GGFL LLP

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I am the co-founder of the Bariatric Medical Institute.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with GGFL LLP?

We wanted to find accountants that are competent at their job and proactive.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

We get audits done because of the work we do with the ministry. They also do our taxes for us. If there is an issue that comes up, he is always the one to take the lead and gives me a call.

What is the team composition?

I work with a team of their accountants. I don’t believe they had a project manager for me.

How did you come to work with GGFL LLP?

I knew someone that was moving into their firm who I was already dealing with, so I followed him over there. He did an awesome job of integrating their services into our business operations.

How much have you invested in them?

In a year, we typically spend $10,000 or $12,000 with them.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started with them around seven years ago.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement?

The fact that they are proactive. When new legislation comes out in Canada regarding tax policies, I get a phone call that human touch is impressive. Emails happen, but it is usually one of the senior partners that gets on the phone to let me know what is happening. That nature of human touch is rare and what makes a big difference.

How did GGFL LLP perform from a project management standpoint?

They are great at project management.

What did you find most impressive about them?

I think it is the regular touchpoints and their ability to handle problems. Any decent accounting firm is still a service, so while there is a little bit of commoditization from what they offer, it is a service when things go wrong. They are very quick to respond to a problem and they are proactive when something unexpected comes up. I think they are super helpful on both those fronts.

Are there any areas they could improve?

They could be cheaper.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

One thing I have certainly learned when working with accountants is if you have a question, you are better to ask that question than to guess. One of the nice things about them is that he is able to answer the question without getting another teammate involved. He just does it and there is no fear involved. He helps us out and is there to support us. Having that type of relationship where you aren’t scared to pick up the phone is super helpful.