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Episode 04: From Campus to C-Suite
Episode 04 features Jennifer Gruber, CPA (GDip '07), CFO, Communitech.
Join Dean Kyle Murray for a rich and energizing chat with Jennifer Gruber (GDip '07) as they explore how accounting has evolved to align more closely with finance and strategy, how AI is reshaping the graduate toolkit, and how government programs can support career growth.
Jennifer also shares how building community connections and leaning on your network can strengthen entrepreneurial resilience in uncertain times.
You can also access the podcast through Amazon Music.
Watch the episode on YouTube:
About Jennifer Gruber
Before venturing into finance, Jennifer spent 12 years in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves, where she sharpened her leadership skills and developed a commitment to service. This passion for giving back carried over into her civilian life, where she volunteered with Send’em Off Smiling, a charitable organization that works with schools to provide backpacks for children in need. Jennifer’s dedication to community service didn’t stop there. She also serves on the audit committee for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, recognizing the need for volunteers with financial backgrounds to support local organizations.
Gruber’s professional journey began in the audit field at Deloitte, where she worked with several not-for-profit organizations and gained insights into their operations and financial management. In 2016, she brought this financial expertise and her desire to make a difference to Communitech, where she continues to support the tech community while staying close to her commitment to giving back.
As Chief Financial Officer at Communitech, Gruber plays a key role in ensuring the financial stability of Communitech, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She secured critical funding and worked closely with stakeholders to keep the organization on solid ground. Her ability to turn complex financial data into clear, actionable insights made her a trusted leader during uncertain times.
Over the past eight years at Communitech, Gruber saw how resilience drives innovation, and created a three-year funding model that provided a strong foundation for the organization’s continued growth and strategic direction.