Business Details
22 Years
experience
Trusted Accounting and Tax Services in Burlington, Ontario
At MacKay Brehm & Smith, we specialize in delivering comprehensive financial, accounting, and tax solutions tailored to owner-managed businesses, with a particular focus on the health professions and consulting sectors. Our strategic decision to concentrate on a narrow client base has allowed us to cultivate deep industry-specific expertise, enabling us to address complex challenges with precision. We prioritize hands-on engagement and maintain open, collaborative relationships with clients, ensuring their needs are met promptly and effectively. Our team of 11 dedicated professionals combines decades of collective experience with a commitment to personalized service, leveraging tailored financial software to streamline processes for businesses of all sizes. With a low turnover rate, we provide continuity and consistency, fostering long-term partnerships built on trust and mutual respect.Our approach emphasizes proactive tax planning, meticulous financial reporting, and strategic advisory services designed to optimize client outcomes. We work closely with other members of our clients' advisory teams to ensure a holistic approach to their financial well-being. Recognized for our expertise in corporate and personal tax compliance, estate planning, and business succession strategies, we strive to simplify financial complexities while delivering actionable insights. Our dedication to excellence has earned us the respect of clients and peers alike, reinforcing our position as a trusted partner in financial advisory services.
Services
Tax Planning
Financial Reporting
Business Restructuring
Estate Planning
Corporate Compliance
QuickBooks Consulting
Business Succession Planning
Personal Tax Services
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We specialize in serving health professionals and consultants with tailored financial expertise.
- Our team provides personalized service through long-term client relationships and low turnover.
- We implement customized financial software solutions to streamline business operations.
- We combine strategic tax planning with hands-on advisory to optimize client outcomes.
- Our 11-member team balances boutique-level attention with large-firm technical proficiency.
Associations and certifications
- Chartered Professional Accountants (CPA Canada)
- Institute of Chartered Accountants
Services
Tax Planning
Our tax planning services focus on minimizing liabilities while maximizing after-tax returns through strategic corporate structuring and compliance. We specialize in personalized tax strategies for business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals. By staying current with legislative changes, we ensure optimal tax efficiency for both corporate and personal filings.
Financial Reporting
We provide comprehensive financial reporting solutions including bookkeeping, government remittances, and accounting software implementation. Our team ensures accurate, timely financial statements tailored to business operations. We support clients year-round with reporting compliance and operational financial analysis to inform strategic decisions.
Business Restructuring
Our business restructuring advisory covers incorporation, partnership structuring, and cost-sharing arrangements. We align corporate structures with long-term financial goals and collaborate with legal teams on due diligence for acquisitions. Our expertise includes optimizing business models for tax efficiency and operational effectiveness.
Estate Planning
We develop customized estate plans to preserve wealth and facilitate smooth asset transfers. Services include capital gains exemption utilization, trust establishment, and minimizing estate taxes. We coordinate with legal advisors to execute plans that align with clients' personal and financial objectives for intergenerational wealth transfer.
Business Succession Planning
Our succession planning addresses business continuity during transitions due to retirement, illness, or partner loss. We design buy-out provisions, dissolution strategies, and family transition frameworks. The goal is to ensure seamless ownership transfers while maintaining business stability and minimizing tax implications.
People
Kathryn Smith
Partner
A Chartered Accountant since 1984 and Fellow (FCA) since 2006, Kathryn specializes in tax planning for business owners. She has testified in tax appeals and leads community initiatives while co-founding MacKay Brehm & Smith in 2004.
Teri Carter
Manager
CPA CA with extensive public accounting experience, Teri manages client relationships and ensures timely service delivery. She joined the firm in 2012, focusing on small business needs and anticipating client requirements through proactive advisory.
Teri Murphy
Staff Accountant
CPA CGA with industry experience, Teri provides bookkeeping and compliance support. She joined in 2012 after graduating from Laurentian University, offering training and accounting assistance to clients while preparing financial statements and tax filings.
Jane Yang Yu
Staff Accountant
CPA CGA with expertise in financial statements and tax returns, Jane has served clients since 2004. She prepares corporate and personal tax documents, handles payroll reporting, and provides ongoing bookkeeping support for business clients.
Millie
Ambassador
Our office's beloved mascot, Millie the dog, welcomes visitors with a friendly presence. While not a financial expert, she ensures a warm, approachable atmosphere for all clients visiting our Burlington office.
Questions
What industries do you specialize in?
We primarily serve health professionals and consultants, offering tailored financial solutions that address industry-specific challenges and regulatory requirements.
Do you offer services outside Burlington?
While based in Burlington, Ontario, we serve clients throughout Ontario, providing remote and in-person support as needed.
How do you handle tax compliance for businesses?
We manage corporate tax returns, GST/HST filings, and income tax elections while implementing strategic tax planning to minimize liabilities and ensure legislative compliance.
Can you assist with QuickBooks implementation?
Yes, we provide QuickBooks consulting and training to help businesses streamline accounting processes and improve financial management efficiency.
What estate planning services do you offer?
We create customized estate plans using trusts, capital gains exemptions, and tax minimization strategies while coordinating with legal advisors for comprehensive wealth transfer solutions.
