Redefining Possibility: Gisele Cuma’s CPA Story
When Gisele Cuma immigrated to Canada in 2001, she arrived with hope - but without a roadmap. In her early years, she was focused on stability, working in manufacturing and call centres.
With only a high school diploma and limited professional connections, higher education felt distant. Yet even in those early roles, she knew one thing with certainty: she wanted a career with purpose.
Today, Gisele is a CPA and Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist at Intact Financial Corporation (Intact Insurance). Her path reflects not just career progression, but transformation fueled by determination and belief in possibility.
What made you consider becoming a CPA?
After immigrating to Canada in 2001, my focus was working hard, sending money home and making ends meet. I didn’t yet have a clear vision for my future, but I knew I didn’t want to spend the rest of my life on the phones.
The turning point came in 2011 when I shadowed a team of Financial Analysts at a mutual fund company where I worked. I immediately connected with what they were doing: analyzing data, solving problems and influencing decisions. For the first time, I saw a path that felt aligned with my strengths and interests.
So, I decided to quit my full-time job and enrol at Toronto Metropolitan University, earning a Finance degree with a minor in Accounting. I knew that if I wanted to do meaningful, strategic work, the CPA designation would be an essential part of that plan. From that point forward, I committed to building toward that goal.
How do you use your CPA skills today?
Today, I’m a Financial Planning & Analysis Specialist at Intact, where I lead financial planning and forecasting for IT Security and partner closely with Directors and the Chief Information Security Officer to provide strategic financial insights and support key business decisions.
The CPA program gave me the technical accounting knowledge to interpret complex financial data with confidence. But just as valuable were the interpersonal skills like leadership, communication and critical thinking. I use these skills every day to build strong relationships, translate numbers into actionable insights and influence strategic decisions.
The CPA mindset has helped me move beyond reporting and into partnership, so I can support leaders as they allocate resources and plan for the future.
What was the most challenging part of getting your CPA designation?
The biggest challenge was starting with no accounting experience and a very limited professional network. Until 2020, I had never held an accounting role, which made gaining practical experience difficult. Without mentors in the profession, it often felt like I was navigating the path alone.
Balancing full-time work with part-time studies added pressure. English is my second language, so the communication-heavy components like written exams and case analyses required additional effort. There were moments of self-doubt when I questioned whether I truly belonged.
But despite all of these obstacles, I kept moving forward. I sought out support, built relationships in the industry and stayed focused on the long-term goal. Earning my CPA was not just about passing exams, it was about overcoming barriers and proving to myself that I could thrive in this profession.
How do you feel your work contributes to business growth in Canada?
As a CPA, I help my organization make smarter, more informed decisions by translating complex financial data into clear and actionable insight.
Whether through budgeting, forecasting or variance analysis, my work leads to efficient resource allocation and long-term planning. Even small, everyday decisions can benefit from clarity and structure. When organizations operate with stronger financial insight, they become more resilient, and that contributes to Canada’s broader economic strength.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a CPA?
Don’t let your background, your language or your current circumstances hold you back. The CPA path can be challenging, especially if you’re coming from a non-traditional background, but with determination and patience, it is absolutely attainable.
The designation doesn’t just open professional doors. It builds confidence and equips you with tools to thrive in finance and beyond. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the start, just take the first step.
When you move forward with purpose, support often appears, sometimes from unexpected places. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, stay focused and believe that you belong.
Because I am a CPA, I have the confidence and skills to turn numbers into meaningful stories that drive business decisions. I knew I wanted a career with purpose, and with the help of the designation, I have been empowered to overcome obstacles, open new career doors and become a trusted advisor in my organization.