Jonathan has over twenty years of experience in accounting, auditing, tax and business advisory services.
He joined Flabbi & Associates LLP (then Flabbi & Elder LLP) as a co-op student in 2001. He worked his way up from student to manager. In 2009, the firm merged into BDO Canada LLP, a large international accounting firm where he worked as a senior manager. In 2012, Flabbi & Associates was reformed and Jonathan became partner in 2013. With the retirement of Joseph Flabbi, Jonathan took over day-to-day operations of the firm that is now called Black and Gill LLP.
Jonathan has a long track record of being clients’ key contact for various questions throughout the year. His strong technical knowledge in accounting, assurance and tax allows him to quickly resolve issues as they arise.
Jonathan’s versatility has enabled him to work in several sectors. While he specializes in assisting owner-managed business with all their tax and accounting needs, he also provides services to various not-for-profit organizations. He has worked with both private entities and public companies providing tax, assurance and business advisory expertise.
Education and Professional Associations
Jonathan graduated from the University of Waterloo with the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Mathematics – Honours Computer Science information systems option – with distinction (2004)
- Honours Bachelor of Arts – Chartered Accountancy Studies – Dean’s Honours list (2005)
- Master of Accounting (2005)
Jonathan obtained his Chartered Accountant (CA) designation in 2005. The CA designation later became CPA. He is also licenced public accountant in Ontario.
The above university and professional education provided the foundation for continued learning throughout his career. Jonathan works hard to maintain an excellent understanding of CPA Canada Handbooks and the Income Tax Act (Canada) through annual professional development courses.
Jonathan has worked with CPA Ontario as a part time practice inspector since 2014. This allows him to see a wide range of engagements from outside the firm and help ensure he stays as up to date as possible on developments within the profession, while providing technical feedback and guidance on the standards to fellow practitioners. He enjoys interacting with fellow practitioners to help maintain the high standards of the profession. Jonathan’s continued appointment as an inspector by CPA Ontario demonstrates the recognition of his strong technical knowledge within the profession.
Jonathan is also a member of Canada’s Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (AASB) Audits of Less Complex Entities Advisory Group. The advisory group provides feedback to standard setters on the application of the Canadian Auditing Standards (“CAS”) to smaller, less complex organizations and helps develop Canada’s response to the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) project on less complex entities. Jonathan’s primary goal is to find solutions that will result in more cost effective audits for less complex entities while maintaining the integrity of current audits under Canadian Auditing Standards.
Beyond the numbers
Jonathan spends most of his free time with family. He is married with two young kids. He is an avid Blue Jays fan – already ready to discuss the Jays as well as other Toronto sports teams.