Fall 2007 issue of Horizons

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Baker Tilly International

USA Hosts the World!

US perspective on the international convergence of accounting standards. It is his belief that convergence is ultimately necessary and is devoting significant FASB resources to this effort. Other business notes… David Gwilliam, Baker Tilly London, joined by our own Steve Newstead, gave the Worldwide Corporate Governance Steering Committee update. They spoke of ongoing initiatives of the committee including plans for greater collaboration between firms as well as additional SOX training and client seminars offered through Baker Tilly International. Damien Connellan, former KPMG partner, was appointed to lead the continued development of Baker Tilly China. Damien will lead the China Desk initiative of Baker Tilly International and will be based in Beijing. To date Baker Tilly International is the 8th largest accounting and consulting network in the world with 126 independent firms, representing 93 nations, with annual aggregate billings of over $2.3 billion. New members to Baker Tilly International represent Croatia, Egypt, Kenya, Luxembourg, the Philippines, Poland, Tanzania and Uzbekistan.

The independent firms that comprise Baker Tilly USA hosted their international counterparts at the 2006 World Conference in Washington D.C. Member firms from around the world arrived to discuss a number of issues, not the least of which included global accounting and tax matters impacting clients. Attending the conference included member firms representing 61 nations, over 200 delegates and 70 guests. The conference began with a reception at the Library of Congress. Making the session’s opening remarks, RubinBrown’s Jim Castellano, Chairman of Baker Tilly International, spoke about a business approach that would enable Baker Tilly International to work more effectively worldwide. The Washington Post highlighted that new direction of cooperation in a feature story that ran on the opening day of the conference. Castellano further clarified, the intention of Baker Tilly USA is to fill the void created by the Big 4 displacement of clients and to offer greater choice to organizations seeking high quality professional services. Bob Herz, Chairman of the US Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB), was a guest speaker at the annual conference and provided delegates with the

Questions? Contact Jim Castellano, CPA Chairman 314-290-3317 james.castellano@rubinbrown.com

5 u winter 2007 issue