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Welcome back to EY Spotlight: Sandy Chan I EY Vancouver 2007 – 2009, 2016 - 2018

Multidisciplinary professional services organization

6 minute read 23 Oct. 2020

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Sandy Chan’s career journey started with EY in Vancouver in 2007. After gaining some valuable experience for two years, she left public accounting to pursue an opportunity in Industry. But the lure of EY’s culture drew her back and, after returning for a couple of years and developing her skills further, she left and moved to Calgary.

In August 2023, she came back to EY again at yet a higher level, and now as an Associate Partner is mentoring others in the firm.

In brief

Sandy Chan’s career journey started with EY in Vancouver in 2007 in the Tax practice and after gaining valuable experience, she left public accounting to pursue an opportunity in Industry.
The lure of EY’s culture drew her back and, after returning for a couple of years and developing her skills further, she left and moved to Calgary.
In August 2023, she came back to EY again at yet a higher level, and now as an Associate Partner is mentoring others in the firm.

What led you back to EY in the first place?

I came back because EY offered me a great opportunity. Coming back to the firm as an Associate Partner was a big professional development opportunity.

EY is a great place for professional growth and development. It has great people and a strong culture that fosters inclusivity and diversity at all levels. It’s a great place to grow my career. I was always surrounded by supportive people in an environment that placed emphasis not only on technical knowledge, but on the high quality of work that was delivered.

Tell us about your current role and what makes it most energizing or challenging.

As an Associate Partner, I collaborate to build tax solutions for clients, to help them transform and streamline their tax operations. Being the first key point of contact for clients, developing positive relationships, and helping them with their tax issues make it challenging but also rewarding. The global tax framework is constantly changing, making my role energizing.

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Sandy Chan
Associate Partner, Tax Services, EY Canada

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Who stood out to you as a mentor or influence during your time at EY?

I started my career in Vancouver. The tax leadership team there — in particular Dalbir Rai, Billie Raptis, Penny Wong, Lokesh Chowdhury and Rodger So — all stood out to me as great mentors and had a very positive impact on my career.

At that time I was a Manager at EY. My son was very young I was on a flexible work arrangement, working 80% of the time. The firm gave me a lot of flexibility to accommodate my demands from home while still meeting high-performing standards. The GCR team helped me develop the technical knowledge, and the constant feedback they provided — both positive and constructive — was a big factor for my growth and success today.

How did your career aspirations take shape as you were growing up?

I always strive to be the best at what I do. The culture in public accounting cultivates high-performing standards and promotes career progression. I had wanted to be a leader in the firm, and lead others with shared values.

I was always passionate about tax. My post-graduate studies led to a Masters of Taxation, and I started at EY in corporate tax shortly after. I’ve enjoyed being in this field since then.

Tell us about your most rewarding career moments.

Service satisfaction and positive feedback from clients are always the most rewarding career moments. Being put on large clients was always exciting; I see that as an indication your leaders consider you a strong performer.

When I hear good things internally or externally about the work I do, that is often more rewarding than the financial benefits. For example, when I left the previous firm, the clients were disappointed that they were losing their main point of contact which made their experience great. Just hearing comments like I had a great smile when I met with them, or I always listened well and provided prompt responses to their questions meant a lot. Sometimes we don't acknowledge that ourselves so it's a good feeling to hear those warm comments about me.

What interests or passions do you have outside of work?

I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, traveling, spending time with my nine-year-old son and my husband, who works out of town most of the time. Family is a priority for me.

What advice would you give the younger you when you were setting out on your career journey?

I would advise myself to focus on long-term goals, not only short-term gains. Hard work and perseverance will pay off in the long run. Step back and take a look at where you want to be in 5 to 10 years’ time.

Having that long-term goal and taking small steps that align with it will help you get there little by little. Having that long-term mindset is pivotal to long-term success.

Summary

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EY Canada

Multidisciplinary professional services organization

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.