Category: News

MRM CPAs and Advisors Joins DFK/USA

MRM CPAs and Advisors Joins DFK/USA

December 7, 2020: DFK/USA is pleased to welcome MRM CPAs and Advisors to its membership. MRM CPAs and Advisors, headquartered in Frisco, TX, provides tax compliance, tax planning, audit, accounting, and wealth management services to domestic and international clients.

MRM’s fastest-growing and most extensive area of focus is real estate, with client properties spanning all states across the US. Beyond real estate, MRM’s Frisco-based team serves dealerships, oil & gas, healthcare, manufacturers, high tech business clients, as well as executive and high net worth individuals. One unique assurance service they provide is surprise examinations for Registered Investment Advisors that fall under the custody rule under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940.

Brett Mills, MRM managing partner, commented, “As our firm has grown over the years, so has our need for expanded domestic and international resources. The technical and leadership training offered by DFK will benefit our team for years to come. Also, these resources will assist us with our growing volume of complex cross-border engagements. We look forward to sharing our knowledge and expertise with our new fellow members.”

“MRM has always been driven to provide value to the big picture,” continues Mills. “By joining DFK/USA we will provide more value to our clients, and we will make our firm an even greater place to work.”

“We couldn’t be more excited to have MRM join the folds of DFK/USA. We have been searching for a firm in the Dallas area and are happy we have found the perfect fit with MRM. MRM is a high-quality firm with a young and forward thinking managing partner at the helm. We look forward to what MRM and DFK can accomplish together,” says DFK/USA Executive Director, Maureen Dillmore.

ABOUT DFK
DFK International/USA is an association of independent, full-service public accounting and consulting firms with offices serving major markets throughout the United States. The association is affiliated with DFK International, with over 300 offices in over 80 countries.

ABOUT MRM
Based in Frisco, TX, MRM has more than 50 years of multi-industry experience. With a holistic approach that combines CPA and financial advisory services, MRM strives to create financial freedom for our clients – both individuals and businesses. MRM is a full-service firm that offers accounting, tax, audit, and consulting services. Industry specialties include real estate, oil & gas, healthcare, and technology. For more information, please visit mrmcpas.com.

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Press Contact:

Maureen Dillmore
DFK/USA
571-232-5472
mdillmore@dfk.com

KIMBERLY RIPBERGER OF BERNARD ROBINSON CO AND FRED BERK OF FRIEDMAN LLP  JOIN DFK/USA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

December 2020: DFK/USA is pleased to announce the addition of Kimberly Ripberger of Bernard Robinson Company and Fred Berk of Friedman LLP to join the DFK/USA Executive Committee. Comprised of nine officers, the Executive Committee, is authorized to act on behalf of the Board and meets monthly, primarily by conference call. Ripberger joins the Executive Committee as Vice President and Berk as the VP of Practice Management. The DFK/USA Executive Office, located in Denver, CO, conducts and facilitates the day-to-day affairs of the association, including all administrative, communication and financial functions, as well as maintaining member relations and member services.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          “We are very much looking forward to the elevated contributions of long-standing member firm, BRC through Kimberly’s new role on the Executive Committee. DFK also appreciates the dedication of Friedman LLP to our association through the service to the EC from Bruce Madnick, then Harriet Greenberg, and now Fred Berk. The time commitment from our members is no small favor and we appreciate both the firm and the individual’s dedication to DFK. The existing members and I of the DFK/USA Executive Committee look forward to benefiting from the additional input of Fred and Kimberly in the coming years”, said DFK/USA Executive Director, Maureen Dillmore.

Kimberly Ripberger, Partner at Bernard Robinson & Company, based in Raleigh, NC is a quality assurance partner with over 16 year in public accounting. She works primarily with clients involved in the governmental, non-profit, and affordable housing industries, including tax credit properties, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development sites.   “I’m honored to be selected to serve on DFK/USA’s Executive Committee. Since 1947, Bernard Robinson & Company, L.L.P. (“BRC”) has a long-standing history of serving our clients, our team members, and our communities on a daily basis. My serving on the Executive Committee is just one way that BRC will be able to continue our contributions to DFK/USA. In addition, I would like to personally thank Harriet Greenberg of Friedman, LLP, for her paving the way for me and others through her ongoing leadership and service to our membership organization” shared Ripberger in a statement.

Based in New York, Fred Berk serves as Friedman’s Co-Managing Partner. On joining the committee, Berk shares “The advice to surround yourself with smart people holds true—especially when I think about my involvement with DFK/USA and DFK/International. I’m honored to have met so many talented people over the years. As a member of the DFK/USA Executive Committee, I look forward to ensuring that the collective good and member organizations’ goals are achieved through hard work and collaboration”.

Berk and Ripberger join established Executive Committee members: President, Jim Dobberstein of Shea Labagh Dobberstein – San Francisco, CA ; President Elect, Streett Baldwin of Ellin & Tucker – Baltimore, MD; Treasurer, Benjamin Bohlmann of Bohlmann Accounting Group – Miami, FL; VP of Recruitment & Retention, Will Eckerson of Bennett Thrasher – Atlanta, GA; VP of Education, Scott Crane of Reynolds & Rowella – CT; VP of International Relations, Manuel Ramirez of RJI International – Irvine, CA; Immediate Past President, Steve McDonald of Abdo Eick & Meyers, Minneapolis, MN.

DFK International/USA is an association of independent, full-service public accounting and consulting firms with offices serving major markets throughout the United States. The association is affiliated with DFK International, with over 300 offices in over 80 countries. DFK provides independent member firms with a forum to exchange practice management information and technical expertise, opportunities for continuing education and leadership development, and the resources to serve their clients on a national and international level.

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Press Contact:

Maureen Dillmore, CMP

DFK/USA

571-232-5472

mdillmore@dfk.com

DFK International has been recognized with an industry award for its exceptional growth and innovation in elevating its world-leading position in global accountancy.

DFK was named ‘Rising Star Association’ at the DAF Awards 2020, the Digital Accountancy Forum Awards run by The Accountant and International Accounting Bulletin.

The judges were impressed with DFK’s achievements, singling out strong growth particularly in North America, successfully launching an International Women in Leadership group and a new website with integrated CRM and platforms for online collaboration.

Martin Sharp, Executive Director of DFK International, said: “We are extremely proud to receive this award as it recognizes the great strides we have made as an association over the last year to further enhance our global position and reputation.

“I pay tribute to the dedication and hard work of the executive office team members in London and around the world who work tirelessly to support our member firms.

“DFK International is an established leader in the global accountancy profession and as we approach our 60^th anniversary in 2022, we continue to embrace new technology and innovation to best serve our member firms around the world.

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DFK/USA Welcomes New Marketing Committee Co-Chairs

September 17, 2020: DFK/USA is pleased to announce the newest co-chairs of the International Marketing Committee, Jill Jacobs, Chief Marketing Officer at member firm Friedman LLP headquartered in New York City and Allison Lavelle, Director of Marketing and Growth at member firm Bennett Thrasher headquartered in Atlanta, GA.

The DFK/USA committees’ primary objective is to concentrate on marketing strategies to grow the firm. They meet bimonthly in person to share successful marketing investments and learn from various guest speakers. “The value DFK/USA’s specialized committees bring to the membership is strengthened by our outstanding chairs. We are fortunate to have two of the best taking the reins for the Marketing Committee” said DFK/USA Membership Coordinator, Rachel Green.

Jacobs is a veteran of 25 years in professional services. She leads the marketing and communications strategy for her firm, bringing together integrated initiatives and a forward-thinking approach to drive growth. She’s been an active member of the committee, participating in calls and helping to plan annual fly-in meetings.

LaVelle works closely with members of her firm’s leadership team to develop and execute the firm’s marketing & business development strategy in pursuit of the firm’s growth. Prior to joining Bennett Thrasher, Allison worked for over 15 years in professional services. Her experience includes overseeing and managing marketing communications, business development, marketing technology and brand strategy.

Together they bring a wealth of knowledge in the professional services space and look forward to building upon that with the DFK network.

Once per year the DFK/USA marketing team, typically in conjunction with the AAM Summit, will meet in person to share ideas and connect face to face.

DFK International/USA is an association of independent, full-service public accounting and consulting firms with offices serving major markets throughout the United States. The association is affiliated with DFK International, with over 300 offices in over 80 countries.

MANUEL RAMIREZ JOINS DFK/USA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

September 4, 2020: DFK/USA is pleased to announce the addition of Manuel Ramirez to the Executive Committee. Comprised of nine officers, the Executive Committee, is authorized to act on behalf of the Board and meets monthly, primarily by conference call. “As long standing members of DFK/USA, RJI felt it was time to give back to the association and I am honored to be able to do so by serving on the DFK Executive Committee,” said Chairman and President of RJI International, Manuel Ramirez.

The DFK/USA Executive Office, located in Denver, CO, conducts and facilitates the day-to-day affairs of the association, including all administrative, communication and financial functions, as well as maintaining member relations and member services. “RJI International has been a valuable contributing member of DFK/USA since 2010 and we are now excited to have Manuel join us on the Executive Committee. Manuel has extensive experience on boards, including serving as President of the California Board of Accountancy. He will bring a profound knowledge of the industry along with a passion for the association to the already stellar group serving on the EC,” said DFK International/USA Executive Director, Maureen Dillmore.

Ramirez joins established Executive Committee members: President, Steve McDonald of Abdo Eick & Meyers – Minneapolis, MN; President Elect, James Dobberstein of Shea Labagh Dobberstein – San Francisco, CA; Treasurer, Streett Baldwin of Ellin & Tucker – Baltimore, MD; VP of Practice Management, Frank Ianuzzi of Ianuzzi Manetta & Co – Troy, MI; VP of Committees, Benjamin Bohlmann of Bohlmann Accounting Group – Miami, FL; VP of Recruitment & Retention, Will Eckerson of Bennett Thrasher – Atlanta, GA; VP of Staff Development and Leadership Training, Scott Crane of Reynolds & Rowella – CT; Immediate Past President, Harriet Greenberg of Friedman LLP – New York, NY.

DFK International/USA is an association of independent, full-service public accounting and consulting firms with offices serving major markets throughout the United States. The association is affiliated with DFK International, with over 300 offices in over 80 countries. DFK provides independent member firms with a forum to exchange practice management information and technical expertise, opportunities for continuing education and leadership development, and the resources to serve their clients on a national and international level.

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Press Contact:

Maureen Dillmore, CMP

DFK/USA

571-232-5472

mdillmore@dfk.com

SIX DFK/USA FIRMS NAMED TO IPA’S 2020 BEST OF THE BEST FIRMS

September 3, 2020: DFK/USA is proud to recognize six DFK/USA firms named to Inside Public Accounting’s (IPA) Best of the Best Firms of 2020. In 1994, IPA began naming the top 50 Best of the Best Firms exclusively chosen across North America. These firms were critiqued on their performance in specific key areas of management, growth, and strategic vision.

“At DFK/USA we are immensely proud of our firm’s recognition on IPA’s Best of the Best List. In today’s changing climate, there has never been a better time to be a part of an association, especially one such as DFK that attracts and retains high quality firms. I offer my congratulations not only to all the DFK firms on the list, but to all DFK members that can rely on such reputable firms as resources in the association,” said DFK International/USA Executive Director, Maureen Dillmore.

DFK/USA firms include:

The seventh largest accounting firm in Atlanta, Bennett Thrasher, a premier provider of professional tax, assurance, consulting and wealth management services to businesses and high net worth individuals.

EEPB, one of Houston’s largest local accounting firms, offering a wide range of services to individuals and businesses ranging from beginning entrepreneurs to multi-million-dollar conglomerates covering a broad range of industry sectors, reaching around the globe.

Providing unparalleled service to their clients in a wide array of specialties, Gursey Schneider based in Los Angeles, has an impressive range of services that goes well beyond traditional accounting.

Third generation family owned independent Certified Public Accounting firm, Mellott & Mellott in Cincinnati, provides a customized approach incorporating auditing, tax services, tax management retirement planning, wealth transfer, management advisory services and litigation support.

Established in 1944, Shea Labagh Dobberstein with three Bay Area locations, provides a comprehensive portfolio of audit, tax, accounting and advisory services to meet the unique needs of their clients.

Certified Public Accounting and Management Consulting firm, Clarke Snow Riley, the only New England based firm honored in this category, has been an industry leader in providing reliable service and expertise in accounting, auditing, tax and business consulting.

DFK/USA would also like to congratulate fellow DFK International member GGFL LLP, based in Ottawa on making the Best of the Best list for Canadian Firms. GGFL is the tax planning and accounting firm whose clients consist of entrepreneurs, owners of construction and real estate companies, medical and dental professionals, non-profit organizations, private investors, and high-net-worth individuals.

DFK International/USA is an association of independent, full-service public accounting and consulting firms with offices serving major markets throughout the United States. The association is affiliated with DFK International, with over 300 offices in over 80 countries.

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Press Contact:

Maureen Dillmore, CMP

DFK/USA

571-232-5472

mdillmore@dfk.com

DFK/USA WELCOMES NEW MEMBER, EPSTEIN SCHNEIDER

Scottdale, September 3, 2020: DFK/USA is proud to announce and welcome newest member, Epstein Schneider, Certified Public Accountants. Based in the Phoenix metro area, Epstein Schneider delivers innovative and comprehensive solutions to tax issues and complex financing matters.

“Epstein Schneider will make a great addition to DFK. They expand our network to another major market in the US and will provide a tremendous resource for our North American as well as our International firms. Most importantly they share the values of our members. They have the desire to add ideas, share knowledge and help DFK continue to be future focused”, said DFK International/USA President, Steve McDonald.

Epstein Schneider works to help clients achieve financial independence by utilizing internal accounting staff to produce monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements. This enables their clients to reduce costs and become self-sufficient with their record keeping. “The main reason we seek membership in DFK is the sharing of practice information, sharing technical management practices, leadership development, association with qualify firms, and national/international coverage,” Contact Partner at Epstein Schneider, Phil Wuollet said.

Their tax expertise and experience help clients benefit from opportunities of which they may not be aware. “While Epstein Schneider is not our typical DFK/USA firm, Phoenix has proven to not be a typical market of CPA firms. We have had our eye on the Phoenix market for quite some time, but had not yet found a firm that would meet the needs of our members both in the USA and Internationally, while also aligning with the values of the current DFK members. We are happy to say that Epstein Schneider has proven to be that perfect fit and we are looking forward to what we can accomplish together,” says Executive Director DFK International/USA, Maureen Dillmore.

DFK International/USA is an association of independent, full-service public accounting and consulting firms with offices serving major markets throughout the United States. The association is affiliated with DFK International, with over 300 offices in over 80 countries.

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Press Contact:

Maureen Dillmore, CMP
DFK/USA
571-232-5472
mdillmore@dfk.com

DFK/USA FIRMS MAKE TOP 400

Twenty member firms of DFK USA are among the top 400 in the US, according to a latest ranking.

The firms have made it onto the IPA 400 which ranks the largest public accounting firms in the US based on the participating firms’ net revenues, from the multi-billion dollar Big 4 to the $5 million firm.

Bennett Thrasher, Friedman LLP and Gursey Schneider feature in the Top 100.

A further six DFK member firms – Johnson Lambert, Shea Labagh Dobberstein, Geffen Mesher, Abdo Eick & Meyers, Bernard Robinson and Lauterbach & Amen – feature in the Top 200.

EEPB, Bader Martin and Pisenti Brinker are listed in the Top 300.

Reynolds Rowella, HKG, LWBJ, Wilkins Miller, Mellott & Mellott, R&A CPA, Ridout Barrett and RJI are in the Top 400.

Maureen Dillmore, executive director of DFK USA, said: “This is an incredible accomplishment for not only the individual firms, but also for the association as we are proud to attract and retain such high-quality firms.”

ENDS

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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/

Congratulations to member firm RJI CPAs on their 40th Anniversary!

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/RJI-CPAs-Reaches-Significant-Milestone.html?soid=1128154190995&aid=7X_w-S-ATJ8