GGFL specializes in owner-managed businesses, and continues to build our tax and estate planning practice to ensure our clients have the optimal corporate and estate structures in place to achieve their financial goals, benefit from all available tax opportunities, and are compliant with the relevant income tax statutes.
The firm’s reputation is attributed to exceptional staff providing exceptional service to our clients. We continue to invest in our tax and assurance teams to meet the demands of our clients, and are very pleased to announce the promotions of several staff members.
Kody Wilson, CPA, CA, CBV, joined GGFL’s tax department in 2012, and has quickly taken on a leadership role recognized with his recent promotion to Principal, Tax and Advisory Services. Prior to GGFL, Kody worked for a number of years at an international accounting firm, holding both assurance and tax roles, as well as with the Canada Revenue Agency. He specializes in complex tax planning for private clients in a wide range of industries, with a passion for helping owner-managed private businesses succeed. Kody is a Chartered Business Valuator and heads the valuation team at GGFL where we service clients looking to transition their business to the next generation or outside parties.
Lauren Alexander, CPA, CGA, recently promoted to Manager, Assurance and Advisory Services, started her accounting journey at Algonquin College in 2004. After completing a six-week co-op term at GGFL in 2006, she accepted a full-time Accounting Technician position in our Assurance & Advisory Services area. She worked with clients in various industries, such as consulting, food and service, professionals, property management, retail, and several others. Lauren decided to pursue her designation and was recognized as a CPA, CGA in 2012. During tax “Busy Season,” she switches hats and lends her expertise with personal tax return preparation.
Natalia Pak joined GGFL in January 2013 as an Accounting Technician, working with the Health Professionals team. In 2016, Natalia moved to the Operations Group as interim Controller. In February 2017, she was offered the permanent position of Accounts Officer, doing the accounting for the firm and related companies. Natalia was promoted to Finance Manager in January 2018, where she manages the firm’s accounts and provides key financial reports.
Jennifer Baldwin started at GGFL in 2014 as a Staff Accountant, shortly after she graduated from Wilfred Laurier University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. She received her CPA, CA designation in 2016. Jennifer was recently promoted to Supervisor, Assurance and Advisory Services. She is a cross-border team member, working closely with our tax team as she pursues her Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) designation. Outside of work, Jennifer volunteers her time as treasurer of Interval House of Ottawa, and is also a board member of Heron Emergency Food Centre.
Chris Sheen joined GGFL in 2011, and diligently worked and studied to successfully achieve his CPA designation in December 2017. Chris was promoted to Supervisor, Assurance & Advisory Services in January 2018. In addition to working with complicated assurance and tax engagements, he is becoming one of our in-house experts on investments and their associated tax and accounting transactions. Also of great importance to Chris is maintaining work-life balance with his young family. So far, so good!
