While I was preparing my presentation for the Momentum conference, I started to think about how long it had been since I started my first position in the accounting industry. It all began back in my OAC year of high school 20 years ago. That spring there was a job posting that was submitted to my high school’s guidance office. My guidance counselor at the time knew that I was going to be attending Brock University in the fall for accounting and BDO was looking for a summer student to help in their office. I thought a position like this would be a great experience for me.
This was my very first job interview. I remember wearing a suit and tie (something that I rarely do now). I was definitely nervous as I really didn’t know what to expect but nevertheless, I felt like the interview went well. A couple weeks later I found out that I had the job! I was so excited that I was going to be working in an office and not out in the fields at a farm as in the previous summer.
During that summer position, my main duties were to assist with various tasks such as answering phones, filing and deliveries. I remember having to hand deliver tax returns to both the Ministry of Finance and CRA and get receipts for proof of delivery. Also, during that summer I was first introduced to Caseware which is software that accountants use to work on a businesses’ financial statements. I still use this software today!
That summer position led to me being employed the following summer as a student again and four co-op terms (including 3 tax seasons) with BDO. The money was great as it allowed me to buy my first car and help pay for my schooling. I really learned a lot during those years.
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Shawn Oldridge
519.995.1153