We are currently audited by PwC but I want to explore using a less expensive firm for 2009. Any recommendations?
Does anyone have a recommendation for a good local/regional audit partner/ audit firm
Answers
Yes, I changed audit/
2
Which office do they work out of?
Thanks for the help!
Shauna
They work out of the San Francisco office. Their contact info:
Doug Hart, Audit Partner: #415-490-3314 email: [email protected]
Paul Heiselmann, Tax Partner: #415-490-3380 email: [email protected]
Good luck!
Myrna
Not sure what their rates are but here are a couple mid-sized firms I have worked with in the past that are likely cheaper than the Big4, think they are similar to BDO in size:
McGladrey & Pullen
Grant Thornton
If you want smaller then of course there are likely a lot of local firms in your area.
We switched from PWC to Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP, and have very happy with them. We have used them, now for a few years.
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What is the name of the partner that you use and which office are you working with? Can I get contact info?
Thanks,
Shauna
I deal directly with Nathan Curtis. They are at 60 So. Market St. #500 San Jose, CA 95113 408.535.8005 e-mail: [email protected]. Our offices highly recommend this firm.
I'd add Mohler Nixon to the list. Solid mid-size regional firm. Based in Campbell. I've worked with Bud Fallon in the past and he's excellent!
Mohler, Nixon & Williams
Campbell Office
Clare Piech
635 Campbell
Campbell, CA 95008-5059
Main: (408) 369-2400
Direct: (408) 369-2450
Fax: (408) 879-9485
E-mail: [email protected]
Bud's direct email is [email protected]
Ditto for BDO and Mohler Nixon. The Mohler Nixon crew are PWC alums and at the time I engaged them they indicated that even though they are not public company auditors, since they were former PWC, their work would not need to be re audited in the event of an IPO. I never tested this out and not sure if the situation has changed.
I have used lesser known firms that are really local and what I found is that their threshold of materiality is mind numbing and you dont get the expert resources you would get from someone like BDO. I have been very impressed with the BDO partners I have met and the resources they can provide that you will not find at a local Bay Area firm.
Remember it is the name on the back of the uniform that matters not the name on the front of the uniform. There are plenty of "C" players in the Big 4, especially those assigned to small non-public clients, while there are plenty of "A" players in the 2nd tier firms. As an alum of a Big 4 firm, I would pay the premium for a Big 4 audit if my private company was within 3 years of going public. If this is not the case, e.g., multi-generation family owned businesses, stick with a 2nd tier firm. Just insure that your lead bank (assuming you have bank debt)is comfortable with the audit firm. Use the savings in fees to attract/retain a higher quality of staff in your
1
I agree Jerry that it is not the uniform that matters, it is the players. A couple years back we switched form Deloitte to UHY. While we cut our fees in half, it was more important to get a team the had the industry expertise that we needed. We interviewed firms from Tier 1, 2 and below, with the focus on the industry expertise. UHY came out on top for various reasons, fees being only part of that. When the engagement partner and manager both left the firm, some of that industry expertise was lost. We are currently evaluating whether the remaining team has the expertise to deal with our industry specific needs. Price alone should not drive the decision.
We switched from E&Y to HLB Gross Collins here in Atlanta and have been very pleased. They have clients all over the eastern seaboard and we have found them to be quite competetive on price and the technical skills are there in spades. Call Michael Bohling and tell him Keith Daniel referred you. 770-617-7436.
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