There were several aspects about working at J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) that intrigued accountant and CPA, Morgan Clark. 

After graduating from the University of New Brunswick (2016), she knew she wanted a career that would allow her to stay in Saint John, to grow her career and further her professional education. Learning that JDI supports the growth of our employees, Clark applied for an entry-level accounting position during her last semester of university and was hired before graduation. In just four short years, Clark developed her skills as an accountant and graduated from her CPA program at JDI, in 2020.  

As a recent CPA graduate, we talked to Clark about what steps you should be taking if you're considering a career in accounting and developing your career through the CPA program. 

What were your initial steps to starting your CPA? 

While completing your university degree, it is important to know what courses are required prerequisites for the CPA program. These courses are typically what are required to Major in Accounting when completing your BBA. After a year working at JDI to gain  experience and  applying the accounting concepts I had learned in school, I joined the CPA program.

What was your experience like completing your CPA through JDI?  

JDI was very supportive through my CPA program. They have an application process to ensure you are in a role that will allow you to gain the necessary experience (CPA requires 30 months of relevant experience to complete). After being accepted into their pre-approved program, you are partnered with a mentor who is an experienced leader within the organization. This was extremely beneficial as I received a lot of very valuable advice and support.   The JDI CPA program is also large enough that I benefited from going through the CPA program with a group of great colleagues.    It is very nice to be able to study together and there’s always help available if needed!  

*Photo was taken before COVID-19

"Getting your CPA opens so many doors for your career. With a CPA designation you have the option to work with different JDI businesses as a business analyst or continue up the chain in JDI Finance as an Accountant, or many other possibilities in  areas such as treasury, analytics, tax, internal audit, etc."

How has doing the CPA changed/benefited your career? 

Getting your CPA opens so many doors for your career. With a CPA designation you have the option to work with different JDI businesses as a business analyst or continue up the chain in JDI Finance as an Accountant, or many other possibilities in  areas such as treasury, analytics, tax, internal audit, etc. I have had the opportunity to perform the accounting function for three  divisions. I’m currently an Accountant within JDI Finance for the Transportation Division. Having my designation also opens doors for more professional development opportunities. I have recently taught an intro to accounting course at UNBSJ which was a great experience and really put my knowledge to the test! 

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to complete their CPA? 

I highly recommend the CPA program. If you are interested in accounting, I would almost consider it a necessity if you wish to further your career. Not only does it build on the base knowledge you obtained during your university career, but there are a lot of other skills that you learn along the way that are extremely valuable (ethics, teamwork, problem solving skills, time management, just to name a few). Although it may initially seem like a big commitment, it really goes by quickly. 

Click here to start your career with JDI: https://careers.jdirving.com/