When Ms. Angeline Chandra was a university student, she wanted to work for the United Nations. “I was always fascinated with other countries, particularly their culture and fiscal policies. I always wanted to meet and learn more about people in different parts of the world,” she explains. “I guess I wanted to make an impact, so I thought that by entering a career that involved writing policies and doing research, I could help bring about positive political and economic change.”
Although Ms. Chandra did not end up going into Foreign Service and instead obtained a designation as a Chartered Accountant, she has managed to channel her passion for international relations into the career that she built for herself at MNP where she is currently a Partner.
When Ms. Chandra started at MNP almost five years ago, she had a unique opportunity to launch and grow the firm’s national transfer pricing practice. “I help Canadian corporations expand their businesses internationally through tax efficient business structuring; I also help foreign corporations structure their business investments in Canada. It’s a very exciting and dynamic field, and I thoroughly enjoy my career.” Ms. Chandra specialized in international taxation quite early; however, her foray into the niche field of transfer pricing came somewhat unexpectedly. “I was just in the right place at the right time and was given the opportunity to learn something new,” she recalls. “Nobody really understood what transfer pricing was at the time; it was a very new tax legislation and I decided to just jump in, take the risk, and never looked back.”
Ms. Chandra’s current role opened her eyes to just how many private businesses thrive across the country. “Canada is very much a middle market country. We have many privately owned family businesses in all provinces that are doing so well that they’re growing their businesses outside our borders. Our Canadian corporations are doing great things internationally, and I’m so proud to be a part of it.”
Ms. Chandra admits that people are quick to assume that her job at an accounting firm must be dull and dry. But she is genuinely excited, even electric, when she talks about her work. “I really really love what I do,” says Ms. Chandra. “When I meet with new clients, I have the pleasure of hearing how an entrepreneur came up with a business idea, how they made it work, and what carried them to the successful niche that they’re in. The opportunity to talk with people, understand their business, and help them achieve their operations and tax goals is phenomenal. There are so many things you can do in my field; I would never have imagined when I started out that I would be building an international tax practice and travelling all over the world. I’m having an amazing time and I feel very lucky.”
“Everybody is busy, but if you have access to something like the Club, where you can combine different aspects of your life together in one place, you’ll be using your time wisely. Sometimes I come here for quiet time, to sit and read. It’s just got a good feel. It’s bright and comfortable, and the staff are wonderful. Whatever you’re in the mood for you, can find it here. You have everything you need.”
In 2001, Ms. Chandra bought an apartment in the Terminal City Club Tower. “The first time I walked into the Club, I just loved it. The facilities and restaurants are modern and beautiful and, of course, you can’t beat the central location in the business district.” She signed up right away, and quickly started to meet other members. “I could be sitting in Cuvée and just start chatting with someone. The Gourmet Dinners are always a great venue for meeting people and trying creative new dishes. I also meet people in the gym.”
Ms. Chandra currently uses personal training services at the Club, but she also took up squash in the past. “If you have access to such beautiful courts, why not enjoy them? I started playing with friends and also took some lessons with Barry, who is a fantastic and very patient instructor,” she says.
As a very active Club member, Ms. Chandra encourages other members to do the same. “Everybody is busy, but if you have access to something like the Club, where you can combine different aspects of your life together in one place, you’ll be using your time wisely,” she says. “Sometimes I come here for quiet time, to sit and read. It’s just got a good feel. It’s bright and comfortable, and the staff are wonderful. Whatever you’re in the mood for you, can find it here. You have everything you need.” As someone who loves to hear people’s stories, Ms. Chandra has also enjoyed connecting with members at the Club. “Attend the events and just talk to people. That’s the most important thing; this is a business club and we’re all here to meet others and to expand our networks. We have such a great community. My 12-year-old son is meeting other friends going to squash lessons, so he’s learning to network at such a young age – it’s a great opportunity for him.”
Ms. Chandra’s curiosity about the world feeds into her passion for travel, so despite her hectic work schedule taking her across the country and back on a regular basis, she still finds time to travel with her son. “I use our affiliate clubs mostly for leisure when I travel internationally. They’re all so different, so it’s a neat experience to visit them,” she says. “I’ve also met people here who have come from affiliate clubs from the U.S. and they’re all just amazed at what we have access to here. They love it; most clubs don’t have what we have. The Business Centre, pool, squash courts, restaurants, and billiards room – there’s so many different things to do. Everything is contained but not overcrowded. It’s a great place that people will use and appreciate for a long time.”
