About Us

Supporting non-profits with expert financial management

It takes the right financial insights to make smart strategic decisions

Arts, charity and non-profit organizations carry out some of the most important work in our communities. They provide critical services, advocate for vulnerable populations and deliver programs that improve lives across Canada.

Behind every mission-driven organization lies a financial reality that’s often complex and difficult to manage.

Financial complexity shouldn’t stand in the way of your mission

Too often, charities struggle with accounting structures that weren’t designed for the complexities of the sector.

Bookkeepers without non-profit expertise may unintentionally misclassify transactions or fail to properly maintain records, leading to messy audits and inaccurate financial reporting.

These issues can create risk with the Canada Revenue Agency, undermine confidence with funders and even affect an organization’s ability to secure financing.

Specialized financial support

Young Associates delivers bookkeeping, payroll and financial consulting services to charities and non-profit organizations across Canada.

We’re dedicated to helping organizations optimize their financial systems and processes. We do it by leveraging the latest cloud-based platforms, all to help them minimize administrative burden to gain timely, reliable access to quality financial information. The result is efficient financial management that allows leadership teams and boards to focus on their mission and make better decisions—leaving the rest to us.

Let’s strengthen your financial foundation

We help charities and non-profits like yours achieve clarity, improve compliance, and reduce administrative burden so you can focus on your mission.

Non-Profit Specialists

Our team has decades of specialized experience and deep roots in the sector, meaning we understand the unique financial pressures our clients face—and the real consequences when financial systems fall short.

Our role is to empower charities and non-profits with the financial data and peace of mind they need to deliver critical services, advocacy and benefits to their communities, while mitigating the risk of tax non-compliance or avoidable financial miscalculations.

Meet our team

Admin Team

  • HY

    Heather Clara Young

    Principal

    Heather Clara Young (she/her) has worked in the field of arts management for over twenty-five years. Her experience includes leadership roles with a variety of arts and heritage service organizations, theatre and dance producing companies, galleries and museums, facilities, festivals and community organizations, in both professional and volunteer capacities. Before founding Young Associates in 1993, Heather had served as General Manager for both Nightwood Theatre and the Fringe of Toronto Festival.

    As the Principal of Young Associates, Heather has provided bookkeeping and consulting services to dozens of organizations, and delivered professional workshops, training and seminars on topics ranging from budgeting to sales tax, to setting prices, to reading financial statements. She has completed business and strategic planning assignments for an array of arts organizations in Toronto and across Southern Ontario, frequently in partnership with First Stage.

    For 15 years, Heather has taught accounting and financial management to diploma and continuing education students in Humber College’s Arts Administration programs, and Humber’s Fundraising and Volunteer Management Program. She was a 2004 recipient of Humber College’s Continuing Education Award of Excellence for Outstanding Academic Contribution. In 2010, she was appointed to teach finance for the University of Toronto’s Specialist Program in Arts Management In 2012, Heather was awarded the Sandy Tulloch award for Innovation in Arts and Culture by Theatre Ontario.

    Finance for the Arts in Canada, published by Heather in 2005, is a unique self-study guide, reference source and textbook for the accounting and finance functions in cultural organizations. Used by numerous arts managers and various post-secondary institutions across Canada, it has been praised for its clear and straightforward approach to building excellence in financial skills.

    Heather holds an honours BA in English and French from the University of Western Ontario, and a certificate in Finance and Accounting from Ryerson University.

  • SL

    Sandra Lefrançois

    General Manager

    Sandra Lefrancois joined Young Associates in 2025. She has a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University and an Ontario Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration & Cultural Management. Originally from Montreal, Sandra has spent the last decade working in municipal government for the City of Brampton and the City of Mississauga. Prior to that, she was the General Manager of Cahoots Theatre Company, managed TAPA’s Dora Mavor Moore Awards for eight years, and produced shows for a variety of independent theatre companies in Toronto.

  • CW

    Cassie Wojcik

    Operations Manager

    Cassie (Cassia S.) Wojcik (she/her) joined Young Associates in early 2020. She has a Bachelor of Arts & Science from McMaster University and an Ontario Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration & Cultural Management from Humber College. A Toronto native, she has fostered her love of arts and culture by volunteering and working for organizations around the city. She is happy to be continuing to support arts and charitable organizations through her work at Young Associates.

Financial Services Team

  • JG

    Julia Gaunt-Rannala

    Financial Services Consultant

    Julia (she/her) joined Young Associates in 2012. She has a diploma in Theatre Production from Sheridan College and a BA in History from the University of Guelph. Before joining Young Associates, she worked as a stage manager in theatre and opera, for companies such as The Grand Theatre, Theatre Aquarius, Opera Hamilton, the Young Centre and the Luminato Festival. She is very pleased to have the opportunity to continue working in the arts, in a capacity that keeps her a little closer to home.

  • CM

    Chris Mustard

    Financial Services Consultant

    Chris Mustard’s career in arts management spans more than two decades, and has focused on charitable organizations’ financial systems and reporting needs. Currently working with Young Associates, a leading Toronto arts consulting firm, Chris specializes in working with managements to develop effective accounting systems, from software implementation through development of internal and external reports, and financial information management.

    Chris is also an accomplished one-on-one trainer, helping individuals with limited technical backgrounds become proficient at maintaining their accounting records, preparing and interpreting accurate financial statements, and making sound financial decisions for their companies.

    Her work includes consulting assignments as well as ongoing financial management support to a roster of Toronto arts and cultural companies, and some organizations in the broader charitable sector. In this capacity, she oversees accounting systems, prepares account reconciliations, assists with preparation for annual audits, and works with general managers on planning issues, including budgeting for annual operations and projects, cashflow forecasting and grant financials.

  • RB

    Rob Bril

    Financial Services Manager

    Rob (he/him) joined Young Associates in the fall of 2015. He holds a B.A. Honours degree in Dramatic Arts from Queen’s University, and a Graduate Degree in Arts Administration & Cultural Management from Humber College. Rob has also completed continuing education credits in Accounting from the University of Toronto. Before Young Associates, Rob enjoyed being a part of the thriving theatre and music community in Toronto.

  • JA

    Jason Aviss

    Financial Services Manager

    Jason Aviss (he/him) joined Young Associates in January 2019, bringing with him ten year’s experience as an arts administrator in music, film, and the performing arts. Jason received his Hons. BA from the University of Toronto and an Ontario Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration–Cultural Management from Humber College.

    Jason was Production Manager and then Director of Operations at The Music Gallery from 2009-12. He later joined the Toronto International Film Festival as a senior event and festival producer from 2012-17, before joining Red Sky Performance as Production Coordinator. Jason served as Co-Chair for Humber College’s Arts Administration-Cultural Management Program Advisory Committee from 2013-18, and as a grant-writer & bookkeeper for Queer Songbook Orchestra from 2014-15.

  • AG

    Alejandra Galindo

    Financial Services Manager

    Alejandra (she/her) joined Young Associates in December of 2019. She graduated from Ryerson University’s Theatre School with a BA in Theatre. She has over 6 years of experience in business/project management and bookkeeping and has undertaken several small projects as a designer in theatre. Alejandra is very excited to join this team and help the arts once more!

  • PW

    Paul Winkelmans

    Bookkeeping Specialist

    Paul Winkelmans (he/him) is a recent addition to the Young Associates staff in 2022. Originally from Victoria BC, he pursued studies in music across the country, including Winnipeg and Montreal, before moving to Toronto in 2017. He has since worked as a freelance singer, working regularly with organizations such as The Elmer Iseler Singers, and has been serving as the interim Director of Music at Lawrence Park Community Church since January 2021. In 2020, he completed a certificate in Arts Administration and Cultural Management and currently helps manage the annual Pacific Baroque Festival in Victoria, BC, among other projects. He is very excited to be joining Young Associates and continue supporting the arts community in his new role.

  • CJ

    Christie Johnson

    Bookkeeping Specialist

    Christie (she/her) has been an arts worker for more than two decades, primarily in a commercial art gallery context, supporting galleries and artists in an administrative, bookkeeping and graphic design/digital marketing/e-commerce capacity. She is currently completing Accounting Foundations at George Brown College, and her many years in client-facing small business sales and management have provided her with valuable hands-on experience that she is excited to apply to her role at Young Associates. Actively involved in the non-profit sector, Christie holds several volunteer positions within an organization that facilitates the relocation of survivors of gender-based violence. A visual artist herself, Christie is delighted to be part of a team that works to support all things creative, while indulging her affinity for communication, detail, organization and data!

  • KG

    Kesta Graham

    Bookkeeping Specialist, Consulting

    Kesta (she/her) joined Young Associates in 2025. A graduate of the Theatre program at TMU (formerly Ryerson University), Kesta brings 20 years of administration, management and leadership to her work at Young Associates. In addition to freelance producing work and consulting, prior roles include Studio 180 Theatre (General Manager), Tarragon Theatre (Business Manager), Common Boots Theatre (Managing Producer) and Gledhill Avenue Child Care Centre (Administrative & Financial Manager). She is thrilled to continue to support the arts, not for profit organizations and charities in her role at Young Associates.

  • IM

    Ingel Madrus

    Bookkeeper

    Ingel (she/her) joined Young Associates in early 2022. She has over fifteen years experience as an arts administrator, having held both programming and management roles at community and national organizations. Ingel holds a Bookkeeping Certificate and Business Accounting Diploma, both from Centennial College, as well as a Diploma of Craft & Design from Sheridan College, and an MA in Ceramic & Glass Design from the University of Art & Design in Helsinki, Finland. Ingel loves the challenges and rewards of working behind-the-scenes in the arts sector and was thrilled to join Young Associates, where her commitment to the arts and respect for the accounting process can come together.

  • NM

    Nancy Menard

    Bookkeeper

    Nancy (she/her) joined Young Associates in 2022. She graduated in Accounting from Cambrian College and has completed a Canadian Securities Course. She brings over 30 years of experience in bookkeeping from a variety of industries, and her love of the arts stems back to her days as a dancer (performer) and dance teacher. Nancy has also served as an active board member of a dance performance group for several years and has assisted with various fundraisers for non-profit organizations. She is looking forward to continuing her career within the Arts community through Young Associates.

  • SB

    Sarah McGregor Briscoe

    Bookkeeper

    Sarah (she/her) joins our team with a Business Diploma from Canadore College and a Physical Education Degree from Brock University. She was born and raised on a farm, married a dairy farmer, and has 4 beautiful children. Together, they run Donden Farms Inc, where she has worked as a bookkeeper for 7 years. This is also her second year doing payroll for her family’s farm, McGregor’s Produce. She also worked at her local municipality for several years as an Accounting Clerk. Sarah is very excited to be joining Young Associates and taking her career to the next level.

  • DL

    Douglas LaPointe

    Bookkeeper

    Douglas LaPointe (he/him) brings over ten years of experience supporting arts, entertainment, and nonprofit organizations. After graduating with honours from the Harris Institute for the Arts in Toronto, he began his career in the music industry before transitioning to film production accounting, where he managed budgets, payroll, and financial reporting for major motion pictures and television series. He is ecstatic to be joining Young Associates and continuing to serve the arts community in his new role.

  • JK

    Jillian Kennedy

    Bookkeeper

    Jillian (she/her) brings over ten years of experience in Ottawa’s arts & culture sector to her role with Young Associates. Her career has been primarily focused in the performing arts, with experience in front of house management, outreach and as a new works festival producer. She completed the Metcalf Foundation Performing Arts Internship, under the mentorship of Great Canadian Theatre Company’s managing director. Her more recent experience includes financial and operational leadership positions with Digital Arts Resource Centre (Chief of Staff) and the Ottawa Fringe Festival (General Manager). She is a graduate of Algonquin College (Diploma, Public Relations) and Carleton University (B.A., Art History). Her career is driven by a core belief that the arts are a powerful force for connection and transcendence. She is thrilled to be continuing to serve the arts and charitable sector with her work at Young Associates.

Payroll Team

  • CP

    Candi Peach

    PCP, Payroll Manager

    Candi (she/her) joined Young Associates in July 2020. She is nearing completion of the Payroll Compliance Professional designation with the National Payroll Institute. She has over 5 years of experience processing payroll and over 10 years of experience in Finance Administration. Candi’s professional experience extends to include Office Management, Human Resources Administration, and managing large teams of staff. She is thrilled to be part of the Young Associates team!

  • JN

    Jackie Niazi

    PCP, Payroll Client Manager

    Jackie (she/her) re-joined Young Associates in December 2024. She holds a diploma in accounting from Mohawk College, a Master of Arts in Philosophy from Western University, and is certified with the National Payroll Institute as a Payroll Compliance Professional. Jackie has been working in payroll since 2017 and has significant experience in the not-for-profit and government sectors. Having previously been with Young Associates from 2021-2022, she is very excited to be a part of the team again!

  • WM

    Wyatt McNaughton

    PLP, Payroll Specialist

    Wyatt (he/him) joined Young Associates in August of 2024. He is certified with the National Payroll Institute as a Payroll Leadership Professional (PLP) and holds diplomas in both Accounting as well as Payroll & Bookkeeping from Fanshawe College. In addition to nearly 9 years of experience processing payroll in a multitude of sectors and complexity, Wyatt also taught payroll certification courses in the School of Business at Conestoga College. He is excited to be a part of a team with an important vision in the art sector.

  • KD

    Kelsey Dunlop

    PCP, Payroll Specialist

    Kelsey (she/her) graduated in 2012 from St. FX University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia with a Business Administration degree, majoring in finance. She then attended New Brunswick Community College to study payroll and business management, and has been working in payroll since 2015.

    She joined Young Associates in August 2024, and is happy to be a part of the team!

Affiliated Consultants

  • TF

    T. Anne Frost

    Senior Consultant

    Anne joined Young Associates in 2013. She began her arts management career in the 1980s at Keyano Theatre, Fort McMurray, Alberta.  Moving to Toronto, she worked at the Toronto Theatre Alliance on the Dora Mavor Moore Awards, and at Jeunesses musicales as Ontario Executive Director.

    After earning her Master’s degree in Arts Policy and Management from the City University, London, UK (1987-88) Anne returned to Canada and worked at Harbourfront as Co-ordinator for the Festival of Authors; then as General Manager at Theatre Direct Canada and Mixed Company Theatre.  She also taught in the Humber College post-graduate Arts Administration – Cultural Management program, starting in 2000.

    In 2002 Anne moved to Owen Sound and worked on revenue development at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, then at the Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, a major facility on the Lake Huron shore.  In 2003 Anne began to teach in the undergraduate arts management program at University of Toronto, Scarborough.  In 2008-9, Anne co-ordinated the Humber program.  From 2011 to 2013, Anne taught post-graduates in the Culture and Heritage Site Management program at Centennial College.  Anne resumed the coordinator’s role for the Humber post-graduate arts management program as of 2014, and maintains her consulting practice at Young Associates alongside this full-time faculty position.  Recent clients have included Flesherton Public Library, the John B. Aird Gallery, Orchestras Canada, and Shakespeare in Action (theatre company).

Insights

  • Young Associates new brandmark/logo for website
    Young Associates

    Introducing a refreshed brand and website for Young Associates

  • Volunteers discussing the CRA policy change for charity change of purpose and activities
    Tax & Law

    CRA ends pre-approval process for changes to charitable purposes

  • Bookkeeping professional speaking to her clients during a meeting
    Bookkeeping

    How charities and not-for-profits can optimize their bookkeeping partnership