Friedman LLP Announces New Hires
11-12-2018
Shaji Varghese, CPA, Partner and Brandon Baker, CPA, Principal
Join Friedman LLP’s Philadelphia Office — Expanding the Firm’s Robust Client Offerings
New York — December 11, 2018 — Top 50 accounting and advisory firm Friedman LLP announced today that Shaji Varghese, CPA, Partner, and Brandon Baker, CPA, Principal, have joined the firm’s Philadelphia office, bringing with them a wealth of cross-industry expertise.
Shaji Varghese is an Audit Partner at Friedman LLP, bringing over 25 years of experience managing audit engagements for clients from start-ups to multibillion dollar organizations. Prior to joining Friedman, Shaji dedicated the majority of the past 14 years as a partner in a large internationally registered accounting firm focused in auditing public and private companies. He has extensive experience supporting clients across industries including life sciences, biotech, real estate, software and technology, financial services and manufacturing. Importantly, he provides his clients with personalized partner-level involvement with a commitment to maintaining ongoing communications to ensure projects are completed in a timely and cost-efficient manner.
Brandon Baker is a Tax Principal at Friedman LLP, with more than 15 years of experience working with private clients to ensure their multi-generational wealth. His highly personalized and industry-specific approach has fostered close client relationships created by guiding them through federal and state income tax challenges arising from closely held business interests, their inherited wealth and transfer tax matters. Brandon spent six years in the private wealth practice of a big 4 accounting firm where he managed individual, partnership, estate, gift and fiduciary tax compliance work. He also spent several years in the multi-family office space, working with families to design wealth transfer strategies and administer trusts and family limited partnerships.
“As part of our commitment to delivering excellence in client services, we strategically select industry experts who bring powerful insights to our clients. Shaji and Brandon have in-depth industry knowledge and value a hands-on and personalized approach when it comes to individualized client attention,” said Harriet Greenberg, Co-Managing Partner and leader of the Fashion and Diamond and Jewelry Practices at Friedman.
“What drew me most to Friedman is the firm’s highly personal approach to client services. While many mistake tax and audit as purely numbers-based, it’s much more about human interest and strategizing the best options available based on an individual’s unique needs. I look forward to contributing my diverse public accounting experience to the Friedman family,” said Shaji.
“We are always looking to expand the firm with the brightest in the industry,” said Fred Berk, Friedman’s Co-Managing Partner and Co-Chair of the Real Estate Group. “These gentlemen bring impressive backgrounds with an emphasis in the Technology, Real Estate and Private Client sectors that will greatly benefit our clients.”
“I look forward to bringing my years of specialized experience supporting private clients to Friedman and being part of its award-winning culture that is so widely recognized,” said Brandon.
To learn more about the newest additions to Friedman LLP’s senior management, see below:
About Friedman LLP
Friedman LLP, headquartered in Manhattan with locations throughout New Jersey and in Long Island, Pennsylvania, and Beijing, China, has been serving the accounting, tax and business consulting needs of public and private companies since 1924. Our industry-focused practice features concentrated areas of expertise and an understanding of the economic environment. We are innovative in our approach, act quickly in our decision-making and are flexible in our delivery of services. Our clients benefit from hands-on contact with our partners, cutting-edge technical expertise and our understanding of their industry and their business. Our clients have the advantage of working with a mid-size accounting firm that combines the staff and resources of a large firm with a philosophy of personal responsibility for our clients. Visit our website at www.friedmanllp.com to learn more.