+ Who we are
We pride ourselves on NOT being a typical accounting firm. Accountants have a reputation for being 'bean counters' and for good reason. It's easy to get caught up in the systems and rules of accounting and tax and to overlook the big picture - helping clients prosper. We've turned this around. Our client's success is our number one goal.+ Our Team
Marnie Marr - CPA
Marnie Marr was born and raised in northern Manitoba. She completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Psychology at the University of Manitoba before moving to Calgary in 1993. Her accounting career began in 1996 after completion of an Accounting Diploma at the University of British Columbia. Marnie spent several years working in the audit and tax departments at Pricewaterhouse Coopers in Vancouver and Calgary. She discovered a passion for working with small business clients and focusing on helping entrepreneurs and their families to succeed. After moving to Airdrie in 2008, Marnie became partners with Max Fiander in Fiander Marr Chartered Professional Accountants which evolved into Marr & Company after Max’s retirement in 2018. Marnie is very proud of the firm and of the strong client relationships that have developed over the past few decades. She loves working in Airdrie and feeling that she is contributing to the financial success of Marr & Company clients.+ Why Choose a Professional Accountant?
There is only one professional accounting designation in Canada, Chartered Professional Accountants (CPAs). CPAs have a minimum of 6 years of full time University education in accounting and business. They have also completed a minimum of 3 years of on-the-job training working with a Chartered Professional Accountant and supervised by the CPA Association. Fully trained CPAs are required to complete continuous ongoing education and upgrading. Tax laws are frequently changing and it is essential that accountants keep up to date on all of the changes.In Canada, anyone can call themselves an accountant or tax preparer and file taxes for clients. The Canada Revenue Agency does not regulate this at all. There are many people in the accounting industry who call themselves accountants but they actually have little to no education or training in the field. They are usually bookkeepers with a very basic knowledge of accounting and tax. This often ends up costing their clients in extra tax and penalties as, in Canada, the taxpayer is responsible for any errors in their tax filings.
Chartered Professional Accountants are required to carry liability insurance and are held to a standard of care in their work.
Whether you choose Marr & Company or another accounting firm, we strongly recommend that you work only with a Chartered Professional Accountant. We have seen too many people suffer devastating consequences by using unqualified accountants.
Kiemya Refahi (pronounced Keemya) – Corporate Accountant
Kiemya holds an accounting degree from Grant McEwan University. She joined Marr & Co. in 2009 as a co-op student and returned to the firm after her graduation. She strives to provide her clients with a personalized, professional service. In addition to working full time, Kiemya is pursuing her Chartered Professional Accountant designation. Kiemya was born in Regina and grew up in Airdrie. She’s an avid reader, movie goer, and loves to travel.
Abby Marr – Corporate Accountant
Abby started work at Marr & Co. as a summer student in 2019. She completed her accounting degree at the University of British Columbia in 2022 and is currently enrolled in the CPA program. Abby was born and raised in Southern Alberta. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 cats, Henry and Worm.
Amy Maclean – Corporate Accountant
Originally from New Brunswick – Amy joined Marr & Co in 2007. In 2018 – she moved back to New Brunswick and worked as an accountant for a large corporation. for a few years. Thankfully – she returned to Alberta (and Marr & Co) in 2022. Amy has a diploma in accounting from New Brunswick Community College. When she’s not working – Amy enjoys spending time with her husband – sons – dog Bella and cat – Charlie.
Bev Nordrum – Personal Tax Manager & Accounts Receivable Administrator
Bev is an expert in all areas of personal taxation including farms, small businesses, investments and estates. Bev has been using these skills at Marr & Co. since 2010. Bev holds a business administration and accounting diploma and has a background in financial services. She was born and raised in Lloydminster and has lived in many different regions including Yellowknife, Belgium and Norway. Bev enjoys spending time with her husband and children, especially at the lake in the summer.
Laura Thiessen – Senior Accounting Manager and New Staff Trainer
Laura’s friendliness and sense of humor combined with her thorough understanding of corporate and personal tax and accounting make her an excellent accounting manager. Laura has been with Marr & Co. since 2014. She received accounting training at University of Alberta and has worked in accounting for over 10 years. Laura was born and raised in Sothern Alberta and enjoys a busy life with her husband and 3 children.
Steve Van Die – Senior Accounting Manager
Steve started work at Marr & Co. in the fall of 2021. Steve was born and raised in Ontario where he earned a Business Degree at McMaster University before moving to Alberta in 2005. In his spare time he enjoys softball and spending time with his wife and 3 kids.
Lindsay Hall – Accounting Manager
With over 15 years of accounting and bookkeeping experience – Lindsay joined Marr & Co in 2021. When she’s not working – Lindsay enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 young kids and going camping in the summers.
Erin Duggan – Accounting Manager
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Sandy Jiggins – Accounting Manager
Sandy was born in Nova Scotia and has lived from coast to coast but has spent the majority of her time living in the Calgary area. She received her CMA designation in 2001 and has since spent her time as a bakery café business owner in Salmon Arm BC, as well as pursuing other goals and interests in the design and construction industries over the years. In her spare time Sandy raises her two young boys and volunteers for an animal rescue.
Cortney Bell – New Client Onboarding Manager
Cortney started working with Marr & Company in 2023. She has a Business Administration diploma from SAIT. Cortney prides herself on building strong relationships with clients through honest, open communication. When she isn’t working you can find her crafting with her kids or working on the never-ending projects with her husband.
Colette Francis – Administrator
Colette grew up in Red Bay, a very small town in Newfoundland and Labrador. She has only ever lived in her home province, however in August of 2023 she made the move to Airdrie with her husband and two teenage sons. Colette has worked for 25+ years in an office/administrative environment and considers herself very much a people person. In her spare time, she enjoys watching her sons play basketball, baking, knitting and crocheting.
Liva Muzones – Bookkeeper
Liva joined Marr & Company in 2022 after moving to Crossfield where she lives with her husband and 2 kids. She has experience at a CPA firm in Northern Alberta as well as a diploma in accounting from Bredin College. I worked as an admin assistant for almost 3 years and while working I was studying Accounting and Payroll Administration in 2020. In her spare time – she loves to cook and bake for her family and friends.
Susan Villemaire – Personal Tax Preparer
With over 20 years experience in preparing personal tax – Susan joins Marr & Co every year since 2021 during personal tax season. Prior to retiring from full time work – she spent 28 years at Scotiabank in the retail and business banking departments. For fun Susan enjoys curling – volleyball – and camping.
Tanya Couillard – Personal Tax Preparer
With a SAIT accounting certificate earned in 2014, Tanya has established herself in the accounting field, focusing on personal tax preparation. Her experience and attention to detail ensure high-quality service for all her clients. Tanya has called Airdrie home for ten years and enjoys spending her free time with her family.