Meet Ryan Magee, a Senior Accountant at Doane Grant Thornton LLP. Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ryan\u2019s unconventional path to becoming a CPA showcases the power of adaptability, curiosity, and determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why CPA?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ryan\u2019s journey to the CPA designation began unexpectedly. After switching from arts to business during his second year at Cape Breton University, he discovered a passion for accounting. Serving as the VP of Finance and Operations (VPFO) for the student union cemented his desire to pursue a career that combined his love of numbers and leadership. \u201cI knew I wanted to set myself up to work in similar roles throughout my career,\u201d he shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Fascinating Course: Taxation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For Ryan, the most surprising course was Taxation. While he had prior exposure to corporate tax, he found learning about other aspects and integrating that knowledge fascinating. This course broadened his perspective and strengthened his understanding of how tax impacts various business decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Building a Network<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of Ryan\u2019s favorite aspects of the CPA program was the opportunity to meet people from across the province. \u201cI enjoyed developing a network and collaborating with others,\u201d he explains. These connections have proven invaluable in his career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Balancing Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The most challenging aspect of the CPA program for Ryan was the full weekend workshops. \u201cNo matter how busy I get, I always try to have one day a week for myself and family,\u201d he reflects. However, the support of his fianc\u00e9e, Morgan, and his firm, Doane Grant Thornton, helped him navigate these challenges successfully.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Advice for Aspiring CPAs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ryan\u2019s advice for future CPAs is to cultivate curiosity. \u201cWhether through work or school, take any opportunity to understand why things are done a certain way or what other team members are doing. Seeing the bigger picture will help tremendously,\u201d he advises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An Unexpected Journey<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike many CPAs, Ryan didn\u2019t always see himself in the accounting field. In high school, his focus was on science, and he never took a business course until his second year of university. However, his exposure to CPAs during his time in university and his VPFO role collectively inspired him to pursue the designation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reflecting on the Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking back, Ryan describes his CPA journey as challenging but rewarding. \u201cIt was tough at times, especially when work and life got hectic. Fortunately, I had tremendous support from Morgan and my firm, which allowed me to focus on the task at hand,\u201d he shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond Accounting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When he\u2019s not working, Ryan enjoys starting his day with a run, spending time with his dog, and enjoying scrambled eggs and a bagel for breakfast. He treasures Kennington Cove in Louisbourg, NS, as his favorite beach and is a fan of Clint Eastwood movies, The Big Short<\/em>, and White Christmas<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For podcasts, Ryan enjoys \u201cLet\u2019s Appreciate\u201d by economist Kyla Scanlon and the Halifax-based podcast \u201cThe Grand Parade,\u201d which delves into municipal politics. Looking ahead, he dreams of traveling to Germany and Montana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Meet Ryan Magee, a Senior Accountant at Doane Grant Thornton LLP. Hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ryan\u2019s unconventional path to becoming a CPA showcases …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":3367,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3344","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n