I’m Michael, a financial planning accountant.
I spent the first six years of my career working for a global accounting firm as an accountant, specializing in audit and assurance. I earned my Chartered Professional Accountant (Chartered Accountant) designation while with this firm. While I enjoyed the work, I was drawn towards working closely with individuals and small business owners. In 2012 I shifted to serving small businesses, families, couples, and individuals. I love the integrative and multi-faceted aspects of financial planning and small business administration.
In addition to accounting and tax training, I have completed the Certified Financial Planner® (currently held), the Chartered Life Underwriter (held until 2022) and the Trust and Estate Practitioner designations (currently held).
People regularly mention that they appreciate my down-to-earth approach, especially the use of everyday examples to convey financial topics. Whether discussing retirement, tax, or insurance, I enjoy providing appropriate advice based on solid financial principles. Advice-only planning has been my only mode of operation. I have absolutely no product sales and receive no commissions – just pure financial advice. I’m convinced this is the only fair way to serve clients for their best interests.
I love providing diverse and multi-disciplinary perspectives to clients, with both a breadth and depth of perspective. My background in accounting and tax fits well when serving a family business, preparing for end of life, planning for retirement, preparing cash flow projections, or making a debt management plan. More than simply a numbers-guy, I’m passionate about finding the story behind the numbers and how that influences clients’ decisions.
In addition to my accounting job, I’ve taught post-secondary courses on personal financial planning and investment fundamentals. With a range of disciplines, I currently manage my time by providing:
family office services: CFO-level services to private companies, encompassing personal, family and business financial matters;
financial advice: counsel on end of life plans, managing and distributing estates, retirement plans, business start-ups, and comprehensive financial plans;
traditional accounting work: preparation and filing of income tax returns for individuals, families, corporations, trusts, partnerships, and charities, and preparation of financial statements, and handling payroll and GST, PST, HST filings; and
teaching: retirement and financial literacy seminars
I’ve always advocated for financial literacy and regularly share at workshops and seminars on personal finances, income taxes, insurance, savings and retirement planning. I also volunteer as a Community Connect Volunteer and Area Leader for Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada’s financial literacy program and Speakers on Campus at Beedie School of Business.
I live in British Columbia, Canada with my wife, my 2 young children, and a rescue Staffordshire terrier/border collie mix.
I love talking finances and business and would love to talk with you further – whether you are around British Columbia, or across Canada. I work with people in British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, Canada.