Sarah Coulson's career journey took a transformative turn after her time at RSM, and she continues to drive innovation and growth in her current role.
I started out wanting to be a landscape architect, and accounting was a last-minute switch when I started university. I took an accounting class in school and had a great teacher who convinced me to try the accounting world. I joined one of RSM’s predecessor firms in 2012 as a senior manager in the accounting and assurance practice. I focused on public and private clients in the technology and manufacturing sectors and supported resource management, implementing time and billing systems while mentoring colleagues as they developed professionally.
My personal career evolved significantly when that predecessor firm joined RSM in 2017; this change allowed me to focus even more on helping the firm and my colleagues grow, in addition to serving my clients. I left RSM in 2019 and am now head of solutions for Canada at a global technology company. In this role, I drive the product vision, strategy and roadmap for Canadian accounting- and assurance-focused solutions, working collaboratively with development teams to ensure innovative and compliant solutions.
I had several key accomplishments during my time at RSM, including:
- Providing feedback on the staff competency map to ensure alignment of staff expectations in Canada and the U.S.
- Designing, piloting and championing a country-wide training program to improve firm integration into key RSM systems
- Piloting the new global audit tool, RSM Orb, and delivering training for partners, managers and employees to increase efficiency
- Serving as an integration liaison for new RSM firms in Alberta, ensuring new auditors had the necessary resources to succeed
At RSM, I truly enjoyed working with entrepreneurial clients who were risk-takers with great ideas but needed help with the numbers. I valued learning from them and assisting them through complex financial situations. One memorable moment came shortly after I started, when I received a thank you note from a client’s chief financial officer for my help in meeting their first-ever public filing deadline. Being a value add and not just a compliance auditor was a nice feeling.
RSM’s 5 C’s—caring, curious, collaborative, courageous and critical thinking—resonated deeply with me and continue to influence my approach to building and leading teams. Having the courage to do what is right, even when it is challenging, still stays with me today.
One piece of advice I’d offer to RSM alumni is to stay connected and leverage the strong network you have built; collaboration and continuous learning are a powerful mix for personal and professional success. I’m still connected to the RSM community and attend alumni events and professional development sessions. Accounting is a small world, and I always enjoy reconnecting with my former colleagues.
If you’re inspired by Sarah’s story to find your next role at RSM, explore our openings today!
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