Matt Brown
Solving for the Human Element of Finance
Where strategic financial expertise meets genuine partnership. I help businesses and individuals navigate complexity with clarity.
About Me
I'm a Chartered Professional Accountant who believes that finance should serve people, not the other way around. Over the years, I've helped businesses navigate complex financial challenges—not with jargon and complexity, but with clarity and strategic insight.
My approach is different: I combine deep technical expertise with genuine curiosity about your goals. Whether you're scaling a startup, implementing a treasury strategy, or planning for the future, I'm here to translate the language of business into decisions that align with your vision.
I also write about the intersection of finance, technology, and human behavior—because I believe the most important part of accounting isn't the spreadsheet, it's the conversation around it.
Let's work together to turn your financial data into your competitive advantage.
Chartered Professional Accountant
Licensed CPA with extensive experience in finance, strategy, and operations.
Thought Leader
Regular contributor sharing insights on financial strategy and business growth.
Client-Focused
Committed to delivering personalized solutions that drive measurable results.
Beyond the Spreadsheets
The person behind the professional
Who I Really Am
I didn't set out to be just another CPA. I chose this path because I believe numbers tell stories—stories about dreams, risks, growth, and impact. But I also know that life is about more than balance sheets.
When I'm not crunching numbers or advising clients, you'll find me on a trail somewhere, camera in hand, chasing sunrises and seeking perspective. I believe the best solutions come when you step away from the desk and let your mind wander.
I'm passionate about making finance accessible and human. Too often, accounting feels cold and disconnected. My mission is to change that—to help people see their financial data as a tool for creating the life and business they want, not just an obligation to fulfill.
At the end of the day, I'm here to help you succeed—not just financially, but holistically.
What I Stand For
Integrity First
Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Trust is earned through consistent ethical action.
Curious Mindset
Asking "why" and "what if" to uncover better solutions and challenge conventional thinking.
People Matter
Behind every number is a human story. I prioritize relationships and the people behind the business.
Services & Consulting
Comprehensive financial services tailored to your unique needs and goals.
CFO Consulting
Part-time CFO services for businesses needing executive financial leadership.
- Financial leadership
- Strategic planning
- Team guidance
Business Advisory
Strategic guidance to help your business grow, scale, and achieve long-term success.
- Growth strategy
- Financial modeling
- Performance metrics
AI Tools & Automation
Revolutionize your finance and operations processes with cutting-edge AI tools and automation solutions.
- Process automation
- AI-powered insights
- Workflow optimization
Stablecoins & Digital Assets
Expert guidance on stablecoins, digital asset treasuries, and blockchain-based financial strategies.
- Stablecoin Implementation
- Digital asset management
- Blockchain integration
Professional Disclaimer: The information provided is for general guidance only and does not constitute personalized financial, legal, or tax advice. All services are provided in accordance with applicable professional standards and regulatory requirements.
Experience & Education
Major wins and achievements across diverse finance leadership roles. Focused on measurable impact and strategic value creation.
Major Wins & Achievements
Blockchain Finance Leadership
Established comprehensive finance operations for blockchain infrastructure managing 25+ partnerships with multi-jurisdictional compliance.
Key Wins
- Built US GAAP-compliant financial reporting framework from scratch
- Designed treasury strategy managing $50M+ in digital assets
- Streamlined multi-entity tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions
- Reduced financial reporting cycle time by 40%
Impact: Enabled scalable finance operations supporting rapid business growth
High-Growth Company Finance Leadership
Elevated to interim VP of Finance role, leading finance operations for $100M+ revenue organization.
Key Wins
- Led treasury management strategy securing $25M+ asset-based lending facility
- Implemented business intelligence platform improving decision-making speed by 50%
- Built and managed finance team of 5+ professionals
- Delivered monthly MD&A presentations driving strategic business decisions
Impact: Provided financial leadership during critical growth phase
Public Company Financial Transformation
Led financial operations for public company through reverse takeover transaction and exchange listing.
Key Wins
- Executed $150M+ RTO transaction leading to public market listing
- Established IFRS-compliant reporting framework for public scrutiny
- Built consolidated financial model supporting strategic M&A decisions
- Reduced quarterly close time by 35% through process optimization
Impact: Successfully navigated complex regulatory requirements and market expectations
ERP Implementation & Process Optimization
Led enterprise-wide ERP implementation and process redesign for multi-entity organization.
Key Wins
- Successfully implemented ERP system across 10+ entities
- Developed automated reporting dashboards reducing manual work by 60%
- Established financial policies and procedures for complex organizational structure
- Delivered $75M+ project portfolio financial management
Impact: Transformed finance operations enabling scalable growth
Government Finance & Compliance
Managed financial reporting and compliance for government entities with $60M+ combined revenues.
Key Wins
- Prepared audited financial statements for multiple government agencies
- Supported $373M consolidated ministry financial reporting
- Developed 5-year strategic budget planning documents
- Established forecasting models improving budget accuracy by 25%
Impact: Ensured transparency and accountability in public sector finance
Academic Finance Education
Teaching foundational accounting principles to undergraduate students while maintaining active finance leadership roles.
Key Wins
- Instructing Introduction to Accounting courses at major university
- Bridging academic theory with real-world finance applications
- Mentoring next generation of finance professionals
- Contributing to curriculum development and student success
Impact: Shaping future finance professionals through practical education
Education & Certifications
Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA)
CPA Canada
Passed the September 2019 CFE. Licensed CPA in good standing.
Blockchain CryptoAsset Accelerator Program
United States
Focused on CryptoAssets, Web3, and impacts on the financial industries.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
NAIT, Edmonton, Alberta
Specialized in Accounting and Finance.
European Field Studies
NAIT, Edmonton, Alberta
Focused on international business, brand marketing, creativity, innovation, and cultural awareness in France, Spain, Italy, and Austria.
Featured Projects
Real-world results from strategic engagements. All details have been anonymized to protect client confidentiality.
Manufacturing Company Restructure
Led comprehensive financial restructuring for mid-sized manufacturing client, optimizing operations and improving cash flow.
Key Results
- 30% reduction in operating costs
- Improved cash flow by $500K annually
- Streamlined accounting processes
Multi-State Tax Optimization
Developed comprehensive tax strategy for expanding e-commerce business operating across multiple states.
Key Results
- $200K+ annual tax savings
- Established nexus compliance framework
- Implemented automated tax tracking
Private Equity Due Diligence
Conducted thorough financial due diligence for PE firm evaluating $10M acquisition target.
Key Results
- Identified $1.5M in hidden liabilities
- Provided comprehensive risk assessment
- Facilitated successful negotiation
Non-Profit Audit & Compliance
Executed complete audit and established robust compliance framework for growing non-profit organization.
Key Results
- Achieved clean audit opinion
- Implemented internal controls
- Enhanced donor transparency
SaaS Financial Model Development
Built comprehensive financial model and fundraising materials for Series A SaaS startup.
Key Results
- Successfully raised $3M Series A
- Created 5-year financial projections
- Established KPI tracking framework
Real Estate Portfolio Analysis
Analyzed and optimized real estate investment portfolio for high-net-worth individual.
Key Results
- 15% improvement in ROI
- Tax-efficient restructuring
- Ongoing portfolio monitoring
Confidentiality Notice: All case studies have been anonymized to protect client confidentiality. Specific details and identifying information have been modified while preserving the essential nature of the engagement and results achieved.
Tools & Resources
Downloadable templates and explore AI-powered projects I've built.
Downloads
Resume Template
Professional resume template designed for finance and accounting professionals.
3 Statement Financial Model
Integrated income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement template.
Personal Budget Template
Comprehensive personal budgeting spreadsheet with expense tracking and forecasting.
AI Projects
Hashtracks
AI-powered social media analytics platform that tracks hashtag performance and engagement metrics across multiple platforms.
Key Features
- Real-time hashtag tracking
- Sentiment analysis
- Cross-platform analytics
Equity Allocations
Intelligent equity allocation system that uses machine learning to optimize portfolio distributions based on risk profiles and market conditions.
Key Features
- ML-based optimization
- Risk assessment
- Dynamic rebalancing
Blockchain Reconciliation
Automated blockchain transaction reconciliation system that uses AI to match and verify cryptocurrency transactions across multiple wallets and exchanges.
Key Features
- Automated reconciliation
- Multi-wallet support
- Transaction verification
NFT Projects
AI-generated NFT collections with unique metadata and rarity scoring. Includes tools for collection management and marketplace integration.
Key Features
- AI generation
- Rarity scoring
- Marketplace integration
Speaking Engagements
Sharing insights on finance, leadership, and the human element of business.
Speaking Topics
Blockchain & Digital Assets in Finance
Understanding cryptoassets, Web3, and their impact on financial industries and accounting practices
Financial Operations & Treasury Management
Building institutional-grade reporting, controls, and operating systems in complex, regulated environments
The Human Element of Finance
How understanding people, psychology, and relationships transforms financial leadership and business outcomes
AI-Enabled Finance & Automation
How technology and automation are transforming finance operations while maintaining audit-readiness
Past Engagements
My Journey as a Professional in the Digital Asset Space
Altcoin Pro University
Shared my professional journey navigating the digital asset space, from traditional finance to blockchain accounting. Discussed the evolution of financial operations in Web3, the challenges and opportunities in digital asset treasury management, and how finance professionals can adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of cryptocurrency and stablecoin implementation.
CFO Discussion Series: Digital Asset Finance
CoinTracker
Participated in a discussion series focused on digital asset finance, treasury management, and the evolving landscape of crypto accounting.
How Interest Rates Affect the Economy
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Presented on the mechanisms of interest rates and their impact on economic indicators, business decisions, and financial markets.
Finance Industry Panel Discussion
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Participated as a panelist discussing current trends in finance, accounting technology, and career paths for accounting students.
Blockchain, Digital Assets, and Automation in Accounting
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Delivered presentations to students and instructors on emerging topics including Blockchain, Digital Assets, and Automation. Educated instructors on topics that future accountants will need such as coding abilities, understanding of blockchain assets, and critical thinking skills.
ACAC Provincials Keynote
ACAC Provincials
Delivered keynote address at ACAC Provincials.
Industry Panel
UAlberta Accounting Club
Participated in an industry panel discussion with the UAlberta Accounting Club.
Industry Panel (IT Focused)
UAlberta Accounting Club
Participated in an IT-focused industry panel discussion with the UAlberta Accounting Club.
Industry Panel
UAlberta Accounting Club
Participated in an industry panel discussion with the UAlberta Accounting Club.
Book Me for Your Next Event
I speak on blockchain finance, digital assets, the human element of finance, and the future of accounting. Whether it's a conference, workshop, or educational institution, I'd love to share insights with your audience.
I'm currently accepting speaking opportunities at no cost to build experience and share knowledge with diverse audiences who may need help becoming familiar with the topics I've researched.
Beyond the Ledger
My Substack exploring the intersection of finance, strategy, and the human side of business.
Read Beyond the LedgerNever Miss an Insight
Subscribe to Beyond the Ledger and get the latest articles on financial strategy, tax planning, and business growth delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe to Beyond the LedgerLet's Connect
Ready to discuss how I can help your business? Reach out for a consultation.
Get in Touch
Whether you need strategic guidance, tax planning, or financial advisory services, I'm here to help you achieve your goals.
Location
Based in Alberta, Canada
Available for remote consultations
Currently Accepting New Clients
I typically respond within 24 hours. Let's discuss how I can help your business thrive.