“Becoming Chartered propelled me to the top”

Harry Cassie CMgr FCMI took a huge leap of faith when he moved to Canada in 2003 with his wife and young son. He relocated from Trinidad and Tobago, seeking a better way of life. His home country was experiencing a big spike in crime, and although professionally Harry was highly successful – working in a senior role in oil and gas – crime was a big concern. 

With no job lined up, Harry spent six months applying for roles. 

“I came to Canada without any idea of what I was getting into,” he explains. “It was really tough. Canadian businesses wanted you to have Canadian experience, but how could I get experience if I couldn’t get a job? You end up second-guessing yourself.” 

But, Harry says, these challenges were exactly what propelled him to break through. 

“I was determined to make it. I’d come to Canada to succeed, and that was exactly what I was going to do. Nothing was going to stop me.”

Propelled to the top

Harry’s determination and persistence paid off. He decided to pursue a second career as a chartered accountant, going on to work at management level in finance functions across a range of sectors, including construction, public sector, financial services, education and not-for-profit.