Jason Woon, CPA, ABV

I believe in organizing and incorporating financial metrics and forecasting into a client’s business strategy to provide clarity around where they currently stand and where they aspire to go. To truly assist clients in looking ahead, I emphasize the importance of being a good businessperson. This means going beyond my domain expertise in finance and really understanding the key drivers of their business. By delving into plans, competitors, risks, and overall industry landscape, I like to identify potential opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Drawing on my experience working in industry and collaborating with colleagues who have done the same, we bring a holistic perspective to the table.

Placing a greater emphasis on fair value accounting would require companies to provide more insight into the value of their assets on their balance sheets. While this might involve additional work and preparation for companies, it would ultimately offer more business insight to investors and stakeholders. From an investor's perspective, having a clearer understanding of a company's true worth and the value of its individual assets would enable better assessments of the company's financial health and potential opportunities. It would also make it easier when it comes to informed decisions about buying or selling stakes in the company.

I've had a series of mentors and bosses who have played a significant role in shaping my path. What stands out about these individuals is their hands-off approach. They would give me the freedom to make my own decisions and trusted me to do what I believed was right. These individuals had a sponsoring mindset that was instrumental in my development. One of them told me, “Go and do whatever you want — whatever you think is right. Tell me if you're stuck, or if you have an issue, if you want to run something by me, or if you need my approval.” This level of trust and autonomy allowed me to explore and learn without feeling constrained on a day-to-day basis.

What I really love about my job is the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people and not just doing one thing. It's about having influence and making an impact in my role. I value the ability to take on different challenges, constantly learning and growing. While working with clients is important for our business, I find the most fulfillment in the team aspect. The network I've built, both internally and externally, means I can be a connector and facilitator — allowing me to leverage that network to help others. Even if I'm not the smartest person in the room, I can tap into my network and find someone who can provide the necessary expertise. I like it when people come to me and I can answer with, “Yes, let me try to help you.”