Defence
Defence innovation takes many forms from advanced technology to precision manufacturing, and from dedicated defence solutions to dual-use technologies serving both military and civilian markets. Our Defence Industry Group works with Canadian and international companies across this spectrum, bringing a clear understanding of the businesses behind the capabilities. Whether defence is your core focus or one of the markets you serve, we recognize the distinct opportunities and complexities that shape your business.
Defence Industry Services
The defence sector demands innovation, security, and precision. Welch works with defence companies in many different industry verticals including technology, manufacturing, aerospace, cybersecurity, and engineering, helping them navigate growth, compliance, government funding, and cross-border operations. We provide integrated accounting, assurance, tax, and advisory services to support innovation, maximize incentives such as SR&ED and ITBs, manage risk, and position businesses for long-term success. With an in-house U.S. tax group and access to global expertise through BKR International, we help defence-related organizations operate confidently at home and abroad.
What We Bring
- Robotics & Autonomous Systems
- Space & Satellite Technologies
- Aerospace & Aviation
- Marine & Naval Technologies
- Cybersecurity
- Defence Technology
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Engineering & Product Development
- Electronics & Embedded Systems
[ - Communications & Network Technologies
- Defence Supply Chain & ITB Suppliers
SERVICES
Your Partner for Accounting, Tax, and Strategic Advice
Discover Why Our Clients Choose Welch LLP
Assurance and Accounting
Trust us to evaluate your organization’s finances and test your internal controls.
Tax Services
We help navigate this complicated world and advise you on the best course of action.
Risk Advisory
Our service helps businesses identify, manage, and respond to risk.
Family Wealth Advisory
You’ve worked hard to generate wealth. We’ll ensure your wealth works hard on your behalf.
Family Office
Welch Family Office delivers comprehensive oversight of your family’s financial, tax, and strategic affairs through an integrated, centralized approach.
Digital Services for Companies
Welch Technology Advisory Services are a perfect mix of an organization’s risk compliance, security, data and technology requirements enabling trust in systems, design, processes and data
Client Accounting Services
As your business grows, so do the responsibilities of your finance team. Outsourcing Welch’s CAS team is a cost-effective and […]
Doing Business in Canada
As you expand your business into Canada, we will guide you through tax systems and legislative requirements.
Mergers and Acquisitions
We help clients build higher-value organizations and provide M&A advisory services.
SR&ED and Business Incentives
You regularly look at your business to evaluate its value and growth potential. Let us help.
What We Bring
Assurance & Accounting
Tax
CPCSC & CMMC Readiness
Cybersecurity & Digital Services
SR&ED & Government Incentives
Defence Advisory Services
Internal Controls, Governance & Growth Readiness
- Accounting and tax treatment of holdbacks
- Equipment – tax vs. accounting treatment
- Tax planning
- GST/HST planning
- Audit & assurance services (ASPE, IFRS, US GAAP)
- Financial statement audits and reviews for private and public companies
- Compilation engagements and year-end financial reporting
- Accounting conversions (to ASPE, IFRS or US GAAP) and assistance with implementation of new and emerging accounting standards
- Support for government contracts, procurement requirements, and stakeholder reporting
- Internal controls, governance, and compliance support
- Canadian and U.S. corporate tax compliance
- Cross-border tax planning for defence companies
- SR&ED claims and innovation tax incentives
- Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) advisory support
- Tax planning, business structuring, and exit planning/strategies
- Indirect tax services (GST/HST, payroll tax, and other indirect taxes)
- International tax planning
- Tax planning for founders, shareholders, and business owners
- Trust, estate, and succession planning
- Expatriate and non-resident tax services
- Scoping: confirming which contracts, systems, and information (Federal Contract Information, Controlled Unclassified Information, and Canadian specified information) are in scope
- Gap assessments against ITSP.10.171 and NIST SP 800-171
- Remediation roadmaps and hands-on support with policies, technical controls, and Microsoft 365 and cloud configuration
- System security plans, documentation, and evidence packages
- Self-assessment and annual affirmation support, including SPRS scoring for U.S. contracts
- Mock assessments before third-party certification, and coordination with the accredited assessor you engage
- Cyber risk and maturity assessments, cyber strategy, and roadmaps
- Penetration testing (web application, network, and cloud), vulnerability assessments, and phishing simulations
- Cloud and Microsoft 365 security configuration reviews
- Incident response planning, table-top exercises, and business continuity and disaster recovery planning
- SOC 1 and SOC 2 reports, IT controls assessments, and SOX 404 and NI 52-109 readiness
- Vendor risk management and privacy assessments (PIPEDA)
- IT due diligence for acquisitions and investments
- AI strategy, data governance, and digital transformation
- SR&ED – Support for defence-related R&D activities, including cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, aerospace, AI, engineering, and robotics.
- ITB Opportunities – Guidance on Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) programs and defence supply chain opportunities.
- Government Funding – Support identifying and accessing grants, tax credits, and innovation funding programs.
- OIDMTC – Tax credit support for eligible software, simulation, training, and digital technology solutions.
- Corporate transactions, including private financing, mergers and acquisitions, and business sales
- Investment readiness and support for third-party financing
- Business valuations and due diligence
- Defence supply chain and procurement advisory
- Internal controls and compliance advisory
- Corporate governance and risk management
- Financial reporting and audit preparation
- IPO and capital markets readiness
BKR International
As a proud member of BKR International, Welch LLP connects defence, technology, and manufacturing companies with a global network of independent accounting and advisory firms in more than 80 countries. Whether you’re expanding internationally, managing cross-border operations, or entering new markets, you gain access to local expertise backed by a trusted Canadian advisor. This global reach is particularly valuable for organizations operating within international defence and supply chain ecosystems.
Team Members
MBA, CISA, CDPSE, CeH
Ottawa, Toronto
Learn With Welch LLP
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Many defence-related businesses invest heavily in innovation, advanced manufacturing, product development, cybersecurity, and engineering. These activities may qualify for programs such as Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentives, Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) opportunities, IRAP, IDEaS, Feddev and other government funding initiatives.
Welch LLP helps organizations identify eligible opportunities, prepare and support claims, meet reporting requirements, strengthen documentation capabilities, and develop strategies to maximize the value of available incentives while maintaining compliance.
How can Welch LLP help with CPCSC and CMMC readiness?
Defence suppliers on both sides of the border now face formal cyber security requirements. In Canada, the Canadian Program for Cyber Security Certification (CPCSC) is being introduced into defence contracts. In the U.S., the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) applies to contractors and subcontractors that handle Federal Contract Information or Controlled Unclassified Information. Both programs are built on closely aligned control standards (ITSP.10.171 in Canada and NIST SP 800-171 in the U.S.), so one well-run readiness program can support both.
Welch LLP is your readiness partner. We scope what is in play, assess your controls against the standard, build a remediation plan and help you carry it out, and prepare the documentation and evidence you need. We support your self-assessment and annual affirmation, and when your contracts call for third-party certification, we run a mock assessment and work alongside the accredited assessor you engage. Welch is not a certification body, so our advice stays independent of the certification decision. ncy, control, and accountability. The objective is accurate records, timely compliance, and financial information that management can rely on.
Do CPCSC or CMMC requirements apply to my company if I am a subcontractor?
Often, yes. CMMC requirements flow down from prime contractors to subcontractors at every tier that handle Federal Contract Information or Controlled Unclassified Information; suppliers of commercially available off-the-shelf products are generally exempt. In Canada, CPCSC requirements are being written into select defence contracts, and the level required depends on the sensitivity of the information involved. The quickest way to find out is to review your contracts, purchase orders, and the information your customers share with you. Welch LLP can help you confirm what applies and which level you need.
What assurance and accounting support does my defence company need when raising capital?
The financial reporting requirements for raising capital can vary depending on the source of funding. Welch LLP helps companies prepare for financing by completing audits and reviews of current and historical financial statements, assisting with accounting conversions, and addressing financial reporting requirements.
Whether you are pursuing debt financing, angel investment, private equity, venture capital or funding through government programs and agencies, our team can help you prepare the financial information needed to support the process.
ESTIMATE YOUR TAX CREDITS & REFUND
Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED)
Use Welch LLP’s SR&ED calculator to determine your potential SR&ED tax credit. Your business and bottom line will thank you.
Simplify Complex Accounting for your Defence Business
