Partner Spotlight: Linda Cook, CPA, CA

We sat down with Linda Cook, CPA, CA, a Partner at Roth Mosey to talk about her career journey.

Linda is currently a Tax Partner in our firm, and has been with Roth Mosey since 2006. Linda graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University having completed her Bachelor of Business Administration with honours in 2008, and obtained her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in 2010.

Linda provides guidance in the areas of personal and corporate tax planning, preparation of corporate, personal, and trust tax returns, estate and succession planning, purchase and sale transactions, corporate restructuring, and compliance with indirect taxes such as HST. Linda specializes in providing advice for owner-managed businesses, and tax planning for Canadian / U.S. cross-border business activities.

*Linda is pictured with her husband Andrew, on a recent trip to Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park, Utah.

Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a partner at Roth Mosey & Partners? What steps did you take to achieve this milestone in your career?

There were certainly lots of steps along the journey, including university, obtaining my CPA designation, and taking numerous of the CPA In Depth Tax Courses.? However, the biggest success factor was surrounding myself early in my career with people with a growth mindset, and recognizing that?every?experience is a growth opportunity.? There is as much to be learned from an assignment or interaction that goes well as one that didn’t.? Looking in the mirror with each experience and challenging myself to identify what I could have done better to improve for next time, or what approach should I repeat to maintain the positive result let me take responsibility for my own development.

What motivated you to pursue a career in Tax?and Cross border advisory services?

I have always been analytical and enjoyed problem solving.? This fit well with becoming a tax and business advisor, as we are always looking beyond simply repeating what the legislation says, and instead working to apply that framework in a way to help our clients proactively.

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

I am continually identifying and prioritizing what is truly important, both at work and home, so I can be in a position to say yes to opportunities when they arise.? I’ve also learned that saying “yes” to one opportunity is always a “no” to another.? In the simplest sense, “yes” to dinner with friends, means “no” to a quiet evening with my family, and vice versa.? Or saying “yes” to one learning opportunity or client request, requires a “no” or “not yet” to another.? Time is my greatest resource, and I try to recognize these trade-offs when identifying and prioritizing where I spend my time.

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

I have used a fair amount of flex time during my career at Roth Mosey, which has allowed me to take care of personal appointments, or attend sports and other extracurricular activities with my kids, even when those items fell during traditional working hours.? Roth Mosey also implemented summer hours this past July and August, with the office closed on Fridays.? This was a great way to enjoy some extra summer days with my family.

I’ve learned to embrace flexibility the other direction too, as there are times of the year, or certain work assignments that require additional work hours to complete, and I have the flexibility to determine how I address those work requirements.? For me, working later Monday and Thursday evenings was the best option, as it allowed me to be present and active with my family during the other times.? Over the years, I have tried different work schedules during busy work seasons, and this was the one that worked for me and my family best.? I truly appreciate how much flexibility is available at Roth Mosey, and in the accounting profession as a whole.

What activities do you participate in as a family, or the kids alone?

Right now, my social life is largely comprised of being a mom to two girls, age 9 and 11, and doing my best to shape and mold them into young women.

My evenings and weekends are filled with track and field, soccer, piano lessons, choir, girl guides, and helping with homework assignments. ?On down days, I enjoy the simple things in life; walking or hiking outdoors, backyard BBQs with family and friends, and reading a good book.

Life is full of different seasons, and I’m loving the one I’m in!

As a partner, what initiatives do you plan to introduce or support to promote work-life balance among employees of the firm?

To me, work-life balance isn’t just an initiative, it’s a culture.? A few years ago, I had to take some time off work unexpectedly when my daughter’s appendix ruptured, and she was hospitalized (she’s fine now!)? Without having to ask, the team around me stepped up to help on the work front, so that I could focus on my family.? For some of these individuals, I’ve been able to return that gesture, and for others, I’m ready to when the time comes.

The ups and downs of life (both big and small) don’t always wait until after the workday is done at 5.? As a partner, I will continue to invest in building a team who cares about each other, and keep work-life balance as a consideration as we develop our firm vision into the future.

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

Of course!? I don’t think any working parent could say no to this question.? For me, COVID was a defining time.? I was a new partner at work, with a young family at home, and my support system had essentially been shattered as schools and daycares were closed, and family members isolated.? As a new partner, I was working with many clients for the first time and knew that first impressions were critical, but doing everything successfully seemed like an impossibility as I tried to meet all of my work and personal responsibilities. ?To overcome this, I focused on one day at a time, and set goals regarding what success would look like for just that day.? This approach, of taking a big goal or project, and breaking it down into smaller tasks and milestones, has continued to serve me well, as it allows me to focus on working towards a solution, instead of getting stuck on the problem.

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

Two thoughts immediately come to mind.? First, communication is key.? Be open with your family and your team regarding what you need and listen to what they need.? True balance can not be defined or achieved in isolation.? Second, recognize that there are seasons to life, some easier, and some more challenging.? It is the challenging seasons that have helped me become a better professional and better parent.