PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) UK has named Marcus Bokkerink as an independent non‑executive and audit non‑executive, with the aim of strengthening governance and oversight. In his new capacity, Bokkerink will sit on the firm’s Public Interest Body (PIB), joining PIB chair Philip Rycroft alongside existing members Suzanne Baxter and Rob Perrins. He will also become a member of PwC UK’s Audit Oversight Body (AOB), led by chair Caroline Gardner. Bokkerink has spent much of his career at Boston Consulting G ...

Core Viewpoint - Family Office of America, Inc. has acquired the assets of Donald M. Benson CPA, PA, enhancing its strategy to build a technology-enabled platform for integrated tax, accounting, and family office services [1][2] Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition includes substantially all assets of the Florida-based accounting firm, which serves individuals, families, and closely held businesses [1] - Donald Benson, CPA/CFP, will remain involved post-acquisition to ensure client transition and support FOFA's growth initiatives in family office services [3] Group 2: Strategic Goals - FOFA aims to consolidate high-quality CPA practices to expand access to comprehensive family office services beyond the ultra-high-net-worth market [2][4] - The acquisition follows FOFA's previous acquisition of Toone & Associates in Maryland, indicating a growing pipeline of targeted CPA firm acquisitions [4] Group 3: Company Vision and Market Position - The company is executing a disciplined roll-up strategy to integrate top-tier CPA firms into a broader family office platform, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency [5] - FOFA's model addresses industry challenges such as CPA succession and increasing client complexity, leveraging technology and AI for improved service [5] Group 4: Future Outlook - The Director of Acquisitions at FOFA stated that the acquisition aligns with their long-term vision and that the acquisition pipeline remains active, indicating plans for continued expansion [6]

Core Viewpoint - Four partners have departed from EY due to potential breaches in the audit of Shell, leading to Shell's decision to switch auditors from EY to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) starting in 2027 [1][1]. Group 1: Departure of Partners - Four partners left EY in December as the firm sought to manage the repercussions of compliance failures related to its audit of Shell [1][1]. - Among those who left was Gary Donald, who was the lead auditor for Shell, and another partner who had recently been promoted to EY's top ranks [1][1]. Group 2: Shell's Auditor Transition - Shell has selected PwC as its new auditor after a tender process, which will take effect in 2027, following the breaches identified in EY's audit practices [1][1]. - In a regulatory filing from July, Shell indicated that EY had violated rules mandating a change of the lead audit partner every five to seven years [1][1]. Group 3: Regulatory Investigation - The Financial Reporting Council in the UK has initiated an investigation into EY's audit of Shell's 2024 financial statements due to potential violations of audit partner rotation rules [1][1].

Core Viewpoint - Sumer Northern Ireland is responding to increased demand for specialist advisory work by promoting key personnel in its Innovation Tax Relief and Forensic Accounting functions [1][5]. Group 1: Promotions and Personnel - Dr. Phil Chambers has been appointed as associate partner in the Innovation Tax Relief unit, bringing experience from various industries including pharmaceuticals, aerospace, and software [2]. - Adam Stuart has been promoted to senior manager in the same unit, with a background in software and information technology [2]. - Aoife Morgan has been promoted to associate partner in the Forensic Accounting arm, focusing on assessing and quantifying financial losses related to personal injury and medical negligence [4]. Group 2: Services and Functions - The Innovation Tax Relief unit will assist companies in compiling and filing R&D tax claims, helping clients understand available incentives and identify potential projects for expansion and innovation [3]. - The Forensic Accounting team will continue to work on financial loss assessments, including loss of earnings and pensions [4]. Group 3: Company Growth and Strategy - The managing partner, Brian Clerkin, emphasized the importance of staff caliber and the sustained growth of the firm, indicating a commitment to nurturing talent and creating career progression pathways [5]. - Sumer Northern Ireland has grown to 120 employees since becoming part of the Sumer Group nearly two years ago [5].

Xeinadin, a UK-based provider of accountancy services and business advice, has further expanded its Southend office following the acquisition of TBL Accountants. The move is intended to strengthen the company’s advisory offering for small, owner-managed businesses and charities across Essex. TBL has more than 50 years of combined experience spanning accountancy, taxation, VAT, payroll and business consultancy. The practice has developed its client base by working with owner-managed companies and not-fo ...

Core Insights - BDO USA has appointed two new national managing principals to lead its assurance and tax practices, with Demetrios Frangiskatos taking charge of assurance from July 1, 2025, and Mat DeMong leading tax from January 1, 2026 [1][2] Group 1: Leadership Appointments - Demetrios Frangiskatos has over 25 years of experience in the accounting profession and has been with BDO since 2000, becoming a partner in 2011 [2][4] - Mat DeMong joined BDO in 2004 and became a tax partner in 2013, previously serving as managing partner of the Boston tax office and northeast tax regional managing partner since 2019 [5] Group 2: Strategic Vision - Frangiskatos aims to build a culture that attracts top talent and prioritizes quality, emphasizing investment in people and technology to enhance client experiences [4][5] - DeMong expressed commitment to a client-centric service delivery model focused on total tax solutions [5] Group 3: Organizational Structure - Frangiskatos will oversee strategy and client delivery across various audit and advisory services, reporting directly to BDO USA CEO Wayne Berson [3][5] - Following the appointment of Matt Becker as CEO on July 1, 2026, DeMong will join the executive team and report directly to Becker [5]

2026年伊始，资本市场监管的重点正出现新动向。一系列密集的监管行动勾勒出一幅清晰的图景：会计 师事务所正成为当前强化中介机构责任的焦点。 21世纪经济报道记者根据证监会及各地证监局官网梳理发现，在今年1月1日至2月9日的40天内，证监系 统已累计点名22家会计师事务所，监管行动呈现高频、强力态势。其中，中兴华、中兴财光华、利安达 所3家机构收到了更为严厉的行政处罚决定书；与此同时，共有21家机构收到警示函，相当于平均每两 天就有一家被出具警示函。 值得注意的是，这一监管态势的强化，意味着监管的聚光灯如今更为集中地照向了资本市场的另一核 心"看门人"——会计师事务所。 在业内人士看来，此举旨在通过压实审计责任，从信息源头进一步保障上市公司质量，推动市场生态的 持续净化。伴随会计所合规意识的加强与历史问题的出清，经历一段时间的罚单集中披露后，后续被点 名的会计所数量大概率将逐步减少。 从年内罚单情况来看，被点名的会计师事务所数量更多，这也意味着会计师事务所已成为证监系统严监 管的新一轮重点。 随着更多会计师事务所被处罚以及昔日问题的逐步暴露，在经历一段时间的罚单密集披露后，后续被点 名的会计师事务所数量大概率也 ...

Core Insights - AAB has entered into a business combination with Kreston Reeves, aiming to create a leading professional services firm for the mid-market with an expected annual revenue exceeding £200 million ($273 million) [1][2] Group 1: Business Combination Details - The merger is part of a trend of consolidation in the accounting sector, driven by increasing competitive pressures [3] - The combined entity will enhance Kreston Reeves' investment in staff, technology, and tools, improving service delivery to clients [3] - AAB will expand its presence in London and the South East, with Kreston Reeves serving as a regional hub [3] Group 2: Company Profiles - Kreston Reeves operates seven offices in London, Kent, and Sussex, employing approximately 550 people [2] - Following the merger, AAB will employ over 1,800 people across 23 locations in the UK and Ireland [4] - AAB has completed 18 transactions in the UK and Ireland over the past four years, supported by Goldman Sachs Alternatives [2] Group 3: Future Outlook - The transaction is pending regulatory approval and is anticipated to close in spring 2026 [4] - AAB's CEO emphasized that growth beyond £200 million is aimed at building a resilient and sustainable business that provides long-term value [2]

Core Insights - Heard & Associates LLC has opened a new office in Chicago to expand its operations and meet the growing demand for financial services in the area [1][3] - The new office will serve as a hub for enhanced tax and advisory programs, focusing on localized accounting services for businesses and residents [1][4] Expansion and Services - The Chicago office is designed to handle a full spectrum of business needs, particularly emphasizing bookkeeping programs integrated with a new Virtual CFO platform for real-time ledger synchronization [4] - The firm aims to provide face-to-face consulting for a diverse clientele, including urban startups and established corporations, bridging its history in the South Suburbs with the economic growth in Chicago [3][4] Tax Preparation Focus - The new hub will prioritize complex tax preparation for the 2026 filing season, with specialists focusing on early filing advisory and predictive analytics to help clients adopt a proactive tax filing model [5] - Adjustments to federal and state tax codes in 2026 necessitate this shift towards proactive tax management [5] Commitment to Existing Operations - The firm remains committed to its original office in Olympia Fields, which continues to provide specialized tax services to local residents [6] - The dual-office structure allows for broader consulting hours and specialized sessions on property-related financial planning and local tax incentives [6][7] Technological and Operational Enhancements - The expansion includes investments in advanced data security and trained financial analysts to ensure consistent service quality across both locations [7] - The firm has enhanced its digital infrastructure to support secure nationwide remote services, complementing its physical growth [8] Mission and Vision - The mission of Heard & Associates LLC is to deliver clear and reliable financial solutions that help clients stay compliant and thrive, regardless of their location [8][10] - The firm aims to democratize high-level financial expertise while maintaining a focus on long-term financial stability for small businesses and individuals [8][10]

Professional services group S&W has appointed Alexandra Bray as partner in the business tax team at its Bristol office. Bray brings more than 15 years’ industry experience and returns to S&W after spending four-and-a-half years at KPMG. Before her initial spell with the practice, she also held a role at PricewaterhouseCoopers. During her career she has advised a wide range of businesses on financial, commercial and transactional tax issues, working with leadership teams on complex matters. S&W said Br ...