Gordon joined KPMG in the early 1990s by way of a merger with his then Fraser Valley-based regional firm. Prior to moving his family to Abbotsford, Gord practiced with another international accounting firm in Vancouver and Toronto.
A graduate of Simon Fraser University, Gord has been active in the community for over 30 years, and amongst his many volunteer endeavours has served terms as President of the Abbotsford Community Foundation, President of the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, Vice-Chairman of the Abbotsford Economic Development Commission, and Director of the Abbotsford Executives Association, and he has also served as an elected member of Council for the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia. Having been reelected to Council in 2009, Gord is currently 1st VP on the executive committee and will serve as President of the BC Institute of Chartered Accountants in the 2012-13 fiscal year.
Gord's service to his profession and the community has been recognized with his election as a "Fellow" of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia, and was awarded the distinction of "Volunteer of the Year" in 2006 by the City of Abbotsford, and "Business Leader of the Year" by the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce in 2007.
Gord's professional focus is on KPMG Enterprise's entrepreneurial clients and a number of not-for-profit and educational institutions. In the spare time left, Gord and his wife Robbie enjoy golf, skiing, and travelling.
Senior Manager, Enterprise
Heidi Jacobsen joined KPMG in September 2004 after completing a Bachelors of Business Degree at Trinity Western University and passed the UFE in 2006.
Heidi is a senior manager in the Enterprise group in the Fraser Valley, focusing on assurance for a wide variety of clients including manufacturing companies, development companies, medical practioners and not for profits. Working with some of the not for profits in the community has enabled Heidi to combine her interest in running with fundraising and awareness campaigns of the not for profits she works with.
Marvin started with KPMG Burnaby in May 1999 as a part of the UBC commerce co-op program, and then started full time in January 2001. As a part of the KPMG Enterprise Group, Marvin is a Partner working on a variety of private clients providing audit and advisory services. Marvin passed the UFE in 2001.
Marvin spends much of his spare time in the summer playing volleyball and on the golf course and his winters on the slopes snowboarding. He also enjoys travelling and has spent a number of summers roaming Europe, with his favorite memory – having a glass of wine overlooking the rolling hills in Tuscany.
Guyle is the Business Unit Leader of KPMG EnterpriseTM in the Greater Vancouver Area, which is focused on serving private companies. KPMG Enterprise assists clients in addressing financial, tax, business, and compliance issues that are unique to private companies. Leading the practice from KPMG's Burnaby location, Guyle manages a diverse team of professionals located in our Greater Vancouver offices, which include Vancouver, Burnaby, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack.
Guyle has been with KPMG and its predecessor firms since 1983, and was appointed Audit Partner in 1995. In addition to his work commitments, he is the past president of the New Westminster Chamber of Commerce and former board member of the Maple Ridge Hospital. In addition, Guyle has given many lectures on accounting related matters and is currently a member of KPMG's Board of Directors.
Rehan obtained his BBA (Accounting & Finance) from Simon Fraser University in 2005, and his MPAcc from the University of Saskatchewan in 2006. He started with KPMG as a summer intern in 2003 and was promoted to Manager in 2007 soon after obtaining his CA designation. Rehan is the IFRS champion and the training leader for the Burnaby office, and has been a core member of the Recruiting team since 2007.
Rehan's clients include various public, private and government sector entities in a wide variety of industries including real estate, clean technology, aviation and social media. He spent most of 2009 and 2010 on a long-term transfer in Brisbane, Australia, where he worked with clients in the mining, analytical testing and sporting goods industries.
During his spare time, Rehan loves travelling, hiking and playing sports, particularly soccer and squash. He has recently travelled to China, Malaysia, New Zealand and many parts of Australia. Rehan is also a movie buff, with his favourite genres being comedy and action films.
Jonathan L. Kallner
Office Managing Partner
Jonathan Kallner attended UBC and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science in 1989 and joined Peat Marwick Thorne as a student in September 1989. He wrote his UFE in 1991 and became a Chartered Accountant in February 1993. Jonathan spent his first 3 years in the Vancouver office and the following 6 years in the Richmond office, before moving back to the Vancouver office in 1998. Jonathan joined the partnership of KPMG effective October 1, 2000.
Jonathan is KPMG's Managing Partner for the Greater Vancouver Area. Jonathan has recently served as the National Leader for KPMG's Industrial Markets Group and prior to that was the National Leader for KPMG's Information, Communication and Entertainment Group. He is also an active member of KPMG Canada's Consumer Market's Industry Steering Committee, and a key advisor to certain of KPMG's national accounts.
Outside of work, his interests include golf, coaching soccer and jogging. Jonathan is very involved in the community as director of a not-for-profit organization and participates in a number of charitable organizations. Jonathan loves traveling with his family.
Carlo De Mello
Carlo De Mello is a Partner in KPMG's Greater Vancouver Area Audit practice and is a member of KPMG's dedicated national and local Financial Services industry groups. Carlo has more than 15 years of experience providing audit, accounting and advisory services to chartered banks, credit unions, investment funds, fund managers and investment dealers.
Carlo spent five years in KPMG's London, England office serving the audit and business advisory needs of investment banking and broker dealer clients. His experience includes auditing a number of global investment banks, conducting special assignments including numerous merger and acquisition financial due diligence reviews as well as reorganizations and special advisory projects for a number of financial services clients. Over the past five years Carlo has led our audit services to a number of BC-based financial institutions and currently serves as the National Director of our Credit Union Practice.
Carlo is an avid golfer, a rabid soccer fan and is actively involved in coaching his kids in their various sporting endeavors.
"KPMG is my Perfect Fit because of the ability to have a challenging and rewarding career, while being able to maintain a work-life balance"
Mike joined KPMG in September 1984 after completing a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree at UBC. He passed the UFE in 1985 and received his CA designation in 1987. Mike joined the Tax practice shortly after completing his articles, and completed the CICA's In-Depth Tax program in 1989. He was admitted to the partnership in 1995.
While in Tax, Mike has focused on a variety of clients and industry groups but has always had a passion for working with private companies and their shareholders. In addition, Mike spent eight years as the Partner in Charge of Human Resources for the GVA Tax practice. Mike's current role is as the leader of the Enterprise practice in the Downtown office.
On the personal side, Mike is married with three children (one of whom is articling to become a CA as well!). He enjoys cycling, skiing and travelling.
Country Managing Partner, Tax
Elio Luongo started university life in 1979 while working at a financial institution on his days off, and playing in a band on weekends. After graduating with a Bachelor in Business Administration, majoring in Economics and Accounting, Elio pursued an accounting career, starting in audit and working mostly in the consumer and industrial markets sector. He obtained his CA designation in 1986 and then went to work for the CRA. In 1987, Elio joined KPMG in Vancouver's Tax practice, and then moved to the practice that is now located in Burnaby. In 2000, he moved back to Vancouver to take the lead on a number of major clients.
In 2004, Elio was appointed as the Partner-in-Charge of KPMG's GVA Tax practice. In his tax career, Elio has provided Canadian and international tax services to public and private organizations for over 25 years at KPMG. During that time, he has developed extensive experience in corporate tax planning and restructuring, and is well-recognized as a dedicated professional who provides practical and risk-appropriate advice to his clients.
Elio was appointed as the Managing Partner of KPMG's Greater Vancouver Area practice in 2007, and was responsible for leading one of Vancouver's largest accounting and advisory firms. As of 2011, Elio was appointed as the Canadian Manager Partner for Tax.
Outside of work, Elio is active in the business community. He is the Senior Vice Chair of The Vancouver Board of Trade, and sits on the Board of Governors of the Business Council of British Columbia. Elio is a non-judicial member of the Competition Tribunal. He is the proud father of three grown children and enjoys travelling and spending time with his family. Elio is passionate about hockey and music, and still plays the guitar.
Arnold Singh is a partner in KPMG's Audit practice and has 12 years of experience in providing audit and accounting services, primarily in the financial services and real estate industries. Arnold recently returned from a two-year secondment in London, England, where Arnold worked in KPMG's International Financial Reporting Group (IFRG), which is KPMG's global technical accounting group on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Prior to commencing his secondment in the IFRG, Arnold spent six months in Toronto, Ontario, working in KPMG's National Assurance and Professional Practice department.
Arnold and his wife recently had their first child in January 2011. Other than spending time with his new baby, Arnold spends the rest of his spare time trying to improve his golf game (unsuccessfully) and also enjoys playing and watching soccer.
Whitney Anderson received her Bachelor’s of Commerce at the University of British Columbia in 2009 and became a Chartered Accountant in 2012. She started her career with KPMG as a summer intern in 2008 with a rotation in Tax and in Audit. She then completed her co-op in 2009 before attending the University of Economics in Prague for her final semester. She joined the firm full time in January 2010 and she is now a senior accountant in audit. She works in the FIRES department (Financial Institutions, Real Estate and Services), with a focus in Financial Institutions.
Whitney has been involved in the Social Committee, as well as the Sustainability Committee, since she started with KPMG as a summer intern. She now enjoys being a performance counselor and mentor for those new to the firm.
Whitney has a passion for outdoor activities, including snowboarding and hiking. She also enjoys rock-climbing and paddle boarding.
“KPMG is my perfect fit because it allows me to work with a variety of great people and explore new opportunities in learning about different industries.”
Laura is currently a manager in our Information, Communication & Entertainment ("ICE") Canadian corporate tax practice and has clients in a wide variety of industries, including hospitality, mining, and energy. Prior to joining our tax practice, Laura was a part of our Industrial Markets audit practice and also worked for our KPMG Atlanta office during an 8-month secondment through our Global Mobility program. Laura graduated from the University of British Columbia, obtaining her undergraduate degree in Accounting. Laura successfully wrote the UFE in 2007.
Outside of work, Laura tries to get outdoors as much as possible, from snowboarding in the winter to beach volleyball and camping in the summer.
Tara Gill joined KPMG in January of 2008 after completing the Diploma in Accounting Programme at UBC. She previously obtained her BA in International Relations in 2001 and worked for a local software company before deciding that a career as a CA was more suited to her goals. Tara is a manager in the Industrial Markets (IM) audit practice; she wrote and passed the UFE in 2009. Her clients are diverse and comprise a number of industries – forestry, mining and manufacturing.
Tara is actively involved with KPMG's UFE preparation programme at Brentwood and has been involved with KPMG's CASB mentorship programme. Outside of work, she loves playing with her dog Miles, horseback riding, and competing in ultra running events and triathlons. Tara also enjoys traveling and has been able to take advantage of exchange opportunities to both Belgium and England during her studies. She is looking forward to her next race or travel adventure – whichever comes first!
Matt joined the Corporate Finance and Valuations group in the KPMG Advisory practice in October 2010 after three years in Audit with the FIRES group. Matt also completed a summer internship in 2005. He has worked with clients from a variety of industries including hospitality, real estate development, transportation and logistics and financial institutions.
Matt obtained his BCOM from UBC in 2007, and his MPAcc from the University of Saskatchewan in 2009. He wrote the UFE in September 2009 and earned a place on the national honour roll. Matt has had the opportunity to travel to Orlando, Whistler, Anaheim, Salt Lake City and Boston for work for his various clients. He is also heavily involved with recruiting and loves to meet the next generation of KPMG staff!
Outside of work Matt enjoys playing golf and football, running and hanging out in Vancouver and is currently involved in the launch of the Vancouver chapter of the Sauder Business Alumni Club. Matt also enjoys traveling, and lived in Italy and Belgium for a year while on exchange from UBC.
Charissa joined KPMG in January 2005, working in Vancouver's ICE (Information Communication and Entertainment) practice. In this field she went on to specialize in biotech, while also gaining experience auditing high-tech and other consumer products companies. In September 2007, Charissa wrote and passed the UFE. By September 2008 she was ready for a change and took advantage of KPMG's large variety of specialized divisions and is now working in the Enterprise Group, specializing in tax. She has completed both levels of the In-Depth Tax Course and continues to love the challenge of tax and working with various individuals and private companies. She is a manager in Enterprise Tax and is really enjoying working with the Direct To Tax people in her group.
Some of her most memorable moments at KPMG include late-night exam marking for the Brentwood UFE Prep Week, working with the Sustainability Committee to promote green initiatives, and running her first half marathon as a part of the KPMG Running Club.
Her work life balance is maintained by getting outside to go running, biking, or taking photos. She also spends a lot of time in her kitchen, making nutritious and delicious meals (and cookies!)
Assurance Manager, Industrial Markets
Devon joined KPMG as a summer intern in May 2005 and began full-time employment with the firm in September 2006. He is currently working as an audit manager in the Industrial Markets practice with a focus on audits of public gold and silver mining companies. While working on mining companies, Devon has had the opportunity to travel across Canada, the USA, Mexico and internationally – going as far north as the Arctic Circle and as far south as Tanzania, Africa. In addition, Devon is Chair of the Social Committee assisting with the planning and organizing of social events.
When not at work, Devon is a huge sports fan. Some of his favorite teams include the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Giants, Vancouver Whitecaps, Miami Heat, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Eagles. Devon is also an avid golfer and hockey player. If he were not an accountant, he would pursue a career on the PGA Tour. Devon is also involved in the community through his family’s golf tournament, which was founded in 1986 and raises awareness for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Devon states, “KPMG is my perfect fit because of the highly intelligent and caring people I work with on a daily basis.”
Jonathan joined KPMG in Vancouver's FIRES (Financial Institutions and Real Estate Services) practice in September 2007. Since then, he has worked with financial institutions and service sector clients. Jonathan graduated from Simon Fraser University in Spring 2007. Jonathan wrote the UFE in September 2008 and obtained his CA in 2010.
Upon commencement with KPMG, Jonathan has been able to develop various skills by working closely with many new audit clients. This exposure allowed Jonathan to further develop his interests in financial institutions.
Jonathan's most memorable moments at KPMG includes organizing the Whistler ski trip last spring.
Outside of work, Jonathan is an avid skier in the winter and road cycling in the summer. Jonathan also enjoys traveling, he went to Spain, Morroco and Switzerland last summer.
Talent Attraction Manager, GVA Campus Recruiting
Jaleh joined the KPMG Enterprise practice in September of 2008 as a full-time staff accountant. Throughout the past four years, Jaleh has worked with a variety of private and public business clients including those in the real estate, education, retail, investment industries, and not-for-profit organizations. Jaleh has also been greatly involved with campus recruiting in the last four years and she loved it so much that she decided to take on the GVA Campus Recruiting Manager role in June 2012.
Jaleh earned a bachelor of business administration with a concentration in accounting honours at Simon Fraser University in 2008 and a Master of Professional Accounting (MPAcc) from the University of Saskatchewan in 2010. She wrote the UFE in September 2010 where she earned a spot on the National Honour Roll. Jaleh believes that the key factor to her success on the UFE was the KPMG National UFE and mentorship program.
Jaleh has a passion for giving back and being involved in the community. She was able to pursue this passion by joining the KPMG Burnaby UFE Committee and GVA Mentorship Committee. She was also able to pursue her passion for the community and outdoor activities by completing a triathlon in benefit of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and cycling with the KPMG team for the Ride to Conquer Cancer in benefit of the BC Cancer Society.
Jaleh also enjoys travelling. She has visited over 25 countries and describes herself as an adventurous traveler. Her most adventurous and recent trip was trekking to the Everest Base Camp and a place she will definitely go back to is Greece!
Manager, Climate Change & Sustainability Services
Roopa attended the University of Western Ontario where she graduated with a degree in Honors Business Administration in 2004. She started with KPMG Toronto as a summer intern in May 2003 in the Financial Institutions practice. After completing her degree, Roopa joined KPMG Vancouver full time in 2005 as an articling student in the Financial Institutions, Real Estate and Services (FIRES) practice. Roopa wrote and passed the UFE in 2007.
While at KPMG, Roopa has been involved with KPMG's CA School of Business and UFE mentorship programs as well as KPMG's UFE preparation committee. Roopa has also been actively involved in the recruiting process during her time at KPMG including a full-time secondment into recruiting in fall of 2008. After almost four years in audit focusing primarily in real estate and non-profit clients, Roopa left KPMG to work in the Business Planning group at BC Children's Hospital in May 2009. In spring of 2010, Roopa decided to return to the old stomping group and return to KPMG but this time to take on the role of Recruiting Manager for the Greater Vancouver Area. After two years of focusing on campus recruitment and community leadership within the firm, Roopa made another big change in her career and this summer returned to a client service role in the Climate Change & Sustainability Services group.
Outside of work, Roopa is an active volunteer as a Big Sister with Big Sisters of the Lower Mainland and has had the opportunity to apply her CA skills while sitting on the Board of Directors as Treasure for WAVAW Rape Crisis Center, a local Vancouver non-profit. Roopa also enjoys travelling to new and interesting places. Next on the agenda - New York City!
Talent Attraction Coordinator, GVA Campus Recruiting
Jenna is currently the Talent Attraction Coordinator for Campus Recruiting. She started with the firm in July, 2012 to pursue her passion in the Human Resources profession.
Even though she has only been with the firm for a short period of time, Jenna has had the ability to attend a number of recruiting events and she has been able to get to know all of the Summer Interns on a personal level. Jenna’s most memorable experience was helping the Summer Interns volunteer for the Underwear Affair, which is a fundraiser for cancer below the waist.
In her spare time, Jenna loves to participate in anything that is related to sports. She loves to attend sporting events and she loves to be active. Jenna currently plays, coaches and umpires field hockey.
"KPMG is my perfect fit because all of my colleagues make work enjoyable and they make the work environment feel cozy and comfortable!"