Year: 2022

Fireside Chat with Our HR Advisors

Join DJB’s Human Resources Advisors for a 60-minute interactive fireside chat, exploring the trend of “quiet quitting” and what employers can do to re-engage employees as we head towards a new year.

Participants are encouraged to grab a warm drink, BYOQ (Bring Your Own Questions), and settle in by our cozy virtual fireside for an HR update, followed by an open discussion with our panel of seasoned HR advisors.

Advance questions are encouraged and can be submitted through the registration page or by emailing djbhr@djb.com. 

Registration for this event is now closed.

 

 

DJB’S HR PANELISTS:

Christina Atkinson Christina Atkinson, Principal, Human Resources Advisory, MA, CHRL, CEC

Christina Atkinson is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) with over 25 years of senior HR and leadership experience. She holds a Master of Arts degree in Psychology, the Human Resources Management designation, and is a Certified Executive Coach (CEC). Christina is a member of the Niagara chapter of the HRPA, as well as the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) in the US.

As the Principal, Human Resources Advisory, Christina oversees both the internal HR department and the HR Advisory Services practice, providing leadership and direction to DJB senior management on all HR matters and leading a team of professionals to provide the full range of HR services for external clients.

catkinson@djb.com
Michelle De Luca Michelle DeLuca, Senior Human Resources Consultant

Michelle has over 20 years’ experience working in Human Resources in the areas of Talent Acquisition, Training and Development, and more recently as an HR Generalist. She has completed the Workplace Investigations Certificate Program through Bernardi Human Resource Law LLP. Michelle is a member of the Niagara chapter of the HRPA, as well as the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) in the US. She has an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Business, as well as a Bachelor of Education, specializing in adult education.

Prior to joining DJB, Michelle gained valuable HR experience working as a Staffing Consultant and Talent Development Consultant for the financial services arm of a large Canadian retailer. Her experience included supporting leaders across the enterprise to help achieve operational goals and drive performance. She is a client-focused HR professional who successfully builds strong relationships with her internal and external clients.

mdeluca@djb.com
close crop image of Erin Dubecki Erin Dubecki, Senior Human Resources Consultant

Erin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from Brock University with a concentration in Human Resources, as well as a Compensation Management Specialist (CMS) certificate from the International Foundation of Employee Benefits Plan. Erin has also successfully completed the Workplace Investigations Training and Certificate Program conducted by Bernardi Human Resource Law in consultation with Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA).

Erin has over eight years of generalist experience, supporting a variety of human resources initiatives. She brings with her broad knowledge in all areas of human resources, including recruitment, training, compensation and benefits, policy development, and employee relations.

edubecki@djb.com
close crop image of Fran Bonomi Fran Bonomi, Human Resources Coordinator, CHRP

Fran is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Niagara College, as well as an Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences from Western University. As a recent graduate, she is involved in a wide variety of projects and initiatives as part of the Human Resources Advisory Team.

Fran is an active member in the Niagara community and is also an assistant coach with Brock Athletics.

fbonomi@djb.com
Professional headshot of Francesca-Alexandra Neagu Francesca Neagu, Human Resources Assistant

Francesca joined DJB as an intern in April 2021 and was hired into a full-time role in July 2021. She helps to support the Firm’s internal recruitment efforts and HR team. Francesca supports the internal HR team in all administrative tasks, in particular with job description creation, job posting, and candidate screening & interviews – straight through to the onboarding and orientation of all new DJB staff members. Francesca also provides support for the Human Resources Advisory practice whenever needed.

fneagu@djb.com
Professional headshot of Michaela Basciano Michaela Basciano, Human Resources Assistant

Michaela holds a Bachelor of Arts, specializing in Psychology and Commerce from the University of British Columbia (UBC), as well as a Post Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Niagara College. She joined DJB as an Intern in January of 2022 and was hired into a permanent position in July of 2022. Michaela is a member of the Niagara Chapter of the HRPA, where she is pursuing her Certified HR Professional designation.

mbasciano@djb.com

Durward Jones Barkwell & Company LLP named as one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers for 2023!

It is our pleasure to share that we’ve been named one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers for 2023 by Mediacorp Canada Inc., organizers of the annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. This year’s regional winners were announced on November 24, 2022, in The Hamilton Spectator. DJB was honoured to have previously received this distinction in 2020 and again in 2022.

To be selected as a Top Employer, companies are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offer the most progressive programs.

“This distinction is an incredible achievement for DJB and I believe a real differentiator as a leading employer within the region.  From the great initiatives we’ve implemented to the amazing culture of our Firm, we couldn’t be more pleased to be among the best companies for aspiring professionals within the region.” Darryl Teutenberg, Firm Managing Partner.

To be selected as one of Hamilton-Niagara Top Employers, organizations are evaluated on:

  • Physical Workplace
  • Work Atmosphere and Communications
  • Health Benefits
  • Financial Benefits and Compensation
  • Family-Friendly Policies
  • Performance Management, Training and Development
  • Vacation Policy and Paid Days Off
  • Community Involvement

The annual competition is open to any employer with its head office in the Hamilton-Niagara area, and employers of any size may apply, whether private or public sector.

Read the reasons for DJB’s selection as a top employer.

 


About DJB.  DJB is one of the largest public accounting firms in the Niagara, Hamilton, and Halton regions with multiple locations offering accounting, assurance, and business advisory services to businesses located throughout Southern Ontario. The Firm was founded in 1940 and has built its reputation on the engagement and commitment we’ve made to the communities in which we work and live.

DJB is a member of the RSM Canada Alliance.  The alliance provides us with access to the resources of RSM Canada while still allowing us to maintain our independence and entrepreneurial spirit. Through the RSM Canada Alliance, we are continuing to build and enhance our Firm’s culture by leveraging the infrastructure and best practices of RSM Canada.

 

Welcome to National Financial Planning Week!

Running from November 20th to 26th, Financial Planning week is an important component of Financial Literacy Month (November). Through participation in this annual campaign, we strive to help raise awareness and promote the benefits of financial planning with a professional planner.

Financial planning is more than just budgeting and saving, it is the strategy and process that sets you on a course to achieve your life goals through the proper management of your financial affairs.

We have a number of Financial Planning articles on our website and we encourage you to take the time to review them. We believe that these articles are timely, informative, and beneficial to ensuring your financial success.

Challenge yourself! Read a new Financial Planning article each day this week.

Monday – Monthly Financial Planning Tips (article below)

Tuesday – Inheritance Planning

Wednesday – RESP Withdrawal Options

Thursday – Crisis Proofing Your Business

Friday – CPP: When to Apply?

If you come across something, and you’d like to discuss it further, please reach out to any member of the DJB Wealth Management team. We are honoured to be of service to you.

 

For a printable version: Monthly Financial Planning Tips

 

Tax Tips & Traps: 2022 Q4

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS ISSUE INCLUDE:
  • Tax Tidbits
  • Crowd Funding: Taxable or Not?
  • Trusts: New and Expanded Disclosure Requirements
  • Director Liability: Is Asking About Source Deductions Enough?

FSAT News: Fall/Winter 2022

TOPICS COVERED IN THIS ISSUE:

  • Loss of Earning Capacity
  • Considerations When Preparing Guideline Public Company Multiples for a Private Business
  • Discount Rate Increases to 0.5% for Trials in 2023
  • Working Capital in Business Transactions

Congratulations Pioneer Flower Farms Limited for 50 Years in Business!

We are proud to share that our client, Pioneer Flower Farms Limited, is celebrating 50 years in business, and we are happy to continue to have the opportunity to partner with them on their journey.

Pioneer Flower Farms Story

Pioneer’s roots were established in 1971 when Henk Sikking purchased a farm in St. Catharines, Ontario. Using the experience he gained at his father’s farm in the Netherlands, he started a bulb-forcing greenhouse in Canada, growing a large variety of bulbs and seasonal crops for wholesale purposes. His passion for growing was introduced to his two sons, Henk Jr. and Peter, who now oversee the greenhouse operation and together have built up one of the largest bulb-forcing farms in North America, producing over 70 million blooms per year making Pioneer an industry leader.

Pioneer Flower Farms

Foresight: Fall/Winter 2022

Topics covered in this issue:
  • The 7 Most Common HST Audit Issues
  • Residential Property Flipping – Important Taxation Considerations
  • Saving for Your First Home
  • Payroll Considerations for Foreign Employees Working in Canada
  • Choosing the Right Software