Joanne Ovenden

Joanne is the founder and lead accountant at Juniper, bringing decades of experience as a Chartered Professional Accountant, strategic business adviser, and commercial financial expert. She began her career in Marketing and holds a Master’s degree, a foundation that continues to inform her strategic, people-focused approach to financial leadership. Mature, reliable, and deeply committed to ethical practice, Joanne has built a reputation for delivering clear, actionable guidance to commercial enterprises, First Nations, and community-driven organizations. Her work blends seasoned financial oversight with broad strategic planning to strengthen governance, improve operations, and support long-term sustainability.
 

With a strong foundation in commercial financial advisory work, Joanne leverages broad strategic planning expertise to help clients strengthen governance, improve operational clarity, and build long-term financial sustainability. Her work spans strategic planning, asset management program development, financial reporting, risk management, and organizational capacity building. Known for original thinking and a practical, solutions-oriented approach, Joanne supports clients in navigating complex decisions with confidence.

A significant focus of her practice is long-term partnership with First Nations. Over the past two decades, Joanne has played a lead role in shaping governance structures, preparing for evolving funding models, and supporting Nations through Financial Administration Law development, and multi-year integrated planning. She has led the creation of inaugural annual reports, health plans, strategic plans, and asset management programs — always grounded in community priorities and respectful consultation, and a commitment to building internal capacity.

Joanne’s commercial background is equally robust. In addition to her financial advisory work, she has hands-on experience in residential and tourism property management. This practical business ownership and operational insight strengthens her ability to deliver strategic, commercially informed advice across sectors. Her broader experience includes policy and procedure development, project and contract management, and previous co-ownership of Discover Wells Gray, an interpretive guiding and consultancy business. In addition, Joanne served as the Interim Finance Director for the newly incorporated District of Clearwater, providing high-level financial leadership during a pivotal period of municipal establishment and transition.

A skilled communicator and educator, Joanne is dedicated to building internal capacity, mentoring finance teams, and fostering strong relationships with staff, leadership, and external partners. Her work is guided by integrity, clarity, compassion and a commitment to helping organizations thrive.
 

Outside of her professional life, Joanne enjoys outdoor and wilderness activities, travel, education, reading, and film.