Tell us about your business and what services you offer?

Mohamed is the founder and President of Unique Accounting Services, an Accounting and Bookkeeping firm that helps Canadian small and medium sized businesses with their bookkeeping, accounting, strategic planning and taxation needs under one roof. With over 15 years’ experience providing these services to businesses of all sizes, Mohamed is the go to person for accounting and taxation.

He is connected to all leading professional associations in his industry, to ensure he meets the highest standards of his profession, and enabling him to keep up to date on all aspects involved and any industry changes.

How did you get started in your business?

With my educational and professional background in the accounting industry, I felt that I wanted to do more to help individuals and businesses with their accounting and tax needs, which then gave rise to Unique Accounting Services in 2015.

How did the help you got from BACD impact you and your business?

Going to the BACD has been one of the most important business decisions I have made. From day 1, BACD advisors has been like mentors and coaches for myself and my business. I regularly attend BACD seminars and workshops to take advantage of anything that I can implement into the business. The BACD advisors, particularly Patrice and Teresa, though I have had the pleasure to connect with all of them at different times, have always taken time out of their busy schedules to advise, guide and support me in my journey thus far. I also take advantage of the connections, referrals and resources that BACD has to offer.

What inspired you to start your own business?

I wanted to have the independence of working for myself, with my own ideas and procedures on how to deal with clients at a high level. There are no limits, both in terms of operating the business, as well as earning potential, as an entrepreneur, the harder you work the bigger the reward. Being an entrepreneur allows me to reach, and even exceed, my potential.

What was more difficult than you thought it would be?

I always knew that it would take a lot of hard work and dedication in order to be successful in my business. Starting a new business is not easy, especially when it comes to trying to market the business, as it is not a one-time issue. We have to continuously promote the business and brand, in addition to continuously providing great service to existing clients.

How do you market your business?

I believe in taking a more personal approach to marketing. I attend as many networking events as I can, and try to build my connections by following up with the people I meet, and creating a relationship, which means that they can then refer my services to their network, hence expanding my reach. The other way is by providing quality and value added service to current clients, who then refer their contacts.

How are people aware of your business?

By being out in the community, either at networking events, or simply volunteering, gives us the visibility and the presence.

What do you do to keep abreast of the changes in your business and in your industry?

We are connected with various organizations, like the CPA (Chartered Professional Accountants), CFIB (Canadian Federation of Independent Business), IPBC (Institute of Professional Bookkeepers of Canada), and others. Through these organizations, we get access to news and the specific tax and industry changes as they happen.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?

First of all, contact the BACD and set up a time & meet with one of their advisors to discuss the steps to follow. Second, be ready and determined to work hard to achieve your goals, and not let any obstacles weigh you down.

What is it that you do that’s made you a success?

Our clients appreciate the honest and professional touch given to each individual, as well as the knowledge and experience that we have, and the confidence in our ability to take care of their accounting needs. We work hand in hand with the clients to save them valuable time and money by taking care of their bookkeeping, accounting and taxation needs. Our experience in this industry helps us put the clients at ease and that we can be trusted. We also regularly keep in touch with clients to give them feedback on their accounting progress, as well as what to expect.