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.