Durward Jones Barkwell & Company LLP

Chartered accountants with offices across the Niagara peninsula

Known as DJB, Durward Jones Barkwell and Company LLP serves the Niagara, Hamilton and Halton regions of Ontario from several offices. The firm says it has been providing financial and business consulting since 1940, and it is among the biggest independent public accounting practices in those regions. Its offices cover a wide area, from Burlington to Fort Erie, and its advisers serve entrepreneurs, business owners and organisations across many sectors.

Accounting and assurance for owner-run businesses

The core work is accounting and assurance for businesses of all sizes. The firm's professionals serve owner-operated businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations and trusts, as well as public sector bodies and not-for-profit organisations. It says its clients are local, national and international in scope, and that it aims to give an integrated and proactive approach, with timely financial information and a service that is tailored to each client.

Tax planning, compliance and cross-border matters

On tax, the firm provides planning intended to help clients keep more of what they earn, along with compliance work across the year. It has a focus on making sure businesses handle goods and services tax and harmonised sales tax correctly, both within Canada and across borders. It also advises on the tax position of a business or person moving to another country, and on the cross-border case where a Canadian resident owns United States property that produces rental income.

Valuations and loss calculations

The valuation work assesses what a business is worth, and the firm says its advisers are trusted to do so with the experience needed for that task. The firm also prepares economic loss calculations and motor vehicle accident benefit calculations, which it presents as specialist work carried out on behalf of individuals and businesses affected by an accident or a loss.

Business advisory for growing organisations

Beyond the compliance work, the firm offers business advisory services to growing organisations and family enterprises. It describes this as a way to stay focused on managing and growing the business while the firm handles the accounting needs. The advisory work sits alongside the accounting and tax work, so that the same team can see both the figures and the wider direction of the company.

Human resources advisory

Human resources advisory is a separate service within the firm's offer. It is run by specialist consultants, and it gives businesses help with the people side of their operations as a distinct line of work, alongside the financial services that make up most of the firm's business.

Sectors and the regions the firm serves

The firm names agribusiness, construction, general contracting, manufacturing and real estate as sectors it advises. The firm says it can serve clients locally, nationally and internationally through its relationship with the Professional Services+ Collaborative, and it describes its offices as covering the full band of towns from Burlington to Fort Erie.

Insights and ways to get in touch

The firm publishes insights on tax and business matters, including regular tax tips covering recent changes in rules and policy. Potential clients are invited to call or write to the firm, and it lists an office finder so that people can contact the office nearest them.