Firm News
In our new regular feature, we feature news stories from across the Praxity Alliance, to see what member firms are up to and what changes are afoot in the accountancy industry.
The Praxity Charter Arrives Worldwide
The Praxity Charter, the first of its kind for an alliance, lays out the client service commitments that member firms operate by. This certifies the class-leading work that Praxity firms do day in, day out. Signed by delegates at the Global Leadership Conference in Rome last year, a copy of the charter has been sent to members for display in their offices, providing further proof of their incredible client service.
The entire team at Bansal & Co LLP in New Delhi with their signed Charter.
Moores Rowland Indonesia CEO James Kallman and Mei Nie Tan, Managing Partner, with the Praxity Charter before hanging it up with pride on an MRI office wall.
Managing Partner Steffen Ahrens at FALK head office, Heidelberg, Germany with the Praxity Charter.
The Praxity Charter at the FALK head office.
A Warm Welcome to YΞtax
The Praxity Alliance is proud to welcome Israel’s top-ranking tax firm YΞtax to the Alliance, who bring a wide understanding of both domestic and global taxation. The firm’s expertise in tax law and compliance, in the hands of its’ leading tax lawyers “under one roof”, brings a comprehensive package of professional capabilities.
With key expertise in a full range of expert fields including, but not limited to, Corporate & Personal Tax, International Tax, Indirect taxes, Customs, and Tax Litigation, the firm strives to provide personalised and fine-tailored guidance to its clients.
“We at YΞTax are very excited to join Praxity, which we know to be among the best, largest and most professional independent global associations. The involvement of seasoned tax experts – from the Praxity network and from YΞTax – will often release an auditor and his tax team from independency “conflict risk”, while able to work closely together with the expert in clients’ best interest.
The relationship with the Alliance – with 9 partners (4 women practitioners) and 14 supporting tax lawyers (7 women) divided over offices in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Be’er Sheva –is bound to benefit not only our existing clientele but also prospect clients, who will soon know that they too can enjoy the capabilities of the excellent Praxity connections in a legion of countries.”
“Yaron-Eldar, Paller, Schwartz Law Offices” (YΞtax) walk their clients through all tax planning stages, ensuring that the tax implications and required compliance are understood. The firm believes that quality consulting necessitates a surprising way of thinking. The YETax firm counts among its clients large public, private and international corporates, start-ups, high net-worth individuals, importers, large non-profit institutions and NGOs.
“To welcome a firm with such a strong basis in tax law can help the whole Alliance navigate compliant routes. YΞTax’s deep understanding of legislation in their region and worldwide give the firm a vital place and we are delighted to be working with them.”
- Praxity CEO Sam Louis
Henriette Fuchs, international tax partner at YΞTax in Tel Aviv, sees in Praxity the closure of a personal circle in life -
“Aligning with Praxity for me, is like coming “home”; at the start of my career, some 20 years ago, I worked at Mazars in Amsterdam – and later in Israel – for well over 10 years. It is really very exciting to see those relationships converging again”.
Nwanda’s Competitive Edge
Nwanda’s padel game is something of an institution at the firm, inspiring strong passions and a committed following.
For those unfamiliar with the game, its rules are somewhere between tennis, squash and racquetball. Played on half a tennis court and in either singles or doubles, it has recently surged in popularity worldwide, especially in South Africa where it draws hundreds of thousands of players.
Despite only arriving in the country around 2020, its accessibility and all-abilities appeal has seen it widely adopted. Nwanda’s organised game is a meeting point for all levels of the firm, helping everyone develop their skills and let off some steam!
L-R - Gafane Tumisho, Trent Erasmus, Leandra Nel, Pieter Steyn, Shannon O'Connor, Kayla Jagaroo, Marcio De Sa, Lucille Pickersgill, Mohammed Rhyman, Keegan Piccaro, Aidan Pera.
Mohammed Rhyman, Keegan Piccaro, Leandra Nel & Shannon O'Connor, ready to do battle.
Shannon O’Connor, Keegan Piccaro, Gafane Tumisho & Kayla Jagaroo are all smiles before the game.
The Saudi Group for Accounting & Auditing (SGAA) Joins the Praxity Alliance
Praxity is delighted to welcome SGAA - Saudi Group for Accounting and Auditing Al-Jasser & Al-Dakhel – to the Alliance. The firm brings high-quality experience from their offices in Riyadh and across Saudi Arabia.
With an international background and broad experience of business finance in the KSA and beyond, the firm adds huge value to the Praxity Alliance in the Middle East.
Al-Dakheel Economic Studies Office of Riyadh is part of the "Saudi Group" system that began operations in 1982, as the first professional group working in financial and consultancy services. The firm is fully accredited by the Saudi Organisation for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA).
Some of their team members have been practicing consultancy for more than 38 years across Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf and have a deep understanding of the region’s business environment.
Saleh Al-Jasser, CEO of Saudi Group, offers his firm’s reasons for choosing to join Praxity -
“SGAA's decision to join Praxity was based on a thorough evaluation. Praxity stood out due to its unparalleled global reach, collaborative ethos, and commitment to excellence in professional services. The alignment of values and the opportunity for enhanced collaboration were decisive factors in our choice. This connectivity not only enriches our service offerings but also empowers our team with diverse perspectives and resources, ultimately benefiting our clients through enhanced solutions and global insights”
The Middle East is a powerhouse with ever-growing influence, and to welcome a firm of SGAA’s experience and pre-eminence gives Praxity member firms incredible opportunity in the region. SGAA’s deep understanding of the operating environment and business culture presents puts its professionals in a strong position.
Praxity CEO Sam Louis offers an insight into what this means for the Alliance -
“A truly global view is key to the goals of the Alliance and the Middle East continues to grow in importance, with internal investments driving change. Saudi Arabia is forecast to grow its GDP 2.5% in 2024 from an already high base, thanks to robust diversification initiatives from fossil fuels and a future-forward attitude to global cooperation. It is my pleasure to welcome SGAA as members of the Praxity Alliance.”
Praxity at the Association for Accounting Marketing Summit
The AAM Summit in Clearwater, Florida played host to both Praxity member firms and the Praxity executive team this May.
AAM’s Annual Summit provides educational and networking opportunities for marketers and executives through keynote speakers, breakout sessions and deep-dive content blocks. With content for every level of business developer, it provides powerful resources and a vital link between professionals. An important date on the annual calendar, it gives members the chance to meet in person, both within North American and globally.
Next year the conference will be held in the desert capital of Phoenix, Arizona. We look forward to meeting our members there!
L-R in image:
Christian Schweizer – Director of Marketing & Business Intelligence, Kaufman Rossin
Ben Sappington – Business Development Executive, Moss Adams
Nicole Ward-Parr – National Director of Sales, Moss Adams
Samantha Louis – CEO, Praxity
Stephanie Asa – Industry Marketing, Moss Adams
Karla Moreno – Senior Manager Corporate Marketing, JA Del Río
Alejandra Iñiguez – Client Success Coordinator, JA Del Río
Lisa Cawley Ruiz – Marketing & Communications Leader, Kaufman Rossin
Deborah Poulter – Head of Business Development, Praxity
A Tribute to James R. Kaufman, co-founder of Kaufman Rossin
On May 19th, James R. Kaufman, of US firm Kaufman Rossin, passed away at his home in Coconut Grove, Florida.
Having founded the firm with fraternity brother Jay Rossin in 1962, he oversaw the growth of the company from two-person startup into one of the top 100 firms in the US, with over 700 employees.
Raised in Miami, Jim graduated from the University of Florida in 1957. His interests were wide and varied, from skiing and scuba diving to a love of the performing arts, supporting the New Theatre, the Miami City Ballet, the Florida Grand Opera and the Adrienne Arsht Center through his attendance, leadership and philanthropy. He was also a champion of individual rights and liberties, consistently supporting the ACLU (the American Civil Liberties Union).
Recalling the firm’s origins, Mr. Kaufman gave this insight –
“My good friend and fraternity brother Jay Rossin and I graduated from the University of Florida with strong evidence we were destined for entrepreneurship: we had built a much-appreciated (though short-lived) business providing sandwiches for hungry students. In the process, we learned a considerable amount about the hazards of insufficient staffing, long hours, and regulatory pressures.”
Mr Kaufman has clearly been a strong role model for his firm and how it operates, both in business and on a personal level –
“Jim was more than the co-founder of our firm – he was the heart and soul of Kaufman Rossin. He was a visionary, a charismatic leader, a wise mentor, a terrific partner, and a great friend. He believed in our potential and in our individual and collective abilities. And he taught us how to lead others, how to care for clients, how to build lasting relationships and, in many ways, how to live.”
He will clearly be much missed by everyone at the firm, and we would like to extend our sincere condolences for his loss, as well as admiration for all he achieved.
Recalling the firm’s origins, Mr. Kaufman gave this insight –
“My good friend and fraternity brother Jay Rossin and I graduated from the University of Florida with strong evidence we were destined for entrepreneurship: we had built a much-appreciated (though short-lived) business providing sandwiches for hungry students. In the process, we learned a considerable amount about the hazards of insufficient staffing, long hours, and regulatory pressures.”
Mr Kaufman has clearly been a strong role model for his firm and how it operates, both in business and on a personal level –
“Jim was more than the co-founder of our firm – he was the heart and soul of Kaufman Rossin. He was a visionary, a charismatic leader, a wise mentor, a terrific partner, and a great friend. He believed in our potential and in our individual and collective abilities. And he taught us how to lead others, how to care for clients, how to build lasting relationships and, in many ways, how to live.”
He will be much missed by everyone at the firm, and we would like to extend our sincere condolences for his loss, as well as admiration for all he achieved.