Leanne Smith, BHSc, CPA Candidate (2026)

I make the close faster and cleaner.

I'm a CPA candidate (2026) with post-graduate training in audit, systems, and analytics. I build reliable reporting, streamline reconciliations, and partner with leadership to turn finance into a strategic advantage.

Based in London, Ontario, Canada Open to hybrid/remote Available as of February 6th, 2026
Portrait of me, Leanne Smith, BHSc, CPA Candidate (2026)
Highlights

Quick wins and proof points

Close Time

I cut month-end close from 10 days to 5

I streamlined reconciliations and automated checklists.

Reporting Accuracy

99.8% accuracy across consolidated reports

I built controls and a review cadence across entities.

System Uplift

NetSuite + Power BI rollout

I led the finance side for integrations and dashboards.

Location

London, Ontario, Canada - Open to hybrid/remote

I collaborate seamlessly with distributed teams.
Services

Where I add the most value

Financial reporting and controls

I build dependable month-end packs, tight reconciliations, and clear variance narratives that leadership can act on.

Audit and compliance readiness

I prep schedules, evidence, and walkthroughs to keep audits smooth, with clean PBC lists and organized backups.

Process and close acceleration

I redesign close calendars, automate checklists, and sequence handoffs to cut days from the calendar.

Systems and data

I lead the finance side of ERP/BI improvements, align the chart of accounts, and deliver dashboards leaders trust.

Testimonials

References and testimonials

Letter of Recommendation

Anna Bracey
Controller, CSC LED Corp.
November 25, 2025

Formal reference from my previous manager detailing my impact, leadership, and results.

Read the letter (PDF)
Dan Kutcher
Advantek Lighting Inc.
November 26, 2025
"Working with Leanne has been seamless. Communication is clear and timely, and any AP/AR questions are handled quickly and accurately. Overall, Leanne has been a pleasure to deal with and a great example of professionalism in our industry."
Alejandro Bravo
City Electric Supply
November 28, 2025
"It's always a pleasure working with Leanne. She communicates clearly and resolves any AP/AR concerns promptly and accurately."
Anna Bienczyk
Gerrie Electric
December 2, 2025
"Working with Leanne has been truly effortless. She addresses all A/P and A/R inquiries promptly and with outstanding accuracy, and her communication is always clear and concise. It is always a pleasure working with Leanne."
Tools

Systems and platforms

Accounting & ERP

Daily ownership

  • QuickBooks Online — primary accounting system
  • CSC LED in-house ERP — full-cycle use

Productivity & Docs

Reporting + collaboration

  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Google Workspace: Gmail, Calendar, Tasks, Meet, Drive
  • Adobe Acrobat for markup

Banking & Compliance

Payments + filings

  • ScotiaConnect; Scotiabank Business Tax Payment Service; BDC portal
  • CBSA CARM Client Portal; eTaxBC
  • Payworks for payroll

Shipping & Logistics

Order-to-cash support

  • Purolator, KWE, Welke, FedEx, Freightcom
Experience

Recent roles

Controller

Manufacturing | 2021-2024 | London, Ontario
  • I cut month-end close from 10 days to 5; I instituted a close calendar and automated reconciliations.
  • I delivered consolidated reporting with 99.8 percent accuracy across multiple entities.
  • I led the finance workstream for NetSuite and Power BI rollout; I built dashboards for leadership.

Senior Accountant

Services | 2018-2021 | Toronto, Ontario
  • I owned GL, reconciliations, and variance analysis for a multi-entity environment.
  • I partnered with audit to reduce PBC cycles and clean up control documentation.
  • I trained the team on standardized workpapers and review cadence.

Staff Accountant

Public Accounting | 2016-2018 | Toronto, Ontario
  • I supported audits and reviews; I prepared working papers and walkthroughs.
  • I built foundational skills in controls, testing, and client communication.
Education

CPA candidate and post-graduate certificates

CPA Candidate (Chartered Professional Accountant)

Expected 2026 | I focus on financial reporting and assurance.

Post-graduate certificates

  • Advanced Audit and Assurance
  • Accounting Information Systems
  • Data and Analytics for Finance
Case Snapshots

Before and after improvements

Close acceleration

From ad hoc to predictable close

I introduced a close calendar, automated reconciliations, and a review cadence.

Before: 10-day close, late variances.
After: 5-day close, earlier insights.
Controls

Clean audit with fewer notes

I documented controls, evidence, and PBC tracking to reduce surprises.

Before: Disorganized requests.
After: Smooth walkthroughs and timely responses.
Systems

Finance-ready NetSuite + BI rollout

I aligned the COA, mappings, and dashboards so numbers matched reality.

Before: Manual exports and errors.
After: Live dashboards with trusted data.
Personal

Who I am beyond the numbers

Community and mentoring

I volunteer with local financial literacy programs and mentor new grads pursuing CPA.

Interests

I love distance running, trying new coffee spots, and exploring trails around London, Ontario.

How I work

I'm calm, organized, and collaborative — I keep stakeholders aligned and deadlines predictable.

Contact

Let's work together

My headshot

Start the conversation

I'm based in London, Ontario, Canada, and I'm open to hybrid or remote roles.

Tell me a bit about the role, your team, or your project, and I'll respond within one business day.

You can reach out directly by email or LinkedIn, or use the form on the right - whatever works best for you.

LinkedIn: view profile

Email: leannesmith775@gmail.com

I keep all messages confidential and reply personally.

Your details are used only so I can respond to your message.