Shaji Varghese

New York-based Friedman LLP (FY17 net revenue of $101.5 million) has announced that Shaji Varghese, partner, and Brandon Baker, principal, have joined the firm’s Philadelphia office, bringing with them a wealth of cross-industry expertise.

Varghese is an audit partner at Friedman LLP, bringing more than 25 years of experience managing audit engagements for clients from start-ups to large organizations. Prior to joining Friedman, Varghese dedicated the majority of the past 14 years as a partner in a large internationally registered accounting firm focused in auditing public and private companies. He has extensive experience supporting clients across industries including life sciences, biotech, real estate, software and technology, financial services and manufacturing.

Baker is a tax principal at Friedman LLP, with more than 15 years of experience working with private clients to ensure multi-generational wealth. He guides clients through federal and state income tax challenges arising from closely held business interests, their inherited wealth and transfer tax matters. He spent six years in the private wealth practice of a Big 4 accounting firm.

“As part of our commitment to delivering excellence in client services, we strategically select industry experts who bring powerful insights to our clients. Shaji and Brandon have in-depth industry knowledge and value a hands-on and personalized approach when it comes to individualized client attention,” says Harriet Greenberg, co-MP and leader of the fashion and diamond and jewelry practices at Friedman.

“What drew me most to Friedman is the firm’s highly personal approach to client services. While many mistake tax and audit as purely numbers-based, it’s much more about human interest and strategizing the best options available based on an individual’s unique needs,” says Varghese.

Tracey Davis

The Aldrich Group of Companies, based in Salem, Ore., has admitted four new partners effective Jan. 1: Tracey Davis, Ryan Johnson, Nicole Rice and Matt Van Doren, who represent a range of disciplines across the organization including Aldrich Wealth Advisors, Aldrich Benefits, and the construction and communications industry groups.

“Our new partners have each demonstrated exceptional leadership, expertise and client service in their time with the firm. We are thrilled to welcome them into our partnership,” says CEO Martin Moll.

Tracey Davis, Partner, Employee Benefits Consultant – Davis is an employee benefits consultant specializing in large and mid-market employers with particular expertise in self-funding. She uses her in-depth knowledge of the market and strong partnerships to implement creative solutions for funding, medical management, and cost containment with an eye on the future direction of health care.

Ryan Johnson

Ryan Johnson, Partner, Communications and Utilities – Johnson is an expert on the taxation of communications and power companies. He specializes in both business and individual taxation and has extensive

Matt Van Doren

experience consulting on the structure of entities and transactions, including mergers and acquisitions.

Nicole Rice, Partner, Wealth Manager – Rice has dedicated her professional career to helping individuals and corporate clients achieve their short- and long-term financial goals. She has experience in wealth management, retirement planning, tax accounting, design and implementation of non-qualified benefit plans, insurance and qualified benefit plans.

Matt Van Doren, Partner, Construction – Van Doren provides financial and accounting services, tax planning and consulting services including construction accounting, cash flow modeling, financial projections and construction best practices.

Andy Zaleski

Chicago-based BDO USA (FY18 net revenue of $1.46 billion) has announced the promotion of three professionals: Andy Zaleski, who has been promoted to Detroit tax OMP; John Marquardt, who will serve as the tax MP for the central region; and Rich Black, who was previously a senior manager in the firm’s Detroit office and is now a partner.

In his new role, Zaleski is responsible for overseeing professionals, managing financial operations and fostering client and prospect relationships for tax services in BDO’s greater Detroit office. He has more than 25 years of experience in public accounting, advising both public and private multinational companies, and serving clients in the manufacturing, distribution, health care and private equity industries.

John Marquardt

In Marquardt’s new role, he will be responsible for establishing objectives and managing all aspects of the central region practice offices, including strategic planning, budgeting, client services, recruiting and staff development. Marquardt previously served as MP for the firm’s Detroit practice and has more than 25 years of experience in manufacturing and distribution, technology and private equity companies.

In his new role, Black will continue to conduct audits and internal control evaluations for public and private companies. He has more than 18 years of experience working with organizations in the real estate, manufacturing, health care and service industry sectors.

Brook Simpson

West Hartford, Conn.-based blumshapiro (FY17 net revenue of $79.5 million) has admitted Brooke Simpson as a partner.

Simpson joins the international tax practice in blum’s Boston office. With more than 15 years of tax planning experience, Simpson has provided strategic planning for both U.S. and multi-national corporations. She has worked as an international tax director at PwC in Boston since 2004, and since 2009 has served as an adjunct professor at the University of Massachusetts, teaching and developing business courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

“Brooke’s extensive experience providing strategic tax planning leadership to both U.S.-based and multi-national corporations makes her an ideal fit for blumshapiro. She is a results-proven, growth-oriented and globally focused leader who has seen myriad success over the past 15 years, and we are fortunate to have someone as motivated and dynamic as Brooke join our team to help grow our tax practice,” says Joseph Kask, CEO of blumshapiro.

In addition to tax and financial consulting, Simpson brings with her extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, strategic product flow planning, tax reform strategies, vision and mission planning, IP planning and leadership development.

Karl Seemer

New York-based Mazars USA LLP (FY17 net revenue of $189 million) announced that Karl Seemer has joined the firm as a partner in the New York real estate practice.

Seemer will provide focused tax advisory and compliance experience, continuing the firm’s growth in the real estate industry.

Shahab Moreh

“The significant changes to the tax regime have particularly impacted the real estate sector and Karl’s expertise in taxation will be of significant value to our clients as we continue to grow our real estate practice,” says Shahab Moreh, partner and real estate practice leader.

Seemer has over 15 years of experience in the field of taxation and law. His background includes tax compliance and tax consulting for partnership clients with a real estate focus. His  expertise includes partnership allocations, capital account and basis calculations, REIT and partnership structuring, contracts, leases and other consultations. In addition to real estate, he has a deep background serving clients in financial and professional services, manufacturing, technology and renewable energy. He also has experience with high-net-worth individuals, trusts and foreign reporting.

“This is a time of volatility in real estate,” Seemer says. “I look forward to leveraging the global resources of Mazars to continue delivering exceptional service to my clients and help them overcome their challenges.”