About Controllership Focus Online

Controllership Focus Online started with the idea of providing financial expertise (CFO or Controller) to small- and mid-sized businesses. Often, the barrier is the hiring costs of a full-time accountant. By combining the expertise of professional accountants with modern technological advances, Controllership Focus Online can provide part-time controllership at a fraction of the cost of a full-time controller.
Our team has been providing accounting services to the Canadian business community since 1991 as J.A. Smith & Associates Inc., CGA, CFP. In 2000, J.A. Smith & Associates Inc. became the eighth accounting firm in Western Canada designated as ISO Certified. As of 2004, outsourced accounting and controllership services were announced under the Controllership Focus Online brand.

Strategic Merger for Better Business Accounting

On September 1, 2009, a merger took place between the outsourced accounting services of J A Smith & Associates and CPO Accounting. Both firms were pioneers in the online Chief Financial Officer industry in Canada.
The merger created Controllership Focus Online, bringing together proven processes, technology, and best practices from both firms. Professional accountants provide business advice and financial reviews on a regular basis, allowing owners to keep up-to-date on the financial health of their business.
Today, Controllership Focus Online (CFO) is Canada’s leader in outsourced accounting services.

Technical Support from Business Performance Solutions Inc

An affiliated sister company, Business Performance Solutions Inc., a Microsoft Small Business Specialist, provides Controllership Focus Online clients with access to cloud-computing technology:

  • Dedicated high-speed servers
  • Secure data-center file protection
  • Software applications
  • Remote backup
  • Professional information technology support

BPSi provides the technological edge that makes Controllership Focus Online competitive in the accounting industry. Learn more about Business Performance Solutions Inc. here.

Our Team

Joyce A. Smith, C.G.A., C.F.P.

President and Senior Service Provider>
Joyce has been in public practice since 1967. She has held a special interest and involvement in management consulting, establishment of performance measures and guidance for business success.
Joyce is an active and involved member in many association activities. She takes pride in her service on the boards of a number of community organizations which include Vancouver Island University Foundation and Mid Island Science and Technology Innovation Council.

Theresa Dyck

Senior Service Provider – Outsourced Accounting Manager
Theresa came to us in 2004 with 5 years of previous experience in public practice accounting. She is a Certified Simply Accounting Provider and Quickbooks Pro Advisor. All new CFO clients work with Theresa when upgrading their old accounting setups to new ones. She handles training as well.
Her strong interpersonal skills and friendly manner contribute greatly to our sense of team work with the Not for Profit clients that we offer controllership service for and which she specializes in. Theresa has completed all course requirements in the CGA program and is now awaiting graduation.

Nancy Gill, B.B.A., C.G.A.

Senior Service Provider – Controller/Bookkeeper
Nancy graduated from Simon Fraser University in 1995 with a Bachelor in Business Administration in Accounting, Finance and International Business. She earned her C.G.A. designation in 2004.
Nancy has worked in industry for over 10 years. Her positive attitude, good sense of humor and hard-working manner are an asset to the firm and her clients. Nancy currently lives in Maple Ridge. Her family owns a blueberry farm.

Kathy Torrie

Service Provider – Bookkeeper
Kathy has more than 18 years of bookkeeping and administration experience. Beginning her career in Alberta, she worked for a holdings company that managed construction, restaurant, and daycare services. Her skillset has grown over the years to encompass many aspects of office administration and management.
Kathy is also a rehabilitation practitioner: a skill set she acquired in previous employment.  She enjoys the odd combination of renovation, reading, and quilting.

Steve Tateham

Computer Support Manager and Network Administrator—Business Performance Solutions Inc.
Steve graduated from Vancouver Island University in June 2007 with a 2 year diploma course in Information Technology and Applied Systems. In August 2008 Steve became a Microsoft Small Business Specialist.
Steve enjoys and plays sports of all sorts, especially hockey, baseball and beach volleyball. He also loves everything and anything to do with technology.

Bill Saffin, B.Ed.

Systems Trainer and Computer Support Assistant—Business Performance Solutions Inc.
Before joining Business Performance Solutions as a trainer in 2007, Bill taught in the public school system for over twenty years. He brings the same passion for education to BPSi’s customers. He has introduced our “Business Connect” system, a Microsoft Sharepoint Intranet, to users of Controllership Focus Online by developing a series of guiding lessons. The lessons walk clients through the important features and help fit “Business Connect” into an organization. He prefers to give students as much hands-on experience as possible during the training process.
Bill works with clients to develop a flexible training plan to fit their implementation schedule. Individual and small group lessons are a preferred part of the overall learning experience. He always strives to improve the training and support given to clients. Bill’s first priority is meeting the individual needs of BPSi’s clients.

Steven Cooper

Systems Trainer and Computer Support Assistant – Business Performance Solutions Inc.
Steven is an experienced computer technician with an expertise focus in troubleshooting. In September, 2011, Steven became a Microsoft Small Business Specialist. His focus is always with the customer.  Before coming to BPSi, Steven worked 3 years at an international retail store, providing computer support. Steven also plays sports: primarily basketball and football