seasoned professionals. In addition to my studies and my internship at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, I’m an athletic girl and I’m involved in student life at my university. I’ve been a member of the university’s CPA student committee for two years now. This committee keeps me in touch with students and firms alike.
As a new Ambassador, I’ll be happy to participate in various recruitment events to attract new talent and answer any questions you may have.
Axel Aka
As a student, I didn’t hesitate to turn to a firm that would be a second school where theory and practice go hand in hand. The 2022 recruitment barbecue immediately won me over to Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.
My first internship was a great success. I was welcomed, integrated and helped by an experienced, passionate and dedicated team. These professionals have confidence in me and are helping me to grow so that I can become a CPA in my own right. At RCGT, you learn something new every day and the human element is of paramount importance. Since I joined the Firm in January 2023, I’ve felt like my best self.
Being an Ambassador is an opportunity to share my experience within the Firm and to help other students integrate. I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and to be available to you. It would be a real pleasure to work with you!
Marianne Picard
During my first bookkeeping internship, I was very warmly welcomed and given plenty of support. When I continued my BA in accounting at UQAR, I was fortunate enough to get a second internship in assurance, which enabled me to develop my autonomy and learn a great deal.
When you work on all kinds of files, you develop your accounting reflexes and skills. What I like here is the spirit of mutual aid and collaboration. There’s always someone on the team available to answer your questions.
As an Ambassador, I’d like to help other students discover this fine team and benefit from this great atmosphere and work experience.
Justine Vézina
After completing my first year of the BA in Accounting at the Université du Québec à Rimouski, I began my internship with the Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton family. I immediately liked the office atmosphere and felt like part of the family thanks to their warm welcome. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to try my hand at several facets of the profession: compilation, review and audit engagements, and corporate tax returns.
As an Ambassador, I’ll be more than happy to answer any questions you may have about internships and the many benefits of being part of the team. Now that I’m interning for a second summer, I realize how fortunate I am to work for this Firm. I’ll gladly tell you about the enriching experience I enjoy every day, both at the office during the summer and throughout the academic year.
I look forward to advising you on your internship choice this year!
Vincent Lepage
I’m an accounting student at UdS. Being in the co-op program, I was fortunate enough to be offered an eight-month internship at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. I immediately felt that I belonged in this great team I had found.
Having joined this team, which helped me thrive for eight months, I did not at all hesitate in accepting the position of Campus Ambassador. My aim will be to share RCGT’s vision and values with students across our various campuses.
Juliette Bull
As soon as I arrived at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, I realized that teamwork is the priority in every assignment. The employees welcomed me as if I was already part of the family—and that’s when I really felt I belonged.
As a junior, I felt that the work team very quickly placed a great deal of trust in me, which allowed me to work independently. The organization attaches great importance to our professional development and listens to our needs. Being a junior at the Firm means being considered as an experienced employee.
I decided to join the Ambassadors team because I’m a person who likes to get involved in my organization. For me, my role as an Ambassador is to share my real-life experience and help other students make the choice that will enable them to flourish professionally. Finding an internship can be stressful, so I’ll be happy to answer your questions and put your mind at ease.