Grant J. McDonald
Office Managing Partner
Ottawa
gmcdonald@kpmg.ca
Grant joined KPMG in 1982; he is currently the Office Managing Partner as well as lead Tax partner for a number of significant multinational clients. He provides Canadian and international income tax advice to both public and private companies in a variety of industry sectors. He is also the Sector Leader for the Aerospace and Defence Industry Group for KPMG in Canada, as well as a member of KPMG’s Global A&D Industry Group.
Grant was previously involved in on-campus recruiting at Queen’s and stays connected with the university through his involvement to support the Centre for Responsible Leadership at the Business School. Earlier in Grant’s career he enjoyed a transfer to work with KPMG in the US, spending nearly a year in the South Florida region.
Outside the office Grant enjoys his volunteer board activities, including the National Arts Centre Foundation, Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra, Viennese Opera Ball, and the Village of Rockcliffe Park Foundation. Grant also enjoys cycling, travel and fine wine.
GTA
Heather Baker
Partner
GTA
hjbaker@kpmg.ca
Heather joined the firm back in the days of green / yellow working papers and calculators . . . before the introduction of computers, into the everyday life of a staff accountant (suffice to say, it was a long time ago). She has been an audit partner in the Consumer Markets audit practice since 2000 (previously I was in various other audit and enterprise practices around the GTA). Heather now works primarily in the food and beverage sector. With the global reach of these clients, Heather practices in Canadian GAAP, US GAAP and IFRS.
While she has been with KPMG for her entire career, during a year and half as a senior manager, Heather was on secondment to the CICA as the Secretary of the Emerging Issues Committee. It was a terrific opportunity to develop her research skills and learn from the distinguished members of the EIC, but she was glad to return to her clients at the end of her term. She is now the “Senior People Leader” for the Consumer Markets Audit practice, and also participates in various learning activities.
Outside of work Heather spends most of her “free” time running around with my school-aged children. Together, they’ve discovered dance studios, ball diamonds, cub camps and hockey arenas around the GTA, and learned to make the most of whatever opportunities come along each day. Heather is also involved as a finance volunteer for Sleeping Children Around the World, and Women in Food Industry Management.
Neil Bowden
Senior Manager, Audit
GTA
ndbowden@kpmg.ca
Neil joined KPMG in 2003 after graduating from Queen’s University with a Bachelor of Commerce. Currently a Senior Manager in the Consumer Markets (“CM”) audit practice, Neil’s clients cover a variety of industries, including automotive, professional services, healthcare, sporting equipment, and industrial manufacturing. While primarily Canadian public companies reporting under IFRS (previously Canadian GAAP), certain of his clients also report under US GAAP. Neil is also the Business Manager in CM, with responsibility for resource management, budgeting, and other general troubleshooting.
After spending 4 years in CM, Neil accepted a secondment with the KPMG Chicago office through the Global Opportunities program in 2007, which lasted almost 3 years. He returned to Consumer Markets as a Senior Manager in July 2010. While abroad, he worked on the audits of a diverse set of public and private US companies, travelled the US extensively (then around the world before returning to Toronto), and met a number of great friends and contacts.
Katherine Clarke
Manager, Audit
GTA
416-228-7000 ext. 2388
keclarke@kpmg.ca
Katherine Clarke joined KPMG initially in 2006 as a summer intern in the Halifax office. After graduating from the Commerce program at Queens University in 2007, Katherine joined KPMG Toronto full time. Katherine is currently in the Information, Communication and Entertainment practice, with a focus on clients in the communications sector.
While at KPMG, Katherine has been highly involved in the KPMG UFE Program, both as a mentor to writers and as a UFE coordinator in the ICE group. Outside of work, Katherine enjoys doing activities outdoors including golfing, mountain biking, hiking and swimming as well as participating in team sports such as beach volleyball and touch football.
Brenna Dickison
Manager, Audit
GTA
bdickison@kpmg.ca
Brenna Dickison joined KPMG in September 2007 after graduating from Queen’s University. Brenna works within the Information, Communications and Entertainment audit practice where her clients are mainly within the software and on-line advertising industries.
In addition to being involved with on-campus recruiting, Brenna is an active member of the Social and Community Committee, organizing regular social and volunteer events within her practice. In the summer of 2010, Brenna participated in a four month secondment to Johannesburg as part of a short term exchange program with KPMG South Africa, working within their Energy and Natural Resources audit group while also taking the opportunity to explore southern Africa. Brenna enjoys travelling, skiing and playing rugby.
Heather Dickison
Senior Manager, Audit
GTA
hdickison@kpmg.ca
Heather Dickison joined KPMG in September 2005 as part of the Consumer Markets Audit practice after graduating from Queen’s Commerce and has since transferred to the Energy, Mining and Industrials Audit practice. Heather focuses on the mining industry and also has had clients in the retail and beverages industries. In addition, Heather has assisted several clients with their conversion to IFRS, in conjunction with KPMG’s Advisory practice.
While at KPMG, Heather has participated in a 3-month exchange to KPMG in South Africa’s Johannesburg office as part of the Global Opportunities program. Heather has also been a part of KPMG’s UFE Study Buddy program and is currently the People Leader for her audit practice.
Heather has travelled regularly for her clients and extensively in her personal time. This has lead to many memorable experiences, most notably while in South America, Russia, Africa, and Europe. When she is back at home, Heather enjoys fitness activities and nights out with friends.
Candice Lee
Senior Manager, Audit
GTA
candicelee@kpmg.ca
Candice joined the firm in 2008 from Deloitte as a project manager on some of the largest engagements in the Canadian firm. Candice was part of the firm’s Operational Excellence which assisted audit teams to improve their efficiency by implementing project management techniques to their engagements. Candice is currently completing a 24 month secondment in the National Risk Management where she assisted in implementing the firm’s internal quality initiatives including Quality and Performance Reviews and managing regulatory matters.
Candice was Social Committee Director of Financial Institutions practice in 2009 where she helped plan and organize group socials and team building events. These events helped build camaraderie between co workers outside of the workplace and provided venue for fun after a hard days work.
Candice will be rejoining the audit practice in the fall of 2011 as part of the Consumer Market’s group. She will also be assisting with GTA risk management and outsourcing initiatives. Outside of work her interests include dog rescue, travel, cooking and weight lifting.
Dave Power
Manager, Audit
GTA
dbpower@kpmg.ca
Dave is a Manager in our Audit practice. Dave joined KPMG in September 2006 after completing his BCom at Queen’s University and a summer internship in 2005. He started with KPMG as a staff accountant in the Consumer Markets (“CM”) audit group, where he continues to practice.
During his time at KPMG, Dave has travelled to various cities across the globe, including those in China, the US and Canada for client work. Dave is an active member of CM’s social committee, and has participated in various office running-race events over the years.
When not at the office, Dave enjoys running, having participated in a variety of races, including several half marathons. Dave is an avid movie-watcher and enjoys travelling, working on his golf game and the odd game of dodgeball.
Andrew Smith
Audit Senior Manager – Information, Communications and Entertainment
GTA
416-549-7754
wgasmith@kpmg.ca
Andrew joined the firm in the fall of 2003, having graduated from Queen’s University. He started in the ICE audit group and remains there to this day. His initial interest in ICE was piqued by the opportunity to work with sports-related clients. While this continues to be salient eight years later, he promulgates that his ongoing affinity for the group is also now driven by the diverse client portfolio of fast moving technology companies and the high caliber of the people with whom he works.
Andrew was on the National Honour Roll when he wrote the UFE and subsequently marked the UFE for two years, an experience that he shares with current writers through one-on-one mentorship. Andrew’s clients have taken him to locations in North and South America, Europe, and Asia. During his time with KPMG, he has also completed a short-term secondment to KPMG’s global IFRS group in London, England, and attended a global KPMG conference in Delhi, India.
Outside of work, Andrew is a devoted recreational athlete, exercising regularly (completed P90-X), and playing golf (25-40 rounds per year), tennis, football, and hockey, including organizing the hockey team for the ICE group.
Joyce Sou
Senior Manager, Audit
GTA
jsou@kpmg.ca
Joyce joined KPMG in July 2002 as a summer intern. She has been in the Consumer Markets audit group for over 8 years working mainly with retail and manufacturing clients.
While at KPMG, Joyce participated in the short-term global mobility program in South Africa in 2006. Joyce has spent time as a facilitator for KPMG training which included a week spent in Rome, Italy teaching a global new-hires training course.
Joyce loves to travel and recently took a 9 month sabbatical to visit over 17 countries during that time. Joyce is also involved in a professional network called Social Venture Partners Toronto which strives to reduce poverty through offering financial and professional resources to local non-profit organizations.
Laura Szekely
Manager, Audit
GTA
lszekely@kpmg.ca
Laura Szekely first joined KPMG as a coop student in the Risk and Compliance Advisory group, but later joined KPMG full time in September 2006 after graduating from Queen’s University. Laura then started with and still works in the Financial Institutions Audit practice, where she has worked on a variety of clients including banks, investment dealers, and alternative investment funds.
While at KPMG, Laura has participated in a 4-month secondment to KPMG’s office in the Cayman Islands as part of the Global Opportunities program as well as a 6-month secondment in GTA Talent Attraction. Over the past few years, Laura has also been involved with KPMG’s UFE program, teaching internal training, and is currently the recruiting manager for her group.
Outside of work, Laura enjoys playing tennis, skiing, water sports and travelling.
Michelle Podhy
Partner, Audit
Kingston
mpodhy@kpmg.ca
Michelle graduated from Queen’s University in 1981 and joined KPMG that fall. Michelle has over 29 years of public accounting experience, including extensive experience in auditing public sector and not-for-profit organizations. This experience involves all aspects of audit planning, control and reporting, including liaison with audit committees and boards of directors for large public sector clients including hospitals, universities, colleges and municipalities.
While at KPMG, Michelle was seconded for two years to a university to assist in setting up and establishing an internal audit function. Over the years, she has participated in recruiting for both new and experienced hires. Currently Michelle is a member of the Board of Directors for KPMG Canada.
Michelle contributes a significant amount of time to volunteering. Her current activities include the Museum of Health Care, Anna and Edward Churchill Foundation and Bay of Quinte Conference of the United Church of Canada. She enjoys hockey, reading and traveling.
Brent Hoffman
Senior Manager, Audit
Kingston
brenthoffman@kpmg.ca
Brent joined KPMG in September 1989 after completing his B.Comm at Queen’s University. Brent started with KPMG as an auditing student and has worked in a number of areas in Kingston’s Audit practice and KPMG Enterprise group. Brent obtained his CA designation in 1991 and obtained his Certified Financial Planner designation in 2000.
While at KPMG, Brent has been involved in numerous human resources initiatives including being involved with recruitment and acting as a UFE Coordinator and Performance Counsellor for a number of years.
Brent's current focus is split between the Audit practice and running Kingston’s KPMG Enterprise group, which focuses on small to medium sized private companies. Brent enjoys baseball, golf, and attending his two children’s many sporting events.
Sadaf Ghoreshy
Manager, Audit
Kingston
sghoreshy@kpmg.ca
Sadaf joined the firm in September 2006 after completing her Bachelor of Commerce with Honours, and since that time has been working in the Audit group. The Kingston office is exposed to several industries, and so Sadaf's clients range from construction, real estate and manufacturing to hospitals, utility providers and universities.
Some of Sadaf's most memorable moments with KPMG involve volunteer activities in the community, in particular, participation in the KPMG Easter Seals Beach Volleyball Tournament. Also, the travelling opportunities that have come with some clients have taken Sadaf from locations like Nashville, Tennessee to London, England.
Sadaf's hobbies revolve mostly around sports, in particular cycling, volleyball, ultimate Frisbee, softball, and running. She's involved in several leagues year-round, and enjoys the physical and social benefits that come with it.
Jake Byers
Specialist – International Executive Services (IES) Tax
Kingston
Jake started at KPMG in September 2006 after graduating from Queen’s University. He began his KPMG career in the Information, Communication and Entertainment (ICE) audit group. After successful completion of his CA exams and audit hours Jake transferred to the IES tax group early 2009. In the IES group Jake does US and Canadian personal tax work for a variety of clients. In 2010, Jake completed his reciprocity exam so in addition to being a Chartered Accountant he also holds a CPA designation. Jake will be promoted to Manager in the fall. With respect to recruiting Jake has been involved since his first week at KPMG and enjoys discussing both the audit and tax side of the firm.
Outside of work Jake enjoys anything to do with sports. He plays ice and floor hockey in the fall and winter and baseball, ultimate frisbee and golf in the spring and summer.
Rebecca Prophet
Senior Accountant, Audit
Kingston
rprophet@kpmg.ca
Rebecca joined the KPMG Kingston audit team in October 2009 after completing her B.COMM at Queen’s University the previous spring. Rebecca has experience in the MUSH sector (municipality’s, universities, school boards, and hospitals) as well as with for-profit clients in the hospitality, food processing, and real estate industries.
Upon completion of her CA exams this past year, Rebecca has spent time as a UFE mentor, on the KPMG United Way Campaign Team, and recently joined the recruiting team.
Beyond work, Rebecca is in her fifth year as a volunteer with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation as the Kingston Chapter Treasurer. Rebecca is also an avid equestrian having competed all over North America, she enjoys travelling and will add Ireland and Greece to her destinations this summer, and couldn’t imagine life without a good book or two and a great group of friends.
Matt Stevens
Senior Associate, Transactions and Restructuring
Vancouver
mcstevens@kpmg.ca
Matt joined the Corporate Finance and Valuations group in the KPMG Advisory practice in October 2010 after three years in Audit with the FIRES group. Matt also completed a summer internship in 2005. He has worked with clients from a variety of industries including hospitality, real estate development, transportation and logistics and financial institutions.
Matt obtained his BCOM from UBC in 2007, and his MPAcc from the University of Saskatchewan in 2009. He wrote the UFE in September 2009 and earned a place on the national honour roll. Matt has had the opportunity to travel to Orlando, Whistler, Anaheim, Salt Lake City and Boston for work for his various clients. He is also heavily involved with recruiting and loves to meet the next generation of KPMG staff!
Outside of work Matt enjoys playing golf and football, running and hanging out in Vancouver and is currently involved in the launch of the Vancouver chapter of the Sauder Business Alumni Club. Matt also enjoys traveling, and lived in Italy and Belgium for a year while on exchange from UBC.