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. I love the integrative and multi-faceted aspects of financial planning and small business administration. In addition to accounting and tax training, I completed the Certified Financial Planner® and Chartered Life Underwriter designations. I value constant learning and expanding my expertise so I completed the Trust and Estate Practitioner designation.

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, insurance, or end of life, 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

• traditional accounting work: preparation and filing of income tax returns for individuals, families, corporations, trusts, partnerships, and charities, and preparation of financial statements

• financial advice: counsel on end of life plans, retirement plans, business start-ups, and comprehensive financial plans; and
  teaching: retirement seminars and marking for the CFP Capstone course

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 Vancouver, BC with my wife, gorgeous baby daughter, and a rescue Staffordshire terrier/border collie mix. You’ll find us hiking or playing tennis on those rare Vancouver sunny days.