Get to Know Sarah Veinot

Dartmouth’s newest Fellow Chartered Professional Accountant, Sarah Veinot, is fascinated by problem solving. Connecting the dots to resolve a question, finding ways forward for her business clients, makes her day. But even more satisfying is knowing she’s helping people find a solution that fits their needs.

And that’s part of the reason why Sarah received the distinction of Fellow – the highest honour that can be given to a CPA. The designation marks a leader, in business and beyond, who embodies the values that drive collaboration, innovation, and progress. Find out more about Sarah and what she finds important.

Congratulations on being named an FCPA. How does it feel?

I was totally blown away! I had no idea someone had nominated me because it’s an anonymous process. It’s a true honour, and something I was not expecting at all.

What lead you to a career in accounting and what do you like about it?

So much of accounting is like problem solving, putting pieces together to come up with an answer. It’s not at all black and white, there is a lot of grey, so you have to draw on your professional judgement. And if you are problem solving, you’re helping people.

What is the biggest problem your clients are facing in today’s business environment?

The biggest challenge most are facing would be a people challenge. Companies are challenged to get the experienced people they need and to keep their staff. Sometimes the uncertainty impacts jobs or contracts they want to bid on because they’re not sure they’ll have the people to do the work. As well, they might have key people to their organization who are at a retirement age, and need to find people to replace them.

What advice do you give your clients?

I advise them on how to grow their business. Some are looking to sell in the next five years, or so, and I give them advice on what they can be doing now to maximize the value of their business. I also have clients who are looking at selling to employees or shareholders, down the road.

How would you describe your approach with clients?

I am a really good listener and a sounding board for my clients. Sometimes clients don’t have someone to talk to about their business, so I try to listen to help them, give advice or maybe ask questions that help them come to a decision or a direction they want to go themselves. For example, they might want to discuss if starting up a new company right now is viable, or what other options to expand are there.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as an advisor?

There are always two sides to every story, and you need to make sure you’re getting all sides in before you help your client make a decision or act. So, listen. Make sure you get all the details from both sides, and then make a decision.

What excites you about the future?

I see more women in senior roles and taking prominent positions in industry, business, and government. As a woman, I find that very exciting to watch. There’s more diversity, more inclusion, and more equity. I think our workforce is becoming more flexible and encouraging that flexibility. I think COVID really helped with that, encouraging a hybrid workspace, demonstrating you don’t have to be in the office to work. That opens things for women, so they don’t feel like that have to choose between family and career. I was able to have both, with a lot of help, including a very supportive husband, parents, and other family members.