At True North Accounting, we’re proud to provide accounting, bookkeeping and small business advisory services for small businesses in Calgary and Okotoks, Alberta.
We get it — it’s stressful being a small business owner. You’re wearing several hats, juggling a lot of responsibilities. You may be drowning in paperwork or your brain might be in a knot with several big decisions you need to make, but don’t know where to start.
How can we make life easier for you?
We aren’t just Chartered Professional Accountants, we’re small business owners too. We help our clients build a solid foundation and set them up for success. So while our job is to keep your books straight and file your taxes on time, you can count on us for tips and strategic advice to guide you through the adventure of owning your own business.
We’re on your side, and simply put, we help you find your True North.
Why True North?
No more stressing over tax deadlines or receipts — we help you work in a smarter, more streamlined way. We can build “organized” into your daily routine, and show you how to put your finances on auto-drive.
NO SURPRISE BILLS
We give you a price up front, so you don’t need to worry about additional bills for that phone call or email.
Never talk to a CRA agent again. They’ll call us directly if they have questions, and we’ll make sure all their questions and requests are handled properly. We won’t bill you extra for this.
A CLEAR AND SIMPLE PROCESS
You get a checklist with a few things to provide, and we clearly define your day-to-day responsibilities when it comes to the financial side of your business. After we set you up with a few of the latest software applications, your record-keeping will be automated. You’ll also be able to invoice and file receipts on the go.
A HUMAN ON YOUR SIDE
Fancy apps and integration aside, you’ll still have a human on your team to support you, answer your questions and provide insights and analysis to help you grow your business. You’ll be working with real-time data so you have the information required to make the decisions necessary, helping you sleep better at night.
Who we work with
We work with incorporated small businesses in Canada. Our offices are located in Calgary and Okotoks, Alberta.
Here’s a list of industries we specialize in:
- Management and Consulting: Construction, engineering, IT, management, project managers
- Oil and Gas: Environmental and remediation, drilling consultants, project managers, safety consultants, truckers
- Marketing and Technology: Designers, writers, developers, photographers, marketing professionals, IT professionals
- Healthcare: Doctors, dentists, psychologists, physiotherapists, naturopaths, dietitians, clinics
- Trades: Electricians, welders, millwrights, plumbers, carpenters, mechanics, truckers, specialized construction
- Other Professionals: architects and interior designers, holding companies, lawyers and law firms, realtors and brokerages, mortgage brokers, sales professionals
Services
You need a partner to oversee your finances to make sure you’re getting paid properly, help handle the year-end, and take care of all things tax-related. We can be there for you.
Bookkeeping and Write-offs
Bookkeeping is an important part of running your business. Get on a Xero plan and we'll categorize all your transactions for you, making sure you're getting credit for all the write-offs available. Manage your paperwork easily with Hubdoc, and audit-proof your business as you go. We can provide monthly or quarterly financials so you know how your business is performing in real time.
Small Business Tax and GST
Our experienced CPAs are on your team. Tax season can be stressful, but you'll have peace of mind knowing everything is taken care of. Our accountants specialize in corporate taxes and we stand behind the work we do.
Dividends, Payroll and T Slips
One of the biggest tax planning decisions you'll make each year is how you, as the owner, are compensated. We’ll run the analysis and give you the pros and cons of dividends and salary.
We can get you set up on monthly payroll, or just prepare your T slips at the year-end. We’re here to support you along the way.
Personal Tax and Finances
Corporate or personal, we have you covered. As your small business accountant, we provide support with everything from investment income and capital gains to write-offs, expenses, deductions and income splitting.
If you don’t have a plan for retirement, ask us about our Personal Financial Planning program.
Small Business Advisory Services
It can be tough finding advisors that know the story of your business and the challenges you’re facing. Our CPAs are experienced with cash flow management, growth and strategic planning. If you’d like insights and advice from an objective perspective, ask about our Strategy and Growth Sessions.
Small Business Resources
There’s a lot to navigate when you’re a small business owner. We’ve got handy guides, tools, answers to your questions and people who can help you on your way.
THE PATH TO STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Our free ebook, The Path To Starting Your Own Business, will give you clarity on how to start your business in Alberta as a corporation. We’ll walk you through incorporation and getting your business set up correctly. The book also outlines how to keep track of your business’s financial life and important tax considerations in Canada.
In our ebook, you’ll learn:
- The pros and cons of sole proprietor vs incorporation
- How to strategically plan your business and make it official
- How to get paid
- Bookkeeping basics
- Tax overview: CRA business accounts, how much you’ll owe and basic tax planning
- How to get and stay organized for taxes
GUIDE FOR SOLE PROPRIETORS
Sole proprietor is the default category if you just start working for yourself as a freelance consultant or self-employed trade or professional. You are your business. This guide outlines how to get the financial side of your business set up correctly, and stay organized for bookkeeping and taxes.
In our ebook, you’ll learn:
- How to register your business
- How to get paid
- Bookkeeping basics
- Types of taxes
- Important deadlines
- How to get and stay organized for taxes
TOOLKIT
We’ve got resources to put in your pocket: accounting and bookkeeping templates and samples. Plus, the best in small business apps and calculators.
NEWSLETTER
Get corporate accounting and bookkeeping advice straight to your inbox each month. Besides tax deadline reminders and tips, we’ll send you relevant events and compelling resources to help you along your small business journey in Alberta. Subscribe to our newsletter.
An accounting plan just for you
Whether you’re just starting out or a “chief something officer,” we can handle your taxes and set you up for success. We work together to figure out what plan is best for you and your business so that you understand our process and know exactly what you’re getting.
FOR CORPORATIONS
The Adventurer is for the business-of-one with less than $10k in monthly expenses.
You are your own full-time boss with bills to pay, places to go, people to see, and maybe even an employee. In the words of esteemed entrepreneur Jay Z, you’re not a businessman, you’re a business, man. Learn more
The Mountaineer is ideal for corporations with $25k to $250k in monthly expenses and up to 20 employees.
You are a growing business with big ambitions and some big ambition challenges. You have a team to support you (but somehow never a lack of things to do), goals you’re working towards, and you’re now at the point where a payroll or two clears your accounts faster than you’d like. Learn more
Contact us
Need to chat? Our doors are always open. Let us know if you’re interested in learning more about our services or have any questions. We’d love to hear from you.
Like what you hear?
Are you on the hunt for a more proactive small business accountant? That’s us.
