Professional Background

Elaine Nicholl is Co-Founding Partner and Director of Accounting & Client Services at BRIO Operations Inc., bringing more than a decade of progressive experience in accounting, payroll administration, financial reporting, compliance management, operational leadership, and client service excellence.

Before co-founding BRIO, Elaine spent five years in management with Forge, founded by AmandaBeret and David Grayden, where she played a key role in strengthening financial operations, improving processes, supporting organizational growth, and helping implement meaningful operational changes. 

Working closely with Business Owners, Non-Profit Organizations, and growing companies across a wide range of Industries, she developed a deep understanding of the challenges organizations face as they scale and evolve. 

Her experience in leadership, client service, and organizational development provided the foundation for the client focused, solutions driven approach she brings to BRIO today.

As Co-Founding Partner of BRIO, Elaine has been instrumental in shaping the firm's vision, service standards, operational processes, and commitment to delivering practical financial and operational solutions. Working alongside AmandaBeret, she helped establish BRIO with a vision of creating a more integrated approach to Accounting, Advisory, Operations, Payroll, and Organizational Support. Her leadership has helped establish BRIO as a trusted Advisory and Accounting Partner for Businesses, Non-Profit Organizations, and growing enterprises seeking reliable expertise, practical guidance, and hands on support.

Throughout her career, Elaine has worked closely with Business Owners, Executives, Non-Profit Leaders, and growing organizations to establish strong Financial Foundations, improve Operational Efficiency, strengthen Compliance, and create reliable Accounting Systems that support informed decision making. 

Her expertise extends beyond traditional Bookkeeping and Accounting functions, encompassing process design, Workflow Optimization, Software Implementation, Payroll Compliance, Financial Controls, Team Development, and Operational support.

Elaine has successfully supported organizations across a diverse range of Industries, helping clients navigate complex Accounting challenges while building scalable systems that support growth and long term sustainability. 

Whether overseeing Multi-Entity Accounting environments, Managing complex Payroll structures, Implementing cloud based Accounting Platforms, or supporting Accounting cleanup and recovery projects, she brings a practical, solutions oriented approach focused on accuracy, accountability, and measurable results.

As Director of Accounting & Client Services, Elaine leads BRIO's Accounting projects and Client service delivery functions. She oversees internal and external Accounting teams, Payroll Administration, Compliance requirements, Workflow management, Software Implementation initiatives, and client support programs. 

Working closely with clients and internal teams, she ensures Accounting functions are delivered efficiently, accurately, and strategically to align with each organization's Operational and Financial objectives.

Known for her attention to detail, collaborative leadership style, and commitment to excellence, Elaine has earned the trust of clients who rely on her expertise to navigate Financial and Operational challenges. Her ability to bridge technical knowledge with practical business solutions allows organizations to gain confidence in their financial information while strengthening the systems and processes that support long term success.

Areas of Expertise

• Full Cycle Accounting

• Financial Reporting & Analysis

• Payroll Administration & Compliance

• Multi-Province Payroll Management

• Cost Accounting

• Job Costing & Project Accounting

• Internal Controls Development

• Month-End & Year-End Preparation

• Financial Reconciliations

• Accounting Systems Administration

• Process Improvement & Optimization

• Workflow Development & Documentation

• Client Service Management

• Compliance Management

• Cash Flow Monitoring & Management

• Management Reporting

• Operational Accounting Support

• Accounting Cleanup & Catch-Up Projects

• Financial Software Implementation

• Financial Software Integration

• Cloud Accounting Solutions

• Team Training & Mentorship

• Accounting Process Design

• Payroll Systems Administration

• Financial Data Management

• Business Process Improvement

• Technology Adoption & Optimization

Technology & Software Expertise

Elaine maintains advanced proficiency across a broad range of Accounting, Payroll, Reporting, and Business management platforms. She holds professional certifications and accreditations in several leading cloud Accounting solutions and regularly assists clients with software selection, implementation, optimization, integration, and workflow development.

Her software expertise includes:

• QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor

• QuickBooks Online Advanced Certified ProAdvisor

• Sage Accounting Solutions

• Xero Certified Advisor

• Wave Accounting

• FreshBooks

• Windward Software

• Payroll Platforms & Workforce Management Systems

• Point-of-Sale Integrations

• Inventory Management Systems

• Job Costing & Project Management Platforms

• Construction Industry Software Integrations

• Professional Services Software Integrations

• Non-Profit Accounting Systems

• Reporting & Dashboard Solutions

• Workflow Automation Platforms

• Financial Data Migration & Conversion Projects

• Third-Party Application Integrations

• Cloud-Based Accounting Ecosystems

Elaine's extensive experience with industry specific software and integrated technology environments enables clients to streamline operations, improve reporting accuracy, reduce manual processes, and maximize the value of their technology investments.

Leadership & Impact

As Co-Founding Partner of BRIO, Elaine has helped build and grow the firm while maintaining a strong commitment to exceptional client service, operational excellence, and long term client success. Her leadership has been central to developing the systems, processes, and service standards that define BRIO's approach today.

Drawing on her management experience with Forge and her years of hands on accounting leadership, Elaine brings a unique combination of operational insight and technical expertise to every client engagement. She understands the challenges organizations face during periods of growth, transition, restructuring, and change, and she works closely with clients to implement practical solutions that create lasting improvements.

Elaine plays a critical role in ensuring clients receive consistent, accurate, and dependable support across all accounting and financial administration functions.

She has extensive experience helping organizations navigate periods of growth, transition, restructuring, cleanup, system implementation, and operational change. Her ability to organize complex financial information, identify process inefficiencies, and implement practical solutions helps businesses strengthen internal controls, improve reporting accuracy, maintain compliance, and enhance overall operational effectiveness.

Beyond managing accounting processes, Elaine is passionate about developing high-performing teams and creating systems that improve accountability, consistency, and efficiency. She works closely with staff to establish clear workflows, maintain quality standards, support professional development, and ensure clients receive responsive, professional service.

Her leadership style is grounded in collaboration, communication, continuous improvement, and a commitment to delivering exceptional client outcomes. Whether supporting a growing business, mentoring team members, implementing new technologies, or helping clients overcome operational challenges, she focuses on building sustainable solutions that create lasting value.

Through her leadership, BRIO continues to deliver the high standards of quality, accountability, responsiveness, and client service that organizations have come to expect from the firm.

Why I Do What I Do

Elaine believes strong accounting systems create confidence.

She is passionate about helping business owners move from uncertainty and frustration to clarity, control, and confidence by ensuring their accounting records, reporting systems, payroll processes, and compliance requirements are accurate, organized, and dependable.

What she finds most rewarding is helping clients gain a deeper understanding of their financial position and empowering them to use that information to make informed decisions about their future. She understands that behind every financial statement is a business owner, leadership team, or organization working hard to achieve meaningful goals, and she takes pride in providing the support and guidance needed to help them succeed.

For Elaine, success means helping clients spend less time worrying about accounting and administrative challenges and more time focusing on growth, innovation, and the work that matters most to them.

Credentials & Professional Development

Elaine holds the following professional designations and credentials:

• Designated Certified Professional Bookkeeper 

• Payroll Compliance Practitioner Candidate

In addition to her professional designations, Elaine holds:

• Diploma in Applied Bookkeeping –(NAIT)

• Diploma in Applied Business and Accounting –(NAIT)

She has also earned professional certifications and accreditations in multiple accounting and financial technology platforms, including:

• QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor

• QuickBooks Online Advanced Certified ProAdvisor

• Xero Advisor Certification

• Windward Software Training & Platform Expertise

• Wave Accounting Platform Expertise

• FreshBooks Platform Expertise

Her ongoing professional development includes Advanced Accounting systems, Payroll Administration, Compliance Management, Workflow Development, Financial Controls, Software Implementation, Process Improvement, Leadership Development, Client Service excellence, and Operational management.

Elaine remains committed to continuous learning and staying current with evolving accounting standards, payroll legislation, technology platforms, cloud accounting innovations, and industry best practices. This commitment ensures BRIO clients receive informed, proactive, and forward thinking support that helps them navigate an increasingly complex business environment.

The BRIO Difference

Elaine's strength lies in her ability to bring structure, consistency, and confidence to complex financial environments.

While many Accounting professionals focus solely on transactions and compliance, Elaine understands that strong accounting systems are the foundation of confident business decisions. Her approach combines technical accounting expertise with practical operational understanding, helping organizations create processes that are not only accurate, but sustainable.

Clients value Elaine's ability to identify issues before they become problems, create systems that improve accountability, and deliver dependable support they can rely on. Whether supporting a growing business, rebuilding accounting processes, implementing new software, managing payroll complexity, or overseeing financial reporting, she focuses on creating clarity through organization and consistency.

What sets Elaine apart is her commitment to relationships. She believes exceptional client service is built through trust, communication, responsiveness, and genuine partnership. 

Her goal is not simply to manage accounting functions, but to become a trusted resource that helps clients feel confident in their numbers, their systems, and the decisions they make moving forward.

Clarity. Intentionality. Growth.