Read the latest news from our members
in alphabetical order by company name
DMJPS PLLC announces inaugural "Be Greater" scholarship in celebration of 75th anniversary
KraftCPAs names Chris Hight Chief Manager
Leslie Berkoff & Theresa Driscoll named to Lawdragon's 500 leading US Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers for 2024
Prager Metis CPAs welcomes Jared Mahar as Partner
GREENSBORO, NC, August 8, 2024 — North Carolina CPA + Advisory firm DMJPS PLLC (DMJPS) proudly announces the launch of the Be Greater Scholarship, a prestigious initiative designed to celebrate the firm's 75th anniversary with a significant investment in the future of the accounting profession.
DMJPS will invest USD 75,000 over the next five years to support selected students from colleges and universities across North Carolina. Currently recruiting at over 15 campuses, the DMJPS Be Greater Scholarship will be available to DMJPS interns who successfully complete their busy season internships.
The Be Greater Scholarship is a pinnacle, forward-thinking initiative designed to support the next generation of accounting professionals. It is also a testament to DMJPS’s future-focused mission with a significant investment in both the future of the profession and the individuals who will shape it. The scholarship will be awarded directly to the selected students and is inspired by the firm’s mission to “Be Greater”.
The first scholarship class will be open to all DMJPS interns when the application launches in January 2025. Interested students, college and university partners, and community leaders should visit the DMJPS website to learn more and express interest.
As we reflect on our anniversary year, we wanted to identify a lasting contribution that pays tribute to the DMJPS legacy and supports the future growth of our industry. The Be Greater Scholarship is a strategic investment in the talent pipeline and is at the heart of our mission.
A commitment to the future and addressing the accounting pipeline
The accounting profession faces a critical need for fresh talent, with a significant portion of the current workforce approaching retirement. By 2030, it is estimated that the demand for accounting professionals will have grown by 10% (US Bureau of Labor Statistics). Attracting students into the profession is essential for maintaining the vitality and future of the industry. The Be Greater Scholarship aligns with the DMJPS mission to see a bright future for all by nurturing the next generation of accountants.
Strategic investment across North Carolina
With seven offices from the North Carolina mountains to the coast and a team of more than 165+ professionals, DMJPS is deeply invested in the state's future talent pipeline. This scholarship is a unique proposition for an accounting firm, offering direct benefits to students and enhancing the already attractive nature of DMJPS’s recruiting class and benefits package.
Building a bright future together
As DMJPS celebrates its 75th anniversary, the firm remains committed to fostering a work culture that promotes collaboration, growth, and wellbeing. It has celebrated this year with several notable achievements, including being named a Family Forward NC Certified Employer, a Best of Accounting Award by ClearlyRated, a Best Employer by Business North Carolina, and a 2024 Regional Southeast Leader by Accounting Today.
For DMJPS, being greater means more than just individual success – it is the collective strength of a team through a unified approach. With the Be Greater Scholarship announcement, DMJPS furthers its investment in a culture of excellence that benefits clients, team members, and the broader community.
DMJPS PLLC is a tax, assurance, and business advisory firm that provides a wide range of specialised solutions and routinely solves complex matters for individuals, privately-held businesses, non-profit organisations, and corporations. With North Carolina offices from the mountains to the coast in Greensboro, Asheville, Boone, Durham, Marion, Sanford, and Wilmington, DMJPS provides solutions from one reliable firm.
GGI member firm DMJPS PLLCGreensboro, NC, USAT: +1 336 275 9886
Auditing & Accounting, Tax, Advisory, Corporate Finance, Fiduciary & Estate Planning
Mike GillisContact Mike Gillis.
NASHVILLE, TN, August 15, 2024 — KraftCPAs announced today the appointment of Chris Hight as chief manager. He succeeds Vic Alexander, who will transition to an of-counsel role beginning 01 November 2025, after 43 years with the firm, including 31 years as chief manager.
Alexander will continue his litigation work through Kraft Analytics, an affiliate of KraftCPAs that focuses on valuation, forensics, and transaction advisory services.
Hight will step into his new role on 01 November 2024, following his tenure as member-in-charge of the KraftCPAs assurance services department and nearly 20 years of distinguished service.
“This announcement is the culmination of our firm’s succession planning process and comes at an opportune time as Kraft is performing at its best and poised for continued growth in Tennessee and beyond,” said Alexander. “The firm’s members and I are confident that Chris is the right leader to sustain and build upon our momentum. He embodies our core values and has shown unparalleled commitment to the success of our team and clients over the past 20 years.”
During Alexander's executive leadership, KraftCPAs saw significant growth, expanded its footprint across Tennessee with acquisitions in Lebanon and Chattanooga, and solidified its reputation as a trusted advisor capable of handling complex situations for its clients. He upheld the values and vision of Joe Kraft, the firm’s founder, by deepening the firm’s community involvement and serving on the boards of numerous organisations, including the Legal Aid Society advisory board, the Tennessee Justice Center board, the Center for Nonprofit Management board, Youth About Business national board, Ascension Saint Thomas’ finance committee, Nashville State Community College’s foundation board, and various university accounting and business school advisory boards.
Today, over 60 KraftCPAs employees serve on nonprofit boards, reflecting the firm’s commitment to community service. Under Alexander’s leadership, KraftCPAs has received numerous awards for its workplace culture, innovation, and the high calibre of its client work from prestigious organisations such as Accounting Today, the Nashville Business Journal, the Better Business Bureau, the American Institute of CPAs, and the Tennessee Society of CPAs.
“This planned succession ensures a seamless transition of leadership, providing continuity and stability for our team and clients while upholding our legacy of being a relationship-first firm,” added Alexander. “Chris’ deep institutional knowledge and extensive network of relationships make him well-equipped to lead KraftCPAs into the future.”
Hight joined KraftCPAs in 2004 and has held various leadership positions across the firm. He was most recently member-in-charge of the assurance services department and served as practice leader for the firm’s manufacturing/wholesale/distribution (MWD) industry team and the firm’s employee benefits plan team.
Prior to joining KraftCPAs, Hight was senior vice president and CFO of a cellular tower company, where he supervised the acquisition of the company in a transaction worth nearly USD 100 million. He also worked as an audit manager for a national accounting firm, managing public and private company audits. Hight earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Tennessee Tech University and previously served on the university’s College of Business Advisory Board.
“I am honoured to serve as KraftCPAs’ next chief manager and continue building a firm known for its exceptional culture, community investment, and high-quality relationships,” said Hight. “Vic’s leadership has been invaluable in growing our firm while maintaining its autonomy. I look forward to carrying the torch and furthering our reputation as the region’s go-to, full-service accounting firm that can meet every client's needs.”
KraftCPAs PLLC is one of Tennessee’s largest independent CPA firms with, more than 250 team members. In conjunction with its affiliate companies — Kraft Analytics, Kraft Asset Management, Kraft Healthcare Consulting, and Kraft Technology Group — the firm provides an extensive range of services and solutions for businesses, organisations, families, and individuals.
GGI member firm KraftCPAs PLLCNashville, Chattanooga, Columbia, Lebanon, TN, USAT: +1 615 242 7351
Chris HightContact Chris.
GARDEN CITY, NY, July 22, 2024 — Moritt Hock & Hamroff announced today that Leslie Berkoff and Theresa Driscoll, firm partners, have been recognised by Lawdragon among its 500 Leading US Bankruptcy & Restructuring Lawyers for 2024. The annual Lawdragon 500 Leading Lawyers in America is the most elite distinction in the profession, covering the best of the best in all practice areas.
“Leslie and Theresa have a deep understanding of the creditors' rights and bankruptcy field and have been leaders in the space for many years,” said Michael Cardello III, Managing Partner of Moritt Hock & Hamroff. “I am very proud to see them recognised, once again, for their efforts with this well-deserved honour.”
Leslie Berkoff serves as the chair of the firm's Dispute Resolution Practice Group and is a member of the firm's management committee. Theresa Driscoll serves as chair of the firm's Bankruptcy Practice Group. Berkoff and Driscoll concentrate their practice in the representation of corporate debtors, lenders, trustees, and unsecured creditors in all aspects of financial restructuring including workouts, Chapter 11 cases, and bankruptcy litigation both nationally and locally.
GGI member firmMoritt Hock & Hamroff LLP Garden City (NY), New York (NY), USAT: +1 516 873 2000Law Firm Services
Leslie A. BerkoffContact Leslie.
Theresa A. DriscollContact Theresa.
Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP is a 90-attorney, full-service, commercial law firm, founded in 1980, that provides a wide range of legal services to businesses, corporations, and individuals worldwide from its offices in New York City, on Long Island, and in Florida.
NEW YORK, NY, July 23, 2024 — Prager Metis, a leading global accounting and advisory firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jared Mahar as a new partner in its tax department. With nearly two decades of service in the field of taxation, Jared brings a wealth of expertise in investment partnership taxation and a proven track record of delivering exceptional client service to the firm.
Jared joins Prager Metis with a career spanning back to 2006, during which he has established himself as a highly skilled and solution-driven expert in the taxation of investment partnerships and financial services. His specialised focus includes: emerging managers, large registered investment advisers, and family office fund structures.
“We are excited to welcome Jared Mahar as a partner at Prager Metis,” said Stuart Mayer, Regional Managing Partner New York. “His extensive experience in investment partnership taxation, combined with his innovative approach to problem-solving and commitment to client education, aligns perfectly with our firm’s mission to provide strategic insights and tailored solutions. Jared’s addition to our team will significantly enhance our ability to serve the complex needs of our investment partnership clients.”
Jared's expertise extends to general partnership taxation, fund structuring, and complex tax transactions, including providing creative solutions that enhance tax efficiency for private funds, advisers, general partners, and investors. He is also experienced in state and local tax compliance and routinely consults with clients on jurisdictional issues and opportunities, including the ever changing pass-through entity (PTE) tax election landscape.
Known for his passion for education, Jared is always on the lookout for ways to engage with both clients and staff with knowledge of the US tax system and the taxation of financial products. Dedicated to training and professional development, his hands-on approach focuses on keeping his clients and team well-informed, making him a go-to resource for recent developments in the alternative investment industry.
Jared expressed his enthusiasm about joining Prager Metis, stating, “I am very excited to be joining a firm with such a strong reputation in the industry. Prager Metis’ commitment to excellence and client service aligns perfectly with my own values, and I’m eager to partner with such a great organisation. I look forward to contributing to the firm's continued success and helping our clients navigate the complex world of investment partnership taxation.”
GGI member firm Prager Metis International LLCMore than 15 offices throughout the UST: +1 212 643 0099
Advisory, Auditing & Accounting, Corporate Finance, Fiduciary & Estate Planning, Tax
Contact Jared Mahar.
Prager Metis CPAs, an affiliate of Prager Metis International LLC, is one of the nation’s fastest-growing accounting and advisory firms, offering a full range of accounting, audit, tax, consulting, and international services. Prager Metis is a Top 50 Accounting Firm.
