Elena Bowes, CPA, CA (Principal (Founder))
Elena is the firm’s founder and Principal, with over two decades of experience in public practice with two of the “Big 4” accounting firms, corporate executive roles, and leading OTB Advisory.
Educated in her hometown of St. Petersburg, Russia, Elena earned a B.A., Economics with distinction and worked as Finance Manager at the IESC (International Executive Service Corps), helping Russian clients build investment proposals and business plans during the 1990’s dramatic evolution of the Russian market economy.
Leaving Russia in 1995 to attend Vassar College in New York State on a full scholarship, Elena majored in economics and finance studies, completing the program as one of its top students. After immigrating to Canada in 1997, Elena obtained accounting accreditation while working for a small business in Western Canada within accounting, on the TSX IPO, and acquisition due diligence.
In 1999, Elena joined Ernst & Young in Calgary where she spent the next 16 ½ years, the final 3 as Partner, in EY’s national office. During that time, Elena set national positions in complex accounting matters, led intricate, high-risk audits, including PCAOB (Public Company Accounting Oversight Board) engagements, and oversaw international public security offerings. Elena also carried an advisory book of business and became a passionate business transformation expert, helping her clients solve problems as their trusted business advisor.
In 2016, Elena embarked on a one-year term contract opportunity to practice within the Deloitte’s entrepreneurial Accounting Advisory Practice, as a Senior Advisor – the precursor to starting her own Calgary-based advisory practice.
As OTB Advisory’s Founder and Principal, Elena works with clients within one or more of the firm’s service pillars that reflect her own passions, skills and experience. A lifelong learner, Elena is a voracious reader and continues to pursue education, most recently through the Harvard Business School HBX business and management certificate programs.
Elena has two young daughters and enjoys travel , nature, and the arts. She is passionate about the equestrian sport.
