About — Humanity

We help with impact.
It’s why we love finance.

Our choice to focus entirely on charity and social purpose organisations is driven by our values.

We look after people.

We believe in culture.

We may work with money, but we work alongside people first and foremost. From our flexitime work options setup to the office dogs, from our custom ergonomic workstations to our design for fresh air and plants in every corner — you’ll know our team is happy, and see the results in their great work.

We look after people.

We believe in culture.

We’re Humanity Financial.
We help with impact.

In business since 2008, we’ve been Canada’s specialist nonprofit and social purpose sector financial services firm since 2014.

Leadership is complex—especially in nonprofits, charities and social enterprises. Multiple funders support overlapping programs—financial reporting that be dizzying for managers, and impenetrable to boards. We get it, because we’ve lived it. Pressure to make social impact grows, as communities and causes need more and more. Your decision-making must be fast, clear and accurate. That’s where we come in.

Humanity designs financial systems to empower you. We systematize financial information, deliver insights, support sound decisions, and advance your case with funders. We help with clean up, catch up and maintenance of your records. We keep it clean, and we help you do the same. We’re diligent, effective, and accessible. Most importantly, we listen.

We acknowledge nations and leaders. We work with gratitude.

We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to our team members and their families.

Our office is located on the unceded, never surrendered, stolen, traditional and ancestral territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations who have been stewards of these lands since time immemorial. As an uninvited settler on this land, we recognize the responsibility we have to actively participate in decolonizing practices that address Canada’s colonial past and the ongoing subjugation of Indigenous people. We are privileged to work, live, and play here.

We’re Humanity. We help with impact.

Gordon is a recognized leader who works with social purpose organizations and First Nations to transform their financial management and financial governance.

As CEO, Gordon exemplifies our bold vision of what it means to operate with social purpose and social conscience (doing good while being good). In 2020, he led our groundbreaking achievement to become the first BCorp accounting firm in western Canada, In 2022, he realized our goal of becoming a Benefit Corporation; the first accounting firm in British Columbia to do so.

Gordon is a director and Treasurer of Community Foundations of Canada, a member of the Audit and Finance Committee for PayPal Giving Fund Canada and a champion of First Nations financial management strategies that build resilient communities and organizations. In 2022, Gordon was elected to the board of directors of the Aboriginal Finance Officers Association, BC branch (AFOABC).

“I want our clients to be liberated from financial uncertainty. By building confidence in financial management, governance systems, strategies and decision making, we activate opportunities for self-determination and for impact.”

Megan works with ED’s and finance team members to define and implement best practices within their organisations.

A technical powerhouse with a warm and connecting spirit, Megan applies her experience streamlining financial systems for multinationals to supporting Canada’s social sector leaders.

Megan designs systems and implements efficient processes to support solid reporting and sound decisions.

Megan works side-by-side with her husband and Humanity co-founder, Gordon Holley.

“Let’s build systems that give you and your funders confidence and peace-of-mind.”

Alicia’s diverse experience and enthusiasm for accounting was developed during almost a decade of working with top accounting firms and in industry in New Zealand, the Cayman Islands, and Canada.

Empathy and a holistic approach are key to Alicia’s client work. She learns client priorities, capacity and skill sets before proposing any updates. She also enjoys building capabilities to support continuous learning, and measuring both quantitative and qualitative success.

Alicia is passionate about the social purpose sector; she was supported by not-for-profit programs growing up, and now she gives back to the community through her many volunteer activities.

“I want clients to feel comfortable and confident! When I facilitate personal change and organizational purpose, I feel like my work really makes an impact.”

Ally’s enthusiasm for complex systems management, process optimization and capacity building is just as strong as her interest in working with people and supporting their growth. With more than 15 years of office administration experience in busy finance, marketing and mining ventures, she aligns day-to-day tasks with long-term goals and makes it easy for us to measure progress along the way.

Ally grew up in North Vancouver, B.C. She is proud of her Indigenous heritage, having spent much of her early childhood with her large extended family on the traditional, unceded land of the Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation.

“I enjoy working with a range of people within the firm! I appreciate that we’re committed to Reconciliation and making a positive impact on Indigenous communities.”

Anna is an accomplished financial executive with a proven track record of strategic leadership in complex environments undergoing transformation. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, is a board member and Treasurer of Herowork Canada, and is a former board member and Chair of the Board of Directors of Distress Centre Calgary. With extensive experience in sustainable business practices, she helps organizations build their capacity to deliver on their strategic goals.

Anna currently offers Consulting CFO services to non-profit and social purpose organizations, specializing in business reorganizations and transformations, capital redevelopment and government fund development.

“My goal is to help organizations become financially strong, to lead from this place of strength and realize their full potential.”

Bernice was born and raised in the vibrant city of Vancouver, BC. She is dedicated to driving positive change in business. With a background in science and marketing, Bernice transitioned into the People and Culture space almost 10 years ago, partnering with companies and individuals who strive to create a better world.

Bernice creates an inclusive employee experience that values and embraces diverse abilities.

Die Hard is her favourite Christmas movie.

“Watching my colleagues thrive because they are doing their life’s best work here at Humanity Financial is something that brings me immeasurable joy.”

Breanna works with clients to organize financial management and align processes that meet long-term goals.

Prior to joining Humanity, Breanna was a senior accountant at KPMG, where she led multiple audit teams working with non profits and Indigenous organizations.

Breanna is meticulously organized. She categorizes tasks that need to be done while assessing where processes intersect and how they can best be implemented to create quality systems.

Breanna lives in British Columbia’s beautiful Fraser Valley. When she’s not working, she can be found creating art, in a yoga class or learning more about current issues.

“It energizes me to see the impact of my work, and I enjoy knowing that it contributes to creating environmental and social good.”

Eve’s a proudly meticulous bookkeeper, using her attention to detail and expertise in QuickBooks and Excel to stay ahead of complex financial reporting.

After graduating from British Columbia Institute of Technology with a diploma in Financial Management, Eve experienced diverse industries and volunteered with multiple social purpose organizations, before focusing on that work professionally at Humanity.

“I enjoy ’sweating the small stuff’ when it supports our client’s inspiring social causes.”

Hany collaborates with clients to design and implement suitable accounting processes and training to facilitate efficient First Nation organizations and nonprofit operations.

Hany is curious and compassionate. She learns our clients’ histories, mission and values to understand the roots of their current financial processes; this enables solutions that are efficient, effective and meaningful.

After earning a B.B.A from Simon Fraser University, Hany continued her accounting journey, completing her CPA designation in 2021. Her belief in community development can be traced back to her childhood in Vietnam, where her mother works as a tropical disease specialist and public health advocate.

“Small acts can change something big! Good, everyday accounting practices unlock resources so organizations can focus on achieving their mission.”

Jen has worked with non-profits since she began her financial management career in public accounting in 2011. Her career path includes positions where she oversaw accounting operations and financial reporting at a regional school district and the provincial branch of a national non-profit. She is very familiar with government-funded organizations, grant reporting requirements and complex, unionized workplaces.

She provides financial management expertise to our clients and their teams and provides assistance with budgets, funder reports, internal reports, payroll, accounts payable and other functions.

Jen enjoys building relationships with clients while furthering their impact through strong management.

“I like using my knowledge and skills to provide value to organizations with a wonderful purpose. When they reach their objectives, I see the impact of my work!”

Jen works to build quality financial processes that create foundations for positive change in charities.

She combines two decades experience in small, nimble enterprises with big-picture CPA thinking.

Jen loves analyzing data and uses exceptional organizational skills to offer comprehensive financial guidance to clients.

“Working to improve nonprofits financial processes makes me proud to be making a difference.”

Jessica acts as an outsourced external controller for our First Nations clients. She enjoys creating financial management systems that make her clients’ workdays easier and their organizations stronger.

Most of Jessica’s work involves collaborating with teams to identify, connect and streamline organizational processes, while helping staff build finance skills and confidence through training.

Earlier in her career, Jessica worked with private enterprise clients in the assurance division of a “Big 4” accounting firm and at a mid-size firm.

In her spare time, Jessica is a director of a nonprofit that manages low-income housing for single mothers and children.

“Working with Indigenous and nonprofit organizations gives purpose to my career. I enjoy helping clients create value and realize their potential.”

Leanne has 20 years of accounting experience working with all types of organizations including the Delta Hospital Foundation, the University of Saskatchewan and audit services at the Canada Revenue Agency. She has provided virtual controllership services since 2018.

One of Leanne’s greatest strengths is her ability to translate complex financial reports into plain language. When she makes numbers make sense, she builds client confidence. This has the dual effect of easing decision making at the organizations she works with and enhancing communication with funders.

Outside the office, Leanne spends time renovating the heritage home that she and her family live in.

“It makes me happy to create organized financial processes for my clients – processes that they can use repeatedly and reliably to achieve their goals.”

Nicole was born and raised in the beautiful Northern suburbs of Cape Town, South Africa. She made her way to Vancouver in 2021 and enjoys spending her time hiking, reviving her piano skills, playing board games with her partner, and snuggling her two cats!

In 2013 she graduated from Stellenbosch University with a Bachelor of Accounting Honours and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2017. Her career journey has led to roles spanning audit management, team leadership, and building strong client relationships. An adept trainer, Nicole excels in guiding junior team members to success.

“Through my experience and the valuable resources available to me at Humanity, my goal is to create a meaningful impact within the organizations I work with, so that they can continue to benefit the communities they serve.”

Nikki enables nonprofits to make financial decisions and move forward with confidence. She blends her strong accounting skills with her equally impressive listening skills, bringing a high level of empathy to her client relationships. Everyone who meets Nikki instantly feels at ease with her calm style and her commitment to building trustworthy relationship

Prior to joining Humanity Financial, Nikki held Controller roles in various industries, including lumber, manufacturing and renewable resources.

“It’s wonderful to focus on “work worth doing”. Well-managed finances create impact for clients, which in turn creates a better world.”

Pamela collaborates with boards and executives to align financial management strategy with mission and vision, and advance sustainable long-term performance. She has more than two decades of experience working with Indigenous and non-profit organizations in Canada and Australia in both a CFO and Board Director capacity.

Pamela brings numbers to life through dialogue, co-creating a shared understanding of what financial strategy means to client organizations and their stakeholders, what direction it could take and what impact could be achieved as a result.

All of Pamela’s work is underpinned by a deep respect for the collective need for decolonization and equity.

“I work with clients to develop a culturally meaningful language for financial information. We have conversations about what financial wellbeing looks like for their organization, drawing out and envisioning strategies throughout the process.”

Petra has more than 30 years’ experience working in key financial positions and consulting on ERP selections and implementations. She reviews financial systems from a people, process and technology standpoint, and identifies ways to streamline processes and enable efficiencies. She draws both on her training as a CPA, CMA and her broad work experience to articulate business issues and formulate innovative solutions.

Petra also works with clients to communicate financial information in ways that people can understand and act on.

When clients gain confidence in financial reporting and see opportunities to fulfill their mandate, Petra knows she has made a positive difference.

“Not-for-profits play such a vital role in our communities. Working with them allows me to contribute to their goals and the health of their communities.”

Roar specializes in bringing order to the complex accounting and bookkeeping situations that many charities experience. He has extensive experience on nonprofit boards, including a decade as a treasurer and as part of the founding teams of two charities.

He is a graduate of the Norwegian School of Management, and holds an MBA from the University of British Columbia.

Roar has deep knowledge of charitable receipting and CRA reporting, and works with our clients to enable good governance and trust in their financial reporting.

“My goal is to enable my clients to worry less about finances and accounting, and have more time for their programs.”

Ruth consults with organizations requiring controllership and CFO expertise. She helps clients assess their financial management needs, designs suitable accounting systems and processes, and supports implementation and training. Ruth’s multidisciplinary talents stem from her formal education in accounting and business combined with international experience with nonprofits in Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. She has held financial positions with public accounting firms, the University of British Columbia and grass roots microfinance projects. Ruth is also the managing director of a Ugandan accounting firm offering services to nonprofit organizations and financial literacy training for youth and women’s groups who are keen to improve their livelihoods.

“I am passionate about making accounting easy to understand. A good consultant listens, learns and builds clients’ confidence and skills, so they can do as much as possible on their own.”

Sandy creates and delivers financial processes, reports and requirements. She has more than 25 years’ experience working with private, public and government organizations, including non-profits and Indigenous organizations.

When client organizations need to adapt, Sandy applies her change management skills to identify and implement strategies that create a smooth transition. She also has direct experience with funders such as foundations, philanthropists and government authorities.

Sandy’s passion for her community and her breadth of experience suit clients with lean operations and ambitious goals. A naturally curious person, she enjoys learning about others and appreciates that good financial controls require flexibility and humanity.

“Our clients are doing important things in important ways! I collaborate with clients to structure financial processes that help them grow, change and succeed.”

Sara works to demystify accounting for clients, building their capacity to make everyday decisions grounded in sound financial knowledge.

She brings experience as treasurer for nonprofits to bear on all her work.

Sara feels driven to turn her love of numbers into social impact through her work at Humanity and in the nonprofit sector more broadly.

“Bridging the divide between finances and dreams, my work turns our clients’ ideas into social impact.”

As COO, Sheryl develops and implements a broad range of business strategies at Humanity Financial. She builds our capacity for long-term growth in way that reflects our core values, goals and objectives.

Before joining us, Sheryl spent more than 25 years in leadership roles at Vancity one of Canada’s most successful and socially innovative credit unions. She directed its diversity, equity and inclusion program, led changes associated with a major technological transformation, and organized its human resource response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She also took a two-year secondment to become the Chief Operating Officer at Reconciliation Canada.

“It’s wonderful to work with colleagues who are as committed to financial excellence as they are to the human relationships so vital to our communities.”

Shailene enjoys creating value for the social purpose organizations she’s been passionately serving since 2007. Skilled for strategic change and system improvements, and known for outstanding technical knowledge, she offers 14+ years of solid experience in improving the financial systems of the nonprofitt sector, and over 3 years of auditing experience.

Shailene is a principled leader who is dedicated to providing sound financial advice to the board and executive leadership, including church leaders. She is inspired by helping nonprofits thrive with sound financial, accounting and budgetary frameworks—including empowering them to generate relevant, reliable financial reports. Driven to succeed, she constantly learns, thinks, and creates innovative ways to contribute more value to the nonprofit organizations she serves. She joined Humanity to focus exclusively on developing the nonprofit sector.

Shailene has held leadership positions on several boards including the Canadian Bible Society-BC and Yukon District.

“I’m inspired by the impact of my work on the leadership of not-for-profits—seeing them happy makes me glad.”

Stacey helps social enterprises navigate regulatory frameworks, ensuring that their growing revenue never jeopardizes parent entity tax status. Stacey loves the detail of day-to-day bookkeeping, and has also served on voluntary boards Stacey particularly likes legal structures for business and social enterprise.

A Certified Bookkeeper with a specialization in Small Business Counselling and robust experience in full cycle accounting, Stacey holds Professional Certificates in Sustainable Community Development and Community Economic Development.

“I’m inspired by leaders in the social change space, and people living the change they want to see in the world.”

Stephanie provides fractional controllership services to nonprofits. Prior to joining Humanity Financial, she worked at an accounting firm in Toronto that specialized in audit and assurance engagements for charities and nonprofits. She also has extensive experience in tax planning and financial reporting for individuals and privately held corporations.

Stephanie is a self-described “people person”. She is passionate about learning her client’s stories and perspectives, and in turn uses her expertise to build their financial skills and confidence. She is driven to create reporting that enables stakeholders to make sense of their organization’s financial picture.

“I strive to empower my clients by using a collaborative approach to implement financial solutions that align with their mission.”

Born and raised in Langley, B.C., Talia is a dedicated individual who seeks to infuse purpose into her work. Her commitment to excellence and appreciation for meaningful interactions make her a valuable member of any team. With a keen eye for detail, Talia enjoys preparing and analyzing complex financial documents, so that clients are able to make effective and confident financial decisions.

After earning her BBA (with distinction) from the University of the Fraser Valley and gaining her CPA, Talia is looking forward to working with clients who are committed to making communities healthier and more resilient.

In her free time, Talia enjoys exploring the world through travel, finding serenity in yoga, preparing healthy recipes in the kitchen and spending time with her dog Pepper.

“Accounting is accounting no matter where you go; however, working at Humanity puts purpose behind the work I do each day.”

Taryn is a multitalented CPA with a unique hybrid role at Humanity Financial. She works directly with clients to create and maintain financial management systems, and she also works internally, assisting with our own financial management and operations. Taryn began her career at Deloitte Canada where she worked with private clients including First Nations governments. After completing a short-term contract at Deloitte Australia and a financial reporting role at a multinational P3 firm, Taryn joined Humanity Financial in 2021. She enjoys developing long-term business relationships where she can build trust, understand her clients’ unique needs and organize effective solutions.

“If clients are unfamiliar with accounting, it can seem like a different language. I aim to bridge that gap, build dialogue and create lasting value”

With more than 10 years of specialized not-for-profit accounting and auditing experience in Calgary and Vancouver, Wendy is the perfect fit for her unique role at Humanity Financial.

Wendy is a strategic thinker. She works closely with clients to resolve immediate and practical accounting issues such as processes and procedures for bookkeeping, financial reporting and budgeting. She also collaborates with senior management and finance and audit committees, transforming governance, internal controls and leadership to position organizations for long-term success.

Wendy has held leadership positions on several boards, including Canadian Mountain Network.

“Helping our clients resolve their accounting problems is like sorting out a puzzle to create the capacity to build a brighter future.”

Jeff Sodowsky pairs international perspectives from diverse social service sectors with experiences at executive, volunteer, board member and donor levels. Jeff’s served as the Interim VP of Advancement for Thompson Rivers University, Chief Development Officer for BC Women’s Hospital, Acting General Director and Chief Development Officer for Vancouver Opera, Executive Director for Opera Cleveland, Director of Education for Louisville Ballet, Educator for National Faculty, and Finance Director for a successful US Congressional campaign. *A partner in Acorn Philanthropic Group.

“I work to strategically leverage every available resource—for smaller and larger organizations alike.”

Over 15 years in nonprofit fundraising Esther Jang has raised millions of dollars for large and smaller BC organizations alike. She works as strategic counsel, designs fundraising and legacy strategies, and facilitates strategic planning.

An active volunteer herself, Esther leads workshops with Vantage Point, advises Inspire Health, and sits on the local AFP National Philanthropy Day Judicial Committee. Esther holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a post-graduate certificate in International Development, and is recognized with a professional CFRE designation (2012).

*A partner in Acorn Philanthropic Group.

“I work to build capacity, design strategies, and facilitate cultural and organisational change.”

We’re a growing concern—drop us a line if you’d like to grow with us.

We help with impact.It’s why we love finance.

Our choice to focus entirely on charity and social purpose organisations is driven by our values.

We look after people.

We believe in culture.

We look after people.

We believe in culture.

We’re Humanity Financial. We help with impact.

In business since 2008, we’ve been Canada’s specialist nonprofit and social purpose sector financial services firm since 2014.

We acknowledge nations and leaders. We work with gratitude.

We acknowledge our traditional hosts and honour their welcome and graciousness to our team members and their families.

We’re Humanity. We help with impact.

Gordon Holley

Megan Holley

Alicia Gleeson-Cherneski

Ally Fallis

Anna Nelson

Bernice Paul

Breanna van der Starren

Eve Han

Huong (Hany) Tran

Jen Hope

Jennifer Morse

Jessica Virk

Leanne MacDonald

Nicole Badash

Nikki Morris

Pamela Oliva

Petra Haas

Roar Bakken

Ruth Hoffman

Sandra Pratt

Sara Rezamand

Sheryl Ries

Shailene Caparas

Stacey Corriveau

Stephanie Bruns

Talia Burgess

Taryn McGilp

Wendy Wan

Jeff Sodowsky*

Esther Jang*

Want to join our team?

Six Evolving Practices in Indigenous Government Finances and Performance Reporting

We help with impact.
It’s why we love finance.

We’re Humanity Financial.
We help with impact.