CPABC in Focus March/April 2018 | Page 46

Profile Alisa Smith, Candidate in CPA PEP Compliance Analyst, British Columbia Securities Commission Few careers today follow a linear path, so it can be challenging to chart career advancement. But although two career paths may never be identical, the factors that contribute to a successful career progression tend to be the same: a mix of self-awareness, research, and courage. Alisa Smith’s journey from crime writer to forensic investigator exemplifies what it takes to succeed, and she shares some of her experience here. Where did your journey begin, and how has it evolved? I was a freelance journalist, a magazine editor, and the author of Speakeasy, a crime novel. While working as a writer, I became interested in white-collar crime and decided I wanted to explore it from the other side—investigating it through the numbers. I became an auditor before joining a securities regulator. The thread through it all is my concern for the public good. How did you decide it was time to make the leap from one field to another? You know it’s time to move on when you feel there are no challenges left, or that opportuni- ties elsewhere better match your life goals. That’s when something new feels exciting. 46  CPABC in Focus • March/April 2018 For me, the transition from freelance work to editing and back again was organic, facilitated by people I knew in the industry. But switching from journalism to accounting meant starting from square one, so I took advantage of career counselling services and networking events. What does your current role entail? The BC Securities Commission has its own tribunal with court powers—it’s all about creating trust in the market. As a compliance analyst, I’m on the front lines, seeing what’s happening in the marketplace and protecting investors. It requires a wide skill set, from reviewing financial submissions to just getting a sense of who people are. Compliance analysts go into the field to review firms that sell securities, and we look for any red flags. We educate people who may not know any better and do our best to make sure there are penalties for those who abuse the system or take advantage of people. It’s like being an auditor, a teacher, and a detective all in one. Post-certification, what are your future career aspirations? Securities regulation has a lot of variety and room for professional growth, so I’m happy to be where I am now. Q&A by Suzanne Berry Photo by Kent Kallberg Studios What words of advice do you have for those who are looking to change jobs? Change can be scary, but I’ve never regretted taking a risk. Before you make your move, it always helps to meet and talk to people who are doing what you want to do. I’ve found infor- mal mentors that way, and it helps strengthen your resolve. I would also say that if you’re on the brink of an exciting or even daunting career transition, take confidence in knowing that not only is it possible to do so successfully—it’s also the most positive thing you can do for yourself. Exploring career progression Successful career progression essentially boils down to the following steps: Start by taking a personal inventory—uncover your unique talents, strengths, and abilities, as well as your inner passions and areas of curiosity and in- terest. Next, explore the options available to you in the market and try to form connections with knowledgeable players in those areas. Lastly, build the courage to make the leap, and trust that the groundwork you’ve laid will provide you with solid footing no matter where you land. Looking for career resources? Visit bccpa.ca/careers.