Our People
On a mission to help small businesses focus on their core competencies and provide them subject matter expertise in a cost effective manner by embracing futuristic technologies.
Meet our team
Sid Ralhan
Owner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Sid Ralhan, CPA, MBA – Owner and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Sid Ralhan is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ocean Breeze CPA, where he leads the company’s strategic vision and operational execution. With a career spanning over 15 years in Financial Reporting, Financial Planning & Analysis and Corporate Finance, he brings a wealth of experience in driving growth, innovation, and organizational excellence.
Before acquiring Ocean Breeze CPA, Sid Ralhan served as Founder and CEO at Arkhé Professional Corporation (APC), where he was instrumental in helping small businesses improve financial performance by implementing industry best practices and adopting latest technologies streamlining processes and operations. He has also held leadership positions at various organizations and in his last professional assignment worked as a Group Head of Finance and Investments for the one of the largest real estate developers (public company) in the middle east, where he also acted as a CFO leading a team of 46 employees during the pandemic. He has demonstrated a consistent track record of success in scaling businesses (raised US$721 million capital), developing market strategies, enhancing operational efficiency with an estimated savings of US$ 16 million during his career.
Sid Ralhan is known for his collaborative approach, commitment to innovation, and focus on employee development. He believes in fostering a culture of transparency and inclusivity, leveraging data-driven decision-making, or empowering teams to achieve their full potential.
Sid Ralhan holds a full-time Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Finance and is a good standing member of Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and Ontario. He is also a Certified Accountant from CPA Australia and CFA Level 1 from CFA Institute, US.
Outside of his professional life, Sid Ralhan is a gastronome who loves having a good meal with his family and friends, enjoys playing tennis and soccer and likes to travel. He believes in doing what is right, even when it’s challenging. He has a passion for serving customers and understanding their needs.
Under Sid Ralhan’s leadership, Ocean Breeze CPA is well-positioned to help small businesses focus on their core competencies and provide them subject matter expertise in a cost-effective manner by embracing futuristic technologies, delivering exceptional value to stakeholders.
Kanhaiya Mittal
Partner
Kanhaiya Mittal, CPA – Partner
Kanhaiya is the partner at Ocean Breeze CPA leading financial audit, review and compilation financial statements and preparation of corporate and personal income tax returns. Prior to joining Ocean Breeze CPA, Kanhaiya held senior roles with one of big 10 accounting firms and he also worked previously with one of the big 4 accounting firms for more than 5 years. Kanhaiya also has good experience with small accounting firms handling small to medium sized businesses.
Kanhaiya is committed to delivering financial services that meet the specific needs of each of his clients. Kanhaiya possesses a vast experience in serving diverse client base that includes not for profit organizations, investment companies, medical professional corporations, manufacturing, distribution companies, information and technology, retail and consumer product, restaurants and other privately held businesses.
A dedicated learner, Kanhaiya became a Chartered Accountant in India (CA India) in 2012 while doing internship in a CA firm in India for 4 years. Kanhaiya is also a good standing member of Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia and Ontario.
In his personal time, Kanhaiya enjoys travel, spending time with family and friends and enjoying some delicious cuisine.
Elisa Walker
Partner
Elisa Walker, CPA – Partner
Elisa is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and previously worked in public practice with two Okanagan firms.
She has experience in a wide variety of small businesses and sole proprietorships including deep experience with fishing and construction firms, personal real estate corporations (PRECs), retail, restaurant and other service companies, healthcare professionals, farms and greenhouse operations, as well as considerable “not-for-profit” experience. Elisa also performed dozens of senior audit and review engagement assignments for private companies and not-for-profits with her prior public practice employer.
Elisa is enthusiastic about continuing to innovate to serve Ocean Breeze CPA’s existing clientele better, as well as serving new clients in a forward-looking manner.
She enjoys spending time with family, sharing a bottle of wine with friends, and reading a good book. Elisa is a budding oenophile and loves exploring the amazing wineries throughout our beautiful province. She is looking forward to enjoying the “Sunshine Coast Lifestyle”.Â
Jeanne-Maré
Accounting Manager
Jeanne-MarĂ© van der Merwe – Accounting Manager
Jeanne-Maré started with Ocean Breeze Accounting Inc. in August 2022 after emigrating from South Africa with her husband, Coenie, and two school-aged children.
Jeanne-Maré is a fully-designated Professional Accountant (SAIPA) in South Africa and will be looking to transition to a Canadian CPA designation at her first opportunity. She has over 15 years experience in accounting, including a wealth of public practice experience working with a wide variety of clients in construction, retail and hospitality, sole proprietors, real estate firms, trusts, engineering firms, farming, non-profits and government entities, and more. Her background also includes stints as a Financial Manager in two firms, so she is also knowledgeable about internal reporting that may be helpful for growing businesses. Jeanne-Maré is multi-lingual, being also a native speaker of Afrikaans. In her spare time, she enjoys the outdoors and running.
Christa Scott
Accounting Manager
Christa Scott – Accounting Manager
Christa has worked for 20 plus years in the accounting field. Including over 18 years in public practice. She graduated from the University of Lethbridge with a Bachelor of Management degree majoring in accounting. She also attended the College of the Rockies. Christa has an experience with a variety of small businesses, not-for profit, and municipalities. She has a considerable knowledge and experience in all aspects relating to tax, accounting, audit and quality assurance services. She also has experience with variety of bookkeeping software. She assists in training and mentoring new staff, fielding client enquires, and is a valuable source of information for clients and fellow employees.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and a variety of outdoors activities.
Peter Visser Jr
Manager – Assurance and Tax
Peter Visser Jr – Manager – Assurance & Tax
Peter is an accountant (CPA, CGA, BA – Major in Business Administration) with over 35 years of work experience in both public practice and the private sector. The majority of his work experience has been in public practice. He has served a wide variety of clients including: agriculture, the forestry sector, real estate sector (property development and real estate brokerages), the hospitality industry, retail, various not-for-profit organizations, first nations band councils (and related organizations), school boards, municipalities, and the heath care sector.
He enjoys photography, going for walks with his wife and family dog, and building Lego models with his daughter.
Lucy Ralhan
Manager - Marketing & Communications
Lucy Ralhan – Manager – Marketing & Communications
Lucy is a dedicated and passionate professional with a rich and diverse background. She began her career in sales and marketing, where she gained over 10 years of experience excelling in a dynamic environment. Her ability to build relationships, develop strategic campaigns, and drive results became the foundation of her professional journey.
After her time in sales and marketing, Lucy transitioned to education, pursuing her passion for nurturing young minds. She became a kindergarten teacher in Dubai, (UAE) where her degree in Early Years Foundation Stage from the UK helped her foster the growth and development of young children. Her dedication to making a meaningful impact in their formative years further shaped her professional outlook.
Determined to leverage her expertise and seek flexibility, Lucy earned a diploma in fast-paced digital marketing course from Trillium College in Ontario. This opened doors to opportunities that allowed her to work creatively and manage her responsibilities from home.
Today, Lucy thrives in the world of digital marketing, combining her adaptability, creativity, and dedication to achieve her goals. When she’s not working or exploring new strategies, she enjoys cooking a variety of cuisines, spending quality time watching movies with her family, and traveling to explore new cultures and experiences.
Maha Malik
People and Culture Generalist
Maha Malik – People and Culture Generalist
Maha serves as the People and Culture Generalist at Ocean Breeze Accounting, overseeing HR functions and helping to cultivate a supportive and positive workplace. A graduate of McMaster University with a bachelor’s degree and Sheridan College with a post-graduate diploma on HRM, bringing a strong foundation to her role. Her dedication to employee well-being and team growth helps create an environment where everyone can thrive. Maha is eager to continue developing her skills alongside the firm’s growth. Outside of work, she enjoys connecting with nature and spending time outdoors with friends and family.
Adedoyin Shope
Senior Accountant
Adedoyin Shope – Senior Accountant
Adedoyin holds a BA (Hons) in Accounting and a Professional Diploma in Financial Planning. She brings extensive experience in bookkeeping, accounting, and taxation, specializing in both corporate and personal income taxes. Before joining Ocean Breeze, Adedoyin spent several years at Adams Wooley CPAs, where she provided a range of services, including compilation, review, audit, financial reporting, and taxation/advisory support to clients across various industries. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and spending quality time with her family.
Mariah Riepe
Accountant
Mariah Riepe – Accountant
Mariah is a 2022 graduate of the Okanagan College Bookkeeping Program, and began with Ocean Breeze Accounting Inc. in the spring of 2022 on a practicum. She is now a permanent full-time employee and we look forward to her working with us for years to come and to see her grow her career with Ocean Breeze Accounting Inc. Mariah enjoys outdoor sports and recreation and she and her daughter live in Davis Bay.
Sonya Cove
Senior Bookkeeper
Sonya Cove – Senior Bookkeeper
Sonya is a Senior Bookkeeper at Ocean Breeze Accounting, bringing eleven years of experience in the accounting industry, primarily in paperless environments, with the last four years focused on cloud bookkeeping. She has extensive experience with various platforms, including Push Operations for payroll, TouchBistro for restaurant sales reports, Plooto, and Square integration with Xero.
Sonya obtained her diploma in Business – Accounting from Sault College and holds certifications as a Xero Advisor and QuickBooks Online ProAdvisor.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and daughter and taking their dog, Scarlett, for walks on hiking trails.
Krishia Gabiota
Senior Bookkeeper
Krishia Gabiota – Senior Bookkeeper
Krishia, Graduated Bachelor of Science in Accountancy in the Philippines. She moved to Toronto with her husband in 2022 and currently working as a Tech & Onboarding associate with Ocean Breeze Accounting Inc. helping clients implement the latest tools. Also, she is a highly skilled accountant with more than seven (7) years’ of accounting experience in supporting small businesses across Canada, Australia, US, Philippines and Singapore. You can count on her with your accounting books challenges! Krishia can be a busy bee but on her spare time; she is a runner by dawn, volunteer by morning, diver by afternoon and a cook by night.
Mei Combas
Certified Bookkeeper
Mei Combas – Bookkeeper
Mei is fluent in both Mandarin and Cantonese, and has experience in bookkeeping with a major retailer on the Sunshine Coast. During 2020 and 2021, she graduated from several courses with certificates in bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation. She joined the firm in the spring of 2022, and is now in a permanent full-time capacity. Mei, her husband, and son, live in Davis Bay. We look forward to seeing Mei grow her career with Ocean Breeze Accounting Inc.
Lynn Shaw
Senior Office Manager
Lynn Shaw – Senior Office Manager
Lynn serves as the Office Manager for the Cranbrook office, bringing a wealth of experience from her years with Adams Wooley, where she began in 1982. In her role, she oversees reception and administrative duties, and supports partners with client services, ensuring the efficient operation of the office. Her responsibilities include standardizing office procedures and systems, managing equipment, implementing new systems as needed, and overseeing timekeeping and monthly billing. Additionally, Lynn manages accounts payable and receivable, processes payroll on semi-monthly, monthly, and bi-weekly schedules, and completes annual T4 and T5 filings. Outside of work, Lynn enjoys traveling, golfing, kayaking, and exploring various other outdoor activities.
Shayna Busch
Front Office Administrator
Shayna Busch – Front Office Administrator
Shayna Busch serves as our Front Office Administrator at Ocean Breeze Accounting, bringing her warm and friendly demeanor to the forefront of client interactions. She takes care of a variety of front reception and administrative duties, ensuring a welcoming environment for visitors and supporting the team to keep daily operations running smoothly. Shayna is excited about the opportunity to grow her experience with the firm. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, horseback riding, and spending time with family.
Kevin Dizon
Administrative Assistant
Kevin Dizon – Administrative Assistant
Kevin earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in the Philippines and later completed a post-secondary diploma in Business Accounting in Toronto, Ontario. He is currently an Administrative Assistant at Ocean Breeze Accounting Inc., where he ensures all administrative duties are handled efficiently and accurately.
Before joining Ocean Breeze, Kevin worked as an Administrative Assistant for the Government in the Philippines for three years, gaining valuable experience in administrative operations.
Outside of work, Kevin enjoys playing basketball and has a passion for cars. He’s always up for a conversation about automobiles and can discuss them in detail all day long!
Amanda Wilms
Accountant
Amanda Wilms – Accountant
Amanda joined Ocean Breeze in 2023. While still new to public practice accounting, she brings “numbers” experience from banking and BC Assessment. A transplant from the Prairies, she obtained her Bachelor of Commerce in 2007 from the University of Manitoba, and more recently completed her Certificate from Accounting/Bookkeeping from Okanagan College. She is located in the North Okanagan, where she enjoys volunteering for community causes and exploring the Okanagan winery and restaurant scene.
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