Jacqueline Gauthier knows what it means to keep things in balance

Jacqueline Gauthier knows what it means to keep things in balance: she’s a wife, hockey and figure skating mom, as well as a CFO of one of Ottawa’s best known companies – Calian Technologies.

Career Highlights

Upon the completion of her Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the Université du Québec à Hull, Jacqueline went on to become a Chartered Accountant. In 1987 she joined KPMG, one of the largest professional services firms in the world, before perusing her career as a Controller of EB Forest Products. In 2000 Jacqueline joined Calian, a leading supplier of business and technology services, where she took on the role of Corporate Controller and eventually was appointed the role of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in March 2002.

Personal Growth and Development

Jacqueline joined Calian during its transition phase and faced the tremendous challenge of getting the organization back on track. Bringing a wealth of experience and determination, Jacqueline’s first responsibility was to ensure data accuracy, integrity and compliance in all areas of financial reporting. “They needed someone who was willing to take hands on approach,” says Jacqueline. “I was prepared to take this on challenge.”

In addition, the company made an important decision to shut down its e-services division, where Jacqueline was forced to devise an exit strategy while re-organizing company’s operations. This was an especially intense period in Jacqueline’s career but she was prepared to invest all her energy into resolving these issues. Within nine months, Calian’s core business was back on track and the company had proper financial reporting.

Achieving the Balance

For Jacqueline, balance is not something that can be measured over the short period. In 2000 after being on maternity leave with her third child, Jacqueline joined Calian. “It was a very interesting time,” said Jacqueline, “as my husband and I have always set our personal and family goals together. Although there were times where both work and family had to be compromised, such compromises were always made with a long-term perspective that the whole family has established together."

Role models

Brian Aitken, who is Jacqueline’s former boss and mentor, has left a special place in her heart. “No matter what problem arose, he always approached it calmly with a “let’s just do it attitude,’” says Jacqueline. “Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I could always count on his help.”

“My husband is also one of my role models,” says Jacqueline. “He is very open minded, and has always treated my career as important as his own. He garners a lot of respect from all individuals that work for him because he treats everyone respectfully and does the small things that others may not think of - like bring his staff pizza on Fridays.”

Future goals

“To be happy with what I am doing! Facing challenges is part of what makes professional work interesting and rewarding. Becoming a CFO was never a career goal of mine. However, I needed a challenge, so it evolved from there. I approach new things because of the challenge. Once I have acquired the skill to tackle that challenge I am ready to move on to something new.”

Views on the Glass Ceiling

“In my opinion there is no glass ceiling,” says Jacqueline. “If a woman wants to succeed she will find a way. In my experience men will respect this and will provide women with the space she deserves. I think women give up too quickly or choose not to push themselves because they have different goals and don’t really seek to push to the top."

Advice to other woman

"Be yourself and put it out there. Don’t be afraid to put your ideas forward."