Meet Sonia Montoni: What the numbers are really telling you

Meet Sonia Montoni, an instructor for McMaster Continuing Education’s Introductory Management Accounting course. Sonia brings a dynamic career in leadership, finance, and strategy to the classroom, having helped start and scale a business and led national real estate for two major Canadian public companies.

What is your educational and professional background?

I graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Commerce, with Distinction, concentrating in Accounting. I then completed a post-graduate certificate in Accounting at McGill and wrote and passed the CA exam in 1994, which, in today’s terms, is equivalent to being a CPA. In 2014, I also graduated from Queen’s University with an Executive Master of Business Administration.

Professionally, I have had a dynamic and rewarding career. I have been involved in starting and scaling a business, and I have also led national real estate for two major Canadian public companies. My career has given me a strong foundation in leadership, strategy, finance, and decision-making, experience that I now bring into the classroom.

What made you want to become an instructor with McMaster Continuing Education?

My passion has always been education. I believe learning brings knowledge, awareness, and the opportunity to grow. It helps us open our minds, broaden our perspective, and become better people. I strongly believe that we need to invest in our future leaders, and teaching is one of the most meaningful ways to do that.

McMaster Continuing Education allowed me to teach students who are balancing full lives as they go back to school. I find that especially inspiring. These students are dedicated, motivated, and truly want to grow. I am grateful to be part of their learning journey.

What courses do you teach, and what are they about?

I teach Introductory Management Accounting, and that is the course I would like to highlight today.

What makes Management Accounting so interesting is that it shows how data tells a story. When organizations have access to real, timely data, they are in a much stronger position to make informed decisions. This kind of insight can directly influence product strategy, business direction, and overall performance.

Who would benefit from taking the Management Accounting course?

This course would benefit anyone who wants to strengthen their critical-thinking skills and learn to use financial and operational data to add real value to their organization.

It is especially valuable for professionals who want to better understand how data can support decision-making, improve business performance, and influence strategy. Whether someone is early in their career or looking to grow into a leadership role, this course offers practical tools and insights highly relevant to today’s workplace.

What will students learn from taking the Accounting program?

Students will learn how to interpret and use management accounting information to support better business decisions. They will gain an understanding of how financial and operational data can be used to identify trends, tell a story, and guide strategy.

Beyond technical knowledge, students will also develop stronger analytical and critical thinking skills — skills that help them anticipate needs, ask better questions, and contribute more effectively within an organization.

Do you have any advice or tips for students?

My advice to students is simple:

• Learn how to think one step ahead of everyone else
• Anticipate what your manager or customer needs
• Always aim to overdeliver
• Use social media to your advantage by following leaders with proven track records
• Listen to podcasts about positive thinking and communication
• Develop strong communication skills; they are key to getting ahead in today’s world
• Whenever possible, speak to people directly rather than relying only on text or email, because conversation creates a deeper connection
• Learn about AI, including both its strengths and its weaknesses
• Don’t let anyone tell you that you are not capable; that often reflects their own insecurities, not your potential
• Expand your network and find people who believe in you
• Surround yourself with five people who inspire you and challenge you to grow, because we often become the average of the people we spend the most time with
• Lastly, believe in yourself

Is there anything else about you that you want to highlight?

What I hope students see in me is someone who combines real-world business experience with a genuine passion for helping others grow. My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that education should be practical, relevant, and empowering. I want students to leave my class not only with knowledge, but with greater confidence in their ability to think critically, contribute meaningfully, and lead.

I also bring a perspective shaped by both executive leadership and entrepreneurship, which allows me to connect classroom concepts to real business challenges and opportunities. For me, teaching goes beyond delivering content; it is about guiding students to discover who they can become and what they can achieve.

Learn more about McMaster Continuing Education’s Accounting program and courses.