Laura Mercer is the General Manager of Corporate Services for the City of Nanaimo
A career built one opportunity at a time
Don’t be afraid to take opportunities, says Vancouver Island University (VIU) alum Laura Mercer. Laura seized every prospect that came her way and worked up the job ladder from a temporary assistant accounting position to General Manager, Corporate Services for the City of Nanaimo. She says those chances are a time to shine and show what you are capable of.
Laura graduated from VIU, known then as Malaspina College, with a Business Management diploma. Growing up in Ladysmith, VIU seemed like the natural choice because it allowed her to stay close to home and avoid extra expenses of moving away for school.
We caught up with Laura to learn more about her journey and experience at VIU.
How did you end up choosing VIU for your education?
I grew up in Ladysmith and VIU was close to home. I didn't have to move or have additional expenses. It was convenient and I came out of university without debt. My plan was always to be a certified general accountant.
Can you share key experiences or highlights of your time at VIU?
The co-op work program was key. It allowed me to go into accounting and understand what the actual work translates into. I was put into a small public practice accounting firm for two terms and ended up working there after I left VIU. It solidified that this is what I want to do, while giving me relevant work experience at the same time. I met some great people and learned a lot during my time there.
Can you share a bit about your journey since graduating from VIU?
After I finished at VIU, as I said I went and worked for the accounting firm where I had completed my co-op terms. Simultaneously, I worked towards getting my CGA, now known as the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. I received my designation in 1999 and after that I decided to switch jobs.
In 2001, I was hired by the City of Nanaimo and started in a temporary position as an Assistant Accountant. At the time, the City was implementing a new financial software system and I was hired to backfill the Assistant Accountant role as the incumbent worked on that project. Within six months I had a permanent position as the Accountant.
In 2008, I took a temporary posting as the Assistant Manager of Revenue Services and later became the Manager of Revenue Services. After several years in Revenue Services, I moved into the Manager, Accounting Services, which is the department where I began my career with the City.
In 2018, I became the Director of Finance and looked after all aspects of finance, procurement and payroll. In 2023, I became the General Manager of Corporate Services. I’ve worked my way up through the organization and now look after finance, procurement, information technology and corporate and business relations. I have a great team and great people in my areas, so it makes my job a little bit easier.
How did your program prepare you for what you’re doing now?
It gave me the base foundation for an accounting career and I knew I could build on it. At the time, the program fit in with the CGA program, so it was a natural step for me. It built a foundation from where I could go in any direction I wanted.
What would you say to a woman aspiring to a similar leadership trajectory as you?
Don’t be afraid. Take opportunities to learn new things. If there is a special project, take it on. Those are your opportunities to show everyone what you are capable of. Don’t be afraid to show all the great things that you bring to the table. I love seeing women rising and shining. I was given opportunities, and I took them. Those opportunities led to the next opportunity.
Don’t give up. Just keep pecking away at it. If you can only take three courses or night school, do what you can to get all those courses you need. Stick with it. I would highly recommend work terms and summer jobs in whatever your chosen field is. There are so many different avenues. Keep all your options open.
What are you most proud of since graduating VIU?
Getting my CGA designation was a lot of blood, sweat and tears – a lot of tears. That was probably my biggest accomplishment from an academic perspective. But obviously my family is my greatest joy.
I didn’t always have the drive to be in management. It just kind of naturally happened. I am always humbled by the fact that people really respect my opinion and my abilities. I’m very proud of what I have accomplished.
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