Ray Abou Antoun

After finishing High school in France, I went back to Lebanon to pursue a degree in Computer and Telecommunications engineering for 4 years. Prior to completion of the program, I was contemplating my life with a career in this field and there wasn't one scenario where I saw myself in it. I took a year off to analyze and assess what I really wanted to do in my professional career and the answer was a major in Finance. From that moment I decided to move to North America, Canada specifically, to pursue a degree in Finance and come closer to my goal. After 2 years in University, I come close to completing my degree and embark on my professional career as a prominent candidate in the Finance industry.

As I set out to make my mark in the corporate world, I joined Scotiabank as a Tax Preparer in their esteemed Wealth Management division. My attention to detail and dedication to regulatory compliance were paramount as I meticulously prepared personal, Trust, and Estate tax returns. Handling financial documents, investment portfolios, and tax slips became second nature to me. Moreover, I actively collaborated with trust officers and relationship managers to ensure seamless tax return filings, meeting crucial deadlines.

My ability to connect with colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds became one of my key strengths. Fluent in French and English, with Arabic as my mother language, I found it effortless to build strong connections and foster mutual understanding.

Before my time at Scotiabank, I also flourished as a Credit Analyst at Desjardins. My keen eye for detail and thorough understanding of creditworthiness assessment allowed me to navigate Credit Bureau Files from Equifax and Transunion with ease. Under pressure, I remained composed, analyzing over 10 customer profiles per hour and possessing the authority to accept files up to $50,000. Offering empathetic advice to customers seeking to establish better credit history became a rewarding aspect of my role.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I embraced a spirit of adventure. As a Lebanese citizen experiencing life abroad in both France and Canada enriched my cultural appreciation, offering a broader perspective on the world.

Fueling my appetite for knowledge, I delved into financial news from reputable sources like the WSJ. Continuous self-development and mastery of advanced financial concepts and Excel techniques became a personal mission.

Of course, life was not solely about work and learning. My interests reflected a multifaceted personality. Passionate about investing, I relished studying market trends and analyzing potential opportunities. Music was my refuge, providing solace during moments of reflection. My commitment to personal health and fitness led me to the gym regularly, nourishing both body and mind.

Throughout my academic pursuit, I discovered a passion for financial analysis and modeling. With unwavering determination, I worked diligently and achieved remarkable grades, boasting a Major GPA of 3.7. But one accomplishment that truly stood out was during an Investment Analysis course. I was thrilled to complete a DCF valuation model for the renowned Starbucks Corporation, and my hard work paid off with an outstanding academic achievement - an elusive A+.

Seeking to complement my theoretical knowledge with real-world experience, I eagerly embarked on not one but two Co-op internships with the Co-op Institute of Education. These internships allowed me to gain invaluable insights into the practical aspects of the finance industry, preparing me for the challenges that lay ahead.