BIO

Born and raised in Squamish, BC where my dad owned building supply stores. As children, my sisters and I would go to work with him; dusting and stocking shelves and really just playing on the trolleys. We moved from Squamish around 1990 to Coquitlam and then to Comox around 1993. During my teens and while going to college, I continued to work in the family business. I worked my way through the business from answering phones to accounts receivable to sales to preparing and delivering bank deposits. I even packed drywall and drove the fork-lift. This upbringing provided me with a solid understanding of business which helps me daily when providing advice to the business owners I work with.

My first job after completing both the business management diploma at Douglas College and computer networking diploma at CDI was in the Professional Accounting field, what we call public practice.

While working for Blue Fish Group, Chartered Accountant, I did the Advanced Certificate in Accounting through the Institute of Chartered Accountants. This program was designed specifically for those who worked in public practice. This is where and when I decided to become a Chartered Accountant. I loved helping small businesses grow their business and pay less tax.

Of course, this meant more education – 6 courses and the UFE. One of the benefits about becoming a Chartered Accountant is that you work full-time while doing your courses which are delivered through correspondence followed up with in-depth seminars. Audit hours are also a requirement for obtaining your CA so I moved firms and joined Grant Thornton LLP.

So while getting my Chartered Accountant designation, I also got married (Jason) and had my family. My first, Amelia, was born right after I completed my second course.

With my second, Marcus, I wrote the UFE 8 months pregnant. A 3 day exam was not exactly comfortable but a means to an end; I passed and became a designated Chartered Accountant. After Marcus, commuting down town was just not an option anymore so I joined a local medium size firm in Coquitlam, EPR.

Being back to work only a few months into 2009, I found out I was pregnant again, on the second busiest day of the year, April 29 the day before tax season ends…here comes Kendra.

In my spare time over the years, I have served as Treasurer for many non-profit organizations including Children’s House Montessori Preschool, Tri-city Transitions (formerly known as Tri-City Women’s Resource Society), and currently for Parkland Elementary School.

Now with 3 children, a husband, and a house, I felt it was time to start my next “baby”…my own firm. Having my own firm has really been in the making since I joined public practice almost 10 years ago and in fact, I didn’t choose to become an entrepreneur; it chose me. It’s in my blood and the perfect fit for my life.

The services I offer are a little different than most of the firms you hear about. My goals are to educate clients and help with cash flow, not burden them. I specialize in small businesses, individuals and families. With that said, I understand that cash flow may be an issue. My fees are reasonable and I don’t have the overhead that a larger firm has. Plus I have a monthly payment option which helps ease the burden of those expenses that are only incurred once a year.

You may be wondering, when do you have time for yourself…I actually do fit in personal time; I work out 5-6 times a week. If I don’t make time for myself, then I am not at optimal health to service my family, my clients or myself.

Who am I? I am Sharon Perry, Chartered Accountant, mom, wife, business women and community volunteer.