Partner Spotlight: Paul Charbonneau, CPA, CA

We sat down with Paul Charbonneau, a Partner at Roth Mosey to talk about his career and how he maintains a work-life balance.

Paul joined Roth Mosey & Partners as a staff accountant in 2008 during his studies at the University of Windsor. Paul obtained his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 2012 and became a manager in the firm in 2014. In 2018, Paul became a partner in the accounting and advisory side of the firm.

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?

My journey to becoming a partner at RMP has been both challenging and rewarding. I started my career with the firm initially as a co-op student in 2008, and was immediately given the opportunity to build a strong foundation in both accounting and tax concepts. I dedicated myself to building trust with clients through consistent, high-quality work. As I progressed early in my career, I took on increasingly more complex projects, with the guidance and support of the partner group and management team. I sought out mentors who provided invaluable guidance and I made it a point to share my knowledge with others, which helped build a reputation as both a leader and a team player. The combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and a commitment to client service ultimately helped lead to my admission to the partner group in 2018.

What motivated you to pursue a career in Assurance?

My motivation to pursue a career in assurance stemmed from a high level of interest in understanding how businesses operate, and what issues matter most to business owners, management, and organizational leaders. Assurance work provides the unique opportunity to be involved in all aspects of a company's financial reporting process. I was drawn to the challenge of analyzing financial information, identifying risks, and providing insights that help businesses and organizations succeed. Additionally, I’ve always valued the trust that clients place in us as assurance professionals. It’s rewarding to know the work we do supports stakeholders in making informed and calculated decisions. This sense of purpose and responsibility continues to drive my passion for assurance work.

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

My wife and I, along with our two sons, enjoy spending time outdoors, especially in the summer! I also coach my eldest son’s baseball team, which is a great way to stay active together and create lasting memories. Being an avid baseball player growing up, it is truly rewarding to see him learn the game and grow as a player and person.

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

Balancing a demanding career with family life is certainly challenging, but it’s something I prioritize. I’ve found that effective time management and clear communication with both my family and colleagues are key. I make it a point to be present during family activities and to plan my work schedule around important family events whenever possible. This approach has allowed me to maintain a healthy balance, even during busier periods. Our firm does a great job of modeling this behaviour and being flexible to work before/after normal working hours where needed - which is always an option for me and my team.

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

I think its important to have your “non-negotiables” and stick to them. Prioritize your family time as much as possible, and set boundaries where needed. Ultimately, I think communication is the most important thing to keep in mind, in order to set clear expectations on all fronts.

In what ways do you believe achieving a healthy work-life balance positively impacts your career performance and overall well-being?

Achieving a healthy work-life balance has a profound impact on both career performance and overall well-being. When I’m able to spend quality time with my family, it allows me to approach challenges with a clear mind and a positive attitude. Having set activities outside of work always helps as well!