Pevita Pearce
The accounting industry continues to experience a dynamic shift in its leadership and advisory ranks, with several prominent firms announcing strategic hires and promotions that bolster their specialized practices. These moves reflect an ongoing commitment to expanding expertise in critical areas such as financial institution advisory, technology leadership, and specialized tax services. The latest wave of "Professionals on the Move" highlights the sector’s proactive approach to navigating complex regulatory landscapes, driving technological innovation, and enhancing client service delivery.
BRG Strengthens Financial Institution Advisory with PCAOB Luminary
Berkeley Research Group (BRG), a prominent global consulting firm, has significantly enhanced its Financial Institution Advisory practice with the addition of Barbara Vanich as a managing director in its Washington, D.C. office. Vanich’s arrival marks a substantial gain for BRG, given her distinguished tenure as the former Chief Auditor of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). This strategic appointment underscores BRG’s commitment to providing clients with unparalleled expertise in accounting and auditing matters, particularly within the highly regulated financial services sector.
Vanich, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with over three decades of experience, brings an in-depth understanding of internal controls, corporate governance, and auditing standards. Her extensive background at the PCAOB, where she spent more than 17 years, included leading the Office of the Chief Auditor. In this capacity, she was instrumental in shaping the organization’s standard-setting activities and served as the Board’s principal advisor on auditing and related professional standards. Her collaborative work with board members, regulators, investors, audit committees, and other stakeholders was crucial in advancing audit quality across public companies.
The PCAOB, established by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, plays a critical role in overseeing the audits of public companies to protect investors and further the public interest in the preparation of informative, accurate, and independent audit reports. Vanich’s leadership at the PCAOB placed her at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing the rigor and reliability of financial reporting. Her departure from the PCAOB and subsequent integration into BRG’s advisory team is expected to provide clients with unique insights into regulatory expectations and best practices.
Prior to her leadership role at the PCAOB, Vanich garnered diverse experience. She served as an auditor at firms of varying sizes, held a position in accounting policy at a large issuer, and practiced as a consultant. This multifaceted career path has equipped her with a comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities within public accounting, corporate finance, consulting, and regulatory oversight. Her academic foundation includes a B.Sc. in Accounting from Point Park University. BRG anticipates that Vanich’s strategic guidance will be invaluable to financial institutions navigating evolving accounting standards, complex compliance requirements, and the imperative for robust corporate governance.
Kaufman Rossin Appoints Gautam Anne as Chief Information Officer
Kaufman Rossin, recognized as Florida’s largest independent CPA and advisory firm and a significant player among the top 50 firms nationwide, has appointed Gautam Anne as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO). This appointment signifies a strategic move by Kaufman Rossin to bolster its technological infrastructure and drive innovation across its operations. Anne’s extensive experience in technology leadership is poised to shape the firm’s future, particularly in areas critical to the modern professional services landscape.
Anne brings over two decades of comprehensive experience, spanning from engineering roles to C-suite leadership. His expertise encompasses enterprise transformation, post-merger integration, AI-enabled modernization, and cybersecurity. His career has seen him navigate diverse industries, including banking, investments, healthcare, technology, manufacturing & distribution, and private equity, in both public and high-growth environments. In his new capacity at Kaufman Rossin, Anne will be responsible for overseeing the firm’s overarching technology strategy, with a clear mandate to foster innovation and ensure operational resilience.
The firm’s strategic focus on technology is particularly relevant in an era where digital transformation is not just a competitive advantage but a necessity. The accounting profession, in particular, is undergoing rapid evolution driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics. Anne’s proficiency in areas such as AI strategy, cloud computing, cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, CRM, ERP, and data platform consolidation positions him to lead Kaufman Rossin through this transformative period. His track record includes building and scaling high-performing global technology organizations, having previously led teams comprising more than 450 professionals across the United States, Latin America, and India.
Anne’s educational background is equally impressive, reflecting his deep understanding of technology and management. He holds a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Bridgeport, completed the International Senior Management Program at HEC Paris, and earned a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Chennai. Furthermore, he possesses AI certifications from Duke University, demonstrating a commitment to staying at the cutting edge of technological advancements. His appointment is expected to enhance Kaufman Rossin’s capabilities in delivering advanced technological solutions to its clients and optimizing its internal operations.
Maher Duessel Promotes Nikki Walton to Principal
Maher Duessel, a regional accounting firm renowned for its specialization in serving government and non-profit entities, has announced the promotion of Nikki L. Walton, CPA, to the position of Principal. This advancement recognizes Walton’s significant contributions to the firm and her growing leadership within its specialized practice areas.
Walton’s career in public accounting commenced in 2009, and she has been a valued member of Maher Duessel since 2016. In her role, she directs audit engagements for a diverse array of governmental entities, including intermediate units, municipal authorities, and municipalities. Her expertise also extends to leading audit and tax engagements for a variety of non-profit organizations, encompassing health and human service agencies, arts and humanities organizations, and foundations. The non-profit and government sectors often face unique accounting and compliance challenges, requiring specialized knowledge and a deep understanding of their operational frameworks. Walton’s promotion signifies the firm’s confidence in her ability to lead these critical client relationships and contribute to the firm’s strategic direction.
Beyond her client-facing responsibilities, Walton plays a crucial role in the firm’s professional development initiatives. She serves as the Director of Education at Maher Duessel, where she is responsible for the planning and execution of both internal and external Continuing Professional Education (CPE) seminars. This role is vital in ensuring that the firm’s professionals remain abreast of the latest regulatory changes, accounting standards, and best practices, thereby upholding the firm’s commitment to excellence and client service. Her dedication to education not only benefits her colleagues but also contributes to the broader professional development within the accounting community. Walton is a graduate of the University of Toledo, holding a B.A. in Business Administration. Her promotion to Principal is a testament to her technical proficiency, client service acumen, and commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning within Maher Duessel.
Friedman + Huey Elevates Benjamin Kramer to Chief Technology Officer
Friedman + Huey, a full-service certified public accounting firm, has announced the promotion of Benjamin "Benji" Kramer, MAS, MIS, to the role of Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective August 1, 2026. This strategic elevation of Kramer to CTO highlights the firm’s increasing emphasis on leveraging technology to enhance client service, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation.
Kramer’s journey with Friedman + Huey began in 2010 as a tax accountant. After four years in this foundational role, he transitioned into technology leadership, where he has since combined his accounting background with his passion for innovation to lead the firm’s IT Services and Tax Technology efforts. This unique blend of accounting acumen and technological expertise positions him ideally to guide the firm’s digital future. The accounting profession is increasingly reliant on sophisticated technological solutions to manage data, ensure security, and streamline processes, making Kramer’s dual specialization particularly valuable.
In his new capacity as CTO, Kramer will be instrumental in shaping Friedman + Huey’s technology strategy, overseeing cybersecurity initiatives, managing digital infrastructure, and championing process innovation. His work will focus on ensuring that the firm deploys effective, secure, and forward-thinking technologies that not only support its professionals but also elevate client service and create more efficient working methodologies. The integration of technology into tax accounting has become paramount, with advancements in areas like AI and automation transforming how tax returns are prepared and advisory services are delivered.
Kramer’s leadership extends beyond strategic oversight. He manages the firm’s Innovation Committee, a body dedicated to exploring and implementing new technological solutions. He also organizes Friedman + Huey’s annual FH Connect conference, a platform for knowledge sharing and technological advancement. Furthermore, he actively collaborates with team members to expand the technology supporting the firm’s Client Accounting Services and Virtual Family Office programs. His engagement with technology vendors aims to foster the development of more efficient and user-friendly software solutions. Kramer’s influence also reaches external advisory boards, as he and Friedman + Huey are founding members of the Thomson Reuters GoSystem Tax Customer Advisory Board. He also contributes his insights to the National Advisory Panel for SurePrep and the SafeSend Customer Advisory Board, both affiliated with Thomson Reuters. Kramer’s educational achievements include a Master of Accounting Science (MAS) and a Master of Information Systems (MIS), underscoring his comprehensive understanding of both financial and technological domains.
Friedman + Huey Welcomes Kris Sopel as Partner
Complementing its technological advancements, Friedman + Huey has also announced the promotion of Kris Sopel, CPA, MST, to Partner, effective August 1, 2026. Sopel’s ascent to Partner reflects his dedication, expertise, and significant contributions to the firm’s client service and leadership initiatives.
Sopel’s tenure at Friedman + Huey began as an intern in 2011, and he has since grown into a respected advisor and leader within the firm. He specializes in providing comprehensive tax services to high-net-worth individuals and families, with a particular focus on investment partnerships and international tax reporting. This area of expertise is increasingly critical for clients with complex financial structures and global interests, demanding nuanced understanding of tax laws and strategic planning.
As a leader on Friedman + Huey’s Family Office Services Committee, Sopel plays a key role in guiding the firm’s approach to serving high-net-worth families with intricate financial and tax requirements. He also contributes significantly as a leader on the Firm’s International Tax Committee, demonstrating his commitment to addressing the cross-border tax challenges faced by clients. Sopel is an active member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois CPA Society, further solidifying his engagement with the professional accounting community. His promotion to Partner signifies the firm’s trust in his ability to manage client relationships, mentor staff, and contribute to the firm’s strategic growth and continued success.
CohnReznick Expands Commercial Real Estate and Financial Services Tax Practices
CohnReznick, a leading national professional services firm, has significantly strengthened its tax advisory capabilities with the addition of two key partners: Olga Morduke in its Commercial Real Estate practice and Dane Samson in its Financial Services practice. These strategic hires underscore CohnReznick’s commitment to providing specialized expertise in high-demand sectors of the economy.
Olga Morduke joins CohnReznick as a Tax Partner in the Commercial Real Estate sector, based in Los Angeles. With over 20 years of experience, Morduke is a seasoned advisor to high-net-worth family offices and private investment groups involved in owning, operating, and investing in real estate across a wide spectrum of asset classes. Her expertise spans multi-family, industrial, retail, office, and hospitality properties. Morduke has a proven track record of guiding clients through complex capital transactions, portfolio expansions, and multi-generational wealth preservation strategies. Her deep understanding of the real estate market’s unique tax implications, coupled with her experience in family office advisory, will be invaluable to CohnReznick’s clients seeking to optimize their real estate investments and manage their wealth effectively. She holds an M.S. in Taxation from California State University – Northridge and a B.A. from UC Berkeley.
Simultaneously, CohnReznick has welcomed Dane Samson as a Tax Partner in its Financial Services practice, based in the firm’s El Segundo office. Samson brings more than 25 years of public accounting experience, with a specialized focus on advising clients within the alternative investment industry. His career has included leadership roles at both Big 4 and boutique firms, where he developed extensive expertise in serving private equity funds, hedge funds, fund of funds, venture capital funds, management companies, and holding corporations. Samson’s role at CohnReznick will center on providing tax planning, consulting, and compliance services tailored to the complex needs of financial services clients. His comprehensive knowledge of federal, multi-state, and international taxation is crucial for organizations navigating the increasingly intricate global tax and regulatory environments. Throughout his career, Samson has been instrumental in assisting investment management and alternative investment clients with complex tax matters, ensuring compliance while identifying opportunities for enhanced operational and tax efficiency. He earned his B.S. in Business Administration – Accounting from the University of San Francisco.
The strategic expansion of CohnReznick’s tax practices in Commercial Real Estate and Financial Services reflects the growing complexity and specialized nature of these industries. The firm’s ability to attract seasoned professionals like Morduke and Samson signals a commitment to providing clients with the highest caliber of expertise needed to navigate evolving market dynamics and regulatory landscapes. These appointments are expected to bolster CohnReznick’s position as a leading advisor to clients in these critical economic sectors.
