ABOUT US

Edward Sawaya is the founder and managing partner of Sawaya CPA, a tax and advisory boutique firm focused on providing holistic solutions to its clients, mostly small—and medium-sized business owners.
Edward has over 30 years of experience in public accounting, tax, and advisory and executive roles with prominent business and pension organizations. Edward’s financial experience spans the real estate, healthcare, retail, construction, energy, and telecommunications industries. Edward has worked in Canada, the United States, and Asia.
Edward graduated from the University of Ottawa with a Bachelor of Commerce. Edward is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. He is also a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV). Edward is based in Toronto but provides advisory services to worldwide clients.

Wayne McDougall, CPA, CA, CFP, is our most senior tax advisor with over 40 years of experience in accounting and corporate, personal, and estate tax advisory services. He began his career by articulating and earning his Chartered Accountant designation with Touche Ross (now Deloitte & Touche) in Ottawa, where he eventually served as a senior manager in their Vancouver office.
For over 30 years, Wayne operated his firm as a sole practitioner and as part of a medium-sized accounting firm until January 2024, when he merged with Sawaya CPA.
Wayne continues to serve his clients with the same care and dedication he is known for.

Faisel Hoodbhoy, CPA CA, CBV, ASA, ARM, FCA(UK), CF, is Sawaya CPA’s Head of Valuations and Forensics. With over 35 years of professional experience in North America, the Middle East, and the UK, including significant deals at GIB Capital in Saudi and NASDAQ Dubai, Faisel has worked for Global Big 4 Firms (including Andersen, Ernst & Young and was the regional partner for Deloitte in the Middle East) and a variety of financial institutions. Faisel has worked on over 400 valuations and forensic accounting mandates during his long career. Faisal holds numerous designations, including the Canadian and US premier valuation credentials. He actively supports International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and International Valuation Standards (IVS) across the Globe. He is the co-creator and developer of the ARM Global Valuation Review Symposium, World Tour, and the Invitational One and Two global events.

Simran Kandel is a dedicated accounting professional with a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting. She is currently advancing her expertise through the ACCA Professional Level. With over five years of experience in UK accounting and tax and overseas, she brings a wealth of knowledge in international accounting practices. Simran specializes in Canadian tax returns and bookkeeping, showcasing a deep understanding and proficiency.
Her passion for continuous learning and commitment to professional development make her an invaluable member of any team. Simran’s exceptional communication and interpersonal skills further amplify her effectiveness and contribution in various settings.
Her areas of expertise include:
* Bookkeeping
* Preparation of Financial Statements
* Individual and Corporate Tax Returns
* HST Returns and Filings
* Payroll

Sailesh Kattel is an accomplished accounting professional with over 4 years of experience in the accounting field. As a Chartered Accountant from Nepal, he earned the prestigious honor of being the country’s first rank holder in the Chartered Accountant exams. He has recently achieved his Canadian CPA designation, thus enhancing his expertise in national and international financial practices.
Sailesh’s commitment to precision and strategic insight ensures excellence in financial reporting and advisory services. His ability to deliver impactful solutions makes him a valuable team member.
Outside of work, Sailesh enjoys watching and playing soccer and is an avid Manchester United fan.

Baburam Bhandari is a Chartered Accountant at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal and is working towards becoming a member of CPA Ontario. With over 8 years of professional experience in financial reporting, assurance and taxation, he has successfully handled complex assignments in these core areas.
Baburam specializes in bookkeeping and individual and corporate tax returns in Canada, demonstrating a strong command of these fields. He understands the competing priorities the clients face and assists them in prioritizing their needs, ensuring that both requirements and deadlines are consistently met.
He is open-minded and dedicated to continuous learning and professional growth, making him an asset to our team. His exceptional communication and interpersonal skills further enhance his effectiveness in diverse environments.

Claudia is a teacher by trade who is used to working with sensitive information. She has extensive experience at the United Nations (UNICEF) in Brasilia, Brazil, the Retail Council of Canada in Toronto, the Innisfil Chamber of Commerce, and Holy Cross Elementary Catholic School. She brings the focus and positive can-do attitude necessary to perform her duties.
In her free time, Claudia appreciates intelligent conversations. She enjoys traveling with her partner, visiting long-time friends, learning about current affairs, and spending time with her young adult boys.

Paula studied computer programming and worked at the Canadian Embassy in Brasilia, Brazil, and CESO in Toronto. For the past 18 years, she has volunteered for the Out of the Cold program, Toronto Rehab, and Meals on Wheels. Paula brings strong communication, charisma, and reliability to our office, skills we greatly value. When she's not working, Paula enjoys traveling, gardening, and spending time with her grown-up kids.

Vicky has graduated from York University with honor bachelor’s degree of commerce. She passed U.S. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exams. With over four years of experience in Canadian accounting firms, she brings a wealth of knowledge in Canadian accounting practices. She is also committed to pursuing work in U.S. taxation.
Her areas of expertise include:
• Bookkeeping
• Compilation Engagements
• Individual Tax returns (Canada and U.S.)
• Corporate Tax Returns (Canada and U.S.)
• HST Returns and Filings
• Financial Statements Analysis