Navigating Work-Life Balance as an Accounting Partner: Mekayla Assef

Mekayla Assef joined Roth Mosey & Partners as a Co-op Student in 2006, as a part of her Accounting degree at Brock University. Fast forward to July of 2023, Mekayla was named an Accounting Partner, after 13 years of dedicated service and leadership with the firm. As she navigates strong career progression with having a family, we sat down with Mekayla to learn more about how she manages work-life balance.

1. Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a partner at Roth Mosey & Partners?

"My journey started at 19 as a co-op student from Brock University. I completed all my co-op terms with the firm and was offered a full-time position. I immediately started the process to achieve my CA designation and successfully completed it. I liked the people, the clients, the work – I knew a career in public accounting was for me. I took feedback and continually developed myself and my knowledge to make career advances which has most recently been to join the partnership at Roth Mosey."

2. What motivated you to pursue a career in accounting and advisory services?

"I grew up in a small rural town, on the farm, with no other family members in the profession. I was inspired by my Grade 11 accounting class teacher. It was my first exposure to accounting and I was good at it. I wanted to pursue it further."

3. How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance, especially with a young family?

"I work a schedule that allows me to have the best of both. I leave the office at 4pm so that I can have dinner with my family and have time for play. I work alternate hours to ensure work is completed and client deadlines are met. A work-life balance is one of my non-negotiables."

4. Can you share some strategies or tips you've found effective in managing your time effectively both at work and at home?

"One to-do list with priorities clearly identified, continually updated. I keep one calendar so I can see where I need to be at all times."

5. What role does flexibility play in your work-life balance, and how does your workplace support this?

"It’s integral. Life outside of work, especially with children, requires sporadic time away during work hours – illnesses, appointments, school trips, socials, extra-curriculars and the like. My workplace is supportive of flexibility, whether that be working modified hours or working from home."

6. How does the seasonal demand of your job affect your work-life balance throughout the year, and how do you make the most of the time in which you are most available to your family?

"Busy season makes balance more difficult and it takes trying different things to see what works. In 2024, I worked until 4pm and thought I would work nightly after the kids went to bed to have my weekends as work-free as possible. It wasn’t working, it was tiring, I didn’t have quality time with my husband and I knew I would face burnout. I pivoted. I worked a couple of evenings after the kids went to bed each week and then a half day on Saturdays in the office with an early start to get home for the afternoon and the rest of the weekend with my family. This worked. We plan fun things to do when I’m home and it really lessens the fact that I wasn’t home in the morning."

7. Have you encountered any challenges in balancing your career and family life, and if so, how have you overcome them?

"How to do it all can be challenging. I generally start by talking to my husband about what is and isn’t working to determine what I can change without too much sacrifice to our family. I’m fortunate to have a supportive spouse who can pick me up if I fall down. My 4-year-old has recently brought home the phrase “teamwork makes the dream work” and I find it very fitting. Whether it’s my work team or my life team, they are all a part of the reason it works and I can do what I do."

8. What advice would you give to other professionals, particularly those with young families, who are striving to achieve a similar balance?

"I’m a big advocate for women in leadership roles, especially in public accounting. One piece of advice I would give is to choose your non-negotiables and plan around that. Another is to be honest with yourself and your family about what the role requires. You can have it all, I’m doing it and I love it."