Yellowknife — March 3, 2020 — Gillian Lee, CPA, CA, Partner at Crowe MacKay LLP, is recognized with the Distinguished Service Award by CPA Northwest Territories/Nunavut (CPA NWT/NU).
Gillian started her career with Crowe MacKay as an articling student in 2003. Growing from a Manager into a Partner, she is now the Managing Director of the Yellowknife office. Her contributions to the profession and the community are reflected in her achievements as she brings honour to the profession.
“I am humbled to be receiving a distinguished service award, and would like to thank those that nominated me for this honour,” says Gillian.
In 2009, at the age of 28, Gillian was elected to Crowe MacKay’s Partnership, the youngest equity partner admitted to the Partnership in the firm’s history. Gillian’s most recent career milestone includes becoming Crowe MacKay’s first female Managing Director. Her passion and dedication to the industry make Gillian a role model for women in the profession.
Gillian invests herself in the community, leaving a legacy as an advocate for CPAs to build their careers in the North. She reflects on her time as an articling student with Crowe MacKay remembering “loving the opportunities to travel throughout the North and the challenge of the work,” and she continues to do this 17 years later, calling the North home.
Gillian plays a leading role in recruiting for Crowe MacKay, attracting dozens of new accountants to live and work in Yellowknife, with many of them going on to work in various different positions all over the North. Gillian is instrumental in their development - from internal training and support, to mentoring students through both the firm’s internal mentoring program and as a CPA mentor for CPA Western School of Business (CPAWSB). Over the years, Gillian has mentored dozens of students through CASB and the CPAWSB, ensuring they receive meaningful and quality experiences and are supported through their studies.
In addition to growing the North’s community, Gillian is also passionate about building financial capacity in the North. She is an experienced teacher and presenter, who excels at developing learning materials for northern businesses and organizations. She also currently contributes to a quarterly tax column in UpHere Business Magazine, a publication fostering communication through the business communities of the Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut.
Committed to excellence, Gillian continues to further her education, ensuring her clients receive excellent service. Most recently, Gillian completed CPA Canada’s In-Depth Tax Course, a three year program in which she was nominated for an Outstanding Year Three Project award, a nod to her love of learning and commitment to providing the highest level of service to clients. Gillian is among the few northerners who have completed this rigorous program.
When it comes to serving her community, Gillian has volunteered her time with the NWT Chapter of Sorrentino’s Compassion House, a haven for women battling cancer; the Yellowknife Curling Club; Great Slave Yacht Club; and as a juror for the City of Yellowknife’s Win Your Space Business Incubation Contest. Gillian was an instrumental leader for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, the predecessor to CPA NWT/NU. She served as the Secretary and Membership Chair, and was the last sitting President before the introduction of CPA NWT/NU. Currently, she continues to work with the CPA NWT/NU Education Sub-committee. Reflecting on her volunteerism, Gillian says, “these positions have been very rewarding over the years, working with great people in such volunteer dependent organizations.”
There is no question Gillian is not only changing the business landscape in the North, but across the entire accounting profession. She has created her successful career on the foundation of hard work and commitment to investing in her community. Gillian’s impact goes beyond the business. She connects with individuals on a personal level and makes a difference in their lives. She is a mentor and role model to many; a mother and wife to her family; and a respected leader in the North. Only in the early years of her career, there is no doubt Gillian is on her way to leaving a lasting legacy.
Crowe MacKay LLP would like to congratulate Gillian Lee on receiving the 2019 CPA NWT/NU Distinguished Service Award and recognize her contributions to the firm and the Yellowknife community.
About Crowe MacKay LLP
Serving Northern and Western Canada for over 50 years, Crowe MacKay LLP is one of the leading accounting and advisory firms in the country. With a team of 400 across eight offices, we are a vibrant team of trusted advisors. We believe strong relationships are the cornerstone to success and strive to create innovative solutions for our clients in both private and public sectors. We have a passion for quality in the services we deliver to our community and clients from a wide range of industries. A firm focused on people first, Crowe MacKay’s corporate culture is built on maximizing potential for clients and staff. Our belief is that we are truly our best when we invest in our people and communities. Committed to showing we care about the people we serve through our work and actions, we strive to make a difference in the regions we serve.
About Crowe Global
Ranked the eighth largest accounting network in the world, Crowe Global has over 200 independent accounting and advisory firms in 130 countries. For over 100 years, Crowe has made smart decisions for multinational clients working across borders. Our leaders work with governments, regulatory bodies, and industry groups to shape the future of the profession worldwide. Their exceptional knowledge of business, local laws, and customs provide lasting value to clients undertaking international projects. At Crowe, the professionals all share one commitment, to deliver excellence.
