Transforming The Accounting Industry: CEO Wendy Ha's Vision For The Future
- Brainz Magazine
- Apr 25, 2023
- 5 min read
Wendy Ha is a seasoned leader in finance and tax, with more than 15 years of experience in scaling companies, particularly in the technology and media industries. Driven by her passion for her work, Wendy founded her own firm, AgileCPA Professional Corporation. Unlike traditional accounting and tax firms that focus solely on compliance work, Wendy's vision for AgileCPA is to establish a forward-thinking company that supports tech and film companies in achieving their strategic objectives.
Hi Wendy! Please introduce yourself!
I am not your typical accountant. I believe in working hard and playing hard. I always strive to provide high-quality and accurate work in my profession, but outside of work, I have a variety of hobbies and interests that showcase my diverse personality.
One of my favorite hobbies is playing tennis, as it not only keeps me active but also allows me to enjoy the outdoors. I also love to travel whenever possible, exploring new places and cultures, which has broadened my horizons significantly.
I'm an avid reader with eclectic tastes, ranging from science books that feed my curiosity about the world to romance novels that offer an escape into the realm of love and passion. My husband and I enjoy spending time together, especially on Friday nights when we like to unwind with a good horror movie, which may seem like a surprising choice given my other interests, but we love the thrill it brings.
In addition, I am always on the lookout for new and delicious food to try, as I find that trying different cuisines helps me connect with other cultures and appreciate the unique flavors they have to offer.
Overall, I consider myself a well-rounded individual with a passion for life and a constant thirst for new experiences and knowledge.
Tell us about AgileCPA and how you help your clients
At AgileCPA, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to accounting and technology, combining the best of both worlds.
Our primary goal at AgileCPA is to help our clients harness the power of numbers to make better decisions, leading to increased success and growth. We achieve this by offering a comprehensive range of services, including tax compliance, tax advisory, and CFO advisory work.
We work closely with our clients to ensure they are fully compliant with tax regulations, minimizing the risk of costly penalties and fines. Through our tax advisory services, we help clients identify strategies to minimize their tax liabilities, allowing them to retain more of their hard-earned profits.
In addition to tax-related services, we offer CFO advisory work that adds significant value to our clients' businesses. We leverage our extensive experience in technology and business growth to identify areas where clients can increase revenue or cut costs. This strategic advisory work not only improves the financial performance of our clients' businesses but also helps them remain agile and adaptable in the face of ever-changing market conditions.
At AgileCPA, we are committed to providing tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring that they can make the most of their financial resources and achieve their goals.
You have focused mostly on the technology and media industries - what is so interesting about those industries?
What makes the technology and film/media industries particularly interesting to me and our team at AgileCPA is the combination of the unique business models and dynamic nature of these sectors.
Firstly, both the technology and film/media industries have accounting rules, such as revenue recognition, which require a deep understanding of their specific nuances. As experts in these fields, we find it both challenging and rewarding to navigate the complexities of these industries to provide the best possible service to our clients.
Secondly, the rapidly changing nature of technology in these industries adds an element of excitement and continuous learning. The constant evolution of technology keeps us on our toes and ensures that we stay up to date with the latest advancements, tools, and best practices. This not only makes our work more engaging, but also allows us to provide cutting-edge solutions and advice to our clients.
Lastly, the technology and film/media industries often benefit from significant tax incentives provided by the government. These incentives are designed to encourage innovation, job creation, and economic growth in these sectors. By understanding and leveraging these tax incentives, we can help our clients optimize their financial strategies, ultimately contributing to their success and the broader economy.
What makes your accounting firm stand out from other competitors?
What sets our accounting firm apart from our competitors is our commitment to providing exceptional client service. We go above and beyond to understand our clients' businesses and tailor our services to their specific needs. We also invest heavily in technology and innovation to improve our efficiency and accuracy, which enables us to deliver high-quality services at a competitive price.
What is the most common issue for Canadian companies when it comes to corporate taxes?
The most common issue for Canadian companies when it comes to corporate taxes is compliance with tax laws and regulations. The tax code is complex and constantly changing, which can make it challenging for businesses to stay on top of their tax obligations. Our firm has a dedicated team of tax professionals who stay up to date on the latest tax laws and regulations to help our clients minimize their tax liabilities while remaining in compliance.
What are your current goals for your business?
Our current goals for our business include expanding our service offerings to provide more value to our clients, increasing our market share in our target industries, and attracting and retaining top talent to strengthen our team.
What would you like to achieve for yourself and your business in the future?
In the future, we aim to become the go-to accounting firm for businesses in the technology and media industries. We want to continue to grow and innovate to stay ahead of the curve and provide our clients with the best possible service.
Who inspires you to be the best that you can be?
I am inspired by successful business leaders who are driven by a passion for their work and a commitment to making a positive impact on their communities. I also look up to my mentors and colleagues who have helped me develop my skills and expertise over the years.
Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far.
My greatest career achievement so far has been building a highly successful accounting team at AgileCPA and making a tangible difference in our clients' businesses. I am incredibly proud of the talented and dedicated professionals I have brought together, who share my passion for helping clients harness the power of numbers to make better decisions.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been witnessing the remarkable growth and success of our clients. It has been a privilege to be a part of their journey, helping them navigate the complexities of their industries and providing them with the tools and insights needed to thrive.
Seeing clients transform from zero profit to achieving over $10 million in profit is not only a testament to our team's expertise and hard work, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that we can have on their businesses. This achievement fills me with a great sense of pride and satisfaction, knowing that we have played a crucial role in helping our clients realize their dreams and reach new heights of success.
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If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
If I could change one thing about the accounting industry, it would be to make it more accessible and understandable to the public. Accounting can be complex and intimidating, and many people are not aware of the valuable services that accountants can provide. By demystifying the accounting profession and educating the public on its benefits, we can help more people make informed financial decisions and improve their overall financial well-being.
