Today, we are interviewing Samer Tohme, owner, and founder of Tohme Accounting. He has been a Chartered Professional Accountant for years.
Tohme Accounting puts its customers first by providing accounting, tax, and financial management services to Ottawa and Montreal businesses.
Please tell us something about yourself.
As a young man, I watched my father work hard as a restaurant owner. My father’s passion was owning and running a business. Little did I know it would become my passion too.
How did you get into what you do right now? Please tell us more about your journey.
One day, a family friend approached me regarding some bookkeeping he needed help with for his business. This was my first encounter with accounting, and I could not have been happier. I loved how there was harmony in the numbers and how I could provide financial advice. I remember very specifically thinking: I found my passion, and I want to do this forever.
After having received my CPA and working with local and nation-wide accounting firms, I decided it was time for something different. I wanted to focus on building things that meant something. So I asked myself, “What else was there left to do?” I left and started my own accounting and tax planning company, the way I wanted to do business. Just my client and I, working together to build something meaningful.
Servicing clients located in Montreal and Ottawa, I take pride in saying that Tohme Accounting is owner-invested and owner-operated. I am selective with my clients and never take on more than I can handle, that way, my clients get the attention they deserve. I work directly with the client, and I am just as invested in your business as you are.
Please tell us about your company.
Tohme Accounting is client-focused. As the owner of the company, I understand what it takes to run and grow a business. By putting our focus on our clients’ businesses, we go beyond the number crunching. We provide informative decisions that help them grow and make their business more resilient to market turns. We help our clients with bookkeeping, financial management, CFO services, and tax filings and planning.
Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood better before you ever got started?
Looking back, I wish I did not underestimate the power of being online. It was not until December 2019 that a website was put online. Up until then, all the growth was in person or word of mouth. With the website and online advertising, we’ve been able to reach out to many other businesses. In addition, it also lets us reach out to our current clients much more effectively.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
I worked hard. Every day, for years, I went to different conventions, events, and even did door to door to get my first clients. It became especially difficult to keep up the company’s growth while maintaining the service to our current client. That’s when I decided I needed to hire my employee. There were many defining strategies that led the company to the way it is now.
What keeps you going when things get tough?
I try to take a step back. I look at the big picture, I write down what I think are the major issues and then do what is needed. Regardless of the outcome, at that point, I know that I did everything that I could, and I accept the results. It can be difficult sometimes, but its more important to be able to move forward.
Any message for our readers.
Anything can happen. Knowledge + action is power. As long you are willing to work hard towards your dreams, you make them happen.
How can people connect with you?
People can reach me at our website, Facebook, and Instagram.