Get to know Matt Bolley

It’s not often you come across someone who loves to talk about income taxes, but Matt Bolley is one of those people. The passion that began in high school fueled his university studies and has driven his career direction ever since. Today, as a Chartered Professional Accountant and a Canadian Domestic Tax Advisor for MNP’s Brandon office, Matt spends his days advising clients on properly structuring their personal and business affairs to minimize tax, maximize value and ensure compliance with the Canada Revenue Agency. We spent some time with Matt to learn about him and his approach to helping clients.

What’s your role at MNP?

As a partner in the Canadian Domestic Tax Group for southern Manitoba, I’m part of a team of 12 people that service our region’s nine full-time and several part-time offices. Collectively, we provide tax counsel to thousands of clients in our area. Along with providing tax strategies for personal, business and estate planning, we also research the Income Tax Act, court cases, and CRA rulings to help answer complex tax compliance questions our clients need answered. We also assist clients being reviewed or audited by the CRA to minimize disruption to their business and avoid unnecessary reassessments.

What do you like about accounting?

I love using my tax knowledge and problem solving skills to assist our clients — the local businesses and farmers that contribute so much to our communities. I also love the variety in my job. Each day is completely different, so I never know what I’ll be facing in the day ahead. I might start my day helping a colleague answer a question about whether an expense is deductible, then take a call with a CRA auditor to defend a client’s tax filing position, and then end the day meeting with a farmer and his family to talk about effectively transitioning the farm to minimize tax and properly structured for the next generation.

How would you describe your approach to helping clients?

I spend a lot of time listening carefully to my clients’ needs so I can understand what their personal or business goals are and what hiccups they feel are standing in their way. Then, I use that knowledge to craft a solution that works for them — there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. I make sure that the tax planning I suggest is complementary to all their goals, instead of only thinking about the tax that affects their business.

What does it take to run a successful business?

Hard work, dedication and a commitment to your clients or customers are the keys to a successful business enterprise. But I think what separates a good businessperson from a great one is loving what they do. You can’t fake that passion. You either have it, or you don’t.

What have you learned about yourself in your professional journey?

The tax system is constantly evolving, so I have learned to get up to speed on new tax rules quickly and put that knowledge to use for my clients. Over the years, I’ve learned how to communicate tax to people in a way that is understandable without making it overly simplistic. I say that as long as a client leaves our office more knowledgeable (or less confused) than when they arrived, I have done my job!

What’s your proudest accomplishment to date?

On a personal level, my proudest accomplishment without a doubt, is becoming a father. On a professional level, I’m proud that I placed on the Honour Roll for the 2011 CFE CPA Exam and won the CPA Manitoba Early Achievement Award in 2022. I was also incredibly honoured to receive the Queen Elizabeth Platinum Jubilee Medal from the Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba in 2022.

How do you enjoy life outside of work?

I love spending time with my wife and 4-year-old daughter. Seeing things through a little one’s eyes gives you a fresh new perspective on things. I am also an avid golfer, curler and traveller.

What’s one thing that people don’t know about you?

I always seem to surprise people with my singing voice when there’s a karaoke machine around!