Durward Jones Barkwell & Company LLP named as one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers for 2026

DJB is proud to share that, for the fifth consecutive year, we have been named one of Hamilton‑Niagara’s Top Employers for 2026. The full list of this year’s winners was published on January 15, 2026, in The Hamilton Spectator.

At DJB, fostering an environment of well-being is the cornerstone of our culture. In addition to a number of social events that help to bolster morale and create connections within our offices, the Firm has also brought back its popular Therapy Dogs program. During busy periods of work, offering staff these simple, yet meaningful opportunities to unplug and recharge makes a difference.

Receiving this recognition really matters to us, it validates the investments we are making in our workplace. The focus on employee well-being is not just an initiative; it is our new normal. We want and need to build healthier, sustained habits in the workplace, which help retain and attract top talent in our region.” says Darryl Teutenberg, Firm Managing Partner.

To be selected as one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers, organizations are evaluated on criteria such as Workplace; Work Atmosphere & Social; Health, Financial & Family Benefits; Vacation & Time Off; Employee Communications; Performance Management; Training & Skills Development; and Community Involvement. DJB’s recognition highlights our dedication to building a workplace where well-being, inclusivity, and professional growth thrive together.

Read the reasons for DJB’s selection as a Top Employer in the Hamilton-Niagara region.

 

 

About DJB. DJB is one of the largest public accounting firms in the Niagara/Hamilton/Halton region 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.

About Mediacorp Canada Inc. Since 1999, Mediacorp has managed the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project, which includes 19 regional and special-interest competitions reaching millions of Canadians through magazine and newspaper partners, including The Globe and Mail. Mediacorp also operates Eluta.ca, Canada’s largest job-search engine, which draws postings directly from employer websites.

New Principals 2026

Please join our Firm in congratulating Matt Miedus (Burlington) and Shawn Rusan (St. Catharines) on their promotions to Principal.

Matt Miedus

Matt earned his Chartered Professional Accountant designation in 2011 and has since progressed to Manager in 2014 and Senior Manager in 2019. As of January 2026, he steps into the position of Principal.

Shawn Rusan

Shawn joined DJB in 2008 as an experienced staff member. After passing the CPA examinations in 2004, he earned his CPA designation in 2007 and completed the CPA Canada In-Depth Tax Program in 2008. He was promoted to Manager in January 2009 and Senior Tax Manager in January 2018. Shawn begins his role as Principal, Tax in January 2026.

New Partner 2026

Please join our Firm in congratulating Travis Redding (Burlington) on his admission to partnership.

Travis joined the Firm as a Senior Tax Manager in 2020 and was admitted to partnership in January 2026. He works with clients to provide personal, corporate, trust & estate tax compliance and planning services to owner-managed businesses of all sizes. Travis’s experience includes assisting clients with shareholder remuneration strategies, tax-efficient corporate structuring, business succession planning and estate freezes, purchases and sales of businesses, estate and post-mortem planning, family trust planning, and resolving tax disputes with the Canada Revenue Agency on behalf of clients.

Travis completed his Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University in 2009 and received his Chartered Professional Accountant & Chartered Accountant Designations in 2014. He has also completed the following CPA Canada tax specialty courses: In-Depth Tax Course Parts 1 – 3 (2018), In-Depth Tax Issues for the Owner-Managed Business (2019), In-Depth Corporate Reorganizations (2023), and In-Depth International Tax (2024). Travis has also been recognized for his contribution to the writing of ‘Chapter 5: The Use of Professional and Personal Service Corporations’ in Taxation of Private Corporations and Their Shareholders, 5th ed. (CTF, 2020).

When not serving clients, Travis enjoys travelling, golfing, and staying active. He also donates his time and expertise by assisting with tax preparation for low-income individuals.

Holiday Hours Notice

The holidays are almost here! Our offices will close at noon on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, and will reopen on Friday, January 2, 2026.

2025 Successful CFE Writers

Please join our Firm in congratulating Aziz Basic (Niagara), Jessica Richard-Brain (Hamilton), Hailey D’Angela (Hamilton), Peter Rigas (Niagara), Kersey Robinson (Niagara), and Ruwani Thambavita (Burlington) for successfully passing their 2025 Common Final Evaluation (CFE). The CFE is the final educational requirement leading to the Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

It’s Financial Planning Week!

November 17 -23

Financial Planning Week is here, and it’s the perfect time to take a fresh look at your financial goals and the steps you’re taking to achieve them.

As Vice President of Wealth Management, I want to personally invite you to explore how working with a financial planner can help you build a more confident and secure future. Whether you’re planning for retirement, saving for a major milestone, or simply looking to make smarter decisions with your money, our team is here to guide you.

I have selected a few insightful reads that highlight the unique value of professional financial planning. Each one is designed to help you feel more informed, more confident, and more in control of your financial journey:

I’d also like to encourage you to take this opportunity to:

  • Schedule a conversation with one of our financial planners to explore how we can support your goals
  • Read the featured articles above (and a few on our website) to deepen your understanding of key financial topics
  • Reflect on your current financial plan and identify areas where you’d like to grow

Financial empowerment starts with awareness, and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Warm Regards,

Brad Giroux

Vice President, DJB Wealth Management Inc.

Office Closure Partial Day – Wednesday, October 22, 2025

We will be closing our offices on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, (partial day) as our entire Firm will be participating in our annual Firm Professional Development Day. Our offices will reopen at 3:00 pm that day and resume our regular business hours.

Monday to Friday  |  8:30am – 5:00pm

Recognizing Excellence: Christina Atkinson Finalist in Women in Business Awards

We’re proud to announce that Christina Atkinson, Principal – HR Advisory at DJB, has been named a finalist for the Corporate Leadership Award at the Women in Business Awards. This recognition celebrates her outstanding leadership and impact within our organization and the broader Niagara business community.

We look forward to joining the celebration on November 13, 2025, at the Sheraton Fallsview Hotel and extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the remarkable finalists who continue to inspire and shape the future of business in Niagara.