Jaeanne Bayucot, CPA
The Francisation program at Université de Montréal greatly helped me integrate by exposing me to Quebec culture. The program consists of French language classes and another course dedicated to cultural immersion, which allowed me to familiarize myself with local customs, social norms, and workplace expectations. We participated in various activities designed to prepare us for real-life situations, such as role-playing scenarios and engaging in conversations with locals. One particularly memorable activity involved practice conversations with local residents, which was a very practical experience. Overall, the combination of language proficiency and cultural awareness made me feel more integrated into the city and empowered me to confidently seek out career opportunities in the local job market.
What led you pursue accounting?
When I was young, my mom encouraged me to pursue accounting because, according to her, I am good in mathematics. Little did I know that accounting is not the same as mathematics! But when I had accounting in high school, I really enjoyed it. I liked working with figures and analyzing data.
As I learned more about the field of accounting, I realized there was a way to channel these interests into a profession. Accounting provides a solid foundation in business, making it a versatile career path that can open doors to various opportunities. Additionally, the profession offers both stability and opportunities for growth; hence, I pursued the Graduate Diploma in CPA.
Why did you choose the John Molson Graduate Diploma in CPA as part of your journey towards earning the CPA designation and how did the program help you get to where you are now?
The program offers an ideal mix of experienced professors and a collaborative environment. It goes beyond just building the technical knowledge and skills needed for future CPAs; it also focuses on developing students' professional judgment and critical thinking. The professors are not only highly qualified, with extensive expertise and experience in the field, but are also genuinely invested in the success of their students. Having such mentors and advisers was crucial in preparing for the Common Final Examination (CFE).
As an immigrant adapting to Canadian and Quebec culture, especially within the accounting profession, being in a collaborative environment was vital. Surrounding myself with people who value teamwork and collaboration over competition was an integral part of my journey.
Overall, the program was instrumental in getting me to where I am today, equipping me to succeed on the CFE and allowing me to build valuable connections with my peers.
You were working while you pursued the Graduate Diploma; what was it like to balance work and studies?
Yes, while completing the Graduate Diploma, I was also working as an auditor at EY. Balancing work and studies was definitely challenging—it required a lot of discipline, determination and resilience to see it through. But I’m grateful that EY was so supportive of my academic pursuits. They understood the demands of the program and provided me with time off to prepare for exams, which made a huge difference!
The Graduate Diploma's flexible schedule was a significant advantage for me as a working student. With only two classes per term, I was able to focus on each course without feeling overwhelmed, allowing me to effectively balance my work in audit with my studies. This balance enriched my learning experience because it created a dynamic loop of learning and application; I could directly apply what I learned in class to my job. My work experience, in turn, helped me better understand the coursework by relating it to real-life situations.
What I learned in school directly informed my work as an auditor, allowing me to approach my role with fresh insights and a deeper understanding. At the same time, the real-world experience I gained at EY brought a practical perspective to my studies. It allowed me to see the real-life implications of the theories and concepts we were learning in class, making the material more relevant and easier to grasp.
Overall, juggling both roles was tough, but it was also a deeply rewarding experience that enhanced my growth both as a student and a professional.
