GGFL is delighted to announce that Chad Saikaley is the firm’s new Managing Partner. He succeeds Josh Engel, whose term ended at the start of the year.
Chad takes over the role at an exciting and crucial time as Artificial Intelligence is beginning to transform the accounting profession, automating traditional tasks while creating
alternate, non-traditional opportunities for accountants and their clients.
GGFL’s future is in good hands, says Josh.
“Chad is a visionary and the perfect person to lead GGFL through the multitude of changes that have already started to impact our profession,” he says.
“His commitment and care for his family, clients, colleagues and the firm is evident in every interaction. He is self-assured, driven, decisive and has the support, respect and confidence of all within the firm. I’m confident that GGFL will continue to grow and thrive under Chad’s leadership.”
Chad has been GGFL’s Head of Tax for the past eight years. Under his leadership, the tax team has more than doubled in size, reflecting his passion for tax and a deep understanding of its importance to clients.
He sees the challenges and changes ahead as yet another modernizing phase in the long history of accountancy where in the not-too-distant past, tools of the trade were bulky ledgers and pens.
“I see automation as a tool that will potentially divide our industry,” says Chad. “From firms exclusively concerned with tax returns and financial statements as their end product to those more focused on offering advice and guiding strategy.”
GGFL, he says, is in the latter category and it’s why the firm has been able to thrive in the local business community for 80 years.
“It’s always been in the fabric of GGFL to prioritize our relationships with clients,” he adds. “We don’t see it as a strict accountant-client relationship. We see ourselves as part of the client’s team, helping the client succeed.”
“Completed financial statements and tax returns are not the end of our relationship with clients. They are just the beginning. We make it our business to dig into those statements to find opportunities beneficial to a client’s business.”
As GGFL’s Head of Tax, Chad already spends a lot of time in the community meeting with fellow business leaders. It’s an aspect of the role of Managing Partner and GGFL spokesperson he will relish.
“I enjoy being out there,” he says. “I enjoy meeting business owners around the city and hearing their stories and learning about the challenges they’re facing. Accounting is the language of business, and I love talking business and being among the great network of other professionals in the city.”
He believes that in years to come, he will look back at the 2026 version of GGFL and recall a firm that was able to pivot ahead of changes, a firm with a strong foundation in accounting fundamentals that succeeded because of its deep client relationships and strengths as business advisors.
The ability to adapt and pivot when change is happening has always been a GGFL strength, he says.
He points to the challenges facing Josh Engel, who became Managing Partner shortly before the COVID pandemic.
“We faced so many unknowns and had major decisions to make back then, ”adds Chad. “I will always be impressed with how Josh was able to manage all those changes. We didn’t just survive. We excelled. So the prospect of following Josh into this role is very exciting.”
Chad’s appointment was announced to all the firm’s staff at GGFL’s annual meeting on January 23rd, 2026.
