When it’s time to choose a co-op experience, accounting students have multiple choices.
The lure of the Big Four is always a temptation, and for those wanting to live and work in Ottawa, the federal government also offers numerous opportunities.
Raffi Avedissian knew what he wanted and what he didn’t want.
“I wanted a placement that would offer continuous learning and constant growth,” he says. “I didn’t want to be put in a corner and forgotten about.” He experienced that treatment during an early co-op at with the Federal Government.
“The people were nice but their motivation was low,” he recalls. “I think several were on the verge of retirement. They promised a lot, but I basically worked on data entry all the time. For a young student it wasn’t particularly rewarding.”
When his next co-op opportunity came around, he decided against trying for the Big Four.
“You compete against 50 or 60 others students,” he says. “It made no sense to me. When you apply to a mid-size firm you compete against maybe half a dozen others to do the same type of work. So that’s how I came to be at GGFL.” He also wanted an experience that would help grow his knowledge and so mid-sized firms seemed to offer the best fit.
GGFL’s core clients specifically are small to medium-sized businesses and that had an added appeal for him.
“My family has a small copy and stationery store near the University of Ottawa,” he says. “I had worked there helping my dad since I was a kid. I was involved in the front and back ends of the business, so I have a good understanding of how a small business runs.
“I was comfortable with the retail side dealing with customers and it also gave me a bookkeeping background. My dad gave me that opportunity just after high school when he saw I had an interest in accounting.”
All of which served him well as he launched his accounting career at GGFL
“I enjoy working on small business clients the most amongst all. Many of GGFL’s clientele are small business owners. Coming from a family business background, I’ve learned at an early age to appreciate and respect the time and sacrifice owners put in to ensure the success of their business,” adds Raffi. “And for someone starting out it offers a variety of tax experience and continuous development. That’s so important for someone getting their career started.” GGFL was able to provide those advantages and in recruiting events
Raffi connected with many members of the team who were all enthusiastic about his desire to work with our clients.
Raffi graduated with honours from Carleton University in April 2021 and started full time at GGFL a month later. After two co-op stints at GGFL he started May 2021 as a member of the Assurance team.
The bulk of Raffi’s co-op terms coincided with the COVID lockdown and the pivot to remote working.
“I had those few weeks working in the office before lockdown and I’m so glad I did,” he says. “I’m basically an extrovert and enjoy interacting and connecting with people. I think my experience would have been completely different if I hadn’t had that time working in the office and experiencing the office culture.”
Raffi enjoys networking on behalf of GGFL and in January will be joining the firm’s buddy system, partnering with a new co-op to support them in their onboarding process. “I looked up to my buddy and I still do to this day. They are a large influence to where I am today and where I want to be with my professional career. I hope to provide that same experience to the new students starting January”
“What I like to share about GGFL is the variety of tasks we get—the opportunity to dip our toes into various experiences. I tend to be a perfectionist, so I get frustrated when I don’t know an answer, but GGFL doesn’t expect someone starting out to know everything. They are very open to providing support to help you learn.”
Raffi is a keen Formula One fan and a car enthusiast. In the spring and summer months, you can find him as a “weekend warrior” in detailing cars for family and friends.
“It’s how I relax,” he says. “It’s my little Zen.”
