Member Spotlight
Meet the People Behind FVCPAA
FVCPAA is more than meetings and professional development. It’s a community of accounting professionals bringing a wide range of experience, expertise and perspectives to the Fraser Valley.
Each month, our Member Spotlight introduces you to one of the people who makes up our FVCPAA community. We’ll learn a little about their career journey, the work they do, their connection to the profession and even a few things you might not know about them outside of work.
Michelle Celentano, CPA
Fractional Controller | Entrepreneur | Mentor | Hockey Rookie
For this month’s Member Spotlight, we’re pleased to introduce Michelle Celentano, a long-time FVCPAA member whose accounting career has spanned more than three decades and who still genuinely loves what she does.
First and foremost, she’s a mum to two daughters, two stepdaughters and Bentley, her Mini Aussie. She and her partner, Matt, have been together for nearly 12 years and call White Rock home.
Her accounting career began at McDonald’s Corporation in 1989, when she was just 19. After building extensive experience in the corporate world, she eventually took that expertise into her own business and today provides fractional controller services to six clients.
Her work ranges from ongoing financial oversight and reporting to complex systems projects. She is currently helping her largest client, a leasing company, transition from QuickBooks Online to NetSuite/NetLessor.
And after all these years? She still loves the work.
What do you love most about being an accountant?
“I thrive on it. It can be like a giant puzzle at times — putting all the pieces together to form a trial balance and meaningful reports for my clients.”
But for her, accounting is about much more than the numbers. She also values the people she works alongside, the opportunity to coach others and the camaraderie that comes from growing together as a team.
What has been one of the most rewarding moments in your career?
Recently, she was asked to become a mentor to one of the accountants she works with at 7GEN, something she describes as a huge compliment.
Being able to share the knowledge gained throughout her career and help another accounting professional grow has become another rewarding part of the work she loves.
What do you value about being part of FVCPAA?
A long-time FVCPAA member, she says one of the greatest benefits has been the relationships she has developed along the way.
“What I value most is the network of friends that has been built. We’re able to help each other out and support each other.”
It’s that sense of connection and community that continues to make FVCPAA an important part of her professional network.
What advice would you give to someone beginning their accounting career?
“Take it all in. It is so much more than public accounting and taxes.”
Her advice is to explore where the CPA designation can take you — from forensics and systems testing to technology conversions and countless other opportunities.
“You really can do anything, as long as you put your mind to it.”
Outside the Office
When she isn’t solving accounting puzzles, you’re likely to find her outdoors. She loves hiking, walking Bentley, bike riding and spending time at the lake, particularly paddleboarding and wakesurfing.
And then there’s her newest sport.
After taking up soccer at age 35 and eventually stopping during COVID, she decided she needed something new. So last year, she did what any reasonable person looking for a new hobby might do: she started playing hockey.
She now joins a group that rents ice time simply to get out, play and have fun.
Proof that whether it’s accounting, mentoring or learning to play hockey, there’s always room to try something new.
Know Someone We Should Feature?
We want our Member Spotlight to reflect the many people, career paths and perspectives within the FVCPAA community.
Nominate a fellow FVCPAA member — or put your own name forward — to be featured in an upcoming Member Spotlight.
