Joel Schlesinger © Postmedia Network Inc.
What a long, successful journey it’s been.
The company that is RSM today was originally launched as Collins & Collins in 1922. The business has been a fixture in Calgary for more than a century, serving mid-sized organizations for a variety of needs — from tax planning and audits to guidance in adopting new technologies like big data analytics.
“We’ve been part of the community here since 1922,” says David Hird, Calgary managing partner for RSM, recently celebrating its 100th birthday.
“It’s pretty incredible to see how much things have changed from a small accounting office to a trusted adviser today for companies with $500 million in annual revenues.”
Of course, RSM’s footprint in Calgary is in one aspect quite new — at least in name.
Before becoming part of RSM in 2018, the Calgary office was known as Collins Barrow, serving leading local businesses across many industries, including energy, finance and technology.
“Becoming part of RSM was really a natural progression,” Hird says about the Calgary office that first started under the name Collins & Collins.
“Our practice grew with the local business community, and so did the services we needed to provide.”
Indeed, the local firm’s deep local roots grew even deeper with RSM, North America’s fifth largest accounting and business services provider.
Specializing in the mid-market — firms with revenues of $50 million to $500 million — RSM offers services and expertise beyond what its 10 Calgary partners could offer on their own.
“It’s no longer just tax and audit,” Hird says. “Today, we’re a technology company providing audit, accounting and consulting services.”
Clients now need international tax advice, assistance with government programs like Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credit, and advice on leveraging machine learning and 5G to their advantage.
No matter how much things change, RSM Calgary is steadfast in its overarching goal.
“Our tagline is ‘The power of being understood,’ which means we really listen to our clients so we can ask good questions and find great solutions, tailored to their unique situation,” Hird explains.
It’s been a successful formula for a century, likely to be equally so for the next 100 years, he adds.
“We’re really woven into the fabric of Calgary’s community — part of what it was, what it is today and what it will be.”
This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Calgary Economic Development.