About

Michael Argento, CPA

Founder

My name is Michael Argento, and my passion is helping business owners and their teams live their ideal lifestyle by building a business that’s worth more and makes more profit. I work with clients to identify what adds value — and what detracts value — from their company, then pinpoint the single biggest constraint bottlenecking growth. From there, I don’t just hand over the diagnosis — I work with owners to create and execute a clear action plan to remove that constraint, backed by financial models that track and measure the metrics that matter most for exiting at the highest valuation possible.

I became a CPA to make finance clear, empowering, and strategic — not confusing or intimidating. After earning top marks in my accounting program, winning a scholarship from one of Vancouver’s largest independent firms, and gaining my CPA designation, I launched Argento CPA in 2016 with just two clients. Since then, I’ve grown the firm into a national team serving high-performing entrepreneurs across technology, SaaS, agencies, and construction trades.

An entrepreneur at heart, I’m obsessed with continuous improvement — investing over $300,000 into masterminds, coaching, and mentorship with icons like Jay Abraham and Alex Hormozi. My approach blends deep financial expertise with insights into sales, marketing, leadership, and growth strategy. I believe in building long-term relationships with clients, many of whom become close friends, and helping them create a business that supports the life they truly want.

When I’m not advising clients, you’ll find me in Lions Bay with my family, lifting weights, training in boxing, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling, hiking with my German Shepherd, or riding my Harley.

Our Mission:

To inspire our team and clients to live their ideal lifestyle.

Our Core Values

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.

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.

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.

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.

Domenick Bartuccio, CPA

CFO

I’m Domenick Bartuccio, Lead Advisor here at Argento CPA and formerly a Director of Data Analytics and Transaction Advisory at PwC. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve led M&A on more than 35 acquisitions — including three billion-dollar sales and dozens in the $10–$100M range, with deal multiples as high as 8x EBITDA. I specialize in working with companies in the three years before a sale, making sure they’re tracking the metrics private equity and other buyers value most — so owners can maximize valuation and focus on the improvements that truly matter.

As a CPA with a graduate diploma in accounting, my work spans fractional CFO services, advisory, budgeting, forecasting, and exit planning. I’ve built my career around restructuring, capital raising, and M&A support, including leading the successful restructure and sale of Modasuite, guiding the orderly Chapter 11 at Betsey Johnson, heading the diligence team for BCE’s sale of its data centres, and raising over $500 million in growth capital for clients. At PwC, I was part of the primary Data Analytics team, deploying advanced analytics and performance metrics across the firm and for clients.

My philosophy is collaborative: I believe in 360° feedback, shared ideas, and training people rather than leaving them to figure it out alone.

Whether I’m guiding a client through a high-stakes transaction or refining day-to-day financial operations, I combine technical expertise with a solutions-oriented, results-driven approach.

Outside of work, I’m an amateur MMA combatant, a fan of Italian wine and classic vinyl, and the owner of far too many comic books. I draw inspiration from thinkers like Primo Levi and James Baldwin — especially Baldwin’s reminder that “Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” I once trained for 10 years as a tailor while in university and can still cut a decent suit pattern. I also give back by working with the John Molson Competition Committee to train students for the Commerce Games, and by supporting local political candidates working to improve conditions in Montreal.

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

Accounting Manager

I’m the Accounting 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.

Tori Patriquin, CPB

Accounting Manager

I’m Tori Patriquin, Accounting Manager at Argento CPA, where I focus on onboarding new clients, cleaning up books, and streamlining processes so business owners can move from stress to clarity. I specialize in cloud-based accounting and thrive on making systems simple, efficient, and accurate.

I’ve been working in the accounting world for over 15 years and am a proud member of CPB Canada. I’m certified in both QuickBooks Online and Xero, and have hands-on experience with tools like Dext, Hubdoc, Wagepoint, and Plooto. I hold a Small Business Bookkeeping Certificate from Sheridan College and am always learning, staying current with the latest accounting technology to better serve our clients.

One of my most rewarding projects was helping a client transition to a completely new accounting system and catching up on three years of backlogged books so their accountant could finally file their taxes. I believe in providing real value — not just putting numbers in buckets — and in educating clients in plain language without accounting jargon. Building trust and making clients feel comfortable asking questions is what leads to better books and better decisions.

When I’m not working, you’ll probably find me crocheting, tackling an escape room, or spending time with my family. Every year for the past 16 years, my parents, sisters, and our kids have taken a family trip — usually to a small town in Mexico — and it’s one of my favorite traditions.

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, with years of honing my makeup skills and exploring perfumes—though I keep a “reasonable” collection.

My love for makeup often surprises people, given my career as 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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