Xero Awards Canada 2026 Judges

Meet the guest judges

We’re pleased to introduce the distinguished judges for this year’s Xero Awards.

Atin Gupta

Co-founder and CEO, Countable Inc.

Atin Gupta is a seasoned professional in the field of accounting and technology. He is the Co-founder and CEO of Countable - a cloud-based working paper automation tool designed specifically for CPAs by CPAs. Atin has over 2 decades of accounting experience providing assurance and related services around complex business structure transactions for companies in the technology, cleantech, and investment sectors. Before establishing Countable, Atin was a Partner at a leading Canadian accounting firm, where he also contributed as a Regional Assurance Partner. Here, he grew his practice from a small clientele to the third-largest niche within the firm. Atin contributed as a Learning and Development Champion opening offices and steering the firm’s culture across the country. His exceptional contributions led to him being recognized as the Technology Enabler of The Year.

Dawn Hatch

Founder, Matax

Dawn Hatch is the founder and CEO of MATAX, an AI-powered accounting and operations firm built for startup founders and scaling SMBs. She has worked with hundreds of founders across SaaS, services, and product companies to streamline operations, adopt AI responsibly, and grow without bloating headcount. Dawn is the architect behind CoreOps by MATAX™, a framework that blends deep accounting expertise with AI-led workflows so growing teams keep quality high as they scale. She speaks and writes frequently on AI adoption inside small and mid-sized businesses, shadow AI risk, month-end close automation, and what it takes to build a modern, lean back office.

Dawn and Matax were winners of the 2025 US Xero Partner Awards in the Advisory Innovator of the Year category.

Rick Johal

CEO at CPB Canada

Rick is a strategic executive with 15 years of leadership experience in association management and public affairs. As CEO of CPB Canada, he specializes in transforming vision into measurable outcomes for members, constituents, and communities. Rick thrives at the intersection of policy, people, and purpose, driving innovation, shaping narratives, and fostering collaboration across organizations and teams.

With a mindset rooted in continuous growth, Rick is a lifelong learner who embraces adaptability, builds momentum through challenges, and leads with empathy and intention. His background as a collegiate athlete instilled in him a relentless drive and refined discipline—qualities he brings to every leadership role.

Outside of work, Rick is a devoted husband and proud father of two incredible daughters. He stays energized by coaching competitive youth volleyball, training at a Muay Thai boxing gym, and volunteering in his community.

Bianca Mueller, CPB, PCP

Community Manager at Wagepoint

Bianca Mueller is an award-winning Certified Professional Bookkeeper (CPB) and Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) with 19 years of experience in Canada’s bookkeeping and payroll industry. She has developed extensive expertise in supporting small businesses with reliable, high-quality bookkeeping and payroll practices.

Bianca is a strong advocate for community, professional education and industry advancement. She is widely recognized for fostering connections within the bookkeeping and accounting community and for promoting the adoption of innovative technologies and modern methodologies that enhance practice efficiency and client service.

Teresa Slack

Founder, Financly Inc.

Teresa Slack is a Certified Professional Bookkeeper and co-founder of Financly Inc., an award-winning firm specializing in e-commerce accounting for online sellers. Teresa is also the founder of Teresa Slack Consulting, coaching accounting professionals to thrive. As well as the co-founder of the E-commerce Training Academy. With over 40 years of combined industry experience, she helps business owners and accounting professionals simplify complex e-commerce finances through clear systems, strong processes, and practical education. Teresa is known for turning complicated e-commerce accounting challenges into straightforward, actionable strategies that build profitability and confidence.

She is deeply passionate about empowering accounting professionals to build profitable, sustainable firms and provides practical and actionable guidance on mindset, pricing, systems, and attracting clients who truly value their work. A recognized industry leader, Teresa has been named a Top 50 International ProAdvisor in North America for multiple years, Professional Leader of the Year, Top 50 Women in Accounting and is a trainer for The Value Pricing Academy, Pure Bookkeeping and the E-commerce Training Academy. Her engaging and relatable speaking style leaves audiences inspired, empowered, and ready to take immediate action.

Meet the Xero judges

Franck Bassy

Head of Product eCommerce

Paul Evans

Managing Director, Emerging Markets

Jony Tabuteau

VP Small Business Journeys

Ashalee Mohamed

Country Manager - Canada