Both of Eric McIntosh Champagne’s parents are Chartered Professional Accountants—as are aunts, uncles, and a great uncle.
“I like to joke that accounting is the family business,” he says. “You can imagine the conversations we have at some family dinners.”
Growing up in Ottawa, Eric was introduced to the profession at a young age, especially through his father, who worked in public accounting. “I got to see that aspect of the business from an outside perspective, and it left an impression.”
“I first encountered accounting personally in high school and found it fascinating—something about the way it all fit together just clicked. That interest led me to study it in university, where I discovered how much I enjoyed untangling complex problems. To me, accounting is like solving a challenging puzzle or decoding a mystery, and I’ve always been drawn to finding solutions that others might overlook. It’s the kind of work that’s endlessly satisfying.”
In welcoming him to the partner group, Managing Partner Josh Engel praised Eric’s dedication “to providing top-quality client service and for exemplifying our firm’s commitment to finding growth opportunities for our business-owning clients.”
“Eric is a respected communicator. both internally with staff and his peers, and externally with his clients,” added Josh. “He’s a great addition to our partner group and one of our next generation of GGFL partners. Our future is in good hands.”
Eric’s journey with GGFL began with a four-month co-op placement in 2012, followed by a second placement a year later. From the beginning, the environment stood out to him as one that valued growth and supported its people.
“GGFL has been my professional home ever since,” Eric shares. “That’s not uncommon here—we have a lot of homegrown talent. Students come in, and they’re encouraged to grow, learn, and thrive, which makes it easy to stay.”
Reflecting on his early days, Eric explains, “What drew me in was the genuine warmth and personal connection I felt during my co-op placements. It was clear that GGFL was a place where effort and good work were rewarded, and where relationships mattered. Trusting that instinct turned out to be the best decision I could have made.”
When he’s not immersed in the complexities of accounting, Eric enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Kymberly, and their five-year-old son, Quillan. The family makes the most of summer days around the pool, and Eric fulfills his personal passion for cycling, often challenging himself with long rides.
He and Kymberly also share a fascination with rock tumbling, which they find both relaxing and rewarding. Eric and his family also share a love for traveling, always eager to explore new places and experience different cultures—reflecting their shared curiosity and appreciation for the world around them.
Eric’s approach to his professional work mirrors his hobbies: always seeking new challenges, embracing discovery, and finding joy in solving the puzzles that come his way.
“I specialize in a few industries, including construction, real estate, agriculture, and automotive businesses,” Eric explains. “But despite the areas I focus on, I love to dig into new industries. The fundamentals of accounting are the same, but each new industry presents a new set of variables—kind of like a fresh puzzle to solve. The tax law is sound; it’s the variables that shift. And with each new challenge, I approach it with the same care and problem-solving mindset that makes each one feel like a new mystery.”
While every accountant needs technical expertise, for Eric, the human side of the business is what truly drives him now that he’s a partner.
“I can spend time working on financials and explaining tax law, but the best part is when you get to sit down with someone face-to-face and understand their story,” he says.
Eric believes that truly understanding his clients’ lives is the key to providing the best advice. “Is their business just starting out? Are they planning for retirement? Looking to sell?”
“Being deeply invested in my clients’ businesses and personal lives is my number one priority,” Eric says. “It means I can do what I’m good at, and they can focus on what they’re good at.”
