APP & Associates LLP Chartered Accountants is celebrating 20 years of service. In a profession where innovation is not a typical key word, APP & Associates LLP has intentionally carved a unique niche.
The journey began in 2005 when Dwayne Pohranychny, FCPA, FCA, and Keshav Pareek, CPA, CGA (now retired) opened the firm. The focus during those early days was on private companies and their shareholders’ interests, estates, trusts and personal income tax returns. As the years went by, the company grew in size and service offerings, moving twice to accommodate the expanding team. A significant milestone occurred in 2018 when long-term team member Kristin Bureau, CPA, CA, partnered with Pohranychny. Today, Bureau and Pohranychny lead a team of nine CPAs, student(s), accounting technicians and administrative staff. Services include not-for-profit organizations in addition to the earlier target markets and the reach of the firm extends across Canada and into the United States.

Fueling this growth is a focused desire to merge today’s technology with the fundamental basics of outstanding customer service – face-to-face interaction, communication, handshakes, and most of all – keeping one’s word. Clients of APP & Associates LLP are assured they remain “in the loop.” Even if a team member has not found an answer to their question, the client can rely on a check-in to be updated on the progress. Moreover, clients enjoy customized solutions that are proactively tailored to their unique situation. At APP & Associates LLP, there is no “one size fits all” mentality and clients are never “just a number.” They are individuals that get a professional partner to help them grow and succeed.
As Pohranychny reflects on the firm’s 20th anniversary, he thinks back to his earlier motivations for striking out on his own after working for other firms.

“I wanted the ability to do things in such a way that I could have a more direct impact on helping clients grow, and on empowering staff to succeed in their careers.”

This approach attracted a great number of like minded individuals to work at APP & Associates LLP, including Bureau.

“I learned so much from the partners that were here, before I became a partner myself,” shares Bureau. “In particular, I learned a lot from Dwayne. I am the accountant I am today, in large part, due to his mentorship.”

APP & Associates LLP growth is largely fueled by referrals.

“We are a bit unique in actually having a full-time tax professional, which is very different for a firm our size, says Pohranychny. “This allows us to give much more customised accounting and tax solutions. We do a lot of things in-house; the tax planning, notably.”

While the firm has doubled in size over the past two decades, going from a team of seven when Pohranychny and Pareek opened the doors to 15 today, Pohranychny sees a challenge that is affecting the profession – finding professional staff that are actively seeking out public practice.

In addition to it being a niche area in accounting, the paradigm shifts in the profession, corporate workplaces and work styles sees new talent seeking out different opportunities. However, APP & Associates LLP has never been one to stall at any challenge. Pohranychny and Bureau ensure that for those looking for private practice, their firm’s empowering and active corporate culture continues to attract those dedicated to the work.

“The most rewarding thing,” shares Bureau, “is being able to help our clients as part of a team. It is extremely rewarding to work with so many different industries, personalities and diverse range of clients.”

“We have nine CPAs, which is unusual for a firm our size,” adds Pohranychny. “This allows us to share a variety of ideas, thoughts and view points with our clientele.”

The workplace isn’t the only thing challenging the profession. The ongoing influx of new technology has also had an impact.

“Technology evolves every industry, including accounting,” says Bureau. “We are not adverse; we keep up with the changes.”

“However,” Pohranychny notes, “while we are not as paper heavy as when we started thanks to digital adoption, the beauty of our practice is that it will always need a human to provide the customised solutions for our clients. AI cannot do that. It can help with filing or help with a report, but it cannot provide the range of solutions we know and offer as part of the high level of care we show our clients. More importantly, we have seen that clients still want to talk with, and connect with, a person.”
Part of that care is educating clients to rely on their accounting partner.

“Trust us as professionals,” says Pohranychny. “Sometimes we hear, ‘I made an important decision but maybe I should have talked to you first.’ We are here to help and we back our solutions with education, ongoing training and expertise. Involving us in every step of your accounting and tax decisions can really save you and your company money and effort down the line.”

Bureau adds, noting their willingness to have those important discussions as their clients’ businesses continue to grow and evolve, “We are here. Don’t let communication falter.”

In addition to providing solutions for clients, APP & Associates LLP team members are just as passionate about community service. Pohranychny’s view on giving back is echoed by the views of the firm.

“I am blessed to be a Fellow of the CPA’s and to have knowledge, education and experience to share. Due to this, I volunteer for many organizations. One that is close to my heart is Little Warriors, of which I am an original founding board member. As a team, we support as many charitable organizations as we can, including the Stollery Hospital Foundation.

The team’s generous spirit of community giving is backed by their love of the city where they live and work.

“Edmonton,” muses Pohranychny, “does not have a lot of head offices for national and multi-national interests like Calgary does, but what we have is spirit. We are a very entrepreneurial city, and that sets us apart in Alberta.”

With 20 years in the past and many more ahead, both Bureau and Pohranychny are excited about where the future leads, and they are excited to face that future of the firm as partners.
“I’d like to thank the people I work with, and I say a very big thank you to Dwayne,” says Bureau. “When you work and article at different places, you meet a lot of people and have a lot of great mentors, but the one that truly stands out for me is Dwayne. I have learned a lot working with him.”

Pleased and humbled, Pohranychny notes, “I have had a lot of business partners but I do have to say, Kristin and I work very well together. I get her, she gets me. She says she learned a lot from me but the same goes in reverse. I have learned so much from her.”

As they look to the future of the firm with the successes, challenges and changes the past 20 years have brought, they agree on one clear path forward: “onwards and upwards!”

APP & Associates LLP remains committed to being a local accounting firm providing customised solutions for unique clients, with a focus on personal interaction, expertise and being a part of the community they love.

#212, 1524 – 91 Street SW
Edmonton, AB T6X 1M5
Phone: 780-489-4424
appllp.ca