Baker Tilly is Canada’s largest association of chartered professional accounting firms providing audit, tax, and advisory solutions. Terri Holowath, CPA, CA, joined Baker Tilly in 1992 and became a managing partner in 2010, Terri lives on an acreage west of Cayley.
“At the start of my journey, the firm I joined was based in High River and was called Coakwell Moore,” says Holowath. “In 1999 the firm added an office in downtown Calgary and in 2002, changed the name to Catalyst. In 2009 we merged the High River and Calgary offices in to one location in Quarry Park. Over the last 12 years we have doubled in size. We joined the Baker Tilly network in September 2021, changing our name to Baker Tilly Catalyst.
“We are very excited to have joined the Baker Tilly network and the support it will give us to continue to provide quality service to our clients. It allows us to continue as an independently owned organization, maintaining the qualities that have made us successful; partner unity, relationships and culture while at the same time providing access to professionals across Canada, the strength of an international brand, and expanded internal infrastructure.”
She notes that “We are unique for firms our size in the breadth and depth of service we offer. There are not many mid-size firms that offer a full suite of accounting and tax plus wealth management, CFO support, business valuations, leadership training, business coaching, and US tax.”
Holowath explains how Baker Tilly Catalyst stands out, “Partner unity helps set us apart. The shared commitment from the owners to a common vision contribute to the success of our organization.” The firm also focuses on building long-term relationships and fosters a workplace culture that respects individual talent, choices, lifestyle and diversity. “We make every effort to treat our people as individuals, and they do the same with clients.”
Baker Tilly Catalyst’s services include succession planning, an often procrastinated but very vital process for business owners.
“The most important lessons about succession are to start early and that it is not simply a technical tax transaction, it is firstly a lifestyle change,” advises Holowath. “Every business owner, regardless of the stage of their career, should know their exit strategy; whether it be a family member, key employee, or selling externally. It will evolve over time but at least you are taking the steps early to develop a strategy to maximize and protect your business equity as well as preparing yourself mentally.
“We have worked with a lot of business owners and for many of them, their business is a very important – sometimes the most important – component in their lives. Their business may also be connected to their family, friends and network; every component of their life revolves around their business. Too many times we see advisors jump into the tax structuring or value discussion without addressing the lifestyle issues first.”
While succession planning is a service they provide often, Baker Tilly Catalyst has services for business at every stage of their journey.
“We are much more than taxes and bookkeeping; we will support you with your business and personal financial goals, family business relationships, and lifestyle changes.”
As a proud community partner, Baker Tilly Catalyst gives back to several local organizations through funds, donations and volunteering. Some of the charities they support include Between Friends, Rowan House Society, High River District Healthcare Foundation, National Music Centre, Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation, and MS Society of Canada.
Holowath concludes, “I thank our valued clients who continue to trust us with their business and personal wealth; our staff who dedicate their careers to our vision; and our business network, lawyers, bankers and external advisors who work with us.”
Learn more Baker Tilly at www.bakertilly.ca.
