New Partner

Please join our Firm in congratulating Nicholas Scaglione on his admission to partnership.

In January 2008, Nick joined DJB as a co-op student at the Hamilton office and became full time in 2011. He was promoted to Manager in January 2015, Senior Manager in 2019, and was admitted to partnership in 2023. Nick provides assurance and tax services to owner-managed businesses in the Hamilton area, working with clients in various industries, including real estate development, construction, and professionals.

In 2010, Nick graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Accounting degree from Brock University and obtained his Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2012.

New Managers

Please join our Firm in congratulating PJ Cole (Hamilton), Michelle DeLuca (St. Catharines), Paige Haggett (Hamilton), and Danielle Vander Vegte (Hamilton) on their promotions to Manager.

PJ Cole

In 2016, PJ was admitted to Beta Gamma Sigma at Brock University, he completed his Bachelor of Accounting (Co-op) in 2018, and Master of Accountancy in 2019 from Brock University. He obtained his CPA designation in early 2020. PJ is currently enrolled in the Chartered Professional Accountants Canada’s In-Depth Tax Program. He joined DJB as a co-op student in 2015, became full-time in the fall of 2019, and was promoted to Manager, Tax in January 2023.

Michelle DeLuca

Michelle has an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and Business, as well as a Bachelor of Education, specializing in adult education. She has completed the Workplace Investigations Certificate Program through Bernardi Human Resource Law LLP. Michelle was promoted to Manager in January 2023.

Paige Haggett

Paige is a Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) and holds a Post Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management from Sheridan College, as well as a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto. She is an active member of the Human Resources Professional Association (HRPA) in Halton region. Paige 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). She was promoted to Manager in January 2023.

Danielle Vander Vegte

Danielle joined DJB as a co-op student in 2016 while completing her Bachelor of Accounting degree from Brock University in December 2018. She graduated with honours and was offered full-time at DJB in January 2019. Danielle also completed her Master of Accountancy at Carleton University in 2020 and received her CPA Designation in 2021. She was promoted to Manager, Assurance in January 2023.

See you at the Joint Chamber Business after 5!

DJB has proudly sponsored the Burlington Chamber of Commerce Business after 5 (co-hosted by the Stoney Creek and Flamborough Chambers). 

You won’t want to miss this evening as it features fun gift giveaways, play money, prizes, Big Wheel, Blackjack, and more! 

New Partner

Please join our Firm in congratulating Arber Dick on her admission to partnership.

Arber works out of the Firm’s Burlington office where she has experience in providing business, financial, and tax consulting services (as well as GST/HST assistance) to owner-managed businesses. This includes audit and assurance services to businesses throughout the Halton and Niagara regions.

Arber was admitted into Beta Gamma Sigma, an international honours society for business programs accredited by AACSB International in July 2006. She qualified as a Chartered Professional Accountant in 2009, after graduating from Brock University in 2008 with an Honours Bachelor of Accounting degree. Arber began her career as a co-op student in DJB’s Burlington office in 2005, became a Manager in 2012, Senior Manager in 2019, and was admitted to partnership in 2023. In 2016, she completed the GST/HST In-Depth Tax course.

In the community, Arber serves as Treasurer for International Needs Canada and volunteers at charity events. She also served as Treasurer for Vineland Missionary Church.  Arber enjoys beach volleyball and baseball.  She loves spending free time with her husband and 4 children, going for walks, playing sports, and enjoying the outdoors.

New Senior Managers

Please join our Firm in congratulating Olaoluwa “Ola” Amuwo (Burlington), Derek Smith (St. Catharines), and Nick Visser (St. Catharines) on their promotions to Senior Manager.

Olaoluwa “Ola” Amuwo

Ola obtained both her Bachelor and Master of Science in Accounting degrees from the University at Buffalo, New York, and received her Certified Public Accountant designation from the state of New York in 2016. She joined DJB as a Manager in the Burlington office in September 2019 and became Senior Manager in January 2023.

Derek Smith

Derek obtained his Bachelor of Accounting degree from Brock University in December 2015 and obtained his CPA, CA designation in December 2017. He has completed all three years of the CICA In-Depth Tax program. Derek started his career at DJB in 2012 as a co-op student and began working full time in 2016. He was promoted to Manager in January 2020 and to Senior Manager in 2023.

Nick Visser

Nick graduated from Brock University with a Bachelor of Accounting degree in 2013 and received his Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2014. He joined DJB in January 2017 in the Assurance In-Charge capacity, was promoted to Manager in January 2019, and became Senior Manager in January 2023.

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 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.

 

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?