Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Mary Parkes is a seasoned finance executive with over 30 years of experience in the retail, hospitality, and professional services industries. As the CFO and Co-Founder of CMP Business Advisors Professional Corporation, she leverages her extensive expertise in strategic financial management, business operations, and corporate governance to drive the success of her clients.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the CFO and Co-Founder of CMP Business Advisors Professional Corporation, Mary is responsible for providing strategic financial guidance and advisory services to a diverse portfolio of clients. In this role, she oversees all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and reporting. Mary's deep understanding of the business landscape and her ability to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities have been instrumental in helping her clients achieve their financial and operational goals.
Career Progression
Prior to co-founding CMP Business Advisors, Mary held the position of Chief Financial Officer at BDO Canada, one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the country. In this role, she was responsible for overseeing the firm's financial operations, including financial reporting, treasury management, and strategic planning. Before BDO, Mary served as the Chief Financial Officer at Longo's, a leading grocery retailer, and SIR Corp, a prominent hospitality company. Earlier in her career, she held various finance and accounting roles at The Beer Store, where she progressed from Controller to Vice President of Finance and Corporate Secretary.
Academic Background
Mary holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto, with a specialization in Accounting. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and has completed the Executive Program at the Ivey Business School, University of Western Ontario.
Areas of Expertise
- Strategic financial management
- Corporate finance and treasury operations
- Budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
- Risk management and compliance
- Business operations and process optimization
- Mergers, acquisitions, and integration
- Change management and organizational transformation
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Mary has played a pivotal role in driving financial and operational excellence within the organizations she has served. At BDO Canada, she spearheaded the implementation of a robust financial management system that improved transparency and efficiency, leading to enhanced decision-making and profitability. At Longo's, she played a key role in the company's successful expansion, overseeing the integration of new acquisitions and streamlining financial processes to support growth.
Conclusion
With her deep expertise in financial management, her strategic vision, and her proven track record of driving positive change, Mary Parkes is well-positioned to continue making a significant impact in her role as CFO and Co-Founder of CMP Business Advisors Professional Corporation. Her unwavering commitment to her clients' success and her ability to navigate complex business challenges make her a valuable asset to any organization seeking to achieve sustainable growth and financial stability.
