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BKR Worldwide Bulletin
August 2023 Edition
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Hotel Registration for BKR's Annual Worldwide Meeting Is Open
BKR's Annual Worldwide Meeting will be held at the Fairmont Georgetown Hotel in Washington, DC, from October 28-31.
The hotel booking link is now available here.
Keep checking the website for updated information. Meeting registration will be available in the coming weeks.
If you need a letter of request for a Visa, please contact us at bkr@bkr.com.
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Featured Speaker
David "Finch" Guenthner is an internationally recognized and celebrated keynote speaker. His combination of motivation, inspiration, humor, and high energy is the perfect solution for your next conference. David smoothly connects his experience as a fighter pilot and military officer to your team. His presentations are highly customizable and can be leveraged across almost any industry.
As a Financial Advisor and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, David is hyper-focused on building wealth strategies for business owners and entrepreneurs. This includes providing a holistic solution for personal finance, company retirement planning, maximizing business value, and successfully transitioning to life after the sale of a business. David is a United States Air Force Academy graduate and a former United States Air Force F-16 Fighter Pilot. While on Active Duty, David served as an Air Force One Advance Agent. He would coordinate with multiple organizations, including emergency services, the Secret Service, the FBI, and White House staff for the safe and effective transportation of the President of the United States. Following his military career, David founded a successful business consulting and professional speaking service. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies, Global 1000 organizations, and several NFL teams. His consulting methodology focused on improving processes and maximizing organizational trust and efficiency. He utilizes these same tools when working with his clients – he helps them identify their goals, build the plans necessary to achieve them, and provide accountability and support throughout their journey.
David earned his Bachelor of Science degree at the United States Air Force Academy and added two master’s degrees in Aeronautical Science and Military Operational Art and Science. In 2010, David founded Southwest Texas’ largest non-profit food bank, and over the last 11 years, they have provided over 500,000 meals to families in need. He also founded a veteran recruiting business that connects skilled military veterans with employers interested in hiring focused, dedicated, and loyal military members to work within their organizations. Outside of the professional environment, David is a devoted husband and a father of three. In his limited free time, David enjoys exercise, reading, and spending time with his family.
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Strategy - Update on The BKR Story: Business ǀ Knowledge ǀ Relationships
These are exciting times for BKR.
Responding to your feedback and working closely with the Regional Boards, the Worldwide Board has been busy building the foundations for a future-ready BKR.
Center to the discussions had and work done to date has been defining what BKR stands for and what our story is moving forward.
For more than 30 years, the initials of BKR have been a reference to our past and our founding firms, but, as we look to our journey ahead, we believe it is time to reflect more on the reasons why BKR was formed and what firms look for from their membership: doing Business I sharing Knowledge I creating Relationships.
We believe that, through an openness to proactively create relationships, and to share experiences and knowledge, BKR can support its members and their clients to grow on a personal and business level, and to exceed expectations at a local, national, and international level.
The BKR Story will be the foundation and benchmark to which decisions will be made as we look to build ever more value to the membership at large.
The updated story is the starting point, and we will be sharing more information about our plans in the coming months, and formally in Washington, DC, at our Annual Worldwide Meeting in October.
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Scam Alert
It has come to our attention that some BKR firms have received a phone call claiming to be from a BKR International member and soliciting money to purchase airline tickets, hotel reservations, or other services.
If you have received such a call, please do not give them any information. This is not a legitimate solicitation from BKR International.
If you have future encounters that appear suspicious, please notify bkr@bkr.com immediately.
Please pass this along to all of your staff as you see fit. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Executive Office.
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EMEA Global Mobility Business Development Groups Meets in Chatou
The EMEA Region's Global Mobility Business Development Group had a productive meeting in Chatou at the offices of French member Exponens Conseil & Expertise. This was the first face-to-face meeting for the group, and provided a perfect forum to develop Business opportunities, share Knowledge, and build Relationships.
Chaired by Paul Tucker from UNW LLP in Newcastle, UK, the aim of the meeting was "to expose the capabilities of member firms with regard to global mobility and to develop a product for the BKR website to show case that capability."
Working toward a product to take to market, the team included Alain Forestier and Andréas Knutsen from Exponens; Amina Muhammad from Harris & Trotter LLP in London, and Luca Iuliano from Ditrag in Milan. From Germany, we were joined by Steffen Schreiner from Schiff Martini (Frankfurt) and Kristin Stiller from RAW Partner (Berlin). Amanda Couzi flew in from Abou Nasr & Associates in Beirut; Fanos Pavlos from Eurofast Ltd in Lefkosia and Iulia Lascau from Argus Audit SRL in Bucharest were also in attendance. Finally, Marouska Farrugia from Tri-Mer Services Limited in Malta; Sieglinde Buttinger and Tomislav Stipic from ARTUS (Vienna); and Rui Ribeiro from Esteves, Pinho & Associados, SROC, Lda in Porto completed the team.
The team will reconvene this fall.
If you wish to join this group or find out more about EMEA Global Mobility, please contact support@bkremea.com.
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Alliance Eurus Holds Annual Leaders' Convention in Amsterdam
On Thursday, July 6, French Member EURUS (Paris) opened their annual Leaders' Convention in Amsterdam.
EMEA Executive Director Alistair Bryant, MBE, and Marcel Blote from our Arnhem, Netherlands, member, Flynth Adviseurs & Accountants B.V., joined 110 delegates from across the EURUS network.
Topics ranged from technological transitions, such as AI and electronic invoicing, to ecological transitions, such as ESG and sustainability. Also discussed were issues surrounding recruitment and a look at future trends in the industry.
It was a rewarding couple of days and an invaluable opportunity for gaining business insights, sharing knowledge, and building relationships with the French firms.
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Harris & Trotter LLP (London) Launches New Website
Harris & Trotter LLP is thrilled to announce the launch of their brand-new website.
With their understanding of the unique financial needs of businesses and individuals in mind, the redesign of the website showcases the range of specialized services that they offer to help their clients reach their financial goals with confidence and precision.
- General Practice Department
- Harris & Trotter Digital Assets
- Entertainment & Business Department
Visit the new website to explore the detailed services offered by each department and learn more about how our expertise can benefit you and your business.
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Iulia Lascau (Bucharest) Graduates from Prestigious Henley Business School
Iulia Lascau, managing partner of Argus Audit SRL (Bucharest) and vice chair of the EMEA Regional Board of BKR International, has successfully completed the MA of Board Practice and Directorship Program organized by Henley Business School and Envisia Board of Elite. With this achievement, Iulia has fortified her expertise in corporate governance, solidifying her position as a professional certificate independent non-executive board director.
The MA of Board Practice and Directorship Program is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge, skills, and insights required to excel in board-level positions and enhance corporate governance practices. Through a rigorous curriculum encompassing strategic decision-making, risk management, leadership, and ethical practices, the program empowers participants to become effective board directors and add significant value to both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations.
Iulia's completion of the program reflects her unwavering commitment to professional development and her pursuit of excellence in corporate governance. With her extensive experience in the field of accounting, audit, and tax, coupled with the knowledge gained from the MA of Board Practice and Directorship Program, Iulia is poised to make significant contributions to the business landscape.
Her role as vice chair of the EMEA Regional Board at BKR International further exemplifies her dedication to fostering collaboration and best practices within the industry.
"I am honored to have completed the MA of Board Practice and Directorship program," said Iulia. "This program has enriched my understanding of corporate governance, equipping me with the skills necessary to make informed decisions and drive positive change in organizations."
The graduation from the MA of Board Practice and Directorship Program represents a significant milestone in Iulia's career and highlights her continuous pursuit of professional excellence.
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Edward Chow has been named Partner at Walker Wayland NSW (Sydney)
Edward Chow has been named partner at Walker Wayland NSW (Sydney) effective July 1.
Congratulations to Edward on this next step in his career!
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Mike Blenkharn promoted to partner at UNW LLP (Newcastle)
UNW LLP is proud to announce that Mike Blenkharn has been promoted to partner after leading the firm's Specialist Dental sector team for the last 12 months. Mike’s promotion brings the total number of partners at the firm to 16.
Head of UNW Dental, Mike said, “I'm extremely proud to have been promoted to partner at UNW. Demand for all our services remains high, and I’m excited to continue to lead the Dental sector team, expanding our already impressive national reach whilst maintaining excellent levels of client service.
“From the moment I arrived, the backing I’ve received from the firm and my colleagues has been tremendous, and I think it’s that genuinely supportive culture that really sets UNW apart from others. There's also a perfect balance here between a real and sustained focus on developing 'home grown' talent, as well as creating opportunities for people joining us from elsewhere.”
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Catch up with BKR's Americas Region
Read the latest from BKR's Americas Region here.
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IFAC Quality Management Series: Small Firm Implementation, Installment Two
This is the second installment in a three-part publication series to help small- and medium-sized practices implement the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board’s (IAASB) quality management standards. It provides a step approach to identifying your quality objectives; completing your quality risk assessment process; identifying existing, or creating new, responses to those quality risks; and implementing, documenting, and communicating your system of quality management.
It also:
- Addresses the components of the IAASB’s International Standard on Quality Management 1, Quality Management for Firms that Perform Audits or Reviews of Financial Statements, or Other Assurance or Related Services Engagements;
- Contains an example case study to illustrate the transition from the IAASB’s previous quality control standard, International Standard on Quality Control 1, Quality Control for Firms that Perform Audits and Reviews of Financial Statements, and Other Assurance and Related Services Engagements; and
- Includes multiple documentation aids covering independence, acceptance, and continuance of clients and engagements, resources, and outside consultation, as well as a sample checklist for engagement quality reviews.
Installment One of the series addressed the mindset change the new standards require and the shift in focus from quality control to quality management. Installment Three, expected later this year, will cover monitoring and remediation. This series joins IFAC’s collection of available resources that support quality management implementation, including webinars, articles and videos, as well as the IAASB first-time implementation guides, all of which are available at ifac.org/qualitymanagement.
Download Installment Two here.
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Accountancy Europe's Latest Updates Now Available
Check out the latest editions of Accountancy Europe's:
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Be Sure to Update 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, which is based primarily on the fees reported to us by our members.
We rely on the accuracy of our firms' input to determine the statistics that we are able to submit to such publications each year.
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.
Help us maintain our status as one of the leading accounting associations in the world!
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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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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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