While many people kick off the new year with a set of resolutions, Powell River’s largest full-service accounting firm is starting 2019 with some changes of its own.
After 20 years of assisting clients on Duncan Street, dmd Chartered Professional Accountants, formerly known as Del Mistro Dunn, has rebranded itself and moved to Unit 3 4313 Alberta Avenue.
dmd’s new offices are now located in the recently renovated first three units on the top floor of the Georgia Centre, the building that straddles Franklin and Alberta avenues.
"We had an opportunity to move into an exciting new project by the Agius Group and we jumped at the chance," says Steve Beck, one of dmd’s three partners. “Looking forward to the future of our firm, this new space makes sense for us.”
The firm’s other partners are Dwayne Dunn and David Southall.
dmd specializes in preparing financial statements and providing audits, tax consulting, business succession and estate planning for individuals and businesses.
“Our main work is in providing financial statements and reporting for various private companies, not-for-profit organizations, public service bodies and charities,” says Dwayne. “We are the largest full-service, fully licensed firm in Powell River.”
All three of the partners have CPA (Chartered Professional Accountants) and CGA (Certified General Accountant) designations. Dwayne also holds a Chartered Accountant designation and David holds a Chartered Certified Accountant designation from the UK’s Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.
Dwayne says the firm’s new space offers staff and clients many improvements over their former offices, including ground-level access, fewer stairs to contend with, and bigger, brighter offices and meeting rooms.
The move and rebranding comes after founding partner Lawrence Del Mistro recently decided to step back from his role as partner in the firm.
“Larry started the firm over 25 years ago, moving his practice from Vancouver to Powell River. He has recently transitioned from partner to independent consultant,” says Steve. “Larry is still available to service clients through our firm.”
Steve adds that, as a consultant, Larrybrings many years of client service and income tax expertise to the firm.
With the change of partners, the time seemed right for a rebranding, says Dwayne. Some of their clients were already referring to the firm as dmd, he adds.
“The new name seems to make a lot of sense,” he says. “We hope our clients feel as comfortable with it as we do.”
Even though the firm has made changes, clients can still expect the same great service they have come to expect from us, says Dwayne.
The move has special significance for one of the firm’s employees, explains Dwayne. NemieMay came to work at dmd as an accountant in 2006.
“Nemie startedaccounting in public practice over 30 years ago and her office was at 4313 Alberta Avenue,” he says. “She’s come full circle and will be ending her career (hopefully not too soon)out of the building where she started.”
The firm’s staff is one of its greatest strengths, says Steve. The firm employs nine staff and two consultants, including CPAs Kellie Jones and Katie Ruedig; original employee and accountant Leila Lynch; articling students Graciela Ayala, Cara Bratseth and Kristen Lance; bookkeeper Diane Bolton and executive assistant/receptionist June Henderson.
dmd continues to seek out and develop lifetime relationships with clients, particularly young people who are just starting out in business.
“We want to be there to support the full cycle of business for the long term,” says Steve. “dmd is proud to be a part of this community and to support local organizations such as PRISMA, Powell River Film Festival, Powell River Community Foundation and Powell River Logger Sports.”
For more information about dmd and its services, readers can visit the firm’s website dmdcpa.ca, call 604.485.2726 or email [email protected].