Senior Manager – Tax
Montréal office
CLEARR value embodied: RESPONSIBILITY
“SMEs create jobs in Quebec. I’ll never stop being impressed when I visit a factory. I find that Quebecers are bold when it comes to business!”
After completing a Bachelor of Business Administration, Mireille worked for several years for the Service d’Aide aux Jeunes Entrepreneurs (SAJE), an organization that supports start-up businesses. “I was helping people start their businesses. I greatly admire those with entrepreneurial spirit and I have immense respect for their passion and willingness to take risks.”
Mireille then obtained a Master of Economics while teaching adult education, once again, to entrepreneurs. She then worked for a large international consulting firm for 12 years. She had completed various assignments across Canada and in different European cities when, in 2008, she was offered a chance to live in Paris for two years.
“I was very excited about this offer. Everything was organized and I was ready to leave when I learned that my father had only three months to live. Without hesitation, I abandoned my plans for Paris. There was no doubt in my mind that my place was by my father’s side here in Montréal. I took a leave of absence to be completely available, free of the hassles of professional life, to enjoy what time was left with him. We talked a lot and I read to him often. Even in quiet times, we were close. We shared many loving moments together. In our busy lives focused on productivity, we often forget to slow down and appreciate the times when we can contemplate and share to find the strength we never knew we had.”
When Mireille arrived at RCGT in 2009, the young economist was thrilled at the opportunity to have SMEs as her clients. “SMEs create jobs in Quebec. I’ll never stop being impressed when I visit a factory. I find that Quebecers are bold when it comes to business! One of the reasons I love my job is that allows me to interact with a wide diversity of businesses because we have clients in so many sectors.”
Human ties above all else
Mireille is very enthusiastic when she talks about the ties she has with her team.
“We specialize in transfer pricing consulting services for cross-border transactions between affiliates. You don’t learn that stuff in school. Succession training is therefore very important. I love sharing my expertise with young people, I find them remarkable, open, friendly and united. Working with younger colleagues is enriching for me: they have a newer, more original vision.”
“I really enjoy working with my colleagues. Furthermore, we share the same values. For example, when I have to take care of my mother who’s getting on in years, they always ask how she is doing and are very supportive given my schedule constraints.”
Mireille believes that in addition to individual responsibilities, the issue of vulnerable elders deserves more thought. “The difficulties of reconciling work and family life aren’t only issues for people with young children; it also affects family caregivers. As a society facing an aging population, we’re going to have to ask ourselves what can be done to support people who are active in the work force and care for their less autonomous parents.”
What would Mireille like to accomplish when she has more free time? “I’d like to travel more, especially in places where I can dive and sail because I love water sports. For about two years now, I’ve taken an interest in primates, more specifically in orangutans, because their habitat is seriously threatened by palm oil production. On the island of Sumatra, in Indonesia, there’s a national park that serves as a huge sanctuary where orangutans can live without fear of poachers. I would like to visit that sanctuary,” she says with some excitement in her voice.
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Lead Senior Manager – Insolvency (commercial)
Recovery & Reorganization Group
Montréal Office
CLEARR value: INTEGRITY
“So far, my career path as been somewhat personalized and has been shaped by opportunities that presented themselves along the way here in the firm.”
Geneviève was quick to tell us, “I’m a very reserved person who doesn’t go out of her way to be in the spotlight. I don’t have any great professional accomplishments to share.” She agreed to the interview when we explained that we just wanted to present her professional experience through the values she considers important.
Geneviève was born in île d’Orléans. “While I was still in high school, I was working 20-30 hours a week. I couldn’t wait to be free, to make my own choices. I did well in school. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do later, but I knew what I didn’t want to do as a result of my part-time jobs. I eliminated health and pure and applied sciences, and decided that administration could pave the way for several career choices.”
She chose accounting and began her training in the Québec City office in 2000, staying on after obtaining her title. “Working in assurance taught me a lot. I especially enjoyed carrying out assignments for SMEs, where I was able to work in areas beyond audit, such as tax. It’s a great training ground.”
In 2002, one of Geneviève’s colleagues transferred to the Insolvency group and at the colleague’s urging, she made the move as well in 2003. “It suited me perfectly to discover a new field while staying with the same firm. I couldn’t see myself progressing any longer in audit.”
“I’ve only every worked at RCGT since finishing my studies, something I’m very proud of,” Geneviève adds.
Shortly after joining the Insolvency group, she was given the opportunity to start training to be a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. “I felt it was a good time to start this demanding program, which took three years at the time. You have to pass several exams to obtain the licence, including an oral exam before a jury.”
Reconciling work and family at the forefront
When discussing her lifestyle, Geneviève explains, “I’m not the type of person who plans far in advance. Actually, I’d find it kind of boring to know exactly where I’m headed. So far, my career path as been somewhat personalized and has been shaped by opportunities that presented themselves along the way here in the firm.”
She goes on to say, “That’s how I am in my personal life as well. When I was 30, I had no plans to start a family. Then, at 31, I had my first child and, six years later, there I was, with three.”
Geneviève has been working in the Reorganization & Recovery Group in the Montréal office for 15 years. “I moved to Montréal to be with the person who would eventually become my husband and the father of my children. Working a four-day week was the best option to balance work and family life. I want to develop professionally, but will not sacrifice my family life. At one point, I had to set matters straight and reaffirm that priority.”
Geneviève goes on to say, “For the past year, my role within the team has changed. Now, I spend more time supervising and supporting new staff. I serve as the intermediary between the team and partners. This structure boosts consistency and efficiency, making it easier to retain staff over the long term, one of our group’s priorities.”
How would she describe her leadership style in one word? “Simplicity. I prefer a relaxed setting, I have no interest in a formal hierarchy. Everybody gets the same attention. My door is always open, it’s a whirlwind in my office. My team members would likely tell you I’m very available and uncomplicated.”
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Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton was pleased to see that Rémi Fortin, Partner in Charge of the Beauce offices, was recognized for his drive, determination and contribution to the region by being awarded the CPA Émérite award by the Ordre des comptables professionnels agréés du Québec – Regroupement des CPA de Chaudière-Appalaches et de Québec on June 15, 2017.
This award recognizes Rémi’s remarkable career, highlighted by his innovative achievements, contribution to the advancement and visibility of the profession within business associations and community and philanthropic involvement.
Rémi’s leadership, drive and commitment are certainly worthy of recognition. Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton is proud to rely on a dedicated partner who plays a role in enhancing our firm’s distinct positioning and promoting its talents.
Rémi’s candidacy was selected by a jury of experienced chartered professional accountants from various sectors of the region. Congratulations!
For more information on Rémi Fortin’s candidacy, go to the Ordre des CPA du Québec website.
08 Mar 2018 | Written by :
Rémi Fortin is a partner at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton. He is your expert in assurance for the...
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