Get to know Carlyn Feist, CPA, CA

Carlyn Feist brings an empathetic approachability, pragmatism, and depth of experience to her work with MNP’s Private Enterprise team in Vancouver. However, her journey into the accounting profession, began with a detour into the decidedly less concrete and numbers-focused world of marketing.

Get to know Carlyn through this in-depth Q&A and find out what motivated her current career trajectory — and why we’re grateful she decided to make the switch.

Did you always want to become a CPA?

Quite the opposite! In fact, I come from a long line of accountants so I was determined not to follow the same path. I wanted to be a writer and decided out of high school to get an English degree.

A couple of years into my program, I realized I had no idea what kind of job I would be pursuing after I graduated. I decided to switch over to business as it seemed the more practical route — but I still had no intention of focusing on accounting. I completed a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in marketing and started working at a marketing company.

Although I enjoyed my time in marketing, I wanted to stay in Vancouver and there were fewer opportunities out west in the areas I was focused in. I finally caved and decided to pursue an accounting designation. First, I started helping the marketing company where I was employed with payroll, then I upgraded my degree to include upper-level accounting courses.

Not long after, I started articling at a Big 4 accounting firm here in Vancouver and eventually qualified as a CPA. I spent over a decade at the Big 4 firm prior to joining MNP as an Assurance Partner.

What do you do at MNP?

I’m a Partner in the Private Enterprise group. My objective is to help bridge the gap between private and public company assurance service offerings here at MNP.

I specialize in providing audits for mid-sized to large private companies in a variety of sectors including manufacturing, consumer markets, technology and entertainment, real estate, hospitality, transportation, not-for-profit, forestry, and retail.

I have experience helping clients with complex transactions such as acquisitions, financing, corporate reorganizations, going public, and adoption of new accounting and reporting standards. Although my focus is audit services, I aim to be a full cycle business advisor who can add value to all areas of my clients’ businesses.

Isn’t it boring dealing with numbers all day?

Surprisingly, no. There is so much variety in the work that I do, and virtually unlimited learning opportunities. I get to learn about so many different businesses and industries. No two days are the same. It’s exciting to find ways to apply previous experience in new situations and in ways that can help provide value for my clients.

There’s also a significant relationship aspect to what I do that I really enjoy; whether that be relationships with my clients, my teams and colleagues, or new business contacts looking for help.

What can your clients expect from you?

I am known for being adaptable, approachable, and empathetic. I like to understand other people’s perspective so I can help come up with pragmatic solutions. I truly care about the clients and teams I work with and it’s important to me they feel supported.

I feel lucky to work with so many talented individuals. If there’s an opportunity to bring in a specialist with expertise I don’t have, I’d much rather approach an issue as a team and provide more well-rounded client service.

I think the best way to sum it up is: I pride myself on producing timely and quality deliverables without sacrificing practicality.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

My husband and I have three young children that keep us very, very busy. We spend our free time riding bikes, hiking, playing sports, and making messes — which we usually have to beg the kids to help us clean up.

For me, it’s important to be a role model for my children and show them their Mom has worked hard in her career. At the same time, balance is equally important. I’m glad to be in a place that challenges me and helps me grow professionally — but where I’m able to spend quality time with my kids, especially in these early years. Because, like everyone says, they grow up so fast.

Contact Carlyn

Want to know more about Carlyn Feist? Contact her at 236-259-4826 or [email protected].