During International Women’s Month, the Rocky Mountain Outlook is celebrating women that are making a difference in our local business and community landscapes. Meet Brook Meaney, Partner at Baker Tilly Rockies LLP.
Baker Tilly Rockies LLP is a part of one of Canada’s largest co-operative of chartered professional accountants. The firm offers a variety of services including assurance, tax, valuations, bookkeeping, business advisory and more. Brook Meaney is pleased to be a Partner with the firm.
“I fell in love with the mountains in 2006 after a winter trip here,” says Meaney about how and why she joined Baker Tilly Rockies LLP. “I knew I wanted to be an accountant and researched local firms, finding Baker Tilly Rockies LLP (formerly Collins Barrow Bow Valley LLP) at that time. I applied as soon as I graduated, and I started in the fall of 2009.”
She continues, discussing her career trajectory.
“Growing up in an entrepreneurial family and working in internal accounting for my father’s construction company at a young age, I always knew I wanted to be in business. I had a four-year hiatus from working at Collins Barrow Bow Valley LLP when I worked in private enterprise. This hiatus allowed me to gain invaluable experience about how businesses operate internally. Then I returned to the firm with partnership in my sights, which was realized in January 2023.”
Meaney counts as a key factor in her success, “The people that I work with. We are a true team, and our culture is second to none when it comes to work life balance which allows us to play in the mountains.” She does admit though, “Staffing is the most significant challenge, primarily dictated by the cost of living in the Bow Valley.” Despite the challenges, the firm is committed to working with the best and most engaged minds in accounting, it provides competitive rates and an outstanding corporate culture.”
“I love that my career affords me the opportunity to connect with a wide range of people and that connection extends beyond the board room table,” says Meaney.
She also enjoys giving back to the community on her own and alongside Baker Tilly Rockies LLP.
Meaney notes, “We look to support our local charities and causes first and foremost as a part of the community and are currently supporting a local resident, Jonathan Hogg, in his endeavour to raise $1 million for Rocky Mountain Adaptive.”
What drives Meaney as a woman in business?
“My outlook has always been that being a woman does not define what opportunities should be available and has driven me to continue to shatter the glass ceilings that may be present. I am very proud to be a woman in business and have a circle of strong women around me."
“I try to inspire other future women leaders by spending time with them in a mentorship role, on both a personal and professional level. In addition, I seek out opportunities to support other women entrepreneurs and their businesses in the community.”
What comes next for Meaney?
“At work, it is about the growth of my client practice and working with more local business owners. We continue to expand the breadth and depth of our knowledge and service offerings to assist our clients in the increasingly complex business world. On a personal level, anyone willing to move out of their comfort zone can join my class as I teach Barre at WildHeart Shop & Studio!”
Learn more on the Baker Tilly Rockies LLP website. Find the Canmore, Banff, Revelstoke or Innisfail offices from Baker Tilly Rockies LLP’s contact page.
