Get to know Lynda Carter

Lynda Carter had an early start in the world of accounting and finance going all the way back to high school. But she learned the ropes at a small Ottawa firm where she became a partner, before merging with one of the Big 4 accounting firms, where she was also a partner. She finally joined MNP in early 2021. Her passion for working with owner-managed businesses, her desire to help people, and her track record of supporting women’s success in the workplace make her a perfect fit on the MNP team.

Can you describe how you got into the field of accounting?

I guess it all started when I was in Grade 11. I took an accounting course because my mom thought it would be a good idea. After winning a county-wide accounting competition, I thought, “hey, maybe I’m pretty good at this” and started taking some more accounting classes. I had one teacher who had a practice on the side. He was teaching me the theory at school, but it was working part-time for him that solidified the basics of bookkeeping for me and gave me a solid footing to help me decide what it was I really wanted to do.

I came to Ottawa to take the co-op accounting program in university and began working for a small Ottawa firm. It was there that I really learned what it meant to be an accountant and worked my way up to partner. The rest is history.

How would you describe your transition onto the MNP team from a larger firm?

Whenever I get asked this question, the word I use to describe the transition is “refreshing.” It’s great to still work with a national firm but at a firm where we all do similar things. Everything at MNP is built around serving my clients because we all serve the same type of client.

What do you enjoy most about your role working with owner-managed businesses?

I just like helping people. Because I’m working with owner-managed clients, they don’t always have the resources or the desire to deal with accounting and taxes themselves. I enjoy being that trusted advisor to them, being involved in all aspects of their planning — personal or corporate, and ultimately contributing to and watching them succeed.

You’ve been involved in various capacities supporting and mentoring women in the professional world. Can you tell us about that?

As one example, I’ve been involved with the Women’s Business Network (WBN) since about 2004. I’ve held various roles there including President. Currently I’m a member of the BYA Nominating and Awards Committee. We have what we call the Businesswoman of the Year Awards every year for the National Capital Region. Right now, we’re actively soliciting nominations for those awards. So anyone that wants to nominate a local businesswoman, get it in as soon as possible!

In addition to being President, I’ve also been Vice President and even Co-chair of the golf tournament. But what I find really rewarding is being a mentor through the WBN. Women that want to be mentored can sign up and be matched to someone more experienced that can help them.

With International Women’s Day approaching, can you explain what meaning that holds for you?

For me International Women’s Day is about breaking assumptions. For example, some people assume that a woman doesn’t want to advance their career or be a partner, or perhaps isn’t ready or can’t be a partner because they have a family and obligations at home. Those kinds of assumptions stand in the way of ensuring that there is equal opportunity for women.

Last time I spoke on International Women’s Day I shared a message about “making your own balance.” For me, this is a very important idea. After all, no one is going to hand you your balance. No one is going to say “You’ve been working too much lately, take some time off.” You have to plan your life and decide what’s right for you. You have to get your work done, of course, but you have to plan in your breaks as well. For example, I play soccer twice a week; in busy season, I might work before and after, but I never miss my game.

Sometimes we as women think we need to do it all ourselves — work a full-time job, care for children and sometimes parents, maintain a home etc. I encourage women to understand that there’s no shame in not doing it all themselves. Lean on your partner, if you have one, hire a cleaner or other service providers, take time to have some fun, whatever you need to find the right balance that allows you to keep doing the work you love and still make time for the other things that make you happy.

To learn more, contact Lynda Carter at 613.595.6005 or [email protected] .