About
Michael Argento, CPA, CGA
Founder
My passion for business started early. At age ten, I was already running a mini “sidewalk startup,” selling books and bracelets my sisters made, after convincing my dad to front the supplies. That entrepreneurial spark followed me into my teens, where I launched my first official venture at nineteen, doing odd jobs—until tax time rolled around. Meeting with an accountant for the first time was confusing and intimidating, and the lack of clarity left me feeling vulnerable and uncertain. I vowed I’d never feel that way about finances again.
Determined to change the narrative, I studied to become a CPA, eager to help people understand their taxes and finances in a way that felt empowering, not scary. Hard work paid off: I earned top marks in my accounting class, won a scholarship from one of Vancouver’s largest independent accounting firms, and landed a spot on their team. Three years and a CPA designation later, I was ready to do things differently. In 2016, I left to start my own practice with just two initial clients—friends in the trades industry who believed in my vision.
Growing my firm was a grind: I knocked on doors, worked tirelessly to build trust, and steadily added clients. Eventually, I hired my first teammate and, thanks to the new remote world, assembled a distributed team that now serves businesses nationwide. Over time, I expanded beyond taxes, adding bookkeeping and, most importantly, strategic guidance that helps clients make smarter decisions, grow their revenue, and reclaim their time.
I’m an entrepreneur at heart, obsessed with learning and self-improvement. My days start at 3 a.m. so I can study before my family wakes up. I’m also a dedicated martial artist, training in boxing, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling every day. Surrounding myself with high-caliber business minds is a priority: I’ve reinvested over $250,000 into masterminds, coaching, and mentorships with icons like Jay Abraham and Alex Hormozi. Being around other successful entrepreneurs teaches me how to solve complex problems and share these insights with my clients, helping them grow without unnecessary trial and error.
While my firm started with tax services, it’s evolved into a complete solution for business owners who want more than just a number-cruncher. I now bring expertise in sales, marketing, leadership, and strategic growth to the table. It’s about building relationships—many clients become close friends—and helping them achieve their ideal lifestyle. For me, that means living on my own terms with my family in Lions Bay, lifting weights, hiking with my German Shepherd, riding my Harley, and treating life and business as an infinite game worth playing for the long haul.
My approach is inspired by thinkers like Ray Dalio, Marcus Aurelius, Jocko Willink, Brené Brown, and Alex Hormozi—leaders who value integrity, resilience, and personal growth. I’m here to help you build a thriving, resilient company that supports your biggest goals. It’s not about profit alone; it’s about giving you the clarity, confidence, and freedom to create the life you’ve always wanted.
Our Mission:
To inspire our team and clients to live their ideal lifestyle.
Our Core Values
- Collaboration
We believe in the power of working together and sharing ideas. By listening, learning, and trusting one another, we build a strong, united team that can achieve greater success than any individual could alone.
- Kaizen (Continuous Improvement):
We never settle. Each day, we look for ways—big or small—to improve. Over time, these small gains add up, making us more adaptable, creative, and prepared for any challenge.
- Humility:
We keep an open mind and respect every point of view. By staying humble, we learn from each other, support one another, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and included.
- Ownership
We take responsibility for our work and follow through on our promises. When things don’t go as planned, we view it as a chance to learn, adjust, and grow stronger. We never give up, because every setback is a step toward a better solution.
Michelle Ratcliffe, CPA, CA, CPA(WA)
Director of Operations
I’m the Director of Operations, specializing in cross-border personal tax as well as Canadian personal and corporate tax. For the past 16 years, I’ve assisted small and mid-sized businesses and individuals in navigating the complexities of taxation, including 10 years focused on cross-border personal tax. I hold both a CPA, CA designation in Canada and a CPA (Washington State) designation in the U.S., reflecting my commitment to staying at the forefront of international tax regulations and best practices.
My educational journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Simon Fraser University, followed by completing U.S. Master’s-level tax courses at Golden Gate University. Throughout my career, I’ve been proud to help clients feel more at ease with their tax obligations—my aim has always been to take the stress out of the process and make it as transparent and understandable as possible.
I chose to become an accountant as a way to help people in a practical, tangible way. My personal work philosophy revolves around empathy, clarity, and ensuring my clients truly understand their taxes so they can feel confident and in control. One of my key accomplishments has been assisting clients in successfully managing cross-border tax complexities, providing peace of mind and saving them both time and money.
In my downtime, I love to travel, go camping, swim, and indulge my creative side with sewing and other crafty projects. A fun fact about me is that I was actually a pastry chef before returning to school to pursue accounting—my sweet tooth (and baking skills) are still very much alive! My biggest inspiration is my mom, who was a teenage single parent and worked tirelessly to create a better life for our family. Watching her achieve her dream of becoming a technical writer at Microsoft showed me the power of persistence and hard work, and it inspires me to keep pushing for my own goals every day.
Though I used to volunteer with the Vancouver Humane Society, I now focus on donating to causes I care about whenever I can. Overall, I’m driven by the desire to make the tax process clearer and less intimidating, and I’m excited to continue helping our clients thrive—no matter where they do business.
Suzanna Neville, PCP
Bookkeeping Manager
I’m the Bookkeeping Manager, specializing in process development and software integration with QuickBooks Online (QBO). With more than 30 years of experience in the accounting field—spanning a variety of industries—I’ve gained extensive knowledge working with programs such as QBO, Xero, FreshBooks, Dext, Wagepoint, Knit, ADP, Stripe, Shopify, Amazon, and Service Titan. I’m proud to hold a Payroll Compliance Professional Certification from the National Payroll Institute, as well as QBO Pro and Xero Pro Certifications. My educational background includes a Diploma in Business Administration Accounting from St. Lawrence College. I also actively pursue ongoing payroll training, covering administration in Ontario, Quebec, and BC, along with annual training for payroll year-end and new year preparation.
Over the years, I’ve learned that a streamlined process is essential for my clients’ success. One of my key accomplishments has been creating processes and documentation that allow our team to support clients effectively and efficiently. I’m solution-oriented and invested in each client’s success, so I make it a priority to talk through scenarios and offer my advice whenever it’s appropriate. By getting to know my clients on a personal level, I can build a relationship of trust that’s rooted in knowledge and understanding.
Outside of my professional life, I’m passionate about using my own trauma story to educate and inspire others. I’ve spoken publicly at events like “Take Back the Night,” taught boundary classes at Sexual Assault Support Services, and volunteered for the Sexual Assault Crisis Line. Recently, I moved to a new city and I’m excited to discover fresh opportunities to help others in my community. Erin Brockovich has always been a huge inspiration to me—her heart for others and her ability to speak up for those who can’t have influenced my approach to advocacy and standing up for what’s right.
On a lighter note, a fun fact about me is that I schedule my gym time on the calendar—if it’s on my schedule, I’m more likely to go! I look forward to continuing my work supporting clients and communities, and I’m always eager to find new ways to learn, grow, and make a difference.
Temi Oluwatosin, B.A.
Accountant
I’m an accountant responsible for preparing client bookkeeping files and corporate tax. With over five years of experience in the accounting field, I’ve gained a solid understanding of financial processes and best practices that help businesses stay organized and compliant.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in accounting and am currently pursuing my master’s degree, which keeps me continually learning and refining my skills. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on improving efficiency—such as reducing month-end closing time—and I also enjoy taking on corporate tax preparation projects.
My approach to client work is grounded in accuracy and attention to detail. I believe it’s the small things that can make a big difference, and I strive to find efficient solutions to even the most complex financial challenges. Outside of work, you’ll likely find me sleeping in, working on puzzles, or planning my next travel adventure.
One fun quirk about me is that I actually love movie spoilers! I often look them up before watching a film because, for me, the journey is more important than the surprise ending. I also volunteer at my church as a children’s teacher and support their accounting team, which allows me to share my passion for helping others both in the community and professionally.
Mikki Abragan
Accountant
I’m a bookkeeper, specializing in maintaining precise and timely financial records. Whether it’s cleaning up books, reconciling bank accounts, or preparing monthly financial reports, my goal is to ensure a smooth and transparent accounting process for my clients.
I hold double degrees in Financial Management and Accountancy, backed by over a decade of bookkeeping experience. Since transitioning to remote work in 2020, I’ve earned certifications in both QuickBooks Online (QBO) and Xero, reflecting my focus on leveraging cloud-based solutions for modern businesses. Across a variety of industries, I’ve delivered accurate financial management services and streamlined processes for clients—most notably developing comprehensive reports that illuminated churn rates and revenue forecasts. These insights helped clients strategically address potential revenue losses, supporting stability and growth.
My professional philosophy is all about working smart and efficiently. I value my time and my clients’ time, so I prioritize delivering results quickly without compromising quality. Exceptional client care is at the heart of everything I do. When challenges arise, I’m proud of my ability to rapidly identify and execute practical solutions, ensuring my clients always feel heard and supported.
Outside of my professional world, I love discovering new places to eat and exploring scenic trails—especially those leading to waterfalls here in the “waterfalls capital of the Philippines.” Spending quality time with my two Golden Retrievers is one of my favorite ways to unwind, and I also share my home with Ghostie, my playful little black cat who keeps me company during my quiet moments.
A turning point in my career came when a close friend introduced me to remote work, believing it would suit my lifestyle. That push was all I needed to step into a whole new world of opportunities—something I’ll always be grateful for. Before I found my calling as a bookkeeper, I was a bit of a Sudoku wiz, competing nationally and even representing my country in international tournaments. While I didn’t place first globally, I’m proud to say I consistently ranked in the top 10.
I also believe in paying it forward. Having found success in remote work, I’ve happily shared my journey and insights with friends and former classmates to help them land opportunities they never imagined possible. Seeing their successes has been incredibly rewarding and is a testament to the power of community and encouragement.
Eloisa Ortega, PICPA
Accountant
I’m a Bookkeeper responsible for accurately tracking and categorizing client transactions. Each month, I reconcile bank statements and accounts, make any necessary adjustments, and then generate reports accompanied by a summary of key insights. My goal is to ensure clients always have a clear and current understanding of their financial position.
My background includes time in accounting firms, ensuring my clients stay up-to-date. I’ve also worked as a Financial Manager for a major port and cargo management company, helping establish the financial team and streamline reporting. I’m a Philippine-licensed CPA and hold certifications in both QuickBooks Online (QBO) and Xero, backed by a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.
Two quotes that guide my professional and personal approach are, “Chance favors the prepared mind” and “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” These philosophies remind me to stay ready for opportunities and to break down challenges into manageable steps.
In my free time, I’m passionate about beauty and fragrance. Ever since high school, I’ve been honing my makeup skills, and I’ve explored a wide array of perfumes—though I keep a “reasonable” collection. My enthusiasm for makeup is something unique that often surprises people when they learn I’m an accountant.
I draw much of my inspiration from my grandmother, who was an educator and played a huge part in my childhood. Her guidance instilled in me a lifelong love for learning and a commitment to doing things thoroughly and thoughtfully. While I don’t have any current volunteer work, I’m proud to be a member of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), where I continue to learn and engage with fellow professionals.
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