McCay Duff LLP is posting an ongoing blog series intended to introduce readers to some of the members of our team, in their own words. The fourth post in our series focuses on our new firm Partner Adam Brisson, who joined the firm in 2019. Prior to joining McCay Duff LLP, Adam worked for accounting firms in Windsor and Hamilton, Ontario, before returning to the Ottawa area.
Tell us a little about your areas of practice/specialty.
I am a bilingual (French and English) accountant who specializes in providing accounting, auditing, and tax services for not-for-profit organizations, as well as to private enterprise clients. I have worked with clients from diverse industries and corporate structures, including hospitality, healthcare, manufacturing, and housing, as well as sole proprietors, family-owned businesses, and partnerships.
What do you appreciate most about working at McCay Duff LLP?
What I enjoy about working at McCay Duff LLP is that we are a dynamic, creative team. We serve a diverse group of clients, but because our experienced staff have such a broad range of accounting and tax knowledge, we can (and do!) consult with one another regularly to help find innovative ways to meet the needs of each client.
How does McCay Duff differ from other firms in terms of client service?
I find that what sets McCay Duff LLP apart from our competitors is that our firm culture is incredibly cohesive – we like to focus on big picture goals as a team. I enjoy working together with our team to understand client goals and to determine how we can contribute to achieving those goals. I believe that our combination of integrity, trust, and professionalism helps our clients to navigate the standards and regulations that are relevant to their personal or organizational needs, while keeping their financial needs and goals in mind.
What got you interested in pursuing this line of work?
I became an accountant because I have always had a mind for numbers, especially in finance. My passion is helping others to understand the complexities of finance and tax in a way that makes sense for them. Ultimately, I hope that understanding this information can help my clients to think in a future-oriented way about their short- and long-term financial goals.
What is your approach to client service?
Because I am passionate about helping clients to understand financial concepts, my approach to client service involves first getting a comprehensive picture of a client’s financial background, needs, and goals. From there, I like to tap into our team’s knowledge to help me generate a set of solutions that are strategic and targeted to a client’s needs. Finally, I help my clients to understand the options that are available to them and I support them in evaluating the choices to make the best decision for their personal or organizational needs. I also like to be in regular contact with my clients so that we can respond right away to any emerging issues or questions.
What is a common misconception about your profession?
I think one of the biggest misconceptions about accountants is that we are quiet and introverted. One of the things I love about this profession is having meaningful interactions with clients from diverse backgrounds and industries and with other professionals. A big part of my job is conversing with clients to get a thorough understanding of their (or their organizations) income structure, assets, and other financial information, as well as providing feedback about the different solutions that we can offer.
What do you wish more clients would ask you about?
Well, I love to golf and I’m happy to talk about it anytime! In all seriousness, however, I think that many people believe accountants work exclusively on tax and filing of tax returns. I believe we can offer so much more than that! I would encourage any potential client to speak to me about better ways to manage their business payroll, examining business expenses in the context of profitability analyses, advice related to estate planning and wealth management, and/or preparation of financial statements. Whether it’s about golf, finance, or taxes, I always look forward to speaking with new or current clients.
Adam Brisson is a Partner with McCay Duff LLP in Ottawa. You can reach Adam by phone at 613-688-4404, or by email at abrisson@mccayduff.com.
McCay Duff LLP‘s clients face a variety of business, financial and personal challenges and rely on our team to provide the expert advice they need to meet those challenges. You can be confident that our team of trusted professionals will provide you with personalized advice and service to help you attain your business and financial goals. To learn more about how McCay Duff LLP can assist you or your business, please contact us online, or by telephone at 613-688-2658 or toll-free at 1-800-267-6551.
