Columns/Blogs
My path to CPA: Hitting a ceiling and pursuing career growth

When Christina Callander, CPA, CMA decided to pursue a CPA designation, she had hit a ceiling with her career growth. She felt the CPA designation would bring her the most value and alignment with her goals.

During the program, Christina went through some big life changes: while continuing her work, she got married and became pregnant with twins, who arrived one month before her final exam.

She’s now fulfilled her career trajectory goal and progressed to a senior director at Rogers Communications. For Christina, learning is a “forever journey” and shows it’s never too late to challenge the status quo and be challenged.

Christina shares with us her path and challenges to the CPA designation.

Why did you decide to pursue a CPA designation?

I pursued my designation as I was looking to make a transition in my career to more senior roles. I had a business degree and wasn’t seeing the added value of pursuing an MBA. I ultimately decided to pursue my CPA designation as I felt that it brought me the most value and aligned with my goal of career growth.

Where did you start your career and how did you get to where you are today?

I achieved my undergraduate degree in Operations and Supply Chain Management and ultimately started my career in supply chain as a buyer. After achieving my CPA designation, I was offered a role that combined both my supply chain knowledge and new designation as a manager in inventory accounting.

My curiosity and drive to continue to grow has progressed me into my current role as Senior Director, Capital Controller & Support Groups. A typical day is spent on traditional financial reporting as well as a variety of projects that are driving change in the business. Every day is something new and rewarding.

What was the most challenging part of getting your CPA designation?

The most challenging part was balancing my work, family life and going back to school at the same time. During the process of getting my designation I got married and became pregnant with twins. The twins arrived one month before my final exam.

But I’m proud of the balance I have been able to achieve both for home and work and the example I have been able to set for my children.

What do you wish you knew at the start of your career?

Learning is a forever journey and the moments where you are the most uncomfortable are when you are growing. I want to always to be learning and being challenged.