About Canwest Accounting
Canwest Accounting Ltd. was founded on June 4, 1991. The company started slowly and has focused on client service from the beginning. Our belief is that good service to our clients is the cornerstone of our business. Here we are now, 20 years later and still growing strong.
Our practice has grown over the years partly by word of mouth referrals and partly by purchasing two bookkeeping practices from companies that were retiring. We were lucky to have worked with these two amazing bookkeeping companies and to help them transition into their own retirement. These acquisitions required a substantial increase in staff. The process was not always painless, but the objective of hiring quality professionals has never been deviated from, even when less qualified people would have been a quick fix.
The company currently has 6 full time staff as well as 1 seasonal staff person. We are primarily bookkeepers with minimal corporate work as well as personal income tax preparation.
We have always been concerned about our clients’ success. Our goal is not to be the largest bookkeeping firm in Victoria but the BEST!
Our Team
Sharlane
I joined Canwest Accounting in February 2004 and have enjoyed working with the wonderful clients and staff throughout the years. Norman Arden decided to retire in June 2011 and I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase the company from Norman.
I have experience in many different industries such as manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, non-profit centers, government agencies, construction and the health care industry. I have worked in Ontario and in British Columbia and have over 25 years experience.
I have many passions in life, but my true passion is photography. Stop in our office and see some of my favourite photographs.
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Dallas
I have worked with Canwest since 2004 and have returned after a 2 1/2 year break visiting family in Alberta and Saskatchewan. I have been working as a bookkeeper/accountant since 1978 in BC and Alberta in various industries such as oil & gas, drilling, dairy co-op, real estate, retail, construction, veterinary practice, auto repair, etc. they are just too numerous to list. When I first moved to Victoria in 1992 I had my own bookkeeping practice for 4 years.
What brings me back to Victoria is the unique active lifestyle that is offered here. Since returning I have joined a dragonboat team and have discovered that being on the water keeps me connected to the rhythm of the ocean that surrounds us. The team members have even shown me the pleasure of paddling in the fall and winter months in Outrigger crafts.
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Jeannie
After spending many years in the Yukon, my husband & I came to Victoria for the warmer weather.
I have had experience in accounting with a variety of businesses including retail, hardware, restaurant & construction and have supplemented this experience with accounting courses.
In our spare time we enjoy camping, canoeing, hiking & photography.
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Brian
I believe that all levels of Government take too much of OUR money, and that it is much better if WE decide how to spend our money. So, I work hard to try and minimize the ‘donation’ that you make to the Government by taking advantage of all the legal income tax deductions that you are allowed to take.
“Why give the government any more money than you have to; it is much better off in your own pockets.”
I am an avid hiker and enjoy exploring our little piece of heaven.
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Jesse
I moved back to Victoria from Squamish to be closer to family in 2009. As a graduate from the University of Victoria, I sought out a career opportunity that would utilize my administrative, cash balancing and customer service skills. At Canwest Accounting I have been receiving training in bookkeeping while working the front desk as the Administrative Assistant. In Sept 2011 I completed the Universal Accounting Professional Bookkeeper Program. I really enjoy learning from the experienced staff at Canwest and looks forward to one day being known as an experienced bookkeeper.
I enjoy spending my free time with family and friends in my new home in Sidney. When I am not singing in the church choir, or walking her loyal dog, I enjoy playing guitar and writing songs. Along with my husband Brian, we are expecting our first child in 2012.
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Rina
I grew up in Calgary after coming to Canada when I was 8 from the Netherlands. I am married and have a Son and Daughter, and 4 grandchildren. My husband and I have lived on our sailboat and travelled the west coast for the last 17 years. I speak fluent Dutch and English.
Using my interest in finance, accounting, and business, I have run several successful businesses including, 2 home maintenance companies, a long haul trucking company, a commercial diving company, and a bookkeeping and tax consulting business. Over the years, I have successfully provided bookkeeping , tax consulting, and investment services to a wide range of clients including private individuals, small businesses, corporations, and non profit organizations.
I have served as a volunteer, as well as holding positions on the board of several public service and political organizations, including a member of parliament.
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Semira
I have been with Canwest Accounting Ltd since March of 2009. I started as an Administrative Assistant and worked my way up to a full time Bookkeeping position and now work on many different accounts such as Dental, CSIL, Real Estate, Renovation/Restoration and many more.
In 2007 I completed the Real Estate Residential Course through UBC and am currently licensed. I also have many years of experience in customer service and am a great problem solver.
I love to spend my free time with my husband Kevin, son Jalen and daughter Ariana. My hobbies include sports, knitting, movies and fitness activities.
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Tanya
I am one of the newest members to the Canwest team. I have had over 10 years of experience working with both small businesses and within the finance industry in Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. Living in different cities across Canada has provided a diverse range of accounting positions, from bookkeeping to customer service to office management.
As a new resident to Victoria, I have enjoyed exploring the West Coast recreation with a few trips up to Tofino and time spent hiking and cycling with friends. Along with bookkeeping, I teach Yoga classes to corporate groups over the lunch hour. Yoga integrates mind, body and spirit, allowing for a greater sense of peace and increased vitality. I bring balance to both the books and to office culture.
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