Without question, 2015 was an exceptional year for Baker Tilly. It was a year in which we increased our visibility, expanded our influence, and leveraged our position of leadership within the profession to make a difference.
At the onset of the year, we selected and announced Baker Tilly Michigan Managing Partner Alan Whitman as CEO-elect. On June 1, 2016, Alan will become the firm’s CEO. Our clients and our people are in great hands. Alan leads the firm with vision and purpose. He is an innovative and inspiring leader, and he gives us all great confidence in Baker Tilly’s bright future.
On June 1, I will be honored to step aside after 17 years as CEO to continue my service as chairman of the American Institute of CPAs, the world’s largest member association representing the accounting profession. I look forward to continuing to help make a difference in the lives of the nation’s accounting professionals and the businesses of the clients we serve.
It was a milestone year for Baker Tilly’s growth. We made great strides on our objective of combining with firms that share our commitment to culture and our focus on delivering Exceptional Client Service. Notably, we made tremendous progress on our integration with ParenteBeard. This was a large undertaking, one that required continual and concentrated effort from both organizations. Our team members were outstanding throughout the process. Their hard work and collaboration guaranteed a successful and seamless integration of ParenteBeard clients, talent, and culture.
In 2015, we also combined with SF&Company, Wolinski & Company, and Global Development Partners. These were significant regional mergers that aligned well with Baker Tilly’s culture and strategy.
As Baker Tilly grows, opportunities for our people multiply, and we drive even greater results for our clients as Valued Business Advisors. We are honored that in 2015 Accounting Today named Baker Tilly the second fastest growing among the top 100 accounting firms and the third fastest growing firm in the US.
This annual report, “Making a Difference,” tells how and why we have come so far, so fast. Our story of growth is made possible by our extraordinary clients and our remarkable people who have built a truly incomparable culture. We have a goal to become America’s Finest Professional Services Firm. That goal may seem lofty, but it is one we are committed to making a reality.
