Our Team
Alan Bruce, FCPA, FCA – Counsel
Alan is a Chartered Professional Accountant who has for many years provided accounting and income tax advice to clients. Having worked outside a CA firm for a number of years as a Vice President of Finance, Alan has experience in approaching business challenges from both sides of the desk.
In the past, Alan has served on numerous committees and boards, both at the provincial and national level. In 1992, Alan’s contributions to the profession were recognized when he became a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nova Scotia. This is the highest award provided by the Institute.
With the transition from day to day responsibilities and reduced client responsibilities, Alan is able to spend more time at his cottage in New Glasgow and with family including 10 grandchildren. His experience from over 30 years in the profession has been invaluable to the firm and its partners.
Jody Nickerson, CPA, CA – Manager
Jody joined Bruce & Monahan in 2013 as a Manager. He graduated from Acadia University and went on to obtain his CPA in 2003 while working in an accounting firm on the South Shore. He spent several years there serving a wide variety of small and medium sized businesses, including public companies. Since that time, Jody has held various roles as Manager, Controller, and Director in the accounting and finance functions while working closely with operations staff for two well known groups of companies in Halifax. Jody takes pride in being able to understand how financial and operational reporting enhances decision making no matter the size of your business.
Jody currently volunteers time and expertise as Treasurer for Tennis Nova Scotia and maintains membership in the Halifax Triathlon Club. He enjoys playing various sports with his son and cheering for his son’s teams.
Alanna Connors, B. Comm – Manager
Alanna started with Bruce & Monahan after working with a large national accounting firm in Halifax and is a manager in our practice. Alanna also has valuable accounting experience in a variety of industries and strives to provide clients with high quality services with a practical perspective.
Alanna graduated from Dalhousie University’s Bachelor of Commerce Co-op program, majoring in Accounting.
Caroline Phillips
Caroline started at Bruce & Monahan in 2011 and comes with over 12 years experience as the Office Manager at a similarly sized firm of Chartered Professional Accountants in the UK, followed by nearly 3 years experience in a similar office in Bedford, Nova Scotia. Caroline’s strengths lie in the administrative organization of our office and will be able to point you in the right direction to satisfy all your questions and requirements.
Tara Magarvey, CPA, CA
Tara joined Bruce & Monahan in 2018 and comes with years of experience in both the public and private sector. Tara is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2002 at a mid-sized firm in Halifax.
Tara has gained valuable experience, having worked in public practice over the past 15 years. As well, Tara was the Financial Controller for a mid-sized Atlantic retailer for 3 years, so she has an excellent understanding of business and accounting. Her main areas of practice include owner-managed businesses as well as personal and corporate tax preparation.
Tara enjoys camping and is a dance, hockey and soccer mom to her daughters. She resides in Tantallon with her two daughters and husband, Trevor.
Jillian Beddow
Jillian joined Bruce & Monahan in November 2016 as a staff accountant. She has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Saint Mary’s University with a major in Accounting. Prior to joining Bruce & Monahan, Jillian was employed by a privately-held transportation organization in Halifax.
Jan Blades, CPA, CA
Jan joined Bruce & Monahan in January 2021 with over twenty years of experience in industry and public practice. Jan has worked with mostly small to mid-size companies and owner-managed private businesses in a wide range of industries including fishing, food and beverage, construction, retail, medical, and not-for-profits.
Outside of work, Jan enjoys jogging, gardening, hiking, reading, travel and singing.
