Dimitri Zoumboulakis is a tax practitioner at Richter, a national accounting, business advisory and consulting firm with offices in Montreal and Toronto. Find out how he constantly strives to be one of the best in his field and provides above average service to his clients in today’s YPDaily…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
My job consists of tax planning, corporate reorganizations, tax consultancy and compliance. Essentially, if it’s a tax-related matter, I deal with it on a daily basis. However, beyond the numbers, I also play an active role within my clients’ businesses, providing them with value-added services and advising them on various issues that arise beyond the scope of tax-related matters.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I started working at Richter because of the firm’s internal culture. From the moment I walked in, I felt at home and knew I would fit in. Also, Richter’s client base consisted of a significant number of entrepreneurial businesses, and having grown up in an environment where many family members and friends had started their own businesses, I could easily relate to our clients and build close relationships with them.
I originally started out studying in the Sciences, but as I took several accounting classes in university, I realized where my true passion lay. My inspiration came from my love for numbers and interacting with people. The career path I have chosen allows me to meet and interact with many different people all the time.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Ever since I was young, I loved being challenged, and working in the corporate tax department definitely pushes me to the limits. I work in an environment where I must continuously keep up to date with new laws and regulations that are constantly evolving. To provide clients with the most reliable information, it takes a certain level of dedication and discipline, as you continually expand your knowledge base.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I see myself having gained enough experience and expertise to become not only a trusted advisor to my clients, but a key resource person and strategist in my field.
What does success look like to you?
To me, success is defined by achieving the goals I set out for myself (from an ever-growing list). But it’s more than just completing them; as long as I’m evolving and learning, and having a great time while doing so, I will always see myself as successful.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I would have to say that my first day at Richter is my most memorable milestone so far. That was the day I realized that I had made the right choice of profession and firm to work for.
On days when things aren’t going as planned, I use that first day as a reminder of how much I have accomplished and learned over the last four years, but also how much more I have left to achieve. Thinking about that day reassures me that everything will work out.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
I have two pieces of advices to give. The first is to be passionate about your career and always strive to be the best at what you do. The second is to build a network of contacts, which will forever be a valuable asset. A young professional with these two attributes will stand out from the rest.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
In 2012, I had the privilege of being a Young Ambassador for the Orchestre symphonique de Montreal’s educational mission. I am very passionate about this organization because of the opportunity it gives young people to learn about music, not to mention open their eyes and ears to something they may not have had access to otherwise.
I have also had the pleasure of being on the committee of Richter’s annual fundraising campaign for Centraide. Thanks to our committee’s efforts and our employees’ generosity, Richter was able to raise well over $125,000 to help those in need.
What to you is notable?
I would say anyone (or anything) that stands out from the norm. In the case of a person, whether it’s their confidence, originality, creativity or ingenuity, generally, you will find yourself thinking about them even days later.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
BlackBerry all the way!!