Speaking the Language of Business: Danilo Djekic’s Path to CPA
June 9, 2026
Danilo Djekic, CPA began his career in 2015 working in sales within the tourism industry. While he enjoyed business development, he quickly realized he wanted to dive deeper into learning the mechanics behind business decisions.
By 2017, he made the decision to pursue the CPA designation - not simply to change roles, but to expand his impact. Today, Danilo is Manager Finance for Trade & Planning at McCain Foods Limited, where he partners with sales, marketing & finance business partners to evaluate strategic proposals and guide high-stakes decisions using the analytical discipline he developed through the CPA program.
We spoke with Danilo about his career transition from sales to finance, how he applies the CPA skill set to his every day and the advice he has for aspiring CPAs.
What made you consider becoming a CPA?
I started my career in sales in the tourism industry. I enjoyed the commercial side of business, but I wanted to better understand what drives growth behind the scenes. To me, accounting and finance are the language of business – just like chemistry, biology and physics are to science. I learned that if you truly want to understand how organizations function, you need to understand the numbers.
I also wanted a career that was practical and timeless - something that has the durability of the trades, but in a corporate setting. The CPA designation offered that foundation, and it also offered flexibility. I knew that CPAs work everywhere, across industries and functions, and I wanted to keep my options open.
How do you use your CPA skills today?
Up until recently, I have been a business partner to the Canada Retail sales team. When proposals were brought forward by sales for their retailer partners, I evaluated the financial impact, assessed risks and considered both quantitative and qualitative factors before recommending a course of action to management.
This approach is reflective of the CPA Way: define the issue, analyze alternatives thoroughly, weigh financial and non-financial implications and conclude with the strongest recommendation. The discipline I developed through the CPA program - structured thinking, professional skepticism and sound judgment - guides me every day.
What was the most challenging part of getting your CPA designation?
Although I completed a Bachelor of Commerce, I had only taken a few accounting courses in school. Pursuing the designation meant completing most of the CPA PREP courses, the CPA PEP program, the CFE, and the CPA PERT EVR route. It was a long journey.
The biggest challenge was staying patient and resilient. The experience verification process in particular required careful planning and reflection to ensure my work experiences met the competencies. It demanded dedication, but it was incredibly rewarding.
How do you feel your work contributes to business growth in Canada?
When CPAs apply structured analysis, challenge assumptions and evaluate both quantitative and qualitative factors, better decisions are made. If every CPA across Canada is diligently applying that mindset - asking thoughtful questions, vetting details and weighing long-term impacts - businesses grow with integrity and credibility.
That collective discipline strengthens organizations and, ultimately, the broader economy. Being a part of that community has been very rewarding.
What would you say to someone considering becoming a CPA?
Being a CPA is much more than having “accountant” in your title. The mindset you develop - critical thinking, professionalism, resilience - will stay with you throughout your career and you can apply it to anything. The designation opens doors beyond tax or audit. If you are passionate about marketing, operations, costing, strategy - there is an opportunity to apply those CPA skills. The moment you decide to pursue it, you set yourself on a clear and credible professional path.
“Because I am a CPA, my career has purpose and flexibility. I can contribute in any industry or function because I bring credibility, analytical strength, and a well-rounded professional perspective to every decision.”