Georges Lord, a Taxation Specialist in Business Transfers

Naturally, Georges Lord is an expert number cruncher, but he’s also passionate about his specialization (taxation) when applied to business succession in particular.

He embodies the values of team spirit and community involvement that define the culture at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton.

A return home

Originally from Chicoutimi, Georges had the opportunity to pursue his studies close to home and completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration at UQAC. A brief stint in law in Sherbrooke strengthened his love for figures and he returned to his native region.

After Georges’ graduation, an unexpected opportunity paved the way for his introduction to taxation. “A contact at Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton offered me seasonal work preparing tax returns, which was the beginning of my taxation journey.”

Putting a Master’s Degree into practice

Encouraged by his colleagues and inspired by his dynamic team, Georges set his sights on a Master’s Degree in Taxation at Sherbrooke University. Thanks to a student support program, he was able to expand his knowledge while continuing to work in the Firm.

Georges graduated in 2008 and began to rise through the ranks to become a pillar of the taxation team. “I’ve worked at RCGT for 15 years and I truly feel I can make a difference in our clients’ lives.”

A versatile expert in several fields

Georges Lord particularly enjoys one element of his work: his role in business transfers. “Business transfers can be quite emotional, especially those involving family businesses,” he explains.

“At Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton, we have developed a comprehensive process for business transfers,” clarifies the tax specialist. “Naturally, we integrate tax aspects, but also business administration and the changing roles following the transfer.” Georges plays a key role in this sector which is growing rapidly since many baby boomers are approaching retirement.

Team spirit and in-person interaction

Another element that sets Georges Lord apart is his attachment to his team. “There are days when we spend more time with our colleagues than our family,” he says with a laugh. “This forges strong ties and it’s something I really appreciate.”

He also enjoys the work environment offered by the Firm. “During the pandemic, everyone tried teleworking, which is key to a good work-life balance. However, I must admit that I like coming to the office and working in-person with my team. There’s a sense of belonging that’s unrivalled!”

Challenges and shared successes for Georges Lord

Over the years, Georges Lord has taken on countless challenges including supervising teams and managing the complex technical elements of his field. “Working with others can be challenging, especially when you’re in a management role,” he admits. “However, the Firm provides a lot of training and support to help us develop these skills.”

Outside of work, Georges is also involved in his community. He served on the board of directors for a regional family festival for eight years. He is also actively involved in the Firm’s activities. “Over the past few years, I’ve delivered tax presentations with a colleague. Our goal is to make taxation interesting by injecting a bit of humour and it’s worked pretty well,” he shares with a smile.

A vision for the future

George sees a promising future within the Firm. He likes to see young tax specialists develop their skills and contribute to the company’s success. “We have exciting projects, inspiring clients and a team that I truly enjoy working with!”