Professionals on the Move: March 2021
12 min readProfessionals on the move is a round-up of recent promotions and staffing changes in the accounting profession.
Allinial Global Members Named Best of Accounting Winners
Allinial Global, a member-based association dedicated to the success of independent accounting and consulting firms recently announced that seven of its member firms have been named Best of Accounting Winners by ClearlyRated. Congratulations to the following firms:
Best of Accounting Winners
· ATKG, LLP (San Antonio, TX)
· KNAV PA (Atlanta, GA)
· McCay Duff LLP (Ottawa, ON)
· SEK, CPAs & Advisors (Hagerstown, MD)
· The Pun Group, LLP (Santa Ana, CA)
Best of Accounting Diamond Winners
· BPM LLP (San Francisco, CA)
· Herbein + Company, Inc. (Reading, PA)
The Best of Accounting award leverages third party–validated survey responses from accounting firm clients to reveal which accounting firms deliver the highest quality of service.
Alan Skelton Named Director of Research and Technical Activities of the GASB
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) announced the appointment of Alan Skelton to the role of director of research and technical activities. Mr. Skelton will begin his duties as director with the GASB on April 1, 2021, replacing David R. Bean, who will retire on March 31, 2021. In his role as GASB director, Mr. Skelton will lead the GASB staff and serve as the principal advisor to the GASB chair and Board. In the coming weeks, Mr. Skelton will step down from his current role as the state accounting officer for the state of Georgia, a position to which he was initially appointed by the governor in 2012. Mr. Skelton earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting and finance at Florida State University, and is a certified public accountant in Georgia.
CBIZ Establishes National Financial Services Advisory Practice, Promotes Thomas Bonney
CBIZ, Inc., a NYSE-listed accounting, insurance brokerage and advisory firm, announced the promotion of Thomas Bonney to National Leader of the Financial Services Advisory Practice.
In his new role, Bonney’s focus will primarily be on driving value-added services for CBIZ’s clients on the financial services advisory platform. Specifically, he will be responsible for developing CBIZ Financial Services Advisory’s national go-to-market strategy, enhancing the practice’s sales and marketing capabilities and coordinating its efforts to acquire and integrate strategic consulting practices. Bonney brings more than 30 years of experience in strategy, finance, operations, technology and business development to his new role. He joined CBIZ through its acquisition of CMF Associates in 2017 and previously served as Senior Managing Director for CBIZ CMF, which recently rebranded to CBIZ Private Equity Advisory.
Calvetti Ferguson LLC Establishes CF Financial
Calvetti Ferguson, one of the largest independent accounting and advisory firms based in Texas, recently announced the launch of CF Financial, which is designed to provide wealth management services to individuals and small businesses.
Launching CF Financial is in keeping with Calvetti Ferguson’s philosophy of advising beyond accounting and commitment to looking beyond the numbers to see the opportunities, challenges, and solutions for every client. As such, CF Financial offers an approach that is customized to address the complex needs of business owners and entrepreneurs who are ready to clarify their vision, invest in their values, and make their mark.
Sandford Joins Ellig Group to Lead Global Board Advisory Services
Ellig Group, a leader in recruiting and onboarding executive talent, has tapped corporate governance veteran Nicole Sandford to lead its newly expanded Global Board Advisory Services Practice. Joining the firm as EVP, Global Board Advisory Services Leader, Sandford, a retired Partner in Deloitte’s Board Advisory Services practice, brings 25 years of deep experience working in the governance space at Deloitte, where she helped develop the Deloitte Center for Corporate Governance.
Ellig Group’s Board Advisory Services focus on practical improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of governance processes in organizations. The firm’s work engages boards and CEOs around the most strategic elements of governance, including value-driven director and CEO succession planning and ongoing board skill development and education.
While at Deloitte, Sandford helped dozens of public and private companies across industry sectors transform their boards and organizational governance. As the founding member of the Deloitte Center for Corporate Governance, she spearheaded the firm’s first board diversity initiatives and led its response to milestone legislation and regulation (including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act). She is currently the Vice Chairman of Girl Scouts of Connecticut, board member of the Stamford Public Education Foundation, and Emeritus Member of the Advisory Board of the John L. Weinberg Center for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware.
Financial Accounting Foundation Reappoints Jeffrey J. Previdi as Vice Chair of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board
The Board of Trustees of the Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF) recently announced the reappointment of Jeffrey J. Previdi as vice chair of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The FAF oversees the GASB and its sister organization, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB).
As vice chair, Mr. Previdi will continue to focus on enhancing stakeholder engagement with a primary focus on financial statement users. His reappointment is effective July 1, 2021, and will extend for a five-year term, ending June 30, 2026.
A former credit analyst with Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, now known as S&P Global Ratings, Mr. Previdi brings more than two decades of experience, in a variety of roles, to his tenure on the GASB. Most recently, he served as managing director and project leader in the agency’s risk program.
Mr. Previdi holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Connecticut College and a master of public policy degree from the College of William & Mary. He is a member of the National Federation of Municipal Analysts.
Financial Accounting Foundation Appoints Lise Valentine as Vice Chair of the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council
The Board of Trustees of the Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF) has announced the appointment of Lise Valentine, the deputy inspector general for audit and program review for the city of Chicago, as vice chair of the Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council (GASAC). Ms. Valentine currently represents the Association of Local Government Auditors (ALGA) on the GASAC.
Ms. Valentine assumes the role of vice chair on February 24, 2021, and will serve in that capacity until her existing GASAC term concludes on December 31, 2022. She is also eligible for one additional two-year term. Ms. Valentine replaces Alan Skelton, who was appointed the director of research and technical activities for the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) effective April 1, 2021.
In her current position with the city of Chicago, which she has held since December 2011, Ms. Valentine conducts independent, objective analysis and evaluations of city programs and operations, issues public reports, and makes recommendations to strengthen and improve the delivery of city services.
Ms. Valentine earned a Ph.D. in communication studies from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree in accounting from DePaul University, and a bachelor of arts degree in humanistic studies from McGill University. She is a certified inspector general auditor, certified internal auditor, and certified public accountant. Ms. Valentine is also an active member in the ALGA.
Bob Lavigne Joins Kaufman Rossin as Director of Broker-Dealer and Investment Adviser Compliance Services
Kaufman Rossin, one of the top 100 CPA and advisory firms in the U.S. and the largest independent accounting firm in Florida, announced it has added Bob Lavigne to its broker-dealer and investment adviser compliance services team as a new director.
Based in Boston, MA, Lavigne will strengthen Kaufman Rossin’s Risk Advisory Services’ presence and service offerings in the Northeast, focusing on regulatory compliance for investment advisers, broker-dealers, insurance companies and private fund organizations.
Lavigne has served as a senior examiner at the Boston district office of FINRA, and Chief Compliance Officer of a registered investment adviser and broker-dealer. He has over two decades of experience in the investments industry, having led groups of compliance officers to assist clients with regulatory and compliance needs, practice management, and strategic planning.
Blackman & Sloop Announces New Staff Accountant
The local accounting firm of Blackman & Sloop, CPAs, P.A. recently announced the addition of Gregory “Cole” Dixon to their professional team.
Dixon joins Blackman & Sloop as a business advisory associate and will work in the firm’s Business Advisory Services department. Between graduating from college in 2018 and joining Blackman & Sloop in 2021, Dixon spent two years working as a staff accountant for a local metal roofing company.
A graduate of Appalachian State University, Dixon earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 2018. He currently lives in Cary, North Carolina with his cat, Keebler.
EisnerAmper Names Nine New Partners
EisnerAmper LLP, one of the largest accounting and business advisory firms in the U.S., announced that it has admitted nine new partners effective February 1, 2021.
“As our firm continues to grow, both domestically and internationally, these nine professionals possess the essential attributes clients look for and need in a trusted business advisor: diversified business consulting expertise, leading-edge technical proficiency and superb interpersonal skills,” said EisnerAmper CEO Charly Weinstein.
Christine is an audit partner and co-leader of the Florida Life Sciences and Technology Group, based in the Fort Lauderdale, FL, office. With more than 15 years of experience, she provides services to public and private clients in a variety of industries. Christine’s expertise includes audits, reviews, compilations and agreed-upon procedures.
Tetyana is a partner and a member of EA RESIG LLC, based in the New York City office. With more than 15 years of experience, she has an extensive background in investment fund accounting and administration for private equity real estate funds, co-investment and feeder funds, tax blockers and REITs, focusing on hospitality, retail, health care, residential land and homebuilding.
Kayla is a partner in the Financial Services Group based in the Iselin, NJ, office. With approximately 10 years of experience, she provides advisory services to clients on tax strategy, transactions and accounting matters. Kayla specializes in working with private equity funds, venture capital funds, fund of funds, hedge funds and family offices.
Matei is a partner in the Financial Services Group based in the San Francisco, CA, office. With more than 15 years of experience, he focuses on audit and accounting services for private investment funds including fair value measurements for hard-to-value investments and accounting for complex financial instruments. He serves funds ranging from start-ups to established funds with net assets in excess of $2 billion.
Christopher is a partner in the firm’s National office of Professional Practice based in the Iselin, NJ, office. With more than 15 years of experience, he supports the firm’s assurance practice in the areas of accounting and financial reporting, SEC reporting matters, and auditing and attestation standards. Additionally, Chris has significant experience assisting clients with complex accounting and reporting issues.
David is a tax principal in the Financial Services Group based in the New York City office. With more than 15 years of experience, he specializes in tax services for clients in the financial services industry including hedge funds, private equity funds, funds of funds and venture capital funds. Additionally, David has extensive experience with tax controversy matters.
William is a partner in the Private Business Services Group based in the Iselin, NJ, office. With more than 15 years of experience, he provides audit, assurance, tax and consulting services for private business clients with a focus in construction, real estate and manufacturing and distribution. Bill consults on complex transactions and also has expertise in the specialized issues of privately held businesses.
Amir is the firm’s chief technology officer based in the New York City office. With more than 30 years of experience, his background includes all areas of technology infrastructure, cloud computing and business applications delivery. Amir has experience building and supporting diversified business technology solutions and managing large IT departments.
Marc is a partner in the Financial Services Group based in the New York City office. With more than 15 years of experience, he provides services to both start-ups and well-established clients including hedge funds, private equity funds, fund of funds, management companies and family offices. Marc provides tax consulting and compliance services and works with clients on the tax implications of securities transactions and planning.
Baker Newman Noyes Names Two New Principals
Baker Newman Noyes (BNN), a nationally recognized, top 100 tax, assurance, and advisory firm, recently announced the promotions of Denis Houle and Josh Lapierre to principal. Houle has been promoted in the firm’s healthcare advisory group and Lapierre in BNN’s tax practice. Both are based at the firm’s Portland, Maine headquarters.
Houle has worked in the firm’s healthcare advisory group for more than 23 years, serving clients in the healthcare industry across the continuum of care, while Lapierre has spent his career serving a wide range of clients including those with U.S. and international operations, passive and active ownerships, and multi-generational family business and partnership structures.
Marks Paneth Names Dean Nelson Principal-in-Charge of Advisory Services
Leading accounting, tax and advisory firm, Marks Paneth LLP, has announced that Dean Nelson was named Principal-in-Charge of Advisory Services.
Mr. Nelson oversees the strategic development of the firm’s suite of Advisory Services client offerings, including Litigation Support; Forensic Accounting and Valuation Services; Trade Disputes and Compliance; Technology Services; Integrated Risk Management; Financial Advisory Services; and Transaction Advisory Services.
Mr. Nelson has extensive experience helping organizations in the areas of technology assessments, data analytics, enterprise integration and architecture, business process consulting, IT due diligence, cloud enablement and digital transformation plans. Prior to joining Marks Paneth, he led technology and digital practice areas of national public accounting firms and major corporations. He is recognized as a thought leader in strategy, technology, analytics, cybersecurity and business and finance transformation.
Marks Paneth Announces Addition of Philip Derosa as Partner in the Firm’s Financial Services Practice
Leading accounting, tax and advisory firm, Marks Paneth LLP, has announced the addition of Philip DeRosa as Attest Partner in the firm’s Financial Services Practice. To this role, Mr. DeRosa brings more than 20 years of experience in the financial services sector, particularly with alternative investment firms.
His expertise in investment performance services, including compliance with Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS), is a major asset to the firm, giving investors confidence in the integrity of performance presentations and the transparency needed to evaluate investment managers appropriately.
Prior to joining Marks Paneth, Mr. DeRosa helped direct and grow the Financial Services practices of several large accounting firms, including the Big Four. He is based in the firm’s New York City headquarters.
RubinBrown Welcomes Paul Nadin as Partner
RubinBrown, one of the nation’s top 50 accounting and business consulting firms, recently welcomed Paul Nadin as Tax Partner in the Real Estate Services Group.
Paul has over 18 years of experience providing consulting, assurance and tax services to real estate owners, developers, investors, and syndicators. He has specialized expertise structuring real estate deals with a myriad of federal, state, and local tax credits and incentives. Paul is frequently asked to speak on a variety of real estate related topics.
Paul holds a B.S.B.A. in Accounting from Cleveland State University.
RSM Names Tracey Walker National Leader of Culture, Diversity and Inclusion
RSM US LLP (“RSM”) – the nation’s leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market – has named Tracey Walker its national leader of culture, diversity and inclusion (CDI) effective May 1, 2021.
In this role, Walker will be responsible for RSM’s overall CDI strategy, including its 12 employee network groups; its ongoing activities to recruit, retain and advance diverse professionals in partnership with the firm’s talent organization; its supplier diversity initiatives; and its ongoing commitment to inclusion.
Walker currently serves as RSM’s national senior director of government affairs and culture, diversity and inclusion—a role she has held since 2015.
Walker is certified in Diversity and Inclusion as an Advanced Practitioner from the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations (ILR) and completed her graduate work with honors at the Harvard Business School in Organizational Behavior.
Lowenstein Sandler Expands Tax Practice With Addition of International M&A, Funds, and State and Local Tax Team
Edmund S. Cohen, Rachel Ingwer, and Scott Malone have joined Lowenstein Sandler’s Tax practice. Cohen and Ingwer will join as partners, and Malone will join as counsel; the team will be based in the New York office. The lawyers, who all until recently practiced at Winston & Strawn LLP, are expected to work closely with the firm’s Investment Management, Family Office, Private Equity, and Mergers & Acquisitions teams on sophisticated transactions and disputes.
Cohen has over 40 years of experience providing tax advice to multinational corporations, many of the largest investment funds, and numerous ultra-high net worth individuals. He is consistently ranked as a leading tax law practitioner in numerous independent surveys. Prior to Winston & Strawn he was Chair of Coudert Brothers LLP’s tax practice for nearly 20 years.
Ingwer counsels both corporate clients and high net worth individuals on a variety of domestic and cross-border tax issues, focusing on tax matters relating to private equity transactions and other transactional tax matters, including business formations, taxable and tax-free mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, financings, and restructurings and recapitalizations.
Scott Malone’s practice focuses on tax controversies. He represents investment funds, multinational corporations, trusts, family offices, and high net worth individuals in disputes with the IRS and state and local taxing authorities at the examination and administrative appeals levels. Malone also advises on the tax aspects of domestic and cross-border structuring and planning matters.
