Learn how to do bookkeeping for a small business in Canada. Step-by-step guide covering CRA requirements, software, GST filing, and when to hire a professional bookkeeper. Author: Fraser Barrett CPA Running a small business in Canada is rewarding, but keeping your financial records in order can feel overwhelming — especially when the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has strict requirements about what you must track and for how long. Whether you are a new entrepreneur in Whistler,

Running a business in Whistler is unlike anywhere else. You’re not just dealing with the universal challenges of entrepreneurship; you’re navigating the intense seasonality, high operating costs, and unique staffing dynamics of a world-class resort town. It’s a high-stakes environment that demands resilience, passion, and a crystal-clear understanding of your financial position. But between managing seasonal rushes, navigating the local housing crunch to retain staff, and sim

The recent unveiling of British Columbia's 2026 budget by Finance Minister Brenda Bailey has certainly given us a lot to talk about. In a climate of economic uncertainty and with a significant provincial deficit, this budget walks a tightrope between fiscal restraint and protecting the essential services we all rely on. It’s a mixed bag of tax adjustments, new spending, and some significant changes for businesses. Let's break down the key takeaways so you can understand what

If you’re running a business in the Sea to Sky, you’re no stranger to constantly balancing the need for world-class talent with the rising costs of doing business in a resort town. Between housing crunches and seasonal staffing surges, there is always a new hurdle on the horizon. For 2026, that hurdle is the BC Employer Health Tax (EHT) . As a Whistler based accountant servicing the Sea to Sky , I’ve seen many local owners get caught off guard by the EHT because the busy peri

In the earl y days of a Sea to Sky startup, wearing every hat is a badge of honor. You’re the CEO, the marketing team, and often, the part-time bookkeeper. It feels like a smart way to save a few hundred dollars a month. But as your business scales, that "free" DIY bookkeeping can quickly become one of your most expensive overhead items. At Aspect Accounting, we specialize in helping businesses transition from "surviving their books" to using them as a competitive advantage.

In a world-class resort like Whistler, business owners often have more than just a successful company—they have a valuable brand. But when it comes time to retire or move on to your next a dventure, your Whistler accountant  shouldn’t just be filing your year-end; they should be helping you maximize the check you receive at the finish line. The True Cost of Messy Books Investors and potential buyers don’t just buy your revenue - they buy your trust and proof. If your bookkeep

If you’re running a business in W histler, you know the ups and downs of operating in a tourist hotspot. The stunning mountains and year-round visitors make it an incredible place to work, but the seasonal "feast and famine" cycles can make managing a P&L feel skiing in a white out. Most business ow ners start by looking for a Whistler accountant  just to handle tax filings or clean up a "shoebox" of receipts. But as you scale, you quickly realize that looking in the rearvie

Written by: Fraser Barrett CPA If you're running a business in Whistler, you know the thrill—and the headaches—of operating in one of BC's premier tourism hotspots. The stunning mountains, endless outdoor adventures, and year-round visitors make it an incredible place to work and live. But the flip side? High staff turnover is a constant challenge, especially in hospitality, retail, and seasonal tourism roles. As a seasoned expert in Whistler bookkeeping and payroll services

After 7 years as a Squamish bookkeeper cleaning up other people’s disasters the biggest thing we hear from potential clients is that they are looking for peace of mind. Here are the exact 9 traits that separate the lifesavers from the late-night-stress-creators. 1. They Speak “Small Business” Fluently (Not Just Accounting Jargon) A good bookkeeper translates numbers into decisions you can actually use. Bad one: “Your deferred revenue liability increased.” Good one: “You can b

I’ve been doing bookkeeping for Squamish and Sea-to-Sky construction companies, tradespeople, and renovators for over 6 years. Trust me, I’ve seen it all: shoeboxes of crumpled receipts, “I’ll enter it later” QuickBooks files that are two years behind, and the dreaded CRA audit notice that shows up right before fishing season. If you’re a contractor or tradesperson in Squamish, good bookkeeping isn’t just paperwork. It’s literally the difference between making real money and

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Blog Written by Fraser Barrett CPA (Partner) Hello, entrepreneurs! At Aspect Accounting, we're passionate about helping new business owners in British Columbia navigate the exciting yet complex world of startups. With over a decade of finance experience, we've seen firsthand how a solid foundation in accounting, compliance, and risk management can make all the difference between thriving and struggling. Starting a business is a thrilling journey, but it's crucial to get the b