Margaret Friesen Chartered Professional Accountant
Our business is built on serving the varied needs of small businesses, farmers, and individuals from the rural setting of our office near the hamlet of Bezanson, on highway 43 just east of Grande Prairie, Alberta. With the help of high-speed internet, remote access, and implementing the latest technology in accounting and tax software, data management and communication, we are able to serve our clients throughout Alberta, as well as BC and Saskatchewan with the same level of efficiency and professionalism as we do our rural neighbours.
Our focus is on exceeding the service expectations of our existing clients, rather than growing rapidly as a business. The natural outcome of this has been slow steady growth that has come by referrals from our many satisfied customers. We continually strive to improve the service to our clients by staying up-to-date in relevant business and personal tax matters, industry changes and agriculture government programs. We do this through attending tax and accounting conferences, consulting with specialists when required, and staying current in all accounting software systems.
I was born and raised in the Fort St. John, BC area of the Peace Country. I obtained my Bachelor of Commerce, with distinction, in 1997 from the University of Calgary. I wrote and passed the UFE examination in 1998 and obtained my CA designation in 2001 after completing the necessary articling experience with a local Grande Prairie Chartered Accounting firm. The challenge of raising three children and balancing family life with my career is what motivated me to establish my own accounting practice in January 2003. Being a small business owner helps me identify with our clients and the unique challenges facing businesses and families in the economy of the Peace Country.
I was born and raised in the Fort St John, BC area of the Peace Country. In 1989 I received my Agricultural Business - Finance Diploma with honors from Olds College. Prior to joining Margaret in her accounting practice in 2006, I worked in the banking industry for 14 years in both the commercial and agricultural lending sectors. My banking experience, my farm background, agricultural education, along with managing my own small farm operation, gives me a realistic and practical approach to serving our clients’ business and taxation needs.