In the long run: Jennifer Teoh, Associate Partner, Financial Accounting Advisory Services, EY Ottawa

When Jennifer Teoh left EY after four years with the firm, she took her knowledge and experience to new adventures. But she always had a feeling she would one day return. And now that she has, joining the Ottawa office this summer, she’s brought back new knowledge. And something even more valuable: wisdom. We chatted with Jennifer to talk about her EY experience, her work on the Public Sector Accounting Board and her community involvement. And as an experienced long-distance runner, how she looks at it all through the lens of the long run.

Three questions to ask

• Why return to EY?
• How does the long view help in business and personal challenges?
• What volunteer opportunities are you passionate about?

What’s the most valuable lesson you learned while working at EY?

The timing of my return to EY was serendipitous. I was ready to move forward with new challenges, and the firm was looking for someone with my specific experience to join our Financial Accounting Advisory Services practice. Our goals were aligned, and the opportunity felt right. I always considered my experience at EY to be the best times of my career. Coming back, it has been amazing to see how the firm has grown and moved forward, yet we’ve still maintained the same great culture we’ve always had. I truly believe it is an exceptional place to grow your career.

How did your time at EY help shape and form your career journey? During your time at EY, who stood our to you as a mentor or influencer?

My time at EY greatly influenced my leadership style. Early in my career, I was surrounded by inspiring leaders at EY who were looking out for my best interest, who are humble, caring, transparent and honest. These are people who are incredible at what they do, and do the right thing for the firm, their clients and their people. I am a strong believer that you become who you surround yourself with, and this has shaped me considerably as a professional.

I had countless mentors and influencers at EY in my early years: Denis Chalifour, George Prieksaitis and Caroline Phisel, just to name a few. And I have continued to grow mentorship relationships on my return to the firm in so many other inspiring leaders.

Congratulations on your Forty Under 40 recognition. What advice would you give to people starting out in the accounting profession — and any other field — who look to you as a role model and aspire to achieve similar heights at that stage in their careers?

I feel incredibly lucky to be doing something I enjoy that’s at the intersection of what clients find useful and what I am good at. Being able to help solve problems and make something better is satisfying and gives me a greater sense of purpose.

That said, I never felt like doing a little extra was a one-sided benefit. Going the extra mile to ensure quality work, meet challenging deadlines, be proactive and deliver on commitments to my team members and clients has also been an investment in myself, my growth and my relationships. Having this mindset, in addition to a positive and team-focused attitude, others will want to find ways to support you in your goals and help you succeed.

You joined the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) during a period of great economic volatility and uncertainty. How important was your work with the organization in guiding governments and public sector organizations in grappling with the related financial reporting challenges they faced?

It’s one of the greatest honours of my career to serve as a board member on the PSAB. The environment we’re operating in has been rapidly changing, and with that, accounting standards and other related financial reporting must also adapt to stay relevant, timely and responsive. PSAB’s work, through the development of accounting standards and other related reporting guidance for the Canadian public sector, is important in supporting a well-functioning Canadian public sector and a strong Canadian economy.

The board follows a robust due process that ensures external factors, trends and stakeholder needs are incorporated into our strategy, work plan and projects. Hearing input and thoughtfully deliberating feedback from diverse stakeholders is central to the board so we can continue developing high-quality standards that support accountability, transparency, informed decision-making and stewardship of Canadian public sector organizations. It has been an exciting experience to be part of.

How does viewing business issues through the lens of your persona as a distance runner help you address challenges both personal and professional?

My beliefs and approach to optimizing performance in my personal and professional life have largely been formed through my experience in long-distance running.

Healthy lifestyle: I believe that consistently good eating and sleeping habits are key to strong performance. When I’m not properly fuelled with the right nutrition or haven’t slept enough, I can feel the physical effects on my speed and endurance. It also affects my capacity to properly process information, and my ability to solve problems strategically and creatively. That said, I do my best to eat clean and get sufficient sleep to sustain high energy levels and ensure my body and mind are running optimally.

Mental strength: My experience in long distance racing has taught me a lot about mental strength. Staying calm is key, because it’s usually impossible to think straight and perform well under a high state of stress. Cutting out distractions, eliminating limiting thoughts, focusing on progress instead of perfection, and staying positive are all things that help me focus on the steps in front of me to make it through my long journey.

Balance and recovery: Like so many others, I am doing my best to juggle all the things that are important in my life: raising happy children, maintaining loving relationships with family and friends, engaging in interests and extracurricular activities while also delivering on my professional commitments.

With all of this, there is a certain level of balance that feels right for me. There are periods when I need to be “off-balance,” spending more time at work. While challenging, it’s still important for me to make time for loved ones and doing other things I enjoy outside of work because it’s imperative to my emotional wellbeing.

It’s easy to feel that we can’t afford to step away. But as in any physical training, recovery needs to be built in. When we set time for recovery, our body and mind reset and we’re stronger and more equipped to go the distance.

I approach my personal and professional life as a marathon. I do my best to pace myself and operate consistently, taking sprints when needed and then taking time to recover so I can re-centre to that right balance for me.

You’re a very active community volunteer. What draws you to the organizations you support?

There are many worthy organizations that don’t have resources to much-needed professional expertise. I can’t think of a better use of my free time than to help people using my experience and knowledge, and I’m amazed at how even the smallest of efforts can go a long way.

The ability to help and be useful really motivates me. I have been involved with organizations that I believe I have the skillsets and opportunity to make an impactful difference and provide value. Additionally, I’m drawn to organizations that support causes I feel passionate about, which tend to be those that are doing work to help improve the lives of vulnerable people.

What advice would you give to your younger self when you were starting your career journey?

I would advise my younger self not to measure herself against other people’s abilities, and instead focus on her unique strengths. Once I embraced what was different about me, I started to use it as a superpower, and that’s when I truly gained confidence and started to thrive.