Q and A with a CPA: Meet Don McKinnon

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Q: What have you been doing since graduation?

A: I joined the Waterloo KPMG office after graduation and have created a career out of advising companies, big and small, on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) transactions. I started out with a short stint in audit and got my CA (now CPA) designation, but quickly moved into advisory. I’ve stayed with KPMG in Waterloo, married fellow alumna Taryn Coubrough (BMT ’02) and we have three wonderful, active children together. I visit campus from time to time for events and I’m amazed at the growth of the university in 15 years.

Q: What was the most memorable part of your degree experience?

A: I can still remember certain lectures from inspiring professors and use some of their examples to this day, but it’s the extracurricular activities such as Foot Patrol (where I met my wife) and ICE week that are the things that really stick out in my mind. My best friends to this day are my Laurier roommates.

Q: How has your degree helped you in your career?

A: Laurier’s accounting courses were an excellent base for passing all my accounting exams. I use these same accounting concepts and theories every day in my transaction work as both the financial performance of a company and its tax structure are key aspects of an M&A plan. Although I use most of the functional areas learned during my BBA in my practical work, it’s the teamwork and organizational skills development that stick with you 15 years after closing the textbooks.

Q: What's next on the horizon?

A: I enjoy my career as a trusted advisor to business owners and managers. I look forward to continuing in this role in the long term.

Q: What advice would you give to students thinking about whether or not to choose Laurier?

A: In my mind there is no other business school to consider! At KPMG we hire around 40-50 students a year and Laurier is one of our top sources of talent because of the well-rounded breadth of education received. I love Laurier’s small campus and feeling of community. All of our KPMG Laurier alumni share a sense of pride and connection, and I couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. Laurier’s Career Centre provides excellent support to both students and employers.

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