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| - This location lost me as a client, because of one specific accountant from 2013.
I've been coming to this location for the past 2 or more years. Up until last year, it's been okay. Last year was so bad that I will never come back here - ever.
The "experienced" accountant (Kerry William Service), supposed to be one of the best there, does not have great etiquette.
He can be rude, and condescending. In 2012, he asked me a mathematical question, and because I did not answer it quickly enough, he casually insulted me.
I let him get away with it, since I really wanted my taxes to get done and he was one of the "experienced" and "best" accountants.
In 2013, he showed up ONE HOUR LATE. I had been waiting with my young child. I only had so many toys to entertain with; it was tough to remain in that space with a bored child. I didn't have a choice.
When I brought up that he was late, Kerry didn't have any apology. In fact he argued his point of view with me, saying that he made the effort to come in despite being sick. Again, he had a self-righteous, pompous attitude. I hated being there.
I previously didn't know of any other accountants to go to. I had just assumed that H & R would have competent, well-rounded accountants. I didn't think I could do better than Kerry. He seemed to know his figures, and how to do the job right. I was charged over $500. for his tax preparation last year.
This year, I've gone with my husband's accountant. Since we filed together, it was only a paltry $50. more. Fifty bucks, by an accountant who had more professionalism, more "bedside manners", at least as much skill as any accountant that I've met, and he seemed honest and humble. Zero condescension, zero attitude. I couldn't believe the difference; it was night and day. I guess in retrospect, it's good that Kerry proved to be such a *&*^)&*^ since it forced me to look elsewhere to find a good, better accountant. I only wish I had the courage to leave Kerry's care sooner; I would have saved hundreds of dollars, been treated the way that ALL clients should be treated, and saved myself some undue stress.
I called this H & R location today. Seems like Kerry is no longer there, or with H & R for that matter. I had no choice but to contact Head Office last year after the awful experience I had with him last year. Not sure if my phone call and detailed email relates to Kerry not being there this year?
The bottom line:
If you're in the neighbourhood and are looking for an o.k. accountant in a pinch, and you're willing to pay extra to have the convenience of having the accountant located near you - sure. Give this place a shot.
However, if you want to experience the full package of what self-motivated, competent, and respectable accountants are like, at a significant savings from what you'd be paying at H & R (they seem to have large set-rates), I recommend that you do the extra homework, read on yelp and elsewhere about a good accountant near/accessible to you. It will be so worth it.
I feel like I've found the right accountant match, and will give him my business loyally for as long as he's available to me. It's a no-brainer.
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