The AC Group of Independent Accounting Firms was established in 2005, when Paul Belliveau and Robert Veinotte declined to join their firm in a merger with a national brand, preferring instead to stay independent and in control of their own business interests. Several months into their practice, they found they missed the collaboration and best practice sharing that came with being part of a larger organization, and they felt certain other independent firms would agree. They engaged Robert Caswell, former head of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia, and together they reached out and visited other independent firms in Atlantic Canada. Four other firms were convinced to join their association, and the AC Group of Independent Accounting Firms was created.
Founding members included: Paul Belliveau & Robert Veinotte Belliveau Veinotte; Robert Caswell, Executive Director for the AC Group; Susan McIsaac, Amherst, NS; David Arsenault, Charlottetown,PEI; John Redding, Riverview, NB and David Allen, Campbellton, NB.
Since that time, the AC Group has grown to include 13 member firms in all four Atlantic Provinces. Since its inception, the Executive Officer has transitioned several times: from Robert Caswell, to Susan McIsaac, and finally Paul Belliveau. The position was intended to be part-time, with the EO maintaining their full-time practice while fulfilling the duties for the Group. Under Susan’s direction, the Group added an assistant role, Kaili Pipes, who expanded the role to Director of Operations. In 2022, Shirley Jollimore was hired into the role under Paul Belliveau, and when Paul retired in 2023 the Board moved to expand the EO role further, to a CEO position of 80%. Angus Bonnyman, CPA, CA, ICD.D assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in January 2023.
At the AC Group, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional financial services, tailored to your unique needs. Our alliance of independent CPA firms across Atlantic Canada provides a powerful combination of local knowledge and regional expertise.
By working closely with you, our experienced professionals navigate the complexities of assurance, taxation, and advisory services, empowering you to make informed decisions and unlock your business’s full potential.
The AC Group is a community of independent CPA firms working together to provide the best service possible to our clients. Our culture is one of collaboration and support, where each member firm has the autonomy to make their own decisions, while still benefiting from the resources and expertise of our collective network.
So why choose The AC Group? Because with us, you get the best of both worlds: the personalized attention of a local, independent CPA firm, backed by the resources and expertise of a larger network. And our commitment to workplace excellence means that you can trust us to provide the highest level of service and support.
