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Wilkins Miller LLC, an accounting and advisory firm with offices in Mobile and Fairhope, is pleased to announce the following promotions: Sallie Byrd to Supervisor; Drew Kitchens to Senior Accountant; and Avril Ramer to Senior Accountant. As well as the following additions to the team: Jordynne McCarty, Lindsey Hill and Bradly Kline.
Byrd, Kitchens and Ramer have each demonstrated expertise in their roles, professionalism, leadership and stellar attitudes to earn their promotions.
McCarty earned a bachelor’s degree of science in business administration in accounting from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2018. She joined the Wilkins Miller team as an intern in 2019 and was brought on as a full-time employee this year.
Hill began her career with Wilkins Miller in 2018 as a student administrative assistant and joins the team as an accountant after earning a bachelor’s degree of science in business administration in accounting from the University of South Alabama.
Kline earned a bachelor’s degree of science in business administration in accounting from the University of South Alabama in 2018. He joins the Wilkins Miller team as an accountant after working in the accounting and restaurant management industries.

https://wilkinsmiller.com/firm-news/wilkins-miller-announces-promotions-new-hires/

DFK International/USA is proud to welcome Johnson Lambert LLP to our association! A niche-focused firm (Not for Profit, EBP and Insurance) with offices in Florida, Illinois, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Vermont and Virginia, Johnson Lambert adds an impressive wealth of knowledge and resources to DFK and we are excited to have them on board! DFK/USA now has 28 member firms in cities across the United States. 

Donald Logan Joins Friedman LLP as Chief Information Officer

— Expanding the Firm’s Robust IT Department

New York — December 20, 2018 — Top 50 accounting and advisory firm Friedman LLP announced today that Donald Logan has joined the firm’s headquarters as the Chief Information Officer (“CIO”). Don’s extensive background supporting the unique IT needs of the accounting profession will further enhance our already well-fortified IT structure as we continue to expand Friedman’s capabilities in this critical area.

Don brings more than 20 years of strategic IT experience in the professional services space. Prior to joining Friedman, he held several leadership roles at a number of accounting firms where he drove the analysis and re-engineering of existing business processes, identified and developed the capability to use new tools, reshaped the enterprise’s physical infrastructure and network access, and identified and exploited the enterprise’s knowledge resources.

In addition to helping ensure that systems and networks are leveraging industry best practices, Don will play an integral role at Friedman, keeping his finger on the pulse of technology trends in the marketplace. By staying one step ahead of the curve, he will help the firm navigate the continual technology changes through strategic IT planning.

“As both our firm and the needs of our clients expand, so must our approach to technology. Don brings a wealth of specialized experiences, having supported the unique needs of the tax and accounting space,” said Harriet Greenberg, Co-Managing Partner and leader of the Fashion and Diamond and Jewelry Practices at Friedman. “Beyond his clear understanding of the technology space, Don is a proven strategist with the necessary insight to keep Friedman at the forefront of innovation.”

“Don’s skillset speaks for itself. At Friedman, we strive to fill each seat with the best and the most exceptional individuals in the industry,” said Fred Berk, Friedman’s Co-Managing Partner and Co-Chair of the Real Estate Group. “There’s no doubt in my mind that Don will help further our current IT Department’s already robust offerings to deliver the continued strategic and multi-faceted support that are much-needed in an ever-changing landscape.”

“I’m excited to join an award-winning firm that’s recognized throughout the industry for its people-centric approach to client services and employee empowerment,” stated Don. “I look forward to demonstrating the power of looking globally at Friedman’s IT needs along with a strong understanding of the firm’s culture to best position its short- and long-term goals.”

To learn more about Don Logan, head here.

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.

Friedman LLP Launches Qualified Opportunity Consulting Zone Practice, mapping future investments for the greatest tax advantages

New York — DATE— Top 50 accounting and advisory firm, Friedman LLP, expands its dynamic service offerings to include Qualified Opportunity Zone (“QOZ”) Consulting . The QOZ program, created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), is a tax incentivized investment initiative meant to spur economic growth in low-income communities while providing investors with additional capital to expand existing businesses, form new businesses, or fund real estate developments.

At the helm of this new practice group is Partner Steven Bokiess, CPA. He brings more than 20 years of experience advising prominent real estate organizations involved in a wide range of properties, as well as extensive expertise in the financial arena. He has tax consulting and compliance services to a variety of real estate and asset management clients, including REITs, real estate partnerships, private equity funds, hedge funds, investment advisors, broker/dealers and mutual funds.

“In response to growing questions surrounding this new, complex and long-term investment strategy, we strategically assembled leading tax experts to create the QOZ Consulting Practice. I am confident that this new team will guide our clients through the TCJA, address the unique challenges they face and help them leverage key tax incentives to maximize investments,” said Steve.

“With QOZs currently spanning 12% of the land area of the nation, there is a tremendous opportunity for individual, trust or corporate investors to reap significant tax advantages,” remarked Robert Charron, CPA, Partner and the firm’s Tax Practice Leader. “The expansion of our service offerings to include this new practice group further demonstrates our commitment to staying on the pulse of industry and policy changes to deliver excellent client services.”

“Friedman has stayed at the forefront of tax reform since before President Trump’s election. The QOZ Consulting Practice includes advisors with direct access to breaking news from Capitol Hill, sought-after thought leaders and members of the firm’s elite TCJA Task Force,” added Co-Managing Partner and Leader of the Real Estate Practice Group, Fred Berk. “This team of experts is well-equipped to help guide our clients through the nuances of this new tax opportunity.”

To learn more about our latest practice group, head here.

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About Friedman LLP

Friedman LLP, headquartered in Manhattan with locations throughout New Jersey and in Long Island, Pennsylvania, and Beijing, 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 www.friedmanllp.com to learn more.

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:

• Shaji Varghese, CPA, Partner, click here
• Brandon Baker, CPA Tax Principal, click here

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.

Three firms have joined DFK USA, taking the national group’s membership to 27 and reflecting a year of growth for DFK International.

The new members are Lauterbach & Amen LLP, Reynolds + Rowella and Ridout Barrett.

Lauterbach & Amen LLP is a mid-sized public accounting firm established in 1997 in Napervillle, a western suburb of Chicago in Illinois, by partners Sherry Lauterbach and Ron Amen.

The firm’s foundation is in the governmental sector and over the years, it has extended client relationships to other entities outside of government, providing accounting, compilation, assurance, actuary and consulting services.

Reynolds + Rowella is a regional accounting firm with offices in Ridgefield and New Canaan in Connecticut.  It was founded in 1985 as a result of the merger of the CPA practices of Tom Reynolds and Frank Rowella.

The firm provides consulting, tax and assurance services and acts for businesses across all industries.

Ridout Barrett has been serving the San Antonio area in Texas since 1986 and has offices in San Antonio and Austin.

It provides professional accounting, tax and business advisory services to businesses of all sizes and across a range of sectors.

Harriet Greenberg, president of DFK USA and deputy president of DFK International, has welcomed the addition of the firms.

She said: “2018 has been a time of growth for DFK International.  The addition of Ridout Barrett and Reynolds + Rowella provide an additional tax-centric layer to the community, while Lauterbach & Amen bring a targeted audit-based view with a specialised focus in government auditing.

“The location and practice of the new member firms provide another dimension when it comes to location and practice expertise.  Part of the beauty of DFK USA is the cross-collaboration, unique perspectives and exchange of ideas that come with the addition of innovative firms.”

As deputy president of DFK International, Harriet’s vision is to grow membership both in the US and internationally, and she hopes this latest recruitment will act as a springboard for attracting more firms to DFK USA.

“We are doing some really amazing things in DFK USA in collaboration with DFK International.  As we continue to execute our powerful initiatives, I’m confident that our members will grow across the nation in major cities,” she said.

“Talent attracts talent and membership will increase with the understanding that our unique and innovative community only gets better with the addition of leading firms.

“In addition, key people in the organisation, including our US Executive Director Maureen Dillmore, the DFK Executive Committee and our group of independent accounting firm consultants, actively reach out and meet with independent accounting firms who could potentially join and add value to DFK USA.”