15 Dec 2025 Year-End Update

Posted at 09:40h in Latest News, Team Clearline CPA by 15 Dec

Year-End Update: A Look Back at 2025

As we close out 2025, we are proud to reflect on a year defined by steady growth, meaningful milestones, and the continued strength of the Clearline CPA team. It was a year that reinforced who we are as a firm and where we are headed.

Growth, Talent, and Team Momentum

Clearline continued to grow in 2025, both in size and capability. We welcomed 11 new staff members and 2 new managers, while also celebrating 7 internal promotions ranging from Senior CSA to Manager. These milestones reflect not only the firm’s expansion, but our commitment to developing talent from within and creating long-term career paths for our people.

What started as a firm of fewer than 10 has grown into a team of over 70. That progress is the result of consistent effort, collaboration, and a shared focus on delivering high-quality work and trusted advice to our clients.

Recognizing Julia Wallis

This year also marked the retirement of Julia Wallis, Senior Manager at Clearline CPA. While many of our clients may not have worked directly with Julia, she played an important role working with several clients, supporting files, mentoring team members and students, and contributing to the firm during her time with us. We thank Julia for her dedication and wish her all the best.

Investing in Leadership and Professional Development

Professional development remained a priority in 2025. We held our annual Management Retreat at The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, where managers and principals participated in a Working Genius session focused on understanding individual strengths, collaboration styles, and how those dynamics impact team effectiveness. It was a valuable opportunity to step back, learn together, and strengthen leadership across the firm.

Earlier in the year, we hosted a firm-wide professional development day that ended with some well-earned fun at 6Pack Indoor Beach, an indoor beach facility, where teams spent the afternoon playing volleyball, soccer, and other beach-style sports.

Community Involvement and Sponsored Events

Community engagement continued to be an important focus. In 2025, Clearline hosted or participated in 24 firm events, ranging from professional development sessions to social gatherings, including a family-friendly summer event at Playland.

We were also proud to sponsor several community golf tournaments in support of local organizations and causes, including:

At each tournament, Clearline offered a $25,000 hole-in-one prize, with the cheque signed and ready to go. While there were a few close calls, no one claimed the prize this year. Hopefully, 2026 is the year it goes home with someone.

Celebrating Achievements and Firm Milestones

We were especially proud to see Shane Schepens, our lead tax principal, selected as a presenter with Video Tax News, an organization that has been providing Canadian tax education to professional accountants since 1980. Video Tax News is widely followed by tax professionals and CPA firms across Canada, and Shane’s involvement reflects Clearline’s commitment to thought leadership and practical expertise in tax planning.

A Year of Celebration

Back in April, we capped off tax season with our annual Year-End Tax Party at Tap & Barrel, giving the team a well-deserved opportunity to relax and celebrate after another demanding tax season.

The year wrapped up with several memorable celebrations. Our Annual Christmas Party at the Blue Horizon Hotel was a highlight, featuring professional photography by Shades Portrait Studio, a full LED dance floor and furniture that transformed the space into a true Go Glow Party, and a relaxed lounge area curated by Social Ingredients. Guests enjoyed an outstanding menu prepared by Chef Joel Green and his team, with more than 15 canapé options, from classic tartare and tataki to a slider and poutine bar.

Looking Ahead

None of this progress happens by chance. It is driven by the dedication of our staff, managers, partners, and the trust our clients place in us every day. As we look ahead to 2026, we remain focused on continued growth, strong relationships, and delivering work we are proud of.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making 2025 a successful and memorable year at Clearline CPA.