Geoff Smethurst CPA, CGA, LPA

Why I practice:

I enjoy working with business owners and individuals to assist in decision-making.  We have the opportunity to help business owners understand their business in a unique manner by providing accurate, relevant, and real-time data.   I take pride in being a trusted advisor and helping both individuals and businesses succeed as well as plan for the future.

Areas of practice:

I focus most of my attention on working with businesses on their accounting, often on a monthly or quarterly basis.  I am also a licensed public accountant and, as such, am qualified to provide audit and review engagement services.  Through independent analysis, our team can objectively assess the constructs of a business and the control systems in place. We also assist not-for-profit organizations and charities.

In line with my commitment to continuous improvement, I am expanding my advisory practice into specialized trust and estate planning. I am currently completing the final requirements to earn the Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP) designation—a highly regarded credential within the estate and trust planning community. My foundation in this area is built on advanced, specialized coursework covering the Law of Trusts, the Taxation of Trusts and Estates, Wills, Trusts and Estate Administration, as well as comprehensive Trust and Estate Planning. This rigorous training allows me to provide deep, forward-looking guidance to individuals, families, and business owners managing complex wealth transitions and legacy planning.

What do you enjoy most about working in Burlington at Edelkoort Smethurst CPAs LLP?

Burlington is a busy city, in a good way.  There are lots of great restaurants and businesses, many of which look to us for support.  It also acts as a central point with convenient access to Toronto, Niagara, and Kitchener/Waterloo.

What do clients appreciate about you?

I think clients appreciate my responsiveness and my approachability. I make a concerted effort to not only respond to clients in a timely manner but also communicate effectively. I am always trying to better myself at simplifying the complex aspects of our profession to better support clients.

What’s the most rewarding thing about being an accountant?

Helping people in a time of need, as cliché as it sounds.  Whether it’s supporting a family member who has just lost someone or a business owner who needs to make a difficult decision, I find clients place a lot of trust in my opinion and I am grateful to be a person of support for them.

Favourite Chocolate bar:

If I have to pick one, it has to be Cadbury Wunderbar.  I feel it’s an underdog in the world of chocolate bars, often pushed aside at store checkouts.  Really, what could be better than peanut butter mixed with light rice crisps covered in the perfect amount of chocolate?