Search Results for: Professional Services

Articles


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 […]

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 […]

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

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 […]

It’s Not Too Early to Start Planning for January 2022 Gifts by Jeffrey M. Mutnik, CPA/PFS

The IRS recently released the inflation-adjusted estate and gift exemptions for 2022, which provide families with enhanced opportunities to transfer significantly more assets to younger generations tax-free. However, families must consider these adjustments within the context of potential tax reform in the year ahead. For tax year 2022, the lifetime estate-tax exemption jumps $360,000 to […]

Will Grantor Trusts Become Extinct? by Jeffrey M. Mutnik, CPA/PFS

If and when Congress passes a law reforming the tax code, there is a general expectation that taxes will increase, and some commonly used estate planning strategies will be added to the endangered species list. Among the tools being targeted are irrevocable grantor trusts, which have long enabled grantors to remove appreciating assets from their […]

What’s In the Latest Draft of Proposed Tax Law Changes? by Jeffrey M. Mutnik, CPA/PFS

On September 25, the House Budget Committee voted to approve the latest round of recommended changes to the U.S. tax code as part of the president’s $3.5 trillion Build Back Better Act. The draft legislation calls for higher taxes, but at rates that are not as high as previously proposed. In addition, it fails to […]

Properly Titling Trustees’ Signatures Can Protect Their Assets by Jeffrey M. Mutnik, CPA/PFS

When individuals sign legal documents, including personal checks, contracts, tax returns, etc., they generally are not required to add any language explaining who they are. Their names alone satisfy the legal requirements for validating those documents.   However, when those people are also officers of corporations or managers of partnerships or LLCs, they usually include their […]

Press Releases


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 […]

Berkowitz Pollack Brant’s Jeffrey Mutnik Elected Chairman of PrimeGlobal North America

MIAMI, FL, Sept. 14, 2012 – Jeffrey M. Mutnik CPA/PFS, a director with Berkowitz Pollack Brant Advisors and Accountants, was recently elected to a two-year term as chairman of PrimeGlobal North America. North America is one of four regions that comprise PrimeGlobal, a worldwide association of more than 350 independent accounting firms in more than […]

Services


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.

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.

Growth and Profitability Consulting

Our consulting expertise is relied upon by individuals who recognize the benefits of diversifying business interests. Each engagement is customized and includes some or all of our specialty areas and focuses on enhancing the profitability of our clients’ businesses. Accounting financial data analysis Business plans, forecasts and financial projections CFO services, including governance, special projects […]

International Tax Planning and Compliance

Our firm’s international tax practitioners are widely recognized as thoughtful advisors and strategic thinkers who structure transactions to minimize cross-border taxation.

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. Brennan combines his deep technical expertise with a business approach […]

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 […]

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.

Spencer J. Solove, CPA

For nearly ten years Spencer Solove has helped clients maximize cash flow by identifying and accessing research and development tax credits. With experience spanning federal, state and local jurisdictions, he can be a valuable resource in this often-overlooked area. In addition, Solove provides guidance and advice during IRS and state tax examinations with a goal […]

Anthony (Tony) Huber, JD, CPA

Tony Huber has more than 20 years of experience as a CPA and tax attorney. His work includes mergers, acquisitions, debt and equity issuances, liquidations, reorganizations, dispositions and distressed/ restructuring matters, as well as ongoing strategic tax planning. Huber’s client base includes sophisticated entrepreneurs, closely held companies, publicly traded corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies. […]

James “Tony” Salazar, CPA

Tony Salazar has more than 25 years of experience providing tax and consulting services to closely held businesses and high-net worth family groups in a diverse range of industries. Salazar helps individuals, corporations and partnerships with federal and state income tax planning and compliance, buy/sell transactions and structuring, and representation before the IRS and state […]

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 nearly 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 […]

David E. Kolan, CPA

David Kolan has more than 30 years of experience providing audit, attest and business consulting services to domestic and international companies, partnerships and entrepreneurs.  During his career he has assisted hundreds of companies in the development of strategic plans, corporate reorganizations, debt and equity financing, mergers and acquisitions, due diligence and succession planning. As a […]

Robert C. Aldir, CPA

For nearly 20 years Robert Aldir has provided auditing, accounting and assurance services, engagement management and litigation support services to publicly traded and privately held companies. His clients include multi-nationals that operate under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and pre-IPO entities. Aldir has developed expertise in internal control reviews and assisting companies in becoming more process-oriented […]

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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 […]