Search Results for: Professional Services

Articles


Outsourcing CFO Services Yields Significant Benefits for Small, Mid-Size Businesses by Debra Sears, CPA

Operating a small business comes with a wealth of opportunities and an equally abundant set of complexities, including tax reporting, regulatory compliance and meticulous financial recordkeeping. For many entrepreneurs, hiring full-time professionals to oversee these functions in-house is simply unaffordable. Instead, a growing number of businesses are turning to outsourced CFO services for on-demand assistance with […]

Podcast – BPB Knows Outsourced CFO Services

In this episode Mike Conkey shares the benefits of outsourced CFOs and finance team members to help professional services firms run more efficiently.

Legal Services of Greater Miami Celebrates Pro Bono Volunteers

Miami, Fl. — On October 29, 2020, Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. (Legal Services) recognized the volunteer services of over 340 attorneys and professional partners at its 2020 Pro Bono Celebration. The virtual event honored the pro bono volunteers who made extraordinary contributions throughout the year and during COVID-19. Pro bono volunteers took on […]

Tips for Selecting the Right Professional to Prepare your Tax Returns by Joanie Stein, CPA

You have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing someone to help you prepare your federal tax return. However, not all tax preparers are created equal. It is crucial that you carefully vet each potential preparer and choose wisely, since you, as the taxpayer, are ultimately responsible for the returns you file […]

AICPA Issues Exposure Draft of New Standard for Forensic Accounting Services by Richard A. Pollack, CPA/ABV/CFF, ASA, CBA, CFE, CAMS, CIRA, CVA

Forensic accounting services can play a pivotal role in cases involving financial fraud, breach of contract, hidden assets, lost profits and economic damages. As demand for these services continues to increase, the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) has released new professional standards that CPA’s performing forensic services must adopt for new investigation and/or litigation engagements […]

Outsourcing CFO Services Yields Significant Benefits for Small and Mid-Size Businesses by Anya Stasenko, CPA

Operating a small business in the U.S. comes with a wealth of opportunities and an equally abundant set of complexities, including tax reporting, regulatory compliance and meticulous financial recordkeeping. For many entrepreneurs, hiring full-time professionals to oversee these functions in-house is simply unaffordable. Instead, many are turning to outsourced CFO services to receive on-demand assistance with […]

Planning Around 10-Year Withdrawal Requirements from Inherited IRAs by Jeffrey M. Mutnik, CPA/PFS

Certain non-spouse beneficiaries of inherited IRAs will need to begin taking annual RMDs from those accounts beginning in 2024 to satisfy the SECURE Act’s 10-year rule, which requires the liquidation of those accounts within 10 years of the original owner’s death. While the law eliminating stretch IRAs was passed in 2019, the IRS has since […]

Tax Scams Surge this Summer by Brandon Bowers

Tax-related scams cast a dark cloud over this summer’s blue skies, putting taxpayers at increased risk of identity theft and fraud. To avoid falling victim to these scams, individuals should be alert to unsolicited telephone calls, emails and texts asking them to click links or share personal information, such as usernames and passwords, Social Security […]

FTC Safeguard Rules Make Data Security a Priority for Many Businesses by Brandon Bowers

Effective June 9, 2023, certain businesses engaged in financial services activities must comply with the Federal Trade Commission’s Standards for Safeguarding Customer Information Rule (Safeguard Rule), which requires the development, implementation and maintenance of appropriate policies, systems and other defenses to protect customers’ personal information from cyberattacks and other threats. However, many businesses remain unaware […]

Where There is a Will…There May be Another Superseding Will by Jeff Mutnik, CPA/PFS

The ongoing saga over Aretha Franklin’s estate finally reached a crescendo on July 11, 2023, when a Michigan jury ruled that a document from 2014 found in a notebook under the performer’s couch cushion was her valid will. Since Franklin’s death in 2018, her children have battled in court regarding the validity of that document […]

Now is the Time to Put your Swap Powers to Use by Jeffrey M. Mutnik, CPA/PFS

A key element of estate planning involves the creation of trusts to protect assets from creditors and provide financial security for beneficiaries. Over time, and especially as tax laws change, individuals must reassess existing plans and consider making changes or taking other actions to improve tax efficiency and wealth preservation for themselves and future generations. […]

IRS Announces Inflation-Adjusted Individual Tax Rates for 2023 by Jeffrey M. Mutnik, CPA/PFS

The IRS has released the annual cost-of-living adjustments to various provisions of the tax code for 2023, noting that some of the changes are significant due to persistently high inflation. For some taxpayers, these adjustments will result in higher take-home pay, larger credits and deductions, and the ability to protect more assets from the federal […]

The Rewards and Risks of Investing in Master Limited Partnerships, by Jeffrey M. Mutnik, CPA/PFS

Master limited partnerships (MLPs) are publicly traded businesses that usually make periodic distributions of their tax-advantaged income to the limited partner owners to avoid corporate taxes. Most often they operate in the traditionally stable energy and natural resource industries, which provide partners with a steady income stream and predictable returns. In fact, as of July […]

It is NOT Defective if it is Intentionally a Grantor Trust by Jeffrey M. Mutnik, CPA/PFS

When establishing a trust, grantors must take special care to ensure trust documents clearly communicate how they intend the trust and its assets be treated for income-tax purposes. While there are a variety of different types of trusts with assorted names and features to meet an equally broad range of needs and goals, one of […]

Calendar Gives Taxpayers a Little More Time for File Tax Returns in 2022 by Jeffrey M. Mutnik, CPA

The IRS began accepting individuals’ 2021 federal income tax returns on January 24, marking the beginning of the 2022 tax filing season. For this year, taxpayers will have an additional three to four days to meet the filing deadline, known as Tax Day, which typically falls on April 15. In 2022, Tax Day falls on […]

Pages


Managed Cyber Solutions – Master Services Agreement

Thank you for trusting Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs (“BPB,” the “Firm,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) to provide you with professional information technology services. This Master Services Agreement (this “Agreement”) governs our business relationship with you, so please read this document carefully and keep a copy for your records. SCOPE Throughout this Agreement, references […]

Managed Cyber Solutions – Services Guide

Services Guide This Services Guide contains provisions that define, clarify, and govern the scope of the services described in the quote that has been provided to you (the “Quote”), as well as the policies and procedures that we follow (and to which you agree) when we provide a service to you or facilitate a service […]

Firm Overview

Established in 1980, Berkowitz Pollack Brant (BPB) is a certified public accounting firm with offices in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Florida.
With more than 170 accountants, tax specialists and consultants, we are one of the largest accounting firms in South Florida and one of the top 100 firms in the United States.

Lateral Hires

Work / Life Balance Alternative work arrangements Dress for your day Employee-centric approach Firm culture that has won nearly a dozen Best Companies to Work For honors Hybrid office/remote policy Strong team of up-and-comers who can handle sophisticated client work Supportive teammates Wellness programs, both educational and reimbursement Testimonials Benefits 401(k) plan with generous match […]

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Investigations

Multi-national companies with subsidiaries or agents who have control over purchasing or acquisition of goods and services must be proactive to properly comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Non-compliance with the FCPA can result in criminal charges, fines and penalties, reputational harm and civil liabilities. Our firm works with attorneys and government agencies […]

Industries

Our professionals deliver high-quality services with the ongoing involvement of experienced senior firm members. We have cultivated a diverse client base that requires creative and strategic planning at all stages of their life cycles. From early-stage start-ups to sophisticated multi-national entities with complex structures, the services and guidance we provide grows with out clients’ evolving […]

Services


Outsourced IT Services

Staying ahead of technology can be one of the biggest challenges a company faces. We enable management to focus on core business strategies and avoid worrying about technology issues. With a goal of supporting business objectives, we help companies use technology as a strategic tool rather than a necessary evil. Our team provides responsiveness, problem […]

Outsourced Accounting Services

It’s often difficult and expensive to find experienced personnel who can handle complicated institutional reporting functions. We pride ourselves on offering these types of sophisticated accounting services to clients on an outsourced basis. Our team has many years of experience and offers the focus and attention that in-house teams with competing priorities often cannot. As […]

International Tax Services

Our firm’s international tax practitioners are widely recognized as thoughtful advisors, strategic thinkers and valuable business partners. Many of our multi-national clients have worked with us for many years as their companies have grown and evolved. Tax Planning and Compliance Assessing the tax impact of currency fluctuations Branch terminations Federal, state and local tax compliance […]

Cloud-Based Accounting Services

Flat fee outsourced accounting plans for entrepreneurs, small and medium business, and family offices. By assigning financial services to the professionals, you can focus on tasks that add to your bottom line. Clear and predictable pricing Confidence and peace of mind that your accounting is being handled by professionals. Deep advisory expertise on demand. Modern […]

Capital and Financial Services

BayBridge Capital Advisors Transaction and Capital Advisory Services Maximizing value to the shareholders.  Executing liquidity objectives and exit strategies.  Accomplishing growth strategies.  Raising capital.  These objectives require trusted advisors with the right experience.  BayBridge Capital Advisors, an affiliate of  Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants, provides value to clients by assisting throughout the transaction process […]

Outsourced CFO Services

It’s often difficult and expensive to find experienced personnel who can handle complicated institutional reporting functions. We pride ourselves on offering these types of sophisticated accounting services to clients on an outsourced basis. Our team has many years of experience and offers the focus and attention that in-house teams with competing priorities often cannot. As […]

Real Estate Tax and Advisory Services

Berkowitz Pollack Brant has one of the largest real estate tax practices in Florida. Long-time clients include major developers, property owners and managers, landholders and related construction entities.

Cyber Security Risk Mitigation and Crisis Response

The dangers and threats of the online world are always near and ever changing. It takes skill, diligence and experience to protect families and businesses, information and privacy online. Our team of highly experienced IT professionals applies its skills to help clients protect themselves, understand their cyber insurance needs and react immediately if something goes […]

Mergers and Acquisitions Diligence

M&A Due Diligence Experience has taught us that an intense due diligence process contributes to the success of any transaction. By leveraging the talents of auditors, valuation experts and quality of earnings assessment professionals, we can create a comprehensive overview of a target’s financial, HR, technology, operations and tax risks and opportunities. This also includes […]

Bankruptcy and Receiverships

Our team has been engaged by trustees, receivers, examiners, debtors, creditor committees and their counsel to provide financial forensic assistance in complex litigation matters as well as advisory services.  We specialize in conducting financial investigations and assisting with asset recovery in Chapter 7 and 11 matters, as well as providing other forensic accounting services involving […]

Estate Planning and Wealth Protection

Estate and Wealth Planning for High-Net-Worth Families and Entrepreneurs High-net-worth families and individuals face a complicated mix of financial issues that can be managed and mitigated by progressive planning. Our team works across global borders to bring creative thinking and comprehensive planning structures to help clients meet their goals. Our team consists of deeply experienced […]

State and Local Tax Planning

Individuals and companies with operations in multiple states face a complex tax environment. With careful planning, the overall tax burden can be managed. Our professionals have experience handling the challenges of a multi-state operation. They know the questions to ask, the advice to provide and the traps to watch for in tailoring multi-state plans. Their […]

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Investigations

Multi-national companies with subsidiaries or agents who have control over purchasing or acquisition of goods and services must be proactive to properly comply with the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). Non-compliance with the FCPA can result in criminal charges, fines and penalties, reputational harm and civil liabilities. Our firm works with attorneys and government agencies […]

Family Law Forensics

Family Law Forensics Our Family Law Forensics practice provides the technical expertise and specialized experience required to simplify complex financial information prior to, during and after divorce.  With a keen understanding of both the legal and financial intricacies of these matters, we are able to partner with attorneys and apply our tax, accounting and audit skills […]

Tax Planning and Compliance for US Companies

With one of the largest tax practices in Florida our team advises on compliance, tax liability, mergers and acquisitions, specialized transactions and strategic tax planning.

Press Releases


Berkowitz Pollack Brant Adds Outsourced IT Services Practice; Brandon Bowers joins firm to lead the effort

MIAMI, June 5, 2023 – Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs has announced the addition of Brandon Bowers as director of the new Managed Cyber Solutions practice.  The Managed Cyber Solutions group will offer outsourced IT, help desk and security services, as well as scalable systems for reporting, tracking and monitoring. Bowers joins the firm […]

Berkowitz Pollack Brant Promotes Richard Cabrera, JD, LL.M, CPA, to Director of Tax Services

MIAMI, January 2, 2023 – Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs has promoted Richard Cabrera, JD, LL.M., CPA, to director in the Tax Services practice. Cabrera focuses on tax and consulting services for affluent families and companies. He has specialized experience in corporate restructuring, high-net-worth tax issues, international tax consulting and compliance, mergers and acquisitions, […]

Berkowitz Pollack Brant Welcomes New Director of Transaction Advisory Services

BOCA RATON, FL – May 15, 2022 – Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs today announced that Jeff Stamm, CPA, has joined the firm as director of the Transaction Advisory Services practice. Stamm is joined by a team that will assist business owners, entrepreneurs and private equity firms with mergers and acquisitions. They primarily focus […]

Berkowitz Pollack Brant Announces Scott Bouchner as Director-in-Charge of Forensic and Advisory Services

MIAMI, February 1, 2022 – Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs today announced that Scott Bouchner, CMA, CVA, CFE, CIRA, has been named director-in-charge of the firm’s Forensic and Advisory Services practice. Berkowitz Pollack Brant’s CEO Joseph L. Saka commented, “Our forensic practice has grown tremendously due to Rich Pollack’s leadership. With Scott’s knowledge and […]

Berkowitz Pollack Brant Announces Scott Bouchner as Director-in-Charge of Forensic and Advisory Services

MIAMI, Jan 2, 2022– Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs today announced that Scott Bouchner, CMA, CVA, CFE, CIRA, has been named director-in-charge of the firm’s Forensic and Advisory Services practice. Berkowitz Pollack Brant’s CEO Joseph L. Saka commented, “Our forensic practice has grown tremendously due its leadership. With Scott’s knowledge and expertise, we look […]

LEGAL SERVICES OF GREATER MIAMI, INC., CELEBRATES PRO BONO VOLUNTEERS EXTRAORDINARY CONTRIBUTION DURING COVID-19

Miami, Fl. — On October 29, 2020, Legal Services of Greater Miami, Inc. (Legal Services) recognized the volunteer services of over 340 attorneys and professional partners at its 2020 Pro Bono Celebration. The virtual event honored the pro bono volunteers who made extraordinary contributions throughout the year and during COVID-19. Pro bono volunteers took on […]

Berkowitz Pollack Brant Announces Addition of Director of Audit and Attest Services in West Palm Beach Office

WEST PALM BEACH, May 15, 2019 – Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants today announced that Brent Leslie, CPA, has joined the firm as a director in the Audit and Attest Services practice. Leslie will be based in the firm’s West Palm Beach office. He joins the firm from a national accounting firm and has […]

Berkowitz Pollack Brant Announces Addition of Director of Tax Services in New York City Office

New York, July 18, 2018 – Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants today announced that Lewis Taub, CPA, has joined the firm as director of Tax Services in the New York City office. Most recently, Taub was managing director and the tax partner for CBIZ MHN, LLC, offering tax and business advice to sophisticated tax […]

Berkowitz Pollack Brant Announces Addition of Associate Director of Consulting Services

MIAMI, FL, Oct. 9, 2017 – Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants today announced that Gregory J. Gagné, CPA, CGMA, has rejoined the firm as an associate director in the Consulting Services practice. He worked for Berkowitz Pollack Brant in the 1990s as an auditor. He has Big 4 experience and most recently worked for […]

David E. Kolan CPA Joins Berkowitz Pollack Brant as a Director in the Audit and Attest Services Practice

MIAMI, March 24, 2014 – Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants announced the addition of David E. Kolan CPA, as a director in the firm’s Audit and Attest Services practice. He will focus his practice on serving the consulting and audit needs of domestic and international companies, partnerships and entrepreneurs. Kolan has more than 30 […]

Whitney Schiffer CPA Promoted to Director of Audit and Attest Services

MIAMI, Nov. 15, 2013 – Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants announced the promotion of Whitney Schiffer to the role of director in the Audit and Attest Services practice. An experienced auditor with more than 20 years of experience, Schiffer serves clients in the hospital, healthcare, non-profit and governmental sectors. “We are thrilled to promote […]

Berkowitz Pollack Brant Promotes 8 to Associate Director

July 15, 2022 – Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors + CPAs today announced the promotion of eight professionals to associate directors within the firm’s Tax Services and Assurance and Advisory Services practices. “Our firm was founded on the principle of creating a life-long learning environment, where every firm member receives the tools to cultivate knowledge, enhance […]

Berkowitz Pollack Brant Announces New Director

MIAMI, October 1, 2020 – Chet Cotter has joined Berkowitz Pollack Brant as a director and leader of its Managed Solutions and Technology practice. The Managed Solutions and Technology team provides enterprise application recommendations and integration, full-service outsourced accounting solutions and systems management, and data analytics and e-discovery. Berkowitz Pollack Brant CEO Joseph L. Saka […]

Berkowitz Pollack Brant Announces Hiring of New Chief Financial Officer

MIAMI, FL, December 8, 2016 – Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants today announced that Mark Guthrie, MSF, CISA, has joined the firm as chief financial officer. Guthrie succeeds Dave Kekich, who served as CFO for more than 20 years and will be taking a consulting role for firm clients. Guthrie joins Berkowitz Pollack Brant […]

Berkowitz Pollack Brant Promotes David Kolan

MIAMI, FL, July 15, 2015 – Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants CEO Richard Berkowitz today announced that David E Kolan, CPA, has been promoted to director-in-charge of the firm’s Audit and Attest Services practice. Kolan has more than 30 years of experience in audit and attest services and firm leadership. He focuses his practice […]

People


Jeffrey M. Mutnik, CPA/PFS

Jeff Mutnik has spent nearly 30 years assisting high-net-worth individuals, professional services firms, closely held businesses and not-for-profit organizations on tax and estate planning issues.

Michael Brennan, CPA

For nearly 15 years Michael Brennan has provided tax consulting and outsourced CFO services to clients in a wide range of industries, including professional services firms, hedge funds and manufacturers. He has an added focus on the complex needs of high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs and families. In 2023 Brennan was recognized by Crain’s New York Business […]

Joanie B. Stein, CPA

For more than 20 years Joanie Stein has provided tax accounting and consulting services to real estate management and investment companies, high-net-worth individuals and closely owned businesses. Stein concentrates her practice on professional services, retail and real estate industries. Her experience includes the review and approval of federal and state income, property, and other tax […]

Mark B. Leaheey, CPA, CGMA, MSA

Mark B. Leaheey has more than 15 years of professional experience providing tax and consulting services to clients in the U.S. and abroad. He focuses on self-procurement tax, as well as state and local income franchise tax compliance and consulting. A focus area is research and development credits for a wide range of industries. Leaheey […]

Matthew R. Brennan, CPA

For nearly 15 years Matthew R. Brennan has provided tax compliance, advisory and outsourced CFO services to clients in a wide range of industries, including professional service firms, engineers and architects, construction and merchant cash advance companies. He takes a holistic approach to supporting the needs of owners and their businesses.  

Jonathan Menna

Jonathan Menna has more than 10 years of experience providing tax and consulting services to high-net-worth individuals, operating entities and real estate partnerships. Menna specializes in entity structure advising and planning as well as income tax planning. He serves clients in numerous sectors, including service-based industries, real estate, family-operated businesses and high-net-worth individuals.

Maxwell Jewell, CPA, MST

Max Jewell has nearly 10 years of experience providing tax and consulting services to high-net-worth families and companies. Jewell serves clients in the private equity, hedge fund and software space sectors.

Joseph Leocata, JD, CPA, MBA

Joseph Leocata has more than 10 years of experience representing and advising clients in federal, state and local tax controversy matters. Leocata works closely with high-net-worth individuals, partnerships, corporations and not-for-profit organizations on tax matters involving income, sales and use, payroll, estate and gift, tax-exempt and residency tax issues.

Brandon Bowers

For more than 20 years Brandon Bowers has served as an outsourced information technology resource to companies, growing firms and family offices. He and his team provide full-service help desk and technology consulting as well as cybersecurity and related IT support services to clients in the accounting, financial, government, healthcare and legal sectors. Bowers has […]

Stephanie Gutierrez, CPA

Stephanie Gutierrez provides tax compliance and consulting, estate and wealth management planning and domestic trust services to clients. Gutierrez’s client base includes high-net-worth individuals, family offices and investment firms.

Luke Lucas, CPA

Luke Lucas focuses his practice on state and local tax compliance and consulting services for individuals and businesses across various industries. His experience as a state and local tax (SALT) specialist helps clients across the country navigate the entire spectrum of direct and indirect taxes imposed by state and local jurisdictions.

Kirk Jennings, CPA

Kirk Jennings is a skilled tax professional with long-standing experience with accounting for income taxes (ASC-740), corporate tax compliance, LLCs and pass-through entities. He also focuses on tax SEC reporting for public companies, as well as tax internal controls review and development and implementation for Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. For more than 10 years, Jennings has provided […]

Mikel Gastaminsa, CPA

Mikel Gastaminsa has more than ten years of experience providing auditing, accounting and business consulting services to private company and public company clients in a wide range of industries. In addition, he has served clients through reporting to foreign-based parent companies and converting US GAAP statements to International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Chet Cotter

Cotter has deep experience leveraging technology, business practices and operational leadership to help Fortune 50 companies, mid-market and entrepreneurial companies reach their goals. He has held leadership and consulting roles in a wide range of industries. Cotter’s multi-functional expertise includes strategy, management consulting, technology, process improvement, operations and accounting.

Debra Sears, CPA

Debra Sears has provided accounting services for more than 20 years. She specializes in privately held business as well as not for profit organizations and brings a wealth of knowledge to business owners, entrepreneurs and executives. Sears has developed a focus on cloud accounting systems and process improvement to help clients automate procedures to generate […]