On this episode of CFI Member Spotlight on FinPod, we are thrilled to host Alexandra McLaren, a Manager at EY Parthenon specializing in M&A transaction diligence and business valuations. Alex's background is truly unique, combining a rare dual qualification as a Chartered Accountant (CA) and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Stellenbosch, alongside her CFI FMVA® and FPWM™ certifications. Alex shares her journey from academic trainee and outsourced CFO to advising on complex transactions at a top global firm. This episode covers: The Dual Degree Advantage: Alex explains why combining Accounting and Law (LLB) gives her a unique perspective on finance, training her to question assumptions and build sound arguments—skills vital for due diligence. Life as an Outsourced CFO: Insights into the rewards and challenges of working with early-stage startups, helping entrepreneurs build financial rigor and accounting processes from the ground up. From Startup to Strategy: How her hands-on experience with fast-moving small clients prepared her for the high-stakes, highly structured world of EY Parthenon and made her comfortable joining client meetings with high-level executives. The Dream Job: Alex details her unexpected move into Transaction Diligence and Valuation, describing the day-to-day life of analyzing income statements, balance sheets, and building the assumptions that inform final valuations. The Value of Continuous Learning: Why Alex pursues additional education like the FMVA® and FPWM™, finding they are essential not just for technical knowledge, but for presenting analysis in a clear, understandable, and efficient way (Excel shortcuts included!). Alex's story is a compelling example of how a varied educational background and a commitment to professional development can pave the way to a dream career in high finance.
