OUR TEAM

Suzy has worked for the firm for the past ten years as executive administrative assistant. Her previous experience includes working for a financial institution, computer instructor for a private business school and various other office-related positions. She brings a very strong set of customer service skills acquired through these past employment positions to the firm. Suzy is very personable and always puts the client’s needs first.

Community involvement has always been an important part of her life and she has volunteered her time for a number of groups. Currently, Suzy serves as a director on Alberni-Clayoquot Continuing Care Society board and the Fir Park / Echo Village Foundation board.

In her free time, she really enjoys and is an avid beginner quilter.

suzy.vanherwaarden@andersonassociates.pro

Vern started with R. Anderson & Associates Inc. in 1991. He has 30+ years of Public Practice experience with a focus on and passion for serving owner managed businesses. He provides all aspects of accounting and tax services to our clients including unincorporated businesses, Not for Profit Organizations, and small to medium sized incorporated companies. When not in the office you can find him on the golf course or exploring the Alberni Valley with his wife and dogs.

vern.weiss@andersonassociates.pro

Mackenzie started with R. Anderson & Associates in 2019 and brings an enthusiastic attitude to the firm. Through all the difficulties 2020 brought us, Mackenzie graduated from Vancouver Island University with her degree in Business Administration with a major in accounting. Currently, she is enrolled in the Chartered Professional Accounting program and has passed the C.P.A. Common Final Examination exam in November of 2022. She is on track to complete her designation in 2024 as she continues to work vigorously on corporate audits and reviews.

Mackenzie is quite driven and is always willing to lend a helping hand and solve complex problems. She provides personal and corporate tax services to the firm as well as accounting services to not-for-profits and incorporated companies.

Mackenzie was born and raised in Port Alberni and currently resides with her boyfriend and two cats. In her leisure time, Mackenzie enjoys reading, camping, fishing, and spending time at the cabin with her family.

Efren is a CPA in Canada and Mexico. Efren holds a master’s degree in finance and has extensive professional
experience in taxes. He has worked in accounting firms such as PWC as well as acting as controller and financial director in various companies and conglomerates. Most recently his focus has been as a business advisor in the accounting, tax and financial fields.

Efren brings with him experience from various industries, including real estate, tourism, real estate developers,
wholesale and retail trade, restaurants, and well as non-profit associations.

Efren is a dedicated family man who alongside his wife, enjoys raising their 4 adolescent children. Family time
since moving here has been spent enjoying the beautiful forest trails and exploring neighboring communities.

He believes that the region has many great opportunities. He is committed to helping improve the local
economy through delivering quality advice and a comprehensive business vision.

Morgan was born and raised in Port Alberni. She graduated from VIU with her certificate in Applied Business Technology in 2016. She began her career in an accounting office and found her passion for bookkeeping. Morgan has been at the firm since 2021 and has 7 years of bookkeeping under her belt and is continuing to expand her skill set at R. Anderson & Associates. When she isn’t at work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Tayla was born and raised in the Alberni Valley and currently resides in Port Alberni with her husband and daughter.

Tayla brings an energetic can-do attitude to the office. She is always ready to lend a hand and willing to dig deep to help solve tough problems. A whiz with software programs, and a pitbull when dealing with the government agencies and always willing to learn new techniques, Tayla still ensures to give 100% for the clients.

When not at work, during ball seasons, Tayla can be found playing alongside one of her many teams. She has been playing ball since before she can remember at multiple levels throughout her athletic career and shares this love with her family. With what spare moments she has, she shares the love of baking, cooking and outdoor activities around the Alberni Valley such as camping and fishing.

Currently on Maternity Leave – Congratulations on your baby girl Peyton.

Kristine was born and raised on the Island and Powell River.  She moved to Port Alberni with her husband and daughter in 2018, after living in Alberta for over 20 years.

Kristine has been in customer service from the beginning of her career, with over 10 years of that in Fleet Management. Her dedication to customer service earned her a nomination for the Partner Client service award. Kristine has a wonderful positive attitude and delightful sense of humour that helps to keep the office laughing and upbeat.

When not at work, she enjoys spending time with her husband of over 30 years, going for walks with their two dogs and their grand dog.

Nicola moved to Port Alberni with her dog, cat, and husband in March 2020 to pursue a quieter life.  They bought an old cabin and have spent the last few years fixing it up.  She has a background in the banking industry of fourteen years.  In her free time, she enjoys to take walks with her dog and goes camping with friends.  Nicola looks forward to exploring the many adventures that Vancouver Island has to offer.

Jen was born, raised, and still happily resides in Port Alberni with her boyfriend. She has been in the customer service/retail industry for over 30 years. Jen graduated from A.D.S.S. in Port Alberni, and years later went on to obtain her Certificate in Business Administration from North Island College. Jen spends her downtime camping, spending time with family and friends, especially with her biggest joy; her Grandson, Aiden.

Aimee joined R. Anderson & Associates in 2022. She moved to Port Alberni in 2004 and has loved the quiet and friendly community she found here. After 15 years of managing a small business making and selling wood furniture to the high-end market in Vancouver, she transitioned to bookkeeping in 2013. She gained experience working for two not-for-profits and a retail store while studying at North Island College and working toward her Payroll Compliance Professional certification.

Aimee loves to help clients with their questions and concerns and finds the most satisfaction from pulling order from chaos. Bring on those messy files!

She volunteers her time on the board of a local non-profit for teens, Young Life Port Alberni, and in her spare time loves to read, write, and work in her garden.

Countess Joanna “Jo” joined R. Anderson & Associates in August of 2023. Relatively new to the bookkeeping world, having just completed her training with CDI for bookkeeping and payroll compliance.

Before joining the team, Jo worked as a cook at her family’s restaurant where she spent 10 years in a fast-paced environment.

After the retirement and sale of the restaurant, Joanna and her family moved to Port Alberni to begin new adventures. Here they have begun transforming their yard into a huge vegetable garden, creating their own hot sauces and spice mixes.

In her spare time, Jo likes to dabble in many arts, such as painting and sketching. Joanna also enjoys fishing and hiking the trails our beautiful Valley has to offer. Jo also enjoys aqua scaping and fishkeeping, where she can often be found spending time with her cats watching the fish and shrimp thrive.

Megan was born in Edmonton Alberta; and moved to Port Alberni a few years ago.

She has been in the customer service industry since the beginning of her career. Megan received her Office Administration Certificate from North Island College in 2022.

In her free time, Megan loves exploring the beautiful trails on Vancouver Island with her boyfriend and their 3-year-old husky, Juneau.

Meet Colleen, a Port Alberni native with a deep-rooted connection to her hometown. After spending over a decade in Qualicum Beach, she made the heartfelt decision to return to Port Alberni, drawn by the warmth of family ties that flourish in the valley.

With a career spanning several years at Quality Foods, Colleen has finely honed her customer service skills, setting a solid foundation for her journey into the world of accounting. It was this move back home that ignited her passion for numbers and propelled her to pursue a career in accounting.

When Colleen isn’t immersed in the world of numbers, you’ll find her relishing moments with her cherished family, dear friends, loving boyfriend, and her beloved granddogs. And now, as a proud grandmother, she finds immense joy in nurturing the newest addition to her family.

Colleen’s story is a testament to her unwavering dedication to personal growth, her deep-seated values of community and family, and her pursuit of happiness both personally and professionally.

Chris completed his Bachelor of Commerce in International Business Management at the University of Victoria in 2002.

After spending 18 years managing a boutique sourcing company in Hong Kong, he returned to his roots on Vancouver Island in 2020. He brings a wealth of East Asian manufacturing, development, and import/export trade experience as well as expertise in cross cultural business understanding and practises.

He is now continuing his education through a pursuit of obtaining his CPA designation to shift his professional career into accounting and finance. In his spare time you can find him tinkering in his workshop or wandering around his yard contemplating how to shape the small piece of Vancouver Island he and his wife call home.

John joined R. Anderson & Associates in May of 2023. He is currently finishing his degree in Business Administration at Vancouver Island University with a major in accounting. Once finished, John plans on pursuing the Chartered Professional Accountant designation.

John is a mainland transplant who has called the island home since 2016. When not studying, John enjoys being in this beautiful rainforest that we are all fortunate to call home.

Currently on Study Leave.

Chase was born April 8, 2011 in Alberta.  Her mom was a Border Collie and her dad a Blue Heeler.

Chase loves people and loves to please. She will greet you with nervous energy and a toy in her mouth. 

Chase is an emotional support dog. If you’re feeling stressed, she’s there to help distract you. Her big brown eyes beg you to reach down and pet her. 

When not at work Chase enjoys, hikes, car rides, playing ball (but she prefers sticks) and any chance she gets to go for a swim.

Isis, the Egyptian Goddess of Love, Healing, Fertility, and Magic, might not sport a crown of gold, but she sure rules our hearts! Born on November 15, 2023, this Rottweiler powerhouse has certainly lived up to her divine title. After the loss of Punk and Pepper, Isis stepped in like a furry angel, spreading love and healing vibes throughout the office.

With a wag of her tail and a sparkle in her eyes, Isis has a knack for melting even the iciest of hearts. Her playful antics are like a dose of magic, leaving us all spellbound and smitten. We’re counting on many more years of her enchanting companionship to keep our spirits high and our hearts full of love. Paws down, she’s the queen of our office kingdom!

Shelby, the office’s very own shepherd extraordinaire! While her birthdate remains a mystery (adding to her mystique), this Shepherd Cross brings a whole lot of love and a whole lot of wisdom to our team.

With a demeanor as sweet as honey, Shelby is the perfect antidote to the stresses of Tax season. She’s like a zen master in fur form, radiating calm vibes and keeping us grounded when the numbers start to spin. But don’t let her gentle nature fool you – Shelby’s got a firm paw when it comes to keeping the young pups in line. She’s the reigning referee of office shenanigans, knowing just when to put her paw down and restore order.

Shelby’s not just a talented office pup – she’s also a high-earning kibble connoisseur! With an impressive salary of 50,000 kibble bites, she’s living the dream of every dog’s fantasy.

Now, let’s talk about Shelby’s two true passions in life: pets and treats. While she adores a good ear scratch or belly rub, her heart truly belongs to treats of all shapes and sizes. You’ll often find her stationed in Vern’s office in the morning, patiently awaiting her morning snack. But come afternoon, Shelby’s ready to clock out and head home for some quality time with her beloved mom.

With Shelby around, every day feels like a walk in the park – just remember to bring the treats!

RIP – May 2022

Sadly we had to say good bye to Punk in May 2022. Punk gave us 11 years of unconditional love and companionship. She is greatly missed.

Our big scary Rottweiller. Like most Rottweillers, she is a big suck. She loves nothing more than to get cuddles and treats from the staff. You can be sure she will stop off at your desk if you have treats to share.

When not offering her emotional support here, she enjoys cuddling, car rides and going for hikes with her office buddies.