In the spotlight: Willow Irwin, CPA

Willow Irwin, CPA started her journey in the accounting world as a campus ambassador for CPA Alberta and has now not only earned her designation but gained experience in both the public practice and not-for-profit sectors. Willow is a big believer in leaning on resources and available services to pursue personal and professional initiatives. This helps her manage changes to the profession and crush her goals. With a passion for financial literacy, Willow is making waves as a CPA. She shares her story.

1. What career stage are you in?

I am the Director of Finance at Bissell Centre. I have been working as a CPA since 2017. My path to not-for-profit financial management was not exactly straight forward.

As a campus ambassador for the profession at my university, I supported students in the transition between legacy designations and the CPA program. I learned about the program in detail and felt it was a good next step for me. My first role in the field was in public practice at MNP, where I specialized in Agriculture Financial Services. After receiving my designation, I started to dream about how I could use my skills in a way that was meaningful to me. I knew I wanted to work with Edmonton’s diverse communities, and that desire is what brought me to Bissell Centre.

With the amount of learning I am doing in my current role, I feel I am just at the start of my career. The not-for-profit sector moves so quickly that I find myself venturing into new areas, and I am growing faster than I could have ever imagined. I get to work alongside brilliant peers whose innovation and passion encourage me to be a creative problem solver and strategic thinker. I am not sure where my career will take me, but I know exciting things are up ahead!

2. How has CPA Alberta aided your career?

I have accessed CPA Alberta’s trove of resources throughout my career, including being a part of the Career Development Mentorship program. Through this program, I was paired with a seasoned CEO from the non-profit sector who still challenges and supports me in my development as a leader. The opportunities CPA Alberta provides are truly invaluable.

I also have to give a shoutout to the YEG CPA Community Ambassadors network. They have provided professional development opportunities focused on building sustainable, mission-driven charities and social enterprise.

3. What is your guiding philosophy?

My guiding philosophy is “people first”. Being people first means people are not just part of the equation, they are the most important part of everything I do. A project, initiative, or business can only be successful when the people involved are able to bring their unique perspectives, experiences, and skillsets to the table. A people-centered workplace makes space for everyone’s voice to be heard and valued.

4. Are there any career highlights you would like to share? 

I am most proud of the bridge I have built in my organization between the finance department and the rest of Bissell Centre. I have developed a set of concatenated processes that meet our financial requirements and empower internal stakeholders without putting an undue administrative burden on staff. This has been a challenging undertaking, but it has yielded great results and led to trusting cross-departmental relationships both inside and outside of the agency. I have worked to create a culture where operational leaders are given opportunities to develop their financial acumen so they can be confident in their decision making and planning. I will keep improving processes and building relationships between departments so we can continue to be a financially well-organized human-services agency.

I also want to spotlight the Financial Empowerment program at Bissell Centre, because it showcases unique opportunities for involvement or potential career paths that CPAs have perhaps not considered before. Bissell Centre’s Financial Empowerment program supports the community by providing financial coaching, financial literacy education, assistance accessing government benefits, and support with free tax filing. Just in 2022, Bissell staff and volunteers filed 3,300 personal tax returns, resulting in $5,600,000 in tax refunds being returned to members of our community.

CPAs have the opportunity to be involved in and add value to every sector and industry, and new doors are being opened daily.