Holly Morris

BBA, CPA, CA – Manager

Holly earned her Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a concentration in accounting from Simon Fraser University. She became a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA), in 1998.

Holly moved to Nanaimo after university graduation to article at Bestwick & Partners. Holly has worked in public practice in Nanaimo throughout her entire career, building and maintaining long-term relationships with her clients and the community.

She has been married to her husband, Ian, for over 28 years and is the proud mother of two daughters.

What are your preferred practice areas?

In recent years, I have worked in a small public practice firm and have provided advice to individuals, proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and estates. I have always enjoyed the busy personal tax season vibe and advising clients on personal and estate taxation issues. I also really enjoy helping clients build and grow their businesses.

What drew you to the accounting profession?

The CPA designation signifies professionalism, ethics, and expertise in a globally recognized credential. I also saw the flexibility it could provide. I have stayed in public practice throughout my career, as it offered me flexible hours when my girls were younger. This allowed me to stay current professionally while also being the mom I wanted to be to my daughters.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I knew I wanted to be a CA since high school when I took an introduction to accounting course. Looking back at pictures of me with “inventory” lists of my Halloween candy, my family teases me that the signs were always there!

What keeps you professionally motivated?

Accounting is a career that is always changing. Every year there are updates to tax rules and regulations, and continued professional development is essential to stay current.

What makes you different from other accountants?

I truly care about my clients and their families and businesses. I believe in the motto that clients won’t care about you until they know that you care about them. I care deeply about my clients.

What are your favorite extracurricular activities?

I enjoy fabric and textile crafts. I started sewing dance and Halloween costumes years ago, and now sew garments. I just quilted my first quilt and made a pair of quilted high-top sneakers! I really enjoy knitting and have made socks, a sweater vest, and am practicing a feather stitch on a toque and mittens. I also enjoy family time on Mudge Island.