+ Who we are
We pride ourselves on NOT being a typical accounting firm. Accountants have a reputation for being 'bean counters' and for good reason. It's easy to get caught up in the systems and rules of accounting and tax and to overlook the big picture - helping clients prosper. We've turned this around. Our client's success is our number one goal.+ Our Team
Marnie Marr - CPA
Marnie Marr was born and raised in northern Manitoba. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology at the University of Manitoba before moving to Calgary in 1993. Her accounting career began in 1996 after completion of an Accounting Diploma at the University of British Columbia. Marnie spent several years working in the audit and tax departments at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Vancouver and Calgary. She discovered a passion for working with small business clients and focusing on helping entrepreneurs and their families to succeed. After moving to Airdrie in 2008, Marnie became partners with Max Fiander in Fiander Marr Chartered Professional Accountants which evolved into Marr & Company after Max’s retirement in 2018. Marnie is very proud of the firm and of the strong client relationships that have developed over the past few decades. She loves working in Airdrie and feeling that she is contributing to the financial success of Marr & Company clients.+ Why Choose a Professional Accountant?
There is only one professional accounting designation in Canada, Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs). CPAs have a minimum of 6 years of full time University education in accounting and business. They have also completed a minimum of 3 years of on-the-job training working with a Chartered Professional Accountant and supervised by the CPA Association. Fully trained CPAs are required to complete continuous ongoing education and upgrading. Tax laws are frequently changing and it is essential that accountants keep up to date on all of the changes.In Canada, anyone can call themselves an accountant or tax preparer and file taxes for clients. The Canada Revenue Agency does not regulate this at all. There are many people in the accounting industry who call themselves accountants but they actually have little to no education or training in the field. They are usually bookkeepers with a very basic knowledge of accounting and tax. This often ends up costing their clients in extra tax and penalties as, in Canada, the taxpayer is responsible for any errors in their tax filings.
Chartered Professional Accountants are required to carry liability insurance and are held to a standard of care in their work.
Whether you choose Marr & Company or another accounting firm, we strongly recommend that you work only with a Chartered Professional Accountant. We have seen too many people suffer devastating consequences by using unqualified accountants.
Kiemya Refahi (pronounced Keemya) – Accountant
Kiemya holds an accounting degree from Grant McEwan University. She joined Marr & Co. in 2009 as a co-op student and returned to the firm after her graduation. She strives to provide her clients with a personalized, professional service. In addition to working full time, Kiemya is pursuing her Chartered Professional Accountant designation. Kiemya was born in Regina and grew up in Airdrie. She’s an avid reader, movie goer, and loves to travel.
Abby Marr – Accountant
Abby started work at Marr & Co. as a summer student in 2019. She completed her accounting degree at the University of British Columbia in 2022 and is currently enrolled in the CPA program. Abby was born and raised in Southern Alberta. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 cats, Henry and Worm.
Bev Nordrum – Personal Tax Manager & Accounts Receivable Administrator
Bev is an expert in all areas of personal taxation including farms, small businesses, investments and estates. Bev has been using these skills at Marr & Co. since 2010. Bev holds a business administration and accounting diploma and has a background in financial services. She was born and raised in Lloydminster and has lived in many different regions including Yellowknife, Belgium and Norway. Bev enjoys spending time with her husband and children, especially at the lake in the summer.
Laura Thiessen – Senior Accounting Manager and New Staff Trainer
Laura’s friendliness and sense of humor combined with her thorough understanding of corporate and personal tax and accounting make her an excellent accounting manager. Laura has been with Marr & Co. since 2014. She received accounting training at University of Alberta and has worked in accounting for over 10 years. Laura was born and raised in Sothern Alberta and enjoys a busy life with her husband and 3 children.
Johanne Lazarevic – Senior Accounting Manager
With a diploma in accounting and over 15 years of public accounting experience – Johanne joined Marr & Co in 2023. Johanne and her family moved to Alberta from Quebec in 2005. In her spare time – Johanne enjoys reading – swimming – playing piano – and spending time with her cat – Jazz.
Steve Van Die – Senior Accounting Manager
Steve started work at Marr & Co. in the fall of 2021. Steve was born and raised in Ontario where he earned a Business Degree at McMaster University before moving to Alberta in 2005. In his spare time he enjoys softball and spending time with his wife and 3 kids.
Amy Maclean – Senior Accounting Manager
Originally from New Brunswick – Amy joined Marr & Co in 2007. In 2018 – she moved back to New Brunswick and worked as an accountant for a large corporation. for a few years. Thankfully – she returned to Alberta (and Marr & Co) in 2022. Amy has a diploma in accounting from New Brunswick Community College. When she’s not working – Amy enjoys spending time with her husband – sons – dog Bella and cat – Charlie.
Lindsay Hall – Accounting Manager
With over 15 years of accounting and bookkeeping experience – Lindsay joined Marr & Co in 2021. When she’s not working – Lindsay enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 young kids and going camping in the summers.
Liva Muzones – Bookkeeper
Liva joined Marr & Company in 2022 after moving to Crossfield where she lives with her husband and 2 kids. She has experience at a CPA firm in Northern Alberta as well as a diploma in accounting from Bredin College. I worked as an admin assistant for almost 3 years and while working I was studying Accounting and Payroll Administration in 2020. In her spare time – she loves to cook and bake for her family and friends.
Kim Fuller – Senior Tax Preparer
Kim joined Marr & Co in 2023 after many years working for an accounting firm in Calgary. Originally from BC – Kim has lived in Alberta for over 30 years. Kim has over 20 years of accounting and tax experience and lives in Calgary with her husband. She has 2 kids and one grandchild. In her spare time she enjoys camping and golfing.
Susan Villemaire – Personal Tax Preparer
With over 20 years experience in preparing personal tax – Susan joins Marr & Co every year since 2021 during personal tax season. Prior to retiring from full time work – she spent 28 years at Scotiabank in the retail and business banking departments. For fun Susan enjoys curling – volleyball – and camping.
Colleen Smith – Bookkeeper
Colleen joined Marr & Co in 2021 with considerable bookkeeping experience. She grew up near Airdrie and enjoys spending time with her husband and children.
Tammy Goutsis – Administrative Manager
Tammy’s friendly efficiency is the glue that keeps the whole office together. Tammy holds an administration and accounting diploma and has over 20 years experience in office management. She was born and raised in Alberta and loves to spend time with her husband and 2 daughters. She also enjoys playing sports including tennis, golf, and baseball. Tammy is also the proud owner of the Marr & Co. office dog, Maverick.