With a retirement and welcoming of a new partner, the new year at a local accounting firm featured much more than just the calendar flipping from 2017 to 2018.
Pinch and Reid Chartered Professional Accountants became Reid Hunter Chartered Professional Accountants when partner Mike Pinch retired on December 31 and Amanda Hunter joined Kel Reid as a partner on January 1.
Kel joined the firm in 2010 and became a partner in 2012.
“We knew I was going to eventually succeed Mike and very likely take the firm over when we were ready,” says Kel.
Pinch purchased the business in 2003 from founding accountant Lachlan Whatley. The firm was established in 1998 and is celebrating 20 years of serving clients in Powell River. In the fall of 2013, Mike and Kel purchased Comox Valley Accounting in Courtenay.
Kel says the business continues to evolve and is growing consistently year over year.
“We track a lot of metrics and deadlines for our clients and try to make things as easy as possible, whether they are in or out of town,” he says. “We use leading-edge software, electronic signatures and secure file transfers to make things more convenient and safe for our clients.”
Amanda brings 10 years of experience to the firm and injects more youth into the business, says Kel. She completed her CPA designation in May 2016, he adds.
Amanda received her degree in accounting and business at Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and worked in public practice as an auditor with large and small firms before moving to Powell River from Canmore, Alberta, in 2014.
“I love the community and everything it offers,” says Amanda, “from sailing with friends and hiking in the wilderness to connecting with amazing local businesses.”
The new name represents the existing firm, but also highlights its commitment to providing quality service into the future.
“We are definitely not stereotypical accountants,” says Amanda. “We strive to be more personable and more proactive.”
Kel also came to the community via Alberta.
“It was November 2010 when my wife Dusty, daughter Ella and I decided to move to Powell River as we visited often and have a lot of family here,” says Kel. “I heard through our realtor that Pinch and Associates was looking for a succession partner. I called Mike right away and recognized that we would be a great fit.”
With more than 25 years of senior accounting and managerial experience, Kel’s work history includes time at public accounting firms and in private industry.
“My entrepreneurial spirit, outgoing attitude and love of technology results in a dynamic contribution to the partnership,” says Kel.
In addition to Kel and Amanda, a staff of seven employees in Powell River and two in Courtenay provide clients with professional accounting advice and services. Their focus includes financial statement reporting, corporate and personal tax preparation and planning, bookkeeping and payroll, and business consulting.
Kel says support from the community has been essential since the firm first opened its doors.
“We have the privilege of long-term relationships with a lot of great clients and we all want to thank them for their past and present support,” he adds.
Although Mike is now retired, Kel says his presence will always remain. Mike will continue advising on specialty tax situations such as estates and non-residents, he adds.
“I consider myself very fortunate to have found Mike and this opportunity in Powell River,” says Kel. “His extensive business experience and patient mentoring has been invaluable to all of us. Everyone at the firm wishes Mike all the best in his retirement.”
Reid Hunter Chartered Professional Accountants is located at 7061 Duncan Street in Powell River and 362A-10th Street in Courtenay.
For more information:
• 1.800.562.1750
• praccountants.com
• [email protected]
