BKR Worldwide Bulletin
November/December 2022 Edition
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Letter from the Worldwide Chair
The Worldwide Meeting in Amsterdam was a great way of starting my two years as your Worldwide Chair. It was so good to get more than 170 members, companions, and guests together in the marvelous city of Amsterdam. Our hosts at Flynth really showed us what this great city has to offer, and the business program was well-balanced and allowed us to appreciate our theme, "Your People, Your Future." One new feature, which was well received, were separate sessions for managing partners and delegates to share ideas at roundtable meetings. These covered several topics of mutual interest to members and provided a chance to share ways to deal with them. James Hickey, our strategy partner from Business Vision Consulting, was able to give members a succinct update on the strategy work we are carrying out, and there is more on that in this bulletin for those who were not able to attend in person. The Gala Dinner in the Scheepvaartmuseum was exceptional, with fantastic music and the characters from Rembrandt’s famous picture, the Night Watch, joining our party, too. We were also able to give out a number of 30-year membership certificates, and a big "well-done" to all those members receiving them. Finally, I was delighted to be able to welcome our two new members, who were both able to join us for their first Worldwide Meeting: Balwan Bansal, from Acupro Consulting, whose firm is from Gurugram, India, and Francis Wamira, from Wamira & Associates, who is based in Nairobi, Kenya.
I would like to give a large vote of thanks to my predecessor, Graeme Boake (Johannesburg). It was a challenging two years for Graeme as worldwide chair. When he started in 2020 at the height of the COVID pandemic, he had no real idea of how his term would develop, and, here we are, two years later with a return to normality of a sort! His drive ensured we had our first post-pandemic, live Worldwide Meeting in Toronto in 2021, which, however small, confirmed the importance we place on the ability to meet face-to-face to do real business. At the same time, he realized the importance of BKR looking to its future and deciding the direction we need to go to fulfill members' needs. The strategy work Graeme initiated will ensure this happens. I think Graeme’s two years as worldwide chair will set the foundation for BKR’s future. Thank you, Graeme.
My aim for the next two years is to build on this strategy work and take it forward to ensure BKR has a stronger, brighter future. I look forward to meeting as many members as possible over the coming months. There is plenty going on with the Managing Partners, Future Leaders, and various other technical meetings, all leading up to the first regional meeting in Cape Town in April 2023, followed quickly by regional meetings in Taipei and Mexico City. I am looking forward to my two years as worldwide chair and know that, together, we can take BKR forward to greater levels.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or Tim Morris, our CEO, at any stage. I look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Marycris Oplas
Alas, Oplas & Co., CPAs
Manila, Philippines
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BKR's Annual Worldwide Meeting in Amsterdam a Great Success
BKR members from around the world gathered for BKR's 2022 Annual Worldwide Meeting at the Movenpick Hotel in Amsterdam from October 22 - 25.
More than 170 members and companions attended the four-day event, which continued BKR's return to in-person meetings.
Click here for photos and presentations from the meeting.
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BKR Strategic Development Update
Amsterdam saw some significant progress made following discussions held during BKR's previous regional meetings.
James Hickey, who is supporting us in delivering our new strategy, led a session during the Worldwide Board Meeting, where he clarified the outcomes from the outreach and listening phase of the project. He then facilitated discussions around BKR’s new story (defining the "why" of the association) and also an initial review of what an ideal member is.
The core outcome from BKR’s new strategy is the creation of "One BKR," which will facilitate greater engagement and collaboration between members, and drive efficiencies and effectiveness in how BKR operates and delivers services.
As the strategy process continues, it was also agreed that BKR will start work on a new website that better meets the needs of the association and membership at large, which will be launched in October 2023.
The outcomes from the Worldwide Board Meeting are going to be shared with the regional boards. James will work with each of the boards to review and then share this information with their respective members to get feedback prior to the next Worldwide Board Meeting in January 2023.
A timeline of actions has been agreed upon with the aim of officially launching "One BKR" and the new website at the 2023 Worldwide Meeting in Washington, D.C.
We will be communicating with the membership throughout this change process with formal updates and opportunities for you to offer your input at each of the regional meetings next year.
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New Title for Americas Executive Director
As well as being the Executive Director of the Americas Region, Aiysha (AJ) Johnson also runs the executive office in New York on behalf of BKR International. To reflect her role accurately, BKR have now titled her as, "Executive Director of BKR International Americas Region and Executive Office Director."
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Catch up with the Latest from the Americas Region
Download the most recent editions of BKR's Americas Regional E-Update here.
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Save the Date!
Register Now for the EMEA Regional Future Leaders Program
Registration is open for BKR's EMEA Regional Future Leaders Program, which will be held at the NH Collection Milano President Hotel on November 21, with a group dinner the evening before.
For full registration and hotel information, click here.
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Americas Managing Partner Roundtables: Rooms Filling Quickly!
This program will be held at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, on December 4-5. Instead of the optional CPE session, we will host a cocktail hour for networking prior to dinner on Sunday, December 4. We will discuss the concept of a BKR Center for Excellence on Monday, December 5, before the roundtable sessions. Please register here, and make your hotel reservation here by Thursday, November 3.
Note: The deadline to book your room is Thursday, November 3. However, we recommend that you book your rooms early. There will be other groups in various meeting spaces, so reserve before the deadline to guarantee the BKR negotiated rates.
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EMEA Audit and Tax Meetings to Be Held in Amsterdam
The EMEA Region's Audit and Tax Meetings will both be held on December 12 at the Hilton Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Chaired by Erik Bauwelinck (Brussels), the Audit Meeting will offer members a chance to gather to discuss the most pressing issues of the day. Hilde Blomme, deputy CEO of Accountancy Europe, has kindly agreed to join the group.
The Tax Meeting, chaired by Lee Muter and Paul Tucker (Newcastle upon Tyne), will build on the Tax Breakout Session held at BKR's Annual Worldwide Meeting in Amsterdam.
There will be a joint dinner for both groups held after the meetings.
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Check out all of BKR's upcoming events here.
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BKR Leadership Featured in International Accounting Bulletin ESG Supplement 2022
BKR CEO Tim Morris (London), Dave Davis (San Jose), Wali Aziz (Sydney), and Andre Buijsman (Amersfoort) have been featured in International Accounting Bulletin's (IAB) ESG Supplement 2022.
Read the publication in its entirety here.
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Marycris Oplas (Manila) Featured in The Manila Times
The Manila Times has published an article featuring Worldwide Chair Marycris Oplas, entitled, "A Woman of Substance Who Never Turns Back."
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Borland Benefield (Birmingham) Celebrates 100 Years
280 Living has published an article covering BKR Member Borland Benefield's 100th anniversary.
Read the full article here.
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UNW LLP (Newcastle upon Tyne) Produces Analysis of UK Mini Budget
BKR member firm UNW LLP has produced commentary and analysis of the recent UK Mini Budget. Read the document in full here.
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ARTUS (Vienna) Produces Doing Business in Austria and Remote Work Updates
Member Firm ARTUS has produced a helpful guide on Doing Business in Austria. Download the guide here.
The firm has also provided a detailed update on remote working considerations. Read the article in its entirety here.
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Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP (New York) Named A Best Place to Work in New York City, New York State, and Nationally
Anchin, Block & Anchin LLP is proud to announce that it has been named one of the best places to work in New York City by Crain's New York Business for the 13th time. This recognition reflects Anchin employees' dedication to fostering a warm and collaborative work environment, in addition to providing their clients with excellent personalized service.
Anchin was also recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in New York State by the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM). Anchin is one of only five firms to be included on the list every year for each of the last 15 years since the inception of the program.
In addition, Anchin was ranked among the top large (250+ employees) accounting firms in the Best Accounting Firms to Work For list by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group.
Combined, these three honors show that the firm continues to strengthen and carry out its core values focused on people, teamwork, honesty, and excellence into 2022. These set the standard for employees' personal and professional development, which is why Anchin holds such a respected place in the industry and marketplace today.
"At Anchin, we pride ourselves in retaining the highest-quality team members so that we can provide exceptional service to our clients," said Russell B. Shinsky, Anchin's managing partner. "Being recognized as a top place to work not only reflects the strong culture of learning and career development that our employees cultivate every day, but is also a testament to the firm's commitment to our clients."
"We truly hold ourselves to the highest standards of professional and personal conduct," added David Finkelstein, Anchin's director of Human Resources. "Our leadership's investment in our employees, and, by extension, the firm's growth and development, is what makes Anchin unique and an outstanding place to work."
This announcement follows the naming of seven team members to Crain's New York's list of 2022 Notable Leaders in Accounting and Consulting, and the opening of a new office in Boca Raton, Florida. The firm extends its gratitude to its employees as it expands its reach and continues to bolster its leadership position in the accounting industry.
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Snyder Cohn, PC (Washington, D.C.) Named One of the 2022 Best Accounting Firms to Work For
Snyder Cohn, PC has been named one of the 2022 Best Accounting Firms to Work For. This makes the fifth time the firm has achieved this distinction. The annual list of the Best Accounting Firms to Work For was created by Accounting Today and Best Companies Group.
This survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best employers in the accounting industry, benefiting the industry’s economy, workforce, and businesses. The list is made up of 100 companies nationwide.
Companies from across the United States entered the two-part survey process to determine the Best Accounting Firms to Work For. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company’s workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation. The combined scores determined the top firms and the final ranking.
The firm is honored to be receiving this recognition again, and thanks its associates for being such a huge part of creating and maintaining an environment they all can be proud of!
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Experienced Corporate Financier Joins UNW LLP (Newcastle upon Tyne)
UNW LLP has announced the appointment of former KPMG Director Chris Wilson as partner and head of Corporate Finance.
An experienced corporate financier, Chris previously led KPMG’s mergers and acquisitions activity in the east of England, advising both private and public companies on a range of transactions, including acquisitions, disposals, equity and debt financing, restructurings, and other corporate transactions.
Originally from Durham, Chris studied economics at The University of Edinburgh before joining KPMG. After qualifying, he moved into corporate finance, holding positions in Newcastle, Leeds, London, and, most recently, in Cambridge as director of M&A business.
A former Insider Central and East Region Dealmaker of the Year, Chris’ recent deal highlights include the sale of Goodfellow to U.S. technology-focused investment firm Battery Ventures, the carve-out and £100m sale of AB Volvo’s construction equipment dealership network in Great Britain to SMT, and the sale of Cardinal Healthcare’s care home portfolio to Optima HCI.
Speaking of his motivations for joining the business, Chris said, “UNW is a firm I have long been aware of, with a strong brand that is embedded in the heart of the region’s business community. The firm has grown incredibly successfully over the years simply by doing what it does very well: delivering service excellence, achieving the best results for its clients in a thoughtful, considerate way, and consistently supporting the development of its people.”
“There is an excellent culture here, and the potential for even further growth. The future looks incredibly bright, and I personally feel like it’s the perfect time for me to join the firm and move back to the North East.”
UNW’s Corporate Finance team has a significant track record both in the North East and nationally. Over the last two years, the team has completed more than a dozen mergers and acquisitions advisory mandates across a range of sectors, in addition to its market-leading work on government grants and disposals in the dental sector.
Chris added, “I am joining an already well-established and successful corporate finance business at UNW with a broad and varied client base, a strong pipeline of work, and some real strength in depth in the team. We have capabilities here across virtually all aspects of the deal cycle, from talking through early ideas to implementing strategy. Looking to the future, we have ambitious growth plans for the business, which will create opportunities at all levels as we expand the team further.”
Paul Mankin, chair of Corporate Finance at UNW, said, “Chris has a passion and track record for building lasting, long-term relationships with clients and colleagues alike, and we are delighted to have him join the firm at an exciting time for everyone. His highly impressive professional background means that he is an excellent fit not only for UNW’s Corporate Finance team, but for the wider firm and its clients.”
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Mariquito, Correia & Associados, SROC, LDA (Lisbon) Announces New Partner
Mariquito, Correia & Associados, SROC, LDA is pleased to announce that Cátia Cristina Alves Bairrada was promoted to partner in the beginning of June. Cátia joined the firm in 2008 as an auditor.
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Accountancy Europe's Latest Updates Now Available
Download the latest from Accountancy Europe:
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Free Whitepapers on BKR's Member Forum
BKR has recently posted a number of free whitepapers and other resources on BKR's Member Forum. See what's available here.
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New Categories Available on Your Firm's Member Information Page
As many of you know, BKR International's world standing as an association is based in part on our ranking in numerous international surveys published throughout the year, most notably the International Accounting Bulletin's Annual World Survey.
In keeping with these publications, BKR has added new categories for Female Partners and Staff on the Member Information pages for each member firm.
We would like to ask all member firms to log into BKR's Member Services and visit their Member Information to ensure that all fee and staff data is current and accurate. This information is confidential, and only between individual members and the BKR Executive Office.
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Make the Most of Your BKR Membership
Don't miss updates on BKR's many membership benefits. Direct your staff to register here for access to the Members' Area of BKR's website, where they can also sign up to receive email updates, download resources, participate in committees, and post to our Member Forums.
If you would like to learn more, please contact bkr@bkr.com.
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Promote Your Firm and BKR on Social Media
In an effort to promote BKR and our members, we request that member firms share their social media handles with BKR's Executive Office, so we may easily tag your firm in our posts. Send your LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook handles to bkr@bkr.com. We also encourage you to tag BKR in your posts, and be sure to use #BKRelationships when promoting your BKR membership.
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