Rachael Golembuski believes that finance and accounting unite an organization — they are keystones, require collaboration, guide missions and impact strategies.
She attributes this guiding philosophy to her career success, which includes positions at TD Canada Trust and EY in Montreal and senior positions at ATB Financial and connectFirst Credit Union in Alberta.
Golembuski recently pivoted from banking to technology, becoming chief financial officer of Long View Systems, one of the largest privately-owned IT services and solutions companies in North America. She says this exciting industry offers her opportunities to apply her internal audit, risk management and financial leadership experience to new challenges in a growing industry.
Industry trend
“Artificial intelligence is really picking up momentum and is going to change how we work, so we need to familiarize ourselves with it in our own lives and how it will impact our industries and the work we do.”
The Concordia factor
“I grew up in the small town of Rawdon, Quebec, where my high school had 206 students. When I got to Concordia, it felt massive. I met people from all walks of life, built close relationships and some of them remain lifelong friends.
One of my proudest moments was returning to university after completing my first year. While I had a rough start at the beginning and my grades suffered, I knew I was capable of more. I decided I needed a reset so I took a year off to work full-time. During my time away I realized ‘I can do this,’ went back and smashed it!”
Continuing education
“Lifelong learning is a big undertaking, a serious commitment and can be really tough to navigate, but knowledge is a key to growth. I am currently completing a graduate accounting program.”
Career advice
“My recipe for success is really just having what I call good vibes, positive energy, good intentions. Be engaged and willing to help.”
Giving back
“I give back by volunteering on boards of directors. I have been a member of the audit committee of the board of trustees of the Calgary Board of Education for the past eight years. I also recently joined the board of the Calgary Distress Centre which has a 24-hour crisis support line and numerous critical resources to support Albertans.”