This week, meet Vicky St-Jacques, CPA, Senior Director of Finance and Operations and Partner at LemayMichaud.
Beyond the numbers and strategies lies a dedicated professional who deeply believes in teamwork and the impact of well-executed financial management. Vicky St-Jacques embodies leadership that blends rigor with compassion, always ready to collaborate and find solutions that move the team forward.
With over 20 years of experience in finance and operations, she quickly established herself as a valuable asset to LemayMichaud after joining the firm in 2022. Her dedication and drive led to her becoming a partner in 2025.
Learn more about her journey, her vision, and what inspires her every day.
Q. If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
V. S-J. "Determined, pragmatic, and parent. I thrive on challenges and enjoy finding tailored solutions to complex situations. A pragmatic mindset allows me to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions. Lastly, being a mom shapes every aspect of my life. It’s a constant source of resilience, adaptability, and priority management."
Q. What drew you to a career in the financial sector?
V. S-J. "My path into finance developed through a series of opportunities. When I earned my CMA designation, it was the management side that appealed to me most. I’ve always viewed accounting and finance as tools for much more than reporting, they’re levers for supporting sound management and driving business growth.
What motivates me in this field is the opportunity to contribute to decision-making while working closely with teams across the organization. Finance becomes a true business partner, helping to manage resources effectively, anticipate risks, and support a company’s strategic direction."
Q. Can you tell us more about your journey and what led you to your current role at LemayMichaud?
V. S-J. "Joining LemayMichaud was all about alignment. The firm values both expertise and teamwork, and I immediately felt I could make a meaningful contribution. Working alongside passionate people who take pride in their work is incredibly motivating, and that’s what makes this experience so fulfilling."
Q. What is a career achievement you are especially proud of?
V. S-J. "My career has been filled with challenges and successes, but one project that stands out is the evaluation and acquisition of Réal Paul Architecte.
This project was strategic on multiple levels: it strengthened our expertise portfolio while preserving a well-known name in Montreal’s architectural landscape. Beyond the financial aspect, it was a meaningful human experience. Ensuring the continuity of a company, respecting its legacy, and integrating its talent into our structure is a meaningful collective commitment.
Knowing that we played a part in carrying forward Réal Paul's legacy and securing his team’s future fills me with pride. Projects like this are what make my role so rewarding."
Q. What’s your favorite part of your role as Director of Finance and Operations?
V. S-J. "What I enjoy most is balancing short and long-term objectives. Working on a strategic vision, building ambitious plans, and seeing them unfold over time is incredibly satisfying. I particularly love stepping back to reflect on what we’ve accomplished as a team. Turning an idea into a structured plan, then into tangible results, while adjusting the course as needed, is what makes my role so meaningful."
Q. In your opinion, what are the key qualities of a successful manager in an architecture firm?
V. S-J. "A good manager knows how to rally their team around shared goals by fostering trust, collaboration, and the complementarity of individual strengths. In an architecture firm, where technical precision and creativity must coexist, it is essential to create an environment conducive to teamwork.
Being able to delegate, encourage autonomy, and value everyone’s ideas helps build a culture of innovation and accountability. A committed manager must also demonstrate agility, make informed decisions amid uncertainty, and adapt appropriately to a constantly evolving environment."
Q. What’s the biggest challenge in managing a firm like LemayMichaud today?
V. S-J. "Instead of focusing on challenges, I prefer to highlight our greatest strength: our team. At LemayMichaud, our success depends on our talent. Without them, the firm wouldn’t have the reputation for excellence it holds today.
Our true priority is ensuring our employees feel valued, supported, and equipped to do their best work. Attracting, retaining, and motivating top talent is an ongoing effort, but it’s also the key to our success."
Q. Is there a key lesson you’ve learned from your experience in financial management?
V. S-J. "I have learned that an elephant is eaten one bite at a time. In other words, nothing is insurmountable. No matter how big a project or how complex a problem may be, every challenge can be approached step by step. This mindset helps you stay on course without becoming overwhelmed by the scope of the task."
Q. What advice would you give to a young person looking to build a career in finance and management within a creative firm?
V. S-J. "I have two pieces of advice:
1. Trust your instincts. Even when the data seems to point in one direction, that inner voice can provide valuable guidance. Combining intuition with solid analysis is a powerful tool in management.
2. Choose your work environment wisely. Being in a place where you feel supported, inspired, and surrounded by great people will make all the difference in your professional and personal growth."
Quick Q&A
Visionary or pragmatic?
A balance of both. Vision without pragmatism is just an idea, and pragmatism without vision lacks aspiration.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My pre-teen, who’s convinced that 5:30 a.m. is a reasonable time to start the day... and coffee to survive it!
Your favorite part of your job?
My colleagues.
The best advice you’ve ever received?
My former office neighbor, Marie-José Bock, kept the Four Agreements (Toltec) in plain sight, and they left a lasting impression on me. It’s a philosophy I carry with me to this day:
- Be impeccable with your word.
- Don’t take anything personally.
- Don’t make assumptions.
- Always do your best.
Your go-to way to unwind?
Quiet moments when I can finally hear myself think.
Do you have a guiding philosophy?
"In a world where you can be anything, be kind." – Jennifer Dukes Lee
A challenge you’d like to take on in the future?
I don’t have anything specific in mind… I’d rather see where life takes me!
