Keren Stephen is an accountant and finance professional based in Toronto, Canada. She was born in Sri Lanka and initially aspired to become an engineer. However, financial circumstances led her to take a job in the accounts department of a group of companies. Despite having no prior accounting knowledge, she quickly adapted and pursued a professional qualification in management accounting. Her career has spanned various industries and countries, currently working as an interim CFO, board advisor, and operations consultant.
Diverse Industry Experience
Keren’s journey began in freight forwarding and expanded to commodity trading, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and technology. Her role often involved interpreting financial data, forecasting sales and cash flow, and advising management on strategic decisions. She shared a notable experience where she helped outmaneuver a competitor in the commodities market by understanding the underlying demand drivers.
Technology and Career Growth
Keren emphasized the importance of technology in her career, particularly during her time with a multinational software company. This role allowed her to travel, manage projects, and gain exposure to various technologies and products. Her experience in corporate finance included leading due diligence for mergers and acquisitions and developing retail industry software.
Investment Research and Banking
After obtaining her Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification, Keren worked for an international investment research company, analyzing shares, bonds, and market conditions. She later joined the Bank of Montreal in a special project team, eventually becoming the head of finance at a capital market regulator.
Balancing Career and Life
Keren highlighted the importance of enjoying work and life balance, sharing fun experiences from her travels, like exploring London and Dubai. She also stressed the significance of obtaining a solid base in accounting, which allowed her to branch out into various fields and take on higher-risk pathways.
Advice for Students
Keren advises students to build relationships and seek mentors early on, emphasizing the value of networking and lifelong learning. She recommends pursuing technical skills and gaining real-world experience through internships or projects. Understanding technology, marketing, and sales is crucial, as these skills complement a career in finance or accounting.
Common Misconceptions in Finance
Keren debunked misconceptions about the financial field, noting that finance and accounting are not just desk jobs. They require a blend of technical skills, project management, and people skills. She also clarified the differences between accounting and finance, explaining that while accounting focuses on preparing and analyzing financial data, finance is more about raising capital, trading shares, and valuing companies for mergers.
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