D FK International 50th A nniversary B ook - Foederer DFK

‘‘The people, the relationships, the‘reunions’ make all of us strive evenharder to ensure each other’s clientservice needs and expectations arefilled to the highest standards.‘‘Anniversaries provide a great opportunity forreflection and as DFK International prepares to markits first 50 years, it has caused me to reflect on whatmakes it such a great organisation. The headlinefigures characterise its strength, depth and globalreach, but what truly makes DFK a remarkableorganisation today is its people and the relationshipsthey build, just as it was when the association wascreated 50 years ago.This book aims to demonstrate DFK International’sgreat journey through the past 50 years, affirmingwhat it has proudly achieved and proving againthat DFK is not just about the numbers – it’s aboutpeople.Ronald Warlow, John Douglass and François-MauriceRichard, the founders, believed the best way togrow the organisation was by personally knowingthe members that were being allowed to join. This“personally knowing the members” philosophy stilldrives DFK’s success today and there are manystories and anecdotes in the book that illustratethis continued approach.The relationships run much deeper than just theprofessionals knowing and trusting one another.Conferences around the world include both theprofessionals and their families and this brings apersonal approach that, as I have witnessed at firsthand, adds another dimension that benefits us all.The staff at the executive office have always done anoutstanding job in making sure the conferences runsmoothly, that new members are warmly welcomedand that the families accompanying them arelooked after and made to feel part of the group.DFK International was formed in order to serveclients with international interests. The people,the relationships, the “reunions” make all of usstrive even harder to ensure each other’s clientservice needs and expectations are filled to thehighest standards. Unfortunately, space precludesmentioning the hundreds of individuals that havehelped build and shape DFK over a 50 year span.Since DFK is primarily a volunteer organisation,there are so many that are deserving of the highestpraise and gratitude. Every conference I attend,I hear the DFK folklore of these legends, giantsand icons and the tremendous effort they madeon behalf of DFK.So, as you turn through the pages of theDFK 50th Anniversary Book and get acquaintedwith how we are organised, the various regions,committees and activities, remember that whathas made DFK such a success are the people andthe relationships. This was the intention of thefounders and so it continues today. I hope thatyou enjoy your journey with DFK International.Scott HazyPresident DFK InternationalBennett Thrasher P.C., USA5

Chapter 1About DFK International6

DFK International is one of the world’s leading associations ofindependent accounting firms and business advisers. Its memberfirms have been providing high quality services to clients for50 years, combining their local knowledge with global connectivityto provide seamless service delivery on time and at the right price.7

About usDFK International is one of the world’s leadingassociations of independent accounting firms andbusiness advisers. The association was formedto bring together strong national firms of publicaccountants to enable them to:Philosophy and valuesWhile member firms have their own cultures,reflecting their local business environment,DFK is guided by the following principlesand values shared by all members:• Enthusiasm for fully understanding clientobjectives and delivering effective advice;• Dedication to providing personal and timelyservices through experienced advisers;• Commitment to achieving consistentprofessional and ethical standards.Mission and visionThe vision statement captures the strategicintent for DFK and describes how theorganisation wants to be perceived in the future –what success looks like. It is an expression of thedesired end state and challenges everyone in theorganisation to reach for something significant –it inspires a compelling future and providesa long-term focus for the entire organisation.• Provide services of the highest professionalstandards to their clients;• Act for new clients with international businessneeds;• Share technical knowledge, practice managementexperience and practice development concepts;• Adopt the latest international standards andquality control procedures;• Promote the flow of international work.It has been helping its member firms meet theneeds of clients with international business interestsfor more than 50 years. Member firms are chosenfor the quality of service they provide in terms ofboth technical competence and service delivery.Each member firm is an independent legal entityin its own country. Member firms that include DFKin their firm’s name are classified as network firmsin accordance with EU and IFAC requirements.Network firms are required to participate inindependence checking of the audit statement ofall public interest entity clients of other networkmember firms. Member firms that do not includeDFK in their firm’s name are not network firmsand do not need to participate in such checks.The mission captures the essence of why theorganisation exists – who we are and what we do.It is singular in that it has one unifying purpose,it explains the basic needs that DFK seeks to fulfiland it expresses the core values of the organisation.‘‘Vision: The vision of DFK International is to berecognised as the world’s leading association ofindependent accounting and business advisoryfirms for the quality of service provided toclients with cross-border interests.‘‘‘‘Mission: The mission of DFK Internationalis to enable member firms to provide to theirclients accounting and business services tothe highest professional standards throughoutthe world in order to meet their clients’international business needs.‘‘8

Client-orientated strategyDFK has adopted a client-orientated strategythat is underpinned by ethical standards betweenmember firms that promote the association’s corevalues of trust, responsiveness, mutual respect andfairness for the benefit of the client and for thequality of referred work.The aim is to ensure that DFK is the preferredsolution provider for clients seeking‘‘international business.‘‘As an association of independent firms,DFK International depends on the strength andquality of its independent member firms and itdoes not seek to control its member firms with a‘one size fits all’ approach. Members are requiredto perform their work to international standards,but DFK does not impose harmonised audit,centralised control or standardised branding.In line with this strategy, DFK seeks to attract andretain member firms that are strong in their localmarket and that provide quality accounting servicesto clients with cross-border interests. The emphasisis on ensuring that international client referralsby member firms are serviced successfully. Thefollowing strategic goals support the mission:• Ensuring that member firms are capable ofproviding high-quality services to clients withinternational business needs;• Facilitating effective co-operation betweenmember firms;• Ensuring that DFK has an enhanced reputationwith clients and potential clients for the qualityof service delivered by member firms;• Ensuring that members continue to benefit fromsharing knowledge and best practice experiencethrough a variety of forums at national, regionaland international levels.ServicesThe services provided by the member firms ofDFK include:• Accounting services• Audit• Business turnaround and recovery• Business valuation• Corporate finance• Corporate governance• Corporate taxation• Due diligence investigations• Forensic accounting and litigation support• Fraud prevention and detection• Internal audit• IT consultancy• Management consulting• Personal financial planning• Personal taxation• Risk management• VAT and other sales taxesThe aim is to ensure that DFK is the preferredsolution provider for clients seeking internationalbusiness. The size of the member firm is not acritical factor as smaller firms of good qualitycan also provide excellent service to clientswith international interests.9

Becoming a memberDFK International welcomes membershipenquiries from professional accounting andbusiness advisory firms that have a genuineinterest in developing international businessopportunities for clients. The association’sstrength comes from its member firms, whichhave a long-standing commitment to supportingand directing the development of the association.DFK members are committed to the highestlevels of professional competence. Potentialmembers are extensively reviewed beforebeing accepted. All member firms are requiredto participate in a regular quality reviewprogramme that reinforces the mutualconfidence and trust between member firms.Member firms are also expected to participatefully in the association’s activities and supportinternational and regional conferences andtraining seminars. Compliance with the DFKmembership criteria and international standardsis mandatory, as are prompt responsesto member firms and the association’scommunications.Benefits of DFK membershipinclude:• Access to an international group ofaccounting firms that have a commitmentto providing high-quality services to clients;• Sharing professional, technical and practicemanagement information with like-mindedcolleagues;• Active development of international businessopportunities rather than simply relying onclients to identify international needs;• Access to the DFK database enabling memberfirms to match a client’s requirement withanother DFK member who has the requiredlanguage proficiency and the appropriateprofessional and industry experience;• Participation in international, regionaland national DFK training seminarsand conferences that enable membersto be aware of the latest professionaldevelopments;• Access to specialist groups with expertisein audit and accounting, internationaltaxation, IT and marketing.DFK members are committed tothe highest levels of professional‘‘competence.‘‘10

Benefits to clientsDFK member firms work together on internationalaudit and tax assignments and have developedstrong bonds and a streamlined approach to servicedelivery. They also play significant roles in thedevelopment of technical and quality standardsacross the association.‘‘Developing effective relationshipswith clients is vital to understandinghow to best help them to achievetheir objectives.‘‘The work of DFK ischaracterised by:Effective relationshipsDeveloping effective relationships with clients isvital to understanding how to best help them toachieve their objectives. DFK firms are ready toinvest time and effort in developing professionalrelationships with clients without compromisingthe independence and objectivity of their work.Commercial approachThe advice and assistance delivered by DFK firmsis objective and aims to give practical commercialsupport to clients – so that valuable human, financialand organisational resources are employed efficiently.Firms are committed to helping clients makeeffective decisions and are committed to meetingclient timetables.Entrepreneurial approachDFK firms have an entrepreneurial approach andactively seek to share information and experienceand deliver ideas to clients for improving financial oroperational effectiveness. They work to help clientsexploit new and developing opportunities.Commitment to qualityDFK firms participate in a quality review processthat ensures, as a minimum, that all firms meetinternationally recognised professional standards.Firms are committed to recruiting and retainingcapable and qualified staff.11

Chapter 2The DFK storyDFK has grown over a period of 50 years to become one of the world’sleading associations of independent accounting firms and businessadvisers. This chapter charts the course of its development, from itsorigins in the 1960s, through periods of expansion and developmentin the 70s, 80s, 90s and the new millennium. It also contains tributesto the people who played a leading role in developing the association,as well as personal reflections on the value of DFK beyond business.12

The origins of the associationThe association was founded in July 1962 byRonald Warlow, then London partner of EdwardThomas Pearson & Son and John Douglass, thensenior partner of J.W. Douglass, Gilder & Co.of Sydney, Australia. They were soon joined byFrançois-Maurice Richard from Paris, who was atthe time president of the International Congressof Accountants and a very prominent figure in theaccounting profession in France. The idea was simple– to bring together like-minded professionals to serveclients with international business needs. The aimwas to provide clients with an alternative to the then“Big Eight” global accounting firms. It was decidedthat the group would operate by mutual agreementbetween member firms and that each member firmwould keep its identity and complete autonomy.In choosing members to join the association, themost important factor was professional reputation,which mattered more than just the size of the firm.From the start, it was clear that the best approachwas to develop the association gradually throughpartners who had been introduced to one anotheron personal professional recommendations. Thisapproach laid the foundation for an associationbuilt on mutual respect, confidence and trust.What’s in a name?Association formed (1962)The International Accounting GroupSecond Biennial Meeting Paris (1967)The Hallett Douglass International Group(Hallett Group)US firm Elmer Fox & Co. joins theAssociation (1971)The Hallett Douglass Elmer FoxInternational GroupFounder members: Ronald Warlow,François-Maurice Richard and John Douglass.UK firm changes its name from Hallettto Kidsons (1973)Douglass Fox Kidsons(DFK)Sixth Group Meeting Copenhagen (1974)Douglass Fox Kidsons International(DFK International)The idea was simple: to bring togetherlike-minded professionals to serve clients‘‘with international business needs.‘‘Elmer Fox leaves the Association (1976)Douglass F.-Richard Kidsons International(DFK International)Association incorporated in theNetherlands as a ‘Vereniging’ (1983)DFK International13

Early management of the associationFrom the start, the group operated as a members’organisation with all major decisions taken byconsensus. The first formal group meeting was heldin Amsterdam in 1965 under the joint chairmanshipof François-Maurice Richard and Ronald Warlow.Representation at that first meeting includedmember firms from Canada, Denmark, France,Netherlands, United Kingdom and the US. It wasagreed that the group secretarial services wouldbe provided by Hallett, Warlow & Co. from itsLondon offices with Ronnie Warlow filling the roleof secretary general. Initially, the group met everytwo years with the meeting planned to coincidewith the International Congress of Accountants.At first it operated under the name The InternationalAccounting Group, but at the Second BiennialConference held at the Cercle de l’Union Interalliéein Paris in 1967, the group adopted the nameThe Hallett Douglass International Group.By the end of the 1960s, the group’s membershiphad expanded significantly and included memberfirms in most of the important trading countries ofthe world including Australia, Canada, Denmark,France, Federal Republic of Germany, Hong Kong,Ireland, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway,South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom andthe United States of America.By the end of the 1960s, the group’s membershiphad expanded significantly and includedmember firms in most of the important trading‘‘countries of the world.‘‘Membership and historical dates spanning 50 years1962Cuban missilecrisis1962The InternationalAccountingGroup formed1962FranceFrançois-MauriceRichard(F.-M. Richard)1965Japan’s Bullettrain opens1965First groupmeeting inAmsterdam1966Mao Zedonglaunches thecultural revolution1967Second meetingin Paris; grouprenamedHallett DouglassInternationalGroup1969IrelandMcQuillan & Co.(Anne BradyMcQuillans DFK)1969First moonlanding14

The 1970sThe early 1970s was a turbulent time for the group,especially among the membership in the US. In1971, Elmer Fox & Co., which was at the time the13th largest accounting firm in the US, joined theassociation and the group was renamed The HallettDouglass Elmer Fox International Group.Following a merger in 1972, the United Kingdom firmchanged its name to Kidsons Hallett and the groupchanged its name in 1973 to Douglass Fox Kidsons,later adding International. The group continued toexpand its membership and there were soon newmember firms in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Cyprus,India and Pakistan as well as new correspondentmember firms in Kenya, Tanzania and Korea.In 1976, Elmer Fox & Co. resigned its membershipof DFK, leaving the association without a presencein the US. As a result, the name of the groupwas changed to Douglass F.M.-Richard KidsonsInternational, recognising the central role thatF.-M. Richard had played in the development ofthe association. The membership of DFK nownumbered 28 member firms with new memberfirms in Spain and Italy.In 1978, the firm inCanada was replaced bya group of independentaccounting firms withoffices across the country,known as the CanadianConsortium, which waseventually to becomeDFK Canada. DFK Italywas formed the sameyear with the memberfirm in Milan providing theleadership of the group.At the end of the 1970s, DFK International waspoised to enter a new phase in its developmentaimed at achieving a more stable internationalmembership, providing greater technical cooperationand support to member firms, andpromoting the name of DFK among clientsand potential clients of member firms.By this stage, DFK had established technicalcommittees dealing with international taxationand accounting and audit. There was also a GroupManagement Committee and regional committeesfor Europe and the Mediterranean, North America,Latin America and Asia-Pacific. The level of technicalinteraction within the group increased significantlyand the annual conference became a major occasionfor sharing practice development knowledgeand experience, and for building professionalrelationships through group social activities.Despite all this, the first priority of the groupremained, as it had been since the beginning, toprovide the best possible service to the clientsof member firms.1971GrouprenamedHallettDouglassElmer FoxInternationalGroup1972Pocketcalculatorsintroduced1973IndiaR.K. Khanna& Co. (RKJKKhanna & Co.)1973Sydney OperaHouse opened1973GrouprenamedDouglassFoxKidsons1975End of VietnamWar1976GrouprenamedDouglassF-RichardKidsonsInternational(DFKInternational)1976ItalyStudio Nicolini (N&CANicolini CommercialistiAssociati)1978ItalyDFK Italy1978CanadaThe Canadian Consortium (DFK Canada)1979MexicoDe la Paz, Costemalle y AsociadosHong KongAndrew Ma & Company (AMA CPA Ltd)15

The 1980sThe early 1980s was a period of transition forDFK. An important development in 1982 was theaccession to membership of The AccountancyGroup from the US, later to become known asDFK International/USA. The Accountancy Groupwas an established consortium of mid-sizedaccounting firms and its membership provided DFKwith high-quality firms and excellent geographiccoverage across the country. In that same year,the DFK member firms in Sweden formed a groupoperating under the collective name of “Sverev”.In 1984, DFK France was formed to co-ordinatethe activities of the increasing number of memberfirms in the country.Three bottles of wine produced by the DFKInternational Accountancy Group (USA) for theDFK International New York Conference, 1985.A significant change came in 1983 when DFKInternational moved from being an unincorporatedbody to become a legal entity. The association wasincorporated with limited liability in the Netherlandson July 1st, 1983 as a non-profit-making organisation,known in Dutch language as a Vereniging, with awritten constitution, known as a ‘Statuten’. Membersjoined under a formal members’ agreement, withgovernance provided by a board of directorselected by member firms.Under the constitution, the board of directorselect a president to represent the associationand vice-presidents to represent each of the threeregions: Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, MiddleEast and Africa (EMEA). The board also electsan executive committee to formulate policy andprovide leadership of the group, with day-to-dayadministration provided by an executive director,supported by an executive office staff. Initially, theexecutive office was based in the offices of theLondon firm Kidsons in the Aldwych, butmoved to Russell Square House in 1989.The DFK International executive office,Russell Square House, London.The latter half of the decade saw considerableexpansion of DFK, notably in Canada, France,Italy and the US. The large and influential nationalGerman firm of Wibera left the association in1989 as a result of a merger and was replacedby independent firms in Munich, Hamburg andDortmund to form DFK Germany. Also that yearFoederer B.V., which was to became the 15thlargest firm of accountants in the Netherlands,joined DFK, later changing its name toFoederer DFK.1981SwedenDFK Sweden1982USAThe AccountancyGroup(DFK/USA)1983DFKInternationalincorporatedin theNetherlands1983FinlandO. WesamaaHTMMexicoDFK Mexico1984FranceDFK France1984Band Aid formedto raise moneyfor anti-povertyefforts in Ethiopia1986Chernobyl nuclearaccident1986SingaporeNg, Lee &Associates1988TurkeyAMT BagimsizDenetim veSMMM A.S.1989NetherlandsFoederer B.V.(Foederer DFK)1989Berlin Wall falls1989GermanyPeters, Schönberger& Partner GbRRölfs, Bühler,Stümpges & Partner(Stümpges & Partner GbR)16

The 1990sFollowing a merger, Kidsons resigned from DFKin 1990, to be replaced by Chantrey Vellacott asthe London member firm, later changing its nameto Chantrey Vellacott DFK. Fortuitously for theDFK executive office team, the offices of ChantreyVellacott were also in Russell Square House,necessitating a move of only a few floors in thesame building!In 1991, a consortium of mid-sized accounting firmsin Australia known as The Accountants Networkjoined DFK as a national member, providingDFK with a presence in a number of states andterritories across the country. There was also furtherstrengthening of DFK’s position in the Asia-Pacificregion with a new member firm in Japan and thecreation of an Asia-Pacific Regional ExecutiveCommittee.Meanwhile in Europe, the DFK EuropeanDevelopment Committee (EDC) was formed in1992 to spur business developments and encouragecloser co-operation between members in theEuropean area. Also in 1992, the first edition ofthe DFK Worldwide Tax Overview was launchedby Alan E. Weiner, a senior tax partner at theNew York member firm Holtz Rubenstein & Co.Membership continuedto expand throughoutthe 1990s, with new andadditional members inBelgium, Canada, Cyprus,Iceland, India, Ireland,Malaysia, Russia, SouthAfrica and Switzerland.This period also sawthe expansion of DFKnational groups, notablyin DFK Mexico, which acted as a conduit tomember firms and potential member firmsthroughout Latin America.By the end of the 1990s, DFK International hadgrown to 145 member firms and was representedin 69 countries around the world. Despite havingmany more members, mutual trust built on personaland professional relationships continued to bea defining characteristic of DFK.By the end of the 1990s, DFK Internationalhad grown to 145 member firms andwas represented in 69 countries‘‘around the world.‘‘1990UKChantrey Vellacott(Chantrey Vellacott DFK)JapanKato Audit Corporation(SK Tokyo Audit)GermanyDFK Germany1991Operation DesertStorm leads toliberation of Kuwait1991AustraliaThe AccountantsNetwork (DFK ANZ)MalaysiaYeo Yong Poh & Co.(Folks DFK)1992MaastrichtTreaty createsEuropean Union1992New ZealandOswin Griffiths1993Use of the internetgrows exponentially1993NorwayRevisorhuset A/SMaltaFarrugia, Farrugia & Co.(DFK Malta)17

Value beyond businessJohn MannExecutive Officer DFK Asia-PacificHaving friends around the world gives me a greaterperspective on different cultures and a greater‘‘understanding of different economies.‘‘I am sure all firms join DFK International to growtheir business by providing a more global solutionto their clients as well as gaining referrals fromoverseas.However, there is a value to membership whichextends beyond business – friendship.My firm, Everall Merrett Mann, was part of theAccountants Network Australia who joined in 1991and my first real introduction to DFK Internationalwas the inaugural Asia-Pacific annual conference.It was there that I met people who are still mygood friends today, including Jerry Lee, Andrew Ma,Susan Ng, Ooi Chee Kun and Khoo Pek Ling.These friendships have blossomed over the yearsand having attended many international andregional conferences in Asia-Pacific, Europe andthe Americas, I have added to my list of friends.Having friends around the world gives me a greaterperspective on different cultures and a greaterunderstanding of different economies.Being a member of DFK has given me opportunitiesto travel and I have visited many countries that Iperhaps would not have otherwise. I have a muchbetter understanding of the issues facing someof our “emerging” countries and am learning alot about doing business in Asia.My wife, Anne, and I travelled around the worldin about three months in 2009. We visited manycountries and so met up with a lot of our DFKfriends. It is great to know that when you arrive ina new country, there is someone to advise you onplaces to stay and see. There is also the unwrittenrule of inviting your guests out for a meal – whata great tradition.So, it’s not just about business – it’s also aboutbuilding relationships and friendships that willenrich our lives and give us a better appreciationof our world.1993LebanonLiban Corporation(Tania Samaha Office)CyprusDemetriouTrapezaris & Co.1994NigeriaGiwa-Osagie & Co.SingaporeP G Wee & Partners1994North American FreeTrade Agreementenacted in Canada,Mexico and US1994AustriaWeiler & WeilerArgentinaEstudio Sambuccettiy AsociadosFijiJay Lal & Co.1995World TradeOrganisationestablished1995LuxembourgD.M.S & AssociésS.à.r.l.EgyptAHC1995Costa RicaDespachoCarvajal &ColegiadosTaiwanSun Rise CPAs1996An IRA ceasefireends with a bombin London’s CanaryWharf District18

Demetris DemetriouDeputy President DFK International and Board MemberDFK Demetriou, Trapezaris Ltd, CyprusAfter lengthy deliberation, I concluded that one of thegreatest values has been my family discovering the‘‘world through DFK.‘‘One hardly knows where to begin when askedto consider the value of DFK International beyondbusiness, especially when considering 20 yearsof cherished memories. After lengthy deliberation,I concluded that one of the greatest values hasbeen my family discovering the world through DFK.DFK has given me, my family and my partners theopportunity to travel overseas at least twice a year.DFK has been great for me and my wife, Artemis,as we have had fantastic times with our DFK friendsaround the world.DFK has been great for me and my partners as ithas given us the chance to distance ourselves fromthe busy life of the office and think, even casuallysharing some of our experiences and worries withour DFK friends.We joined in 1993 and my first conference wasin Amsterdam. The late Geoff Foederer and otherorganisers made me feel so much a part of thegroup that I went on to never miss a Europeanor international conference.DFK has been great for my children as they havevisited places and met people that they will alwaysremember. Our trip to the international conferencein New York in 2000 was probably our best familyholiday. Because of that trip my then ten-year-oldson, Alexandros, recognised the Twin Towers whenthe tragic events of 9/11 were unfolding on televisionthe following year.DFK has been great for my firm as it has enabled itto service our international clients. Equally importanthas been the business generated from us beingactive members.There is on-going debate in the DFK family on onequestion: are we a bunch of friends or businesspeople? That question is easy. Most certainly both,and that too is great.1996RussiaMarka LtdSwitzerlandDFK (Switzerland) S.A.1997Transfer of sovereigntyof Hong Kong from UKto China1997IsraelMualem Glezer InbarJunio & Co.United ArabEmiratesN.R. Doshi & Partners1998Good FridayAgreement signedin Northern Ireland1998Korea, SouthWooRi Accounting CorporationVenezuelaDFK Camero,Romero y Asociados1999GuatemalaAmory González, CPAPhilippinesAcyatan & Co., CPAs1999The Euro introducedas the New EuropeanCurrency19

The new millenniumDFK International entered the new millennium witha strong and stable base of firms throughout themajor trading countries of the world. There was alsoexcellent representation in other important financialcentres and an increasing presence in developingcountries and emerging economies, especially inLatin America and Asia.National groups, which had been established inAustralia & New Zealand, Canada, France, Germany,India, Italy, Mexico, Sweden, United Kingdom& Ireland, and the US, played an increasinglyimportant role in the association, with many groupsestablishing their own executive offices and runningconferences and meetings.One of the more significant developments in DFK’sexistence was electronic communications. By 2001,DFK International had fully embraced e-mail asthe principal means of communication and begunto develop web-based communication through anew website and a private members’ website. In2006, the International Federation of Accountants(IFAC) produced a revised code that included anew definition of an accounting network. Afterconsultation with member firms, the board ofdirectors of DFK International decided that it didnot wish to be classified as a network, althoughit was accepted that member firms that carriedthe DFK name in their firm’s name could operateas ‘network firms’ within the association, subjectto taking the necessary steps to comply withindependence requirements.The global financial crisis that began in 2007/08placed a major strain on many member firms andtheir clients. Consolidation in the market placemeant that there was significant competition fromthe “Big Four” global accounting firms, but mostmember firms weathered the storm well by offeringhigh quality services at the right price. Dedicationto providing personal and timely services throughexperienced advisers remained a hallmark of themember firms of DFK International.As well as the growth in membership, there hadbeen a more than commensurate growth in thelevel of client referrals between members, whichhad been the core objective of the associationsince its foundation. A new development in 2010was multinational tenders, with one memberfirm taking a lead role with the client and subcontractingDFK member firms around the worldto provide a seamless service to the client to meettheir international business needs.As the association approached its first 50 years,it comprised over 200 member firms in more than80 countries with a total staff of over 10,000 anda combined fee income greater than one billionUS dollars. The ambitions and hopes of the earlyfounders had been more than fulfilled. By the time ofthe 50th anniversary, instant global communicationsenabled like-minded professionals to provideexceptional service to their client.2000PortugalDFK & AssociadosIcelandEndurskoounarskifstofanLtd2001EcuadorMicelle Cia. Ltda.RomaniaDFK Romania SRLTunisiaCabinet CMC2001World TradeCenter attacks2001Saudi ArabiaSaleh Al-NaimChartered Accountants& Auditors2002BelgiumJuribel BvBA2002Enron crisis leadsto demise ofArthur Andersen2003HondurasCoca Luque yAsociados,S. de R.L.2003US led invasionof Iraq2004MauritiusDFK – R.C. PartnersUruguayCCP Asociados20

My memories of DFKEnrico NicoliniPartner N&CA Nicolini Commercialisti Associati, ItalyThe comparisons in size and structure of those firmsrepresented a challenge, notwithstanding François-Maurice’s great social skills and Ronnie's intellectualcapacity, whose experience helped to bring togetherdiffering styles, opinions and goals.I have always appreciated the enthusiasm andoptimism that led DFK’s founders to lay thegroundwork of our association and am sure thatthey would never have imagined how their boldand far-sighted initiative would evolve.The past successes of DFK are a stimulus, a sourceof inspiration, strength, hope and enthusiasm, toface the challenges of the present and the future.I have had the honour to be part of DFK since1976 and the pleasure of meeting its founders, inparticular, François-Maurice Richard from Paris andRonald Warlow, otherwise known as Ronnie, fromLondon, and other influential characters such asKenneth McQuillan from Dublin.Competition and the ambition of the most advancedfirms have created grounds for change andimprovement in the structure of the association.Today, DFK is an established and vital part ofmember firms, with a strong desire to consolidatefurther. This is demonstrated not only by thegrowing number of members attending meetingsand conferences year-on-year, but also by theirinvolvement in many other initiatives such as trainingcourses for young managers and partners.To quote an ancient Roman proverb, “Ubi amici ibiopes” – “where there are friends, there is wealth” –and it is this spirit that will continue to lead DFK.The 1970s was a decade characterised byvibrant economic developmentand my firm, as with manyEuropean members, waslooking beyond its nationalborders for inspiration fromhighly-structured firms.The past successes of DF K area stimulus, a source of inspiration,strength, hope and enthusiasm,to face the challenges of thepresent and the future.2004The devastatingIndian Oceantsunami2005PeruRivera y AsociadosPapua NewGuineaRichard Hill &Associates (DFKHill Mayberry Ltd)2005IndonesiaAnwar & RekanPolandAdAc Sp. z.oo.CzechRepublicAuditor EU2005Mohamed El Baradeireceives the NobelPeace Prize2006KuwaitAldarInternationalAccountants &ConsultantsDenmarkAddere Revision2006BoliviaTorquato &AsociadosS.R.LMoroccoProximoExpertise2006GreeceDFK MonDayPapakyriacouHungaryDr. Gyarmathy& Partner LtdUK & IrelandDFK UK & Ireland2006Oman,Sultanate ofIBN HyanCharteredAccountantsJordanElias Shahin Office2006Saddam Husseinsentenced to deathby an Iraqi court21

My memories of DFKJuan PachecoPartner De la Paz Costemalle, MexicoMy first contact with DFK was purely business.Never did I imagine that my involvement with theassociation would allow me to meet people whowere so like-minded – and so great-minded!I have many memories of DFK but a few areparticularly fond because they highlight theassociation as being a family as well as a business.I will never forget that late September evening whenmy wife MariCarmen received a phone call froma distressed DFK mum in Australia. Her daughterhad become ill whilst back-packing around Mexicoand her plans had been ruined by the bad weathercaused by the hurricane season.As well as enjoying the benefits of receivingbusiness from other member firms, what has beenfar more rewarding has been referring clients whostill thank our firm for being so well-served by atrustworthy regional and international association.We immediately contacted her daughter and tookher into our home for a few weeks. When herhealth had recovered, we showed her our city andsurroundings and through these shared experiences,she became great friends with our own youngdaughters.I have many memories of DF Kbut a few are particularlyfond because they highlightthe association as being afamily as well as a business.We also became close friends with her mum and thiswas just one of many lasting bonds that we formedwith DFK friends all around the world.During the time I was honoured to serve on theboard, executive committee and as vice-presidentof the Americas, and DFK became part of myfamily’s life.We soon realised that the DFK meetings andconferences, held in different cities around theworld, provided our family with a perfect opportunityto take our family vacations and our daughtersenjoyed many years of summer camps in locationsclose to DFK conference cities. Thanks to DFK,we enjoyed more than 10 years of family travel thathas added enormously to the enrichment of ourfamily life.As my commitments came to an end, one of theissues we faced was deciding where to go for familyholidays during the summer as, for a decade, DFKhad chosen for us!2007ChinaBeijingZhongxuanyuCPA Co. LtdSino-Bridge ChinaConsulting Ltd2007BulgariaDFK ANDAConsulting Ltd2007Sub-primelending leads toglobal financialcrisis2008PakistanRizwan &CompanyChileObregón yAsociadosLimitada2008Black Monday inworldwide stockmarkets2008BahamasJames B. Gomez& Co.SpainPleta Auditores S.L.2008Fidel Castro retiresas the President ofCuba after nearlyfifty years2008VanuatuAJC – Vanuatu22

The warm greetingsexchanged between membersmade me realise thatDF K was more than just abusiness and the friendshipand camaraderie made itfeel like a family reunion.Simon FraserPast Executive Director DFK InternationalI joined DFK just before the 1998 internationalconference in Hong Kong and the first eveningof that conference gave me an important insight.My tenure coincided with a period of enormouschange in the scale and pace of globalcommunications. We transitioned from paper-basedcommunications sent by mail and fax to emails, andfrom accounts recorded in hand-written ledgers tocomputer-based spreadsheets. Presentations atmeetings and conferences moved from overheadprojectors and chalkboards to laptop-basedPowerPoint.The warm greetings exchanged between membersmade me realise that DFK was more than justa business and the friendship and camaraderiemade it feel like a family reunion. It soon becameapparent that this close relationship betweenmembers was vital if worldwide firms were to workeffectively together on client assignments andexploit the opportunities that DFK provided toshare experiences and learn from each other.As executive director, I endeavoured to build onthis asset, which is why we introduced additionalopportunities for members to work together, suchas periodic meetings of national group chairmen,support for training courses and the introductionof regional committees.The international conference, with the precedingboard and executive committee meetings, wasthe highlight of each year. Every conference hasgreat memories for me and also for my wife Sally.I will never forget 9am on the first day of the Berlinconference when there was no sign of the president,Bernhard Winterstetter. I called his room to find himin the shower thinking it was a 9.30am start. Fiveminutes later, he ran into the conference to a massiveround of applause, which he again enjoyed at theend of the conference when during the Gala Dinner,unannounced, the DFK band took to the stage!I consider myself most fortunate to have been part ofthe DFK family and to have enjoyed the company andfellowship of such an august group of professionals.2008PanamaCuadra yAsociados2009Bernard Madoffimprisoned for150 years for fraud2009AzerbaijanIsgandarov &Partners, LLCThailandASV &Associates Ltd2009Satyam ComputerServices scandal inIndia rattles Big Fouraccounting firms2009GhanaAryeetey &Associates2010Political turmoilin Thailand2010VietnamDFK Vietnam2011BrazilAdviser2011UkraineInternationalInstitute ofAudit andGlavbuh AuditUgandaJP Magson2012BelgiumVCLJ BvBALebanonFiduciaire du MoyenOrient (FMO)23

People have always been at the heart of DFK International and this section highlightsa few of those who have made an outstanding contribution to the development of theassociation over its first 50 years. The list is by no means comprehensive and there aremyriad individuals whose contribution has been “above and beyond”, whether in an officialcapacity or acting on their own initiative.They have helped make DFK what it is today – a global organisation that enables itsmembers to provide exceptional service to their clients.Heroes of DFKJohn Walter DouglassJohn Walter Douglass was one of the three‘founding fathers’ of DFK International and‘‘a leading figure in its early development.‘‘On returning to Australia, and following discussionswith his fellow partners, it was agreed thatJ.W. Douglass, Gilder & Co. would join the group.John devoted considerable effort to the group’sdevelopment, including attending the secondinternational conference in Paris in 1967 and thethird in San Francisco.John Walter Douglass was one of the three“founding fathers” of DFK International anda leading figure in its early development.John was the senior partner of J.W. Douglass,Gilder & Co., a firm of accountants based in Sydney,Australia, and in 1962 he travelled to Londonwhere he met with Ronnie Warlow of the Londonfirm Edward Thomas Pearson & Son. It was at thismeeting that agreement was reached to form agroup of independent accounting firms that wouldco-operate for the purposes of better serving theneeds of clients with international business interests.He was appointed area chairman of the Pacific andFar East and was active in recruiting new membersfrom the area. By the time of the fourth internationalconference, which was held in Sydney and hostedby J.W. Douglass, Gilder & Co., John had succeededin recruiting member firms from Hong Kong, Japanand New Zealand.John retired from practice in 1970, but the firmhe had founded remained a member of DFK fora further 20 years. He died in 2002 but his nameand memory lives on in the association that he cofoundedin 1962.24

As secretary general, Ronnie was the engineroom of the association and its growth andsuccess are tribute to his professionalism,‘‘hard work and character.‘‘Ronnie WarlowHe went on to serve as secretary general for theassociation for over 20 years, working tirelesslyto help member firms with their internationalbusiness contacts and to put the early ideas intopractice, to develop procedures and to identifynew member firms.It’s impossible to overstate the importance of RonnieWarlow to the early development and expansion ofDFK into a major force in international accounting.He was a man of enormous and diverse talent.An accomplished professional, he also served withdistinction as a military officer, was a senior churchwarden, a Master of a City of London Guild and areputed politician, standing for Parliament in thefirst post-war election.Ronnie came up with the concept of an internationalaccounting group in the 1950s when he was apartner in a London firm. He had developed anumber of international connections and tookforward his idea with John Douglass and François-Maurice Richard.As secretary general, Ronnie was the engineroom of the association and its growth andsuccess are tribute to his professionalism, hardwork and character.Ronnie was blessed with having his wife, Louise,as a loyal and supportive partner for whom all inDFK had great affection, not least for all she didto make the annual conferences such a success.By his retirement in 1983, the association hadgrown from a group of three member firms toone of the leading associations of its kind in theworld with over 100 member firms in more than50 countries. Many friends of DFK were presentat his funeral to say goodbye in 2003.25

Heroes of DFKFrançois-Maurice RichardHe always gave freely, selflessly and with fullness of lifein the service of his country, his profession and of the‘‘international association that became DFK.‘‘He always gave freely, selflessly and with fullnessof life in the service of his country, his profession andof the international association that became DFK.As a founder of DFK International, François-MauriceRichard was one of the most influential figures in itsearly development. A man of immense professionalstanding in his native France, he was the ideal choiceto be the association’s first president and he playedan active role in leading and shaping DFK in theposition he held for almost 20 years.François gave great service to the accountancyprofession in France, not least as Président d’Honneurof the Ordre National des Experts Comptables et desComptables Agréés and as a member of the Councilof the International Federation of Accountants.His involvement with DFK began in 1962 when hemet John Douglass and Ronnie Warlow, who werekeen to know whether he was interested in joiningan international group of accountants. At the time,François was deeply involved in international mattersas president of the Ninth International Congress ofAccountants, but he agreed immediately and helpedform a nucleus of suitable firms.As president of DFK, François articulated theassociation’s objectives with great clarity andchampioned the cause with enthusiasm and vigourat every opportunity. He presided at the first meetingin Amsterdam in 1965 and at every subsequent oneuntil his retirement due to ill health in 1982. Sadly,he died the following year.With John and Ronnie, François built the foundationsof what was to become one of the world’s leadingassociations of independent accounting and businessadvisory firms.Ken McQuillan‘‘We are assured that when we said that Ken would never‘‘be forgotten, it was true.Ken founded the McQuillan firm when he qualifiedin 1955 and joined DFK in 1969. For 35 years, heimmersed himself in all things DFK.He served twice as chairman of the DFKInternational Tax Committee, as DFK budget officer,on the DFK board of directors and executivecommittee, and as chairman of the DFK LegalEntity Study Group which led to the incorporationof DFK. He is also credited as an architect of theDFK Members’ Agreement.26

My wife, Susan, and I were “adopted” by Ken in 1984at the DFK conference in Amsterdam. He took usfirst-timers under his wing and a 20-year friendshipbegan. That was Ken – always making sure that DFKand its members were attended to. He was funny,charming, a man of opinions and with facts to backthem up, articulate and had DFK blood runningthrough his veins.Ken did so much for DFK International that an awardwas created in his honour. The Kenneth McQuillanAward was established to “recognise outstandingservice to DFK” defined in his spirit “as a cheerfulwillingness to be involved in work and socialactivities” of DFK. That’s what Ken instilled in us –that indomitable DFK spirit and we are assured thatwhen we said that Ken would never be forgotten,it was true.Our favorite picture is of Ken at the DFK annualconference in Washington, DC, in 1992. The ideafor the picture was mine when I saw the tourist busparked outside the hotel. The pose was Ken’s idea –and that’s the way we continue to remember him.We were last together in Berlin in 2003. His heartstopped in September 2004 but his spirit lives on.Tribute by Alan E. WeinerPartner Emeritus Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLP, USAJohn Powell‘‘During his time as executive director, John travelled extensively‘‘to identify firms to expand DFK’s global coverage.During his time as executive director, John travelledextensively to identify firms to expand DFK’s globalcoverage. He successfully recruited new memberfirms in Japan, Cyprus, Russia, Argentina andMalaysia amongst many others.John was instrumental in the first Asia-Pacific meetingin 1991 and the growth of that region was among hismany successes. Others were the establishment ofthe European Development Committee and trainingcourses on international audit matters.When John Powell became involved with DFK inthe 1970s as a partner of one of our founding firms,Kidsons, he would never have anticipated rising topresident and subsequently executive director.John’s first challenge as executive director was tofind a replacement firm in London which, throughmuch of DFK’s history, had been the largest member.Coincidentally, there was a large firm in the samebuilding as the executive office. John met withtheir senior partner Brian Callaghan and, as a result,Chantrey Vellacott joined.John cared passionately about the togethernessand reputation of DFK, and was greatly helped inhis ambassadorial role by his beloved wife Joy. Johnexuded natural charm and had a very sharp mindwhich, with his dapper appearance in his signatureblue blazer and yellow tie, was a combination ofattributes that served DFK with distinction.Tribute by Simon FraserPast Executive Director DFK International27

Heroes of DFKL. Gerald LevitzHe travelled the world to personally let membersknow that they were the critical mass of the‘‘organisation. He was ‘Mr. DFK’.‘‘factory, Gerry somehow wound up behind a lockedglass enclosure where the cutters worked to showhis diamond acumen!We used to say that the Levitz and Weiners wereabout as close as friends could be despite thedistance between Ottawa and New York! The fourof us might have inadvertently invented the DFK preandpost-conference tours with our catamaran cruiseof the Great Barrier Reef in 1994!Gerry took DFK to new heights as deputy presidentand president throughout the 1990s. He travelled theworld to personally let members know that they werethe critical mass of the organisation. He was “Mr. DFK”.Gerry was managing partner of Ginsberg GluzmanFage & Levitz (GGFL) and involved with thefounding firms of DFK in Canada. He servedas president of both DFK Canada and DFKInternational and was recognised with theKenneth McQuillan Award in 2005.Gerry’s long-time partner and friend Bruce Johnstonsaid it best: “Gerry was always of the view that oneneeded to get involved to first contribute to theorganisation, second to learn from the people involvedin the organisation, and third to enjoy what and howyou do it. Gerry made DFK a natural part of GGFL.”Gerry passed away on October 3, 2009. Our lastcorrespondence was via email in August 2009 whenI asked Gerry for ideas or suggestions for DFK’s50th anniversary. He replied: “Yes, make sure I amthere.” You’re here, Gerry.Gerry was quite a guy. He was very smart and veryfunny. When the DFK group toured a diamondTribute by Alan E. WeinerPartner Emeritus Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLP, USAAlan E. Weiner‘‘He is always one of the first to welcome a new member or‘‘greet an old friend – and is never without a camera.Alan is a well-known and much-loved member ofthe DFK International family. With his wife, Susan,Alan has attended DFK conferences since 1984. He isalways one of the first to welcome a new member orgreet an old friend – and is never without a camera.He must have taken thousands of photographs andalways sends copies to those he has met.Alan was a partner at Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLPin New York for over 30 years. The firm joined DFKin 1982 and Alan became an active member twoyears later.28

By 2012, he had been to all but one of DFK’s annualconferences, with our 50th being his 28th. Whocan forget Buenos Aires in 2008 when Alan gaveevery delegate a T-shirt printed with the dates andplaces of all the conferences that he and Susan hadattended!Alan’s involvement in DFK spanned three decades,embracing the roles of:• Chairman of the DFK International Tax Committee;• DFK International board and executive committeemember;• Vice-president Americas (twice);• Initiator and producer of the DFK InternationalWorldwide Tax Overview.He has visited member firms in many countriesincluding Hong Kong, London, Paris, Munich, Québec,Rome, Lisbon, Auckland and Stockholm, and, withSusan, has also hosted many members in New York.In 2007, Alan was honoured with the McQuillanAward and the DFK/USA Lifetime AchievementAward.Alan and Susan are DFK VIPs. We salute themfor what they have done and for the warmth andfriendship they have shown to so many.Tribute by John MannExecutive Officer DFK Asia-PacificJerry LeeFor many years, he has been the ‘face of Asia’ andhas promoted the opportunities for doing business‘‘in the Asia-Pacific region.‘‘Jerry Lee looks and sounds just as he did in 1985.He is ageless and has kept his good sense of humouras well as his enormous gift of hospitality and greatmemory for names.Jerry has been an inspiration and a great friend tomany around the world. He always takes time towelcome new members into the DFK family andis also probably one of the greatest exponents ofnetworking in our DFK group.Everyone in DFK International knows Jerry Lee.For many years, he has been the “face of Asia” andhas promoted the opportunities for doing businessin the Asia-Pacific region.Jerry’s firm, Ng, Lee & Associates, joined DFKInternational in 1986 and he was appointed vicepresidentfor Asia-Pacific in 1991, becoming amember of the DFK International board andexecutive committee, and held that positionfor 15 years.As vice-president, he initiated the annual Asia-Pacific conference with the first held in his hometown of Singapore in 1991, and has attended everyone since then.Over the years, he has attended many Europeanconferences and is considered an “honorarymember” of DFK Australia New Zealand.Jerry’s talents are not just confined to his accountingand audit work. He is an original member of the DFKBand and will always be remembered for singing“A White Sports Coat” at the Asia-Pacific conferencein 1992.In recognition of his work for DFK, Jerry washonoured with the McQuillan Award in 2006.Tribute by John MannExecutive Officer DFK Asia-Pacific29

Chapter 3DFK behind the scenes30

DFK is all about helping member firms provide outstanding service totheir client. The association devotes considerable time and resourcesbehind the scenes to sustain its commitment to quality and to investin continual improvement in the services provided to members. Thischapter provides an insight into some of that activity.31

DFK organisationPurposeDFK International exists to bring together firmsof accountants and business advisers in the moreimportant countries of the world in order thatmember firms may better service their clients’needs for cross-border services.MembersDFK International is a membership organisationand is run by and for the benefit of its members.Its members are independent firms of accountantsand business advisers who are selected for therange and quality of services they provide to clients.In countries where DFK is represented by severalfirms, members co-operate to form national groupsto provide greater geographic coverage and toshare technical expertise and practice managementexperience. Member firms in the following countrieshave established national groups:• DFK ANZ, comprising Australia, New Zealandand Papua New Guinea• DFK Canada• DFK France• DFK Germany• DFK Italy• DFK Mexico• DFK Sweden• DFK UK & Ireland, comprising United Kingdom,the Irish Republic, the Channel Islands and theIsle of Man• DFK International/USADFK also admits firms of accountants ascorrespondent members, notably in developingcountries or where the firm does not offer a fullrange of services. Correspondent members areadmitted under the same procedures as memberfirms and benefit from access to the full range oftechnical resources and are able to participate inall DFK activities. However, they are not entitledto vote on association matters.OrganisationDFK International is a global organisationwith member firms in most of the importanttrading countries of the world. To provide greaterBoard meeting inChicago, 2011.co-ordination and a focus for local development,DFK is organised into three regions:• The Americas• Asia-Pacific• Europe, Middle East & AfricaEach of the regions is represented by a vicepresident,who is supported by an executive ordevelopment committee made of representativesfrom member firms in the region.GovernanceGovernance of DFK International is set out in a‘Statuten’ (Articles of Incorporation) and a members’agreement that details the objects of the associationand the rules governing membership, representation,general meetings and finance.The association is governed by a board of directorsthat is elected by the members. Members of theboard are partners or directors in the member firmsand are not remunerated for their board duties.The board comprises the president, the deputypresident, the immediate past president, threevice-presidents and other members elected bymember firms from various constituencies aroundthe world. The president, deputy president andvice-presidents are elected by the board andserve for a term of three years.The board sets the strategic direction for theassociation, approves the admittance of newmembers and sets the annual budget andmembership fees. It meets in-person annually at thetime of the association’s annual general meeting andat other times as required. The board has establishedan executive committee to oversee the managementof the association and has appointed an executivedirector for the day-to-day management of DFKInternational. The executive director is assisted inhis duties by executive office staff based in theassociation’s London offices.32

Rules and procedures for administering theassociation are set out in DFK guidelines thatare approved by the board and issued to allmember firms.Use of the DFK nameDFK International retains the right to the DFK nameand its distinctive logo. Subject to the agreementof the board of directors and in compliance withDFK guidelines, member firms can be grantedpermission to incorporate the letters DFK into theirfirm’s name as either a prefix or suffix (e.g. DFKLaurence Varney or Chantrey Vellacott DFK). Firmsthat adopt DFK are regarded as network firms inaccordance with IFAC and EU definitions and arerequired to comply with independence requirementsfor publicly listed and public interest entity auditstatement clients. The use of the letters DFK inconnection with a country name (e.g. DFK Mexico)is generally reserved for non-practising nationalgroups and only in exceptional circumstances willthe board grant permission for practising firms toadopt DFK “country name”.Technical CommitteesDFK has established technical committees whosemembers are volunteers from member firms.The purposes of the committees are to providea focus for sharing best practice and the latesttechnical developments on topics relevant totheir specialisation. Committee members meet byteleconference or webinar and in-person at the timeof the annual conference. They provide updates tomember firms via newsletters and through trainingworkshops and seminars at DFK conferences andmeetings so that member firms can increase thequality and value of services they offer to clients.The following technical committees have beenestablished by DFK International:• Accounting and Assurance Committee• International Tax Committee• International Marketing Committee• Information Technology CommitteeDFKPresidentsDFKExecutiveDirectors1965-1982François-Maurice Richard(France)2002-2005Bernhard Winterstetter(Germany)1962-1983Ronnie Warlow(Secretary General)1982-1990John Powell (UK)2005-2008Raymond Mack (Canada)1983-1990Ian Fraser1990-1994Claude Gengoux (France)2008-2011Michael J. Tovey (UK)1990-1998John Powell1994-1997L. Gerald Levitz (Canada)2011-Scott Hazy (USA)1998-2007Simon Fraser1997-2000Geoff Lane (UK)2007-2010Kevin Arnold2000-2002Stephen Feldman (USA)2010-Martin Sharp33

Executive office roleDFK International is, and always has been, abouthelping member firms support the needs of theirclients for cross-border accounting and businessadvisory services. But to make the associationfunction effectively, there is a great deal of effortbehind the scenes involving dedicated staff anda host of volunteers.At the international level, the association issupported by an administrative secretariat basedin the executive office in London. Initially, thesecretariat comprised the secretary general, whichbecame later known as the executive director, whowas supported by a secretary. As the associationgrew, the staff expanded to include a full-timeexecutive secretary, part-time bookkeeper,conference manager, administrative assistant andmarketing, communications and events manager.Some national groups are also supported byexecutive staff and the largest national group,DFK/USA, has a similar arrangement to that ofDFK International with an executive directorand full-time staff. Other national groups with adedicated executive staff include Australia andNew Zealand, Canada, Italy, Mexico and UK & Ireland.National group executive officers co-ordinateactivities, organise meetings and conferences,arrange teleconferences and training sessions,produce marketing materials and manage thegroup’s website.…there is a great deal of effort behindthe scenes involving dedicated staff and‘‘a host of volunteers.‘‘marketing materials, organising conferences andmeetings, and attending to finances. One of themajor tasks is organising the annual internationalconference, including making arrangements for theannual meeting of the board of directors and thebi-annual meeting of the executive committee.The executive office does not itself offerprofessional services or engage with clientsdirectly. However, it can assist member firmsseeking to refer their clients with cross-borderinterests and does this by maintaining a databaseof member services and monitoring the qualityof service provided by members through an onlinefeedback tool. The executive office staff alsomaintain links with their counterparts in otheraccounting networks and associations, throughwhich they can recommend professional contactsin locations where DFK is not represented orwhere members are unable to provide therequired services to clients.The quality of service provided to referredclients has always been an essential part of DFKInternational and is at the heart of the role of theexecutive office.The primary role of DFK International’s executiveoffice is to support the executive director inthe day-to-day management of the association,including maintaining a database of members andtheir contact details, producing publications andThe quality of service provided to referredclients has always been an essential partof DFK International and is at the heart of‘‘the role of the executive office.‘‘Executive office staff circa 1995: from left to rightRene Harwood, Armida Eslava and Ann Fawcett.34

Chapter 4A worldwide association36

Global coverage, local knowledge.37

A DFK regionThe AmericasThe Americas is a diverse, culturally rich region,comprising North, South and Central Americasand the Caribbean islands, and yet these areashave more in common than might be expected.The region is made up of firms that actively seekto be the best, and therefore want to learn fromthe very best to provide excellent services andsupport to our clients. This, by its very nature,means we must have global capabilities.Cultivating highly talented, technically outstanding,forward-thinking firms is a core philosophy andstrength of our key national groups – DFK Canada,DFK/USA and DFK Mexico. Each national groupfirm is committed to providing the best resourcesand solutions for their clients, attracting the bestemployees and future owners for their firms, andbeing dynamic leaders in their local, national andinternational communities.Through very strong technical and practicemanagement programmes within each nationalgroup, the firms are able to share knowledge andexpertise without regard to the geographicalexpanse of their countries.In the Americas, we are always looking for waysto be better firms and to work together morecohesively. As the 50th anniversary is celebrated,DFK CEPCA (Central America, Panama and theCaribbean) and DFK South America are beingformed. These areas recognise the strength inbringing together their firms under the DFKInternational umbrella.Through our continued commitment to open sharingof experiences, technical support and resources, andencouragement of one another, we are embarkingon new ways and enhancing old ways to createbetter firms for our clients, our employees and ourcommunities.DFK International brings a broader dimension toeach of our firms. Our community, our client needsand our best talents are no longer limited to aphysical geography. What matters is the depth ofthe expertise, commitment and talent. We have thatdepth through each of our relationships within DFKInternational.Linda KachiuVice-President The AmericasZainer Rinehart Clarke CPAs, USA38

Cultivating highly talented, technically outstanding,forward-thinking firms is a core philosophy andstrength of our key national groups – DFK Canada,‘‘DFK/USA and DFK Mexico.‘‘DFK CEPCA andDFK South AmericaDFK International recognises the value to membersand their clients of having groups of members thatare closely linked by language, geography andculture. Accordingly, DFK CEPCA (Central America,Panama and the Caribbean) and DFK South Americaare being established as formal groups within theAmericas region.DFK CEPCA comprises member firms from CentralAmerica and Hispanic countries of the Caribbean,and DFK South America includes member firmsin all countries of the South American continentwhere the association is represented. Their purposeis to develop closer ties between countries in theirrespective groups so that they can provide evenbetter service to their clients.39

A DFK national groupCanadaDFK Canada consistently ranks as the largestaccounting association in Canada.Our members are typically the largestindependent accounting firms in their region,with several in the top 30 in the country,and have well-established reputations withintheir communities and a commitment toprofessionalism, integrity and qualityof services.DFK Canada members share practice managementinformation and technical expertise throughconferences, conference calls, user groups, trainingand surveys.One of the greatest values for our members are themany specialist and practice committees. These activecommittees are forums for the exchange of technicalexpertise and practice management informationrelated to a particular practice or speciality area.Today, DFK Canada comprises 15 firms.We are the only association in the country to havecoast-to-coast coverage, from British Columbia inthe west to Newfoundland in the east.Exchanging information in areas from technology,human resources and practice management toaccounting standards, quality control and tax,members draw on each other’s expertise allowingthem to stay on top of the ever-changing environmentof a professional accounting services firm.Our members and their clients are provided withaccess to resources across the country.The association is governed by a board of directorswhich elects an executive committee on a bi-annualbasis and together they work with a full-timeexecutive director to achieve our strategic plan.A primary objective of DFK Canada and ourexecutive office is to facilitate the exchange ofinformation, best practices and resources in asupportive environment where all members canshare their knowledge and expertise to continuallystrengthen their practice.Members use our executive office as a first pointof reference in seeking help or information and, ifnecessary, are directed to the appropriate resourcewith the ultimate goal of ensuring that they get whatthey need when they need it.We are proud to be part of DFK International andits many achievements and look forward to the next50 years as a national group that is part of a top teninternational association.Kirk HigginsChairman DFK CanadaWBLI Chartered Accountants, Canada40

A DFK national groupMexicoThe central philosophy of DFK Mexico is toprovide an excellent service across a broadrange of activities with an overriding emphasison personal contact.We are responsible for co-ordinating thedevelopment across Latin America andhelping to maintain the global standardsof DFK International in each member’s office.We have created an environment for continuousdevelopment through training schemes andmultidisciplinary projects.Interestingly, an additional benefit is that it hasencouraged existing employees, as well as newrecruits, to further their own qualifications withadditional training.The establishment of a local executive office, inaddition to a board of directors for DFK Mexico,has proved to be a major step forward in ourdevelopment as it has enabled us to quicklyrespond to and process many good ideas andneeds of our expanding membership. It is a mustfor any national group.One of our greatest successes has been improvingrecruitment and training. Career development is amajor focus for DFK Mexico.On-line tools have been customised to meetthe needs of our member firms in helping themto overcome difficulties in identifying talentedprofessionals. Within a few months, the resultswere clear with recruitment much enhanced.Through our website, for instance, we promotethe platform that we provide to help launch andbuild successful careers within the profession.The training that we provide has improvedevery year through the use of e-learning andsharing of materials, and DFK Mexico is proudto be a Certified Learning Institute.We are committed to improving ourselves asprofessionals and have introduced a measuringtool nationwide to monitor standards.A key priority is to implement one quality standardfor all offices, not only in audit and accountingservices which has been in existence for manyyears but also in administration.For more than a decade, DFK Mexico has grownby more than ten percent year-on-year. We havegrown organically – recruiting more firms andmoving into more specialised areas in responseto market needs.Juan PachecoChairman DFK MexicoDe la Paz, Costemalle - DFK, Mexico41

A DFK national groupUSAWe take great pride in knowing how muchDFK/USA contributes to the continued successof DFK International.At the time of celebrating DFK’s 50th anniversary,our 23 member firms located in 21 states weregenerating a combined annual revenue of US$334million. Indeed, five of those 23 were in the topten DFK firms worldwide in terms of size.the conference serves as an important networkingopportunity for our member firms.Our Managing Partners’ Conference is generallyregarded as the most important of the year. It is herewhere every managing partner in DFK/USA, along withtheir nominated successors, discusses what it takes tomanage an accounting firm and shares best practice.Founded in 1978, DFK/USA is one of the oldestnational groups and continues playing a centraland vital role in DFK International. Like othernational groups, we enable the exchange of ideas,knowledge and information to provide the highestlevel of professional services to the clients ofmember firms, both in the US and around the globe.Our own member firms share practice managementinformation and technical expertise throughconferences, conference calls, inquiries totechnical committees and surveys. This exchangeof information largely takes place at our nationalconferences where specific committees and specialinterest groups within DFK/USA meet.Among the many we sponsor, the MultidisciplineConference, designed for technical partners andsenior managers, is the most popular. Aside fromexchanging best practice and technical information,Another great success is the conference devoted toleadership development. It provides training to newpartners and managers to help them develop intothe next generation of leaders of their firms and, inturn, DFK. This conference has continued to producea return on investment for our managers and youngpartners that is nothing short of extraordinary.There are many other positives about DFK/USA,a group in which I have been actively involved forover 25 years. We are a group of quality memberfirms that openly shares practice managementinformation and technical expertise, where futureleaders are developed and coached, and where ourcoverage is national but our focus is international.DFK/USA is a group of great people that I havebeen proud to serve as chairman, especially duringthe landmark year of 2012.Barry H. GarfieldChairman DFK/USAHoltz Rubenstein Reminick LLP, USA42

AnchorageVancouverArgentinaEstudio Sambuccetti y AsociadosBahamasJames B. Gomez & Co.BoliviaTorquato & Asociados S.R.LBrazilAdviser - Auditores IndependentesCanadaDallaire Forest Kirouac ca, s.e.n.c.r.l.Davis Martindale LLPGinsberg Gluzman Fage & Levitz LLPGinsberg, Gingras & Associates Inc.Kenway Mack SlusarchukStewart LLPKingston Ross Pasnak LLPKNV Chartered Accountants LLPLevy Pilotte LLPMRSB Chartered AccountantsNoseworthy Chapman CharteredAccountantsPope & Brookes LLPSegal LLPTaylor Leibow LLPTeed Saunders Doyle & Co.WBLI Chartered AccountantsChileObregón y Asociados LimitadaCosta RicaDespacho Carvajal &Colegiados Contadores PúblicosAutorizados, S.AEcuadorMicelle Cia. Ltda.GuatemalaAmory González, CPAHondurasCoca Luque y Asociados, S. de R.L.MexicoDe la Paz, Costemalle - DFK, S.C.De la Paz, Costemalle - DFK,S.C / López Novelo, S.C.P.DFK - GLF, S.C.DFK - González y Asociados, S.C.DFK/Llarena y Asociados, S.C.Hernández & HernándezAsociados - DFK, S.C.Leyva Albarrán y Asociados - DFK, S.C.Méndez Alvarado - DFK, S.C.Rodriguez Mena - DFK, S.C.Salazar Arreola - DFK, S.C.SeattlePortlandSanta RosaSan FranciscoIrvineTijuanaEdmontonCalgaryLas VegasHermosilloSaskatoonLos MochisLa PazDenverColorado SpringsChihuahuaSalgado & Sánchez, S.C.Salido Encinas y AsociadosTrueba Gracián, Altamirano - DFK, S.C.Vázquez Pola Consultores - DFK, S.C.PanamaCuadra y AsociadosPeruRivera y Asociados ContadoresPúblicos Sociedad CivilPuerto RicoMARS, LLPUruguayCCP AsociadosUSAAbdo, Eick & Meyers, LLPBader Martin P.S.Bennett Thrasher P.C.Bernard Robinson & Company LLPClarke, Snow & Riley, LLPEEPB, P.C.Ehrhardt Keefe Steiner & Hottman P.C.Ellin & Tucker, CharteredFriedman LLPFrost Ruttenberg & Rothblatt, P.C.Geffen, Mesher & Company, P.C.Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLPHuber, Ring, Helm & Co. P.C.KFMR Katz Ferraro McMurtry P.C.Mellott & Mellott, P.L.L.Piercy, Bowler, Taylor & KernRestivo Monacelli LLPRJI Ramirez Jimenez InternationalSanford, Baumeister & Frazier LLPShea Labagh DobbersteinCertified Public Accountants, Inc.Staff Ciampino & Company P.C.Stockman Kast Ryan + Co. LLPSwalling & Associates, P.C.Zainer Rinehart Clarke, CPAsVenezuelaDFK Camero, Romero y AsociadosWinnipegFort WorthMonterreyHoustonLéonQuerétaroMexico CityOrizabaEdinaGuatemala CitySt LouisMeridaDeerfieldHamiltonLondonPittsburghCincinnatiSt John'sQuébec CityGatineauOttawa Montreal CharlottetownSt JohnTorontoHalifaxAlbanyBostonProvidenceLong IslandNew York CityBaltimoreGreensboroGeorgiaTegucigalpaCurridabatPanama CityQuitoLimaNassauSantiagoLa PazGuaynaboCaracasBuenos AiresMontevideoMember firmsAmericasregionFull memberCorrespondent memberAs at 1 May 2012São Paulo43

A DFK regionOur region has a number of unique factors andcharacteristics that impact on doing businesshere including long distances, highly diversepopulations and cultures, variable economic andpolitical environments, and fluctuating currencyexchange rates.Asia-PacificDFK Asia-Pacific encompasses a large partof the globe – from India and Pakistan in thewest to Fiji in the southeast, and from Japanand China in the north to Australia and NewZealand in the south.In the fifth decade of DFK International, businesseswill be more connected globally than ever before.Asia-Pacific together with Latin America willbecome a major force in world economies andthere will be a greater need to provide professionalservices in these regions. We will ensure DFKis prominent in serving the needs of clients inour region.For many years, DFK Asia-Pacific wasenthusiastically driven by many of our members;foremost among them was Jerry Lee fromSingapore, who was our long-term vice-president.44

Our first executive officer, John Mann, wasappointed in 2009 to work with the vice-presidentand executive committee. We have been extremelyfortunate to have John’s services; he has been avery active member within DFK ANZ, DFK Asia-Pacific and DFK International. John has DFK runningthrough his veins.Since our first annual conference, hosted byNg, Lee & Associates - DFK in Singapore in 1991 andattended by 23 delegates, we have held conferencesannually throughout the region. There are a goodmix of technical issues, DFK development andnetworking. These conferences enable us to shareknowledge on the business issues in our region andto give member firms the opportunity to promotetheir business, their clients and their specialities.In the 50th year of DFK International, we havemember firms in 18 countries within our region.Our executive committee continues to worktowards increasing that number so that we arerepresented in all countries. Each country is requiredto have their own development plan which sets outhow they intend to build on the DFK presence.We have a strong national group in Australia andNew Zealand, and are helping our member firmsin India, China and Malaysia to develop nationalgroups there.A vision for the future was mapped out andadopted at our annual conference in 2005.Our goals are to:• Increase the number and locations ofquality members;• Develop a development plan for each ofour major countries;• Strengthen relationships between ourmember firms;• Strengthen the DFK brand in our region;• Develop technical support for our memberfirms;• Maximise attendance at conferences;• Ensure member firm compliance with DFKquality standards;• Create a sustainable financial environmentfor DFK Asia-Pacific.Our region is a growing economic giant. In thecoming years, there will be many opportunitiesfor our member firms to gain new clients throughinvestment from overseas and also in exportingtheir products and services around the world.Navin PatelVice-President Asia-PacificDFK Oswin Griffiths, New ZealandOur region is a growing economic giant. In thecoming years, there will be many opportunitiesfor our member firms to gain new clients‘‘through investment from overseas.‘‘45

A DFK national groupDFK Australia New ZealandDFK ANZ is a major force in the accounting professionin Australia and New Zealand and has 16 offices, with50 partners and over 250 staff, situated in the keycommercial centres. It also has an associated officein Papua New Guinea and works closely with DFKmember firms throughout the Pacific area.Through a forum of national events, conferencesand committees, our members exchange ideas andinformation in a non-competitive and supportiveenvironment and develop good personal relationships.This was the beginning of a new era and the resultwas an increase in the quality of member firms.DFK links with New Zealand date back to 1982,when representatives from the then memberfirm Chambers Nicholls attended their first DFKinternational conference in Mexico City that year.DFK Oswin Griffiths succeeded Chambers Nichollsas the New Zealand member firm in 1990 and waslater joined by DFK Carlton (the successor firm toChambers Nicholls in Auckland) in 2000.This exchange of information, skills, new ideas,methods and technology strengthens our reach andenables our members to maintain best practice andoffer great services to clients.Membership of DFK in Australia and New Zealandenables independent accounting firms to use thestrength of a national affiliation and capitalise onthe benefits of a global presence.DFK in Australia evolved from a group called theAccountants Network that was created in 1985 bya North Sydney firm, Meakin Trumble. The networkbegan with a member in Sydney, two in Melbourne,one in Brisbane and one in Adelaide.Expansion into Asia was next on the agenda. In 1990,when John Mann, the then chairman, visited Malaysiaand Singapore, DFK heard of the Australian network’srecruitment drive and approached it. The Networkjoined DFK in 1991.DFK Australia became incorporated in 1996 and wenton to become DFK Australia New Zealand in 2006.The member firms of DFK ANZ have developed a jointmarketing strategy to promote the DFK brand in bothAustralia and New Zealand. This is underpinned byclearly defined goals and objectives to raise awarenessof the DFK name among the client community.• DFK makes it happen. No matter what thechallenge, DFK has the solution;• DFK consists of individual businesses and that’swhy we understand yours;• DFK offers knowledge, service and capabilities tobusiness owners looking to expand across statesand internationally;• DFK provides a big firm expertise with stronglocal business knowledge.Chris CoultonChairman DFK ANZCIB Accountants & Advisers, Australia46

Member firmsAsia-PacificregionBeijingSeoulLahoreNew DelhiShanghaiTokyoFull memberCorrespondent memberAhmedabadMumbaiHyderabadCalcuttaHanoiHong KongTaipeiAs at 1 May 2012ChennaiBangaloreBangkokMandaluyong CityKuala LumpurSingaporeJakartaAustraliaCIB Accountants & AdvisersDFK – Richard Hill Pty LtdDFK Benjamin King MoneyDFK CollinsDFK Everalls Pty LtdDFK Gray PerryDFK Hirn Newey Pty LtdDFK KidsonsDFK Laurence VarnayDFK Lonsdale Pty LtdDFK Port Accounting Pty LtdGooding PartnersChinaBeijing Zhongxuanyu CPA Co. LtdMayee Management LtdSino-Bridge China Consulting LtdZhong Rui Cheng ShanghaiCertified Public AccountantsAMA CPA LtdFijiJay Lal & Co.IndiaCrossdomain Solutions PVTD G S M & Co.K. Vijayaraghavan & AssociatesChartered AccountantsKarra Advisory ServicesM.P. Chitale & Co.RKJK Khanna & Co.UBIX Management Services PVT LtdIndonesiaAnwar & RekanJapanLarkin & Associates Inc.SK Tokyo Audit CorporationKorea, SouthWoori Accounting CorporationMalaysiaFolks DFK & Co. Azman, Wong,Salleh & Co.New ZealandDFK Oswin GriffithsDFK CarltonPakistanRizwan & Company, CharteredAccountants, Tahir Consulting(PVT) LtdPapua New GuineaDFK – Hill Mayberry LtdPhilippinesAcyatan & Co., CPAsPerthFreemantleSingaporeJ K Medora & Co.MHC & Associates, DFKNg, Lee & Associates – DFKP G Wee & PartnersTaiwanSun Rise CPAS’ FirmThailandASV & Associates LtdVanuatuAJC – VanuatuVietnamDFK VietnamParramattaAdelaidePort MoresbyLautokaPort VilaCairnsBrisbaneSydneyCanberraMelbourneAuckland47

A DFK regionEMEAMember firms in Europe, Middle East & Africaare passionate about assisting clients toachieve their business goals in both theirlocal markets and internationally.Following the creation of the EuropeanDevelopment Committee (EDC) in 1992, theEMEA group of member firms has been constantlydeveloping, initially by building strong relationshipsin Western European countries and subsequentlyacross countries in Central and Eastern Europe.More recently the Middle East and Africa area hasbecome a focus for development and is now one ofthe main goals for the EMEA executive committee,which has been committed to developing the regionsince 2008. A Francophone group has recently beenformed to help developing membership in FrenchspeakingAfrican countries and enhance businessopportunities through common language.The executive committee is chaired by thevice-president for Europe, Middle East & Africa.This group is responsible for developing specificinitiatives to assist member firms and their clients.‘‘Social activities have great importance forstrengthening the relationships between themembers, combining a friendly atmospherewith a strong business focus.‘‘48

The region comprises a fascinating mosaic ofcultures, economic developments and politicalsituations, and it has been and remains a greatchallenge to develop.Each firm has its own culture, reflecting the localbusiness environment, but their partners share theirenthusiasm for serving the client’s interests.EMEA member firms benefit through participation ina wide range of meetings, conferences and trainingseminars. The highlight of the year is the annualconference for both partners in member firmsand their qualified staff. The conference coversbusiness issues and the development of technicaland personal skills. Social activities have greatimportance for strengthening the relationshipsbetween the members, combining a friendlyatmosphere with a strong business focus in a veryinternational environment since the conferencewelcomes partners from the Americas andAsia-Pacific every year.A conference dedicated to young professionals andmanagers is another opportunity for DFK members’staff to start building their network and relationshipswith fellow professionals from all over the region.Clear goals and objectives include:• Developing specific cross-border services –including mergers and acquisitions andtransfer pricing;• Targeting and recruiting new member firms;• Promoting DFK through newsletters, brochures,product leaflets;• Helping to strengthen the five well-establishednational groups of the region: France, Italy,Germany, Sweden and UK & Ireland.In 2011, the region appointed an executiveofficer to help support and co-ordinate regionalactions. I am very grateful to my EMEA colleaguesfor their contribution to the success of the regionand look forward to continuing to expand ourdevelopment activities.Mark LambVice-President EMEAChantrey Vellacott DFK LLP, UK49

A DFK national groupFranceDFK France is a group of independent accountingand audit firms in France that has a long anddistinguished association with DFK International.The group was created in 1984 to enable itsmembers to work together more effectivelyand offer quality services to their clients acrossFrance and internationally.supporting continuous professional education forpartners and personnel from member firms. Topicscovered include technical aspects of auditing andaccounting, tax and “soft skills” on matters affectingpractice development and practice management.The aim of those meetings is to examine issuesrelating to the development of the accountingprofession in France and internationally to improvethe integration between the national member firmsand offer high quality services to clients.From the start the group was led by Jean-PaulMohr, a leading figure in the accounting professionin France and managing partner of DFK memberfirm Société d’Etudes Comptables d’Alsace et deLorraine (SECAL). The firm was later joined byexperts in other accounting firms across France andDFK France now numbers eight firms with officesin Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, Marseille, Limoges andToulouse. The firm F.-M. Richard, which is namedafter one of the DFK founders, remains a prominentmember of DFK France.Succeeding Jean-Paul, Jean-Luc Mohr now chairsthe management of DFK France.A recent development for DFK International,supported and encouraged by DFK France, hasbeen the establishment of a DFK Francophonegroup, which provides a platform for DFK membersin French-speaking countries to work togetherto offer co-ordinated services to their clients.In addition to France, other Francophone countriesin DFK International include Belgium, Canada,Lebanon, Luxembourg, Mauritius, Morocco,Switzerland, Tunisia and Vanuatu.Jean-Luc MohrChairman DFK FranceSECAL, FranceThe group of independent accounting firmsand specialist audit practices is co-ordinatedfrom an office in Strasbourg, which organisesmeetings between member firms with the aim of50

A DFK national groupGermanyThe strong foundation of DFK Germany continuesto ensure the fruitful co-operation of our memberfirms and with our partner firms around the world.DFK Germany was built upon the objective,initiated by Peters Schönberger & Partner inMunich in 1990, of establishing a group of similarsizedaccounting firms committed to deliveringhigh-quality professional services to clients withworldwide needs.support their international management and,at the same time, require advice in order to minimisetheir financial risk.The accountancy and consulting firms withinDFK Germany have to be highly proficient in manyservices to meet the ongoing and changing demands,including international taxation, audits of worldwidegroup structures, corporate finance advice andinternational reporting and monitoring.By 2012, our national group consisted of five firmswith a total of eight offices covering all of theimportant industrial regions of Germany, and providingaccounting, tax, business consulting and legal services.Each firm is well known within its own region, witha strong and attractive profile in its own right.The most important common ground shared byour firms is the strategic focus on serving whatis known as the Mittelstand – medium high-endfamily businesses with international operations.These businesses market their products worldwideand many have sales and service outlets, and evenfactories, abroad.To remain competitive in the global market, theyneed to establish, acquire and form links withcompanies overseas, raise new capital, create a soundsystem of transfer pricing and hire foreign staff. Thefamily shareholders need a sound strategy in place toWe continue to share knowledge and best practiceon areas such as basic audit approach, softwaretools, consolidation, IFRS, national and internationaltax, corporate finance and private wealth. Regularmeetings are held for workshops and training toexchange and improve our expertise.We greatly value our membership of DFKInternational. The high quality of DFK International’spresence and the availability of experts worldwidewith whom we can co-operate is very important inour day-to-day operations and supports our effortsto provide the highest level of professional serviceto our clients.Our firms look back on many successful cross-borderengagements with our DFK partner firms all over theworld and look forward to many more in the future.Bernhard WinterstetterChairman DFK GermanyPeters, Schönberger & Partner GbR, Germany51

A DFK national groupItalyDFK Italy is a grouping of independentaccounting firms in Italy that has a proud andlong association with DFK International. We arecommitted to building ever stronger relationshipswith DFK members around the world andto maintaining a professional structure withspecialist expertise dedicated to supporting andbenefiting national and international clients.Our group of independent accounting firms andspecialist audit practice is co-ordinated from an officein Milan, which organises regular meetings betweenmember firms. In 2012, half of our group’s 25 partnerswere under the age of 45 and there were also 40young professionals working throughout our offices.The enthusiasm and continuity with which our groupparticipates in DFK is demonstrated by our activeinvolvement in regional and international meetings,with our presence on the board of directors andspecialist committees.Our association with DFK started in 1976 throughStudio Nicolini, our Milan office, and has developedinto a professional group consisting of around 100people in nine offices based in the key commercialcentres of Bologna, Genoa, Milan, Naples, Rimini,Rome, Turin and the Republic of San Marino.Studio Nicolini was the first firm to become involvedwith DFK, followed initially by specialist audit firmDFK Italia SRL, also based in Milan, and then StudioPiccinelli Del Pico Pardi & Partners in Rome, StudioRichieri in Turin, Studio Romani Gambini MenettiCenni Rossie in Bologna, Studio De Nitto in Naplesand Studio Maresca Toncini in Genoa.The aim of those meetings is to examine issuesrelating to the development of the accountingprofession in Italy and abroad, to improve theintegration between the national member firms andto identify profile-raising initiatives such as seminarsand events for clients in Italy.This structure enables DFK Italy to offer clients a widerange of professional services from accounting andadministrative assistance to traditional due diligencefor acquisitions, budget analysis, and internal controlanalysis of administrative and accounting procedures.The services are delivered by professionals withexpert knowledge of different assignments and indifferent sectors of the Italian economy. They arespecialists who work in teams to provide qualityservices and to identify opportunities for clients.Our wealth of experience enables us to help clientsin tax disputes, and issue reports and opinions oninternational tax and accounting matters.Enrico NicoliniChairman DFK ItalyN&CA Nicolini Commercialisti Associati, Italy52

A DFK national groupSwedenDFK Sweden is a unique grouping of independentaccounting firms that forms part of a widernational group of accounting firms knownas Sverev. Sverev was created in 1981 by ErikRydström, a highly respected auditor in Swedenand a senior partner in the Stockholm firmEnskilda Revisionsbyrån, which was a DFKmember firm at the time.cost. Tailor-made educational and annualconferences are held to enhance theservices provided by members and to developrelationships among them.One of the original goals of Sverev still standstoday – to have independent accounting firmswith the best reputation providing superbquality services.The member firms of Sverev have always beennoted for their leadership and several individualshave been represented on FAR, the institute forthe accounting profession in Sweden.The provision of quality services is a mainconsideration for Sverev. It implements themandatory quality control of its members andis supervised by FAR and the national authority,The Supervisory Board of Public Accountants.Our member firms are able to provide specialvalue for clients with cross-border interests byeffectively working together to deliver national andinternational services on time and at a competitiveSverev is focused on developing new services andnew tools to help our member firms meet changingrequirements within our nation’s accountingindustry. With the mandatory audit for all limitedcompanies having been repealed in Sweden, mostfirms now have to offer other and modified services.This is a very interesting and challenging mission.Sverev’s ambition is to offer the best alternative tothe “Big Four” and in our experience, the majorityof the many small enterprises in Sweden prefer asmaller accounting firm. Clients benefit from ourmembers sharing practice management informationand technical expertise at DFK conferences,seminars, specialist committees, user groupsand training.Today, seven of the ten members of Sverev areconnected to DFK International and these are basedin the cities of Malmö, Kristianstad, Gothenburg,Alingsås, Kinna, Ljungby, Norrkoping and Stockholm.Christer CederbladChairman DFK SwedenCederblads Revisionsbyrå AB, Sweden53

A DFK national groupUK & IrelandDFK UK was incorporated in 2005, becoming DFKUK & Ireland in 2006 when Irish member firms joinedthe group. DFK UK was formed in 1996 following themerger of Nash Broad with Chantrey Vellacott, anexisting member of DFK. Nash Broad had been partof GMN International and, with the merger, otherUK members of GMN International joined DFK toform a DFK UK group. We have expanded in recentyears with the primary objectives being to build thecritical mass and resources of the group to supporta full range of development activities.The annual conference is one of the key eventsof the year. We endeavour to change the locationevery year to ensure that each country withinUK & Ireland has the opportunity to host ourconferences. Some of these conferences are themedand regularly have a golf tournament, which isalways well attended by other nations. In 2012we are hosting the annual conference in Paris tocoincide with the 50th Anniversary celebration.At the start of 2002, there were eight members withan annual fee income of £45m. By 2012, DFK UK &Ireland had more than doubled to 18 firms with over35 offices and a combined fee income of £90m.Through further expansion we are now representedin England, Wales, Scotland, North and SouthIreland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.An early achievement was the development of awebsite, brochure, promotional video and othermarketing literature with a design theme giving thegroup a strongly branded presence in the market.A notable success of the national group is to haveformed Discipline Based Networks (DBNs) groups.The most successful of these are the marketingand the tax DBNs whose members meet quarterlyto discuss tax issues, share ideas and reviewpromotional opportunities.Social events also enable members to introduceclients to fellow firms, highlighting the depth ofresource available.We are also keen to develop younger talentin member firms and to raise awareness ofDFK among employees. Our annual Managers’Conference focuses on the development of personalskills and building a professional network.An executive officer is supporting developmentactivities; however, our success has only beenachieved through the hard work of partners andstaff in member firms. As former chairmen, MichaelCannon and Mark Lamb have done a great job indeveloping DFK UK & Ireland and we look forwardto the continued expansion of our activities.Suk AulakChairman DFK UK & IrelandChantrey Vellacott DFK LLP, UK54

ReykjavikOsloHelsinkiStockholmSt PetersburgAlingsåsKinna NorrköpingIsle of GlasgowLjungby KarlshamnCopenhagenKristianstadManMoscowBelfastNewcastleKøgeLeedsDublin Manchester SheffieldHamburgCorkLiverpoolEindhovenCardiffNorwichLondonWuppertalSouthamptonAntwerpHasseltDusseldorfExeterCanterburyHowaldPrague KrakowKievGuernseyParis StuttgartFreistadtJerseyStrasbourgMunich ViennaZurichBudapestLausanneLimogesLyonTurin LuganoMilanGenoa BolognaBucharestToulouseMarseilleSofiaBarcelonaRomeNaplesIstanbulMadridAnkaraLisbonAthensTunisGibraltarBalzanNicosiaBeirutBakuMember firmsEMEAregionMarrakeshTel AvivCairoAmmanKuwait CityAl-KhobarDubaiFull memberCorrespondent memberRuwiAs at 1 May 2012AccraLagos Benin CityKampalaAustriaPirklbauer Wirtschaftsprüfung& SteuerberatungWeiler & WeilerWirtschaftsprüfungs undSteurberatungsgesellschaft m.b.H.AzerbaijanIsgandarov & Partners, LLCBelgiumFoederer DFKJuribel BvBAVCLJ BvBABulgariaDFK ANDA Consulting LtdCyprusDFK Demetriou, Trapezaris LtdCzech RepublicAuditor EUDenmarkAddere RevisionBHA Statsautoriseret RevisionEgyptAHCFinlandOlli Wesamaa HTMTilintarkastusryhmä DFK Oy/AuditGroup LtdFranceCabinet Oréglia-Christopheet AssociésCBA Experts Comptables AssociésConseils Associés SAF.-M. Richard et AssociésOdiceoSecalSNA ExpertsSYREC SAGermanyBW PartnerWirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaftSteuerberatungsgesellschaftEsche Schümann CommichauHörstmann Weber + Partner GbRPeters, Schönberger & Partner GbRStümpges & PartnerGbR Wirtschaftsprüfer SteuerberaterRechtsanwälteGhanaAryeetey & AssociatesGibraltarChantrey Vellacott DFK(Gibraltar) LtdGreeceMonDay Papakyriacou DFKHungaryDr. Gyarmathy & Partner LtdIcelandDFK EndurskodunIrelandAnne Brady McQuillans DFKCrowleys DFKIsraelMualem Glezer Inbar Junio & Co.ItalyN&CA Nicolini CommercialistiAssociatiStudio De NittoStudio Maresca E Toncini – DottoriCommercialistiStudio Piccinelli Del Pico Pardi& PartnersStudio RichieriStudio Romani Gambini CenniMenetti RossiJordanElias Shahin OfficeKenyaA. M. Shah & SonsKuwait (State of)Aldar International Accountants& ConsultantsLebanonFiduciaire du Moyen Orient (FMO)Tania Samaha OfficeLuxembourgD.M.S & Associés S.à.r.l.ABACAB S.à.r.l.MaltaDFK MaltaMauritiusDFK – R.C. PartnersMoroccoProximo ExpertiseNetherlandsFoederer DFKNigeriaAdemola Somorin & Co.Giwa-Osagie & Co.Paul Taiwo & Co.NorwayRevisorhuset A/SOman, Sultanate ofIBN Hyan Chartered AccountantsPolandAdAc Sp. z.oo.PortugalDFK & Asociados Sociedade deRevisores Oficiais de Contas, S.A.RomaniaDFK Romania SRLRussiaDFK Femida – Audit LLCMarka LtdNairobiPort LouisSaudi ArabiaSaleh Al-Naim CharteredAccountants & Auditors (SACAD)SpainAbante AuditoresPleta Auditores S.L.SwedenAlingsås Revision ABCederblads Revisionsbyrå ABFocus Revision ABHummelkläppen i Stockholm ABKlint Andersson Revision ABLGR Företagsrevision ABRevisionsbyrån Andersson& Co. I Karlshamn ABStratego ABSwitzerlandFidinter SARickenbach & PartnerStudio Fiam SATunisiaCabinet CMCTurkeyAMT Bagimsiz Denetim veSMMM A.S.Ser & Berker Auditing andCertified Public Accountancy Inc.UgandaJP MagsonUkraineAudit Group Glavbuh – AuditInternational Institute of Audit, LLCUnited Arab EmiratesN.R. Doshi & PartnersUnited KingdomAlexander SloanBrown ButlerChantrey Vellacott DFK LLPDFK Chancery Trust LtdDuncan Sheard GlassHansard LtdJohnston Kennedy DFKKTS Owens ThomasLandin Wilcock & Co.Chartered AccountantsLangdowns DFK LtdMinerva Trust & Corporate Services LtdRMT LtdRostronsRoyce Peeling Green LtdSpain Brothers & Co.Thompson Jenner LLP55

Chapter 5Working together56

DFK International is an association built onmutual respect, confidence and trust.57

Case studiesDFK is recognised as one of the world’s leadingassociations of independent accounting andbusiness advisory firms because of the qualityof service it provides to clients with cross-borderinterests.The quality of that service is a result of the clientorientedstrategy that is inherent in the core valuesof DFK:• Providing personal and timely assurance, tax andadvisory services;• Fully understanding client objectives anddelivering effective advice;• Maintaining the highest professional and ethicalstandards in any one of the many time zoneswithin which our clients work.Case studyWorking with a newaccountancy firmA US firm involved in graphics and printingsolutions was concerned about its operationin Argentina.The company had a very small branch therewith only one employee and was not completelyhappy with how it was being administered, buthad doubts and fears about working with a newaccountancy firm.Given that all member firms of DFK embrace thisstrategy, it is not surprising that DFK membersmeet and exceed the expectations of their clients.One of the reasons that DFK routinely receives topmarks from clients is because it is one of the fewassociations to go to market by industry and notby service line.Regardless of whether a client of DFK works innot-for-profit, technology, financial services, realestate, energy, agriculture or manufacturing, DFKhas member firms throughout the world who knowthese industries, and many others, very well.This industry-focused approach is effective forsatisfying both the clients’ needs and those of themember firms that refer work to each other. Thisis illustrated by any one of the many client successstories in which DFK firms, from different regions,work together.The following case studies demonstrate howsuccessful a client-oriented and industry-focusedstrategy can be, both for the benefit of a client andfor all DFK member firms who refer work to eachother.Following a successful alliance with De La Paz,Costemalle - DFK in Mexico, an approach wasmade to another DFK firm, Estudio Sambuccettiy Asociados, based in Buenos Aires.Estudio Sambuccetti y Asociados took on allof the administrative tasks associated with thecompany’s Argentinian branch, ensuring thatlocal regulations were complied with and thatits affairs were reliably handled with expertise.After overcoming the initial obstacles andgaining their confidence, the client realisedthat DFK could be a strategic partner for theirbusiness, leaving them to focus on what theydid best: everybody was a winner.DFK offices involved in international referralsalso benefit from having their eyes opened toother cultures, ways and practices, which resultsin improvements to their own work.The quality of that service is a result of theclient-oriented strategy that is inherent in‘‘the core values of DFK.‘‘58

Case study‘‘The member firms have been integral in‘‘the growth of the business.Case studyExpanding businessoverseasSetting up new venturesA Belgian businessman was in the process oftaking over a start-up perfume manufacturerbased in New York, USA.A friend and business contact of Navin Patel atDFK Oswin Griffiths in New Zealand had beenusing DFK members since 1980 when he setup a business in Canada with the assistance ofKNV Chartered Accountants LLP in Vancouver.The client’s business is in the area of softwareapplication and development, as well asbusiness processing outsourcing, and hasexpanded into a number of opportunitiesaround the world.It had been set up by the creators of theperfume, who had no background in businessand, although the businessman was aware oftake-over processes in Belgium and Europe,he was “blind” in a US environment.Didier Depeser from Juribel Bvba, based inAntwerp, Belgium, introduced his client toJohn Basile at Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLPin New York.John took over the case to advise on thetakeover in New York and to assist with settingup an LLC there. John informed the perfumecreators of the best way to organise thetakeover and helped prepare all of the contractswith consideration of international tax aspectsin New York, Belgium and Europe.In doing so, it has used DFK Oswin Griffiths,AMA CPA Ltd in Hong Kong, Ng, Lee &Associates - DFK in Singapore, M.P. Chitale & Co.in Mumbai, India, and DFK Laurence Varnay inSydney, Australia.The client was pleased with John’sprompt response and with the overall DFKcommunication. He was in fact surprised thatDidier and John already knew each other andwere not simply on-line contacts.The member firms have been integral to thegrowth of the business, providing services whichhave included company formation, companysecretarial, accounting, business advisory andcontact facilitators.The client is also looking at a joint venture withSathguru Management Consultants, who arelinked to our member firm in Hyderabad, India.The client has been very happy with the level ofservice provided by DFK member firms and hasappreciated their knowledge of their respectivejurisdictions.The client was pleased with John’sprompt response and with the overall‘‘DFK communication.‘‘59

Case studiesCase studyCase studyEvaluating subsidiariesA Mexican company providing engineeringexpertise in highway construction wanted toreview its operations in Chile.Juan Carlos Estudillo, partner of De la Paz,Costemalle - DFK, based in Mexico City, hadidentified the need for the company to evaluateits subsidiary there.He asked Marcelo Obregón, partner of Obregóny Asociados, based in Santiago, Chile, to helpthe company.Obregón y Asociados first had to evaluatethe performance of the subsidary’s last CEOregarding local regulations and accountingrecords. The company greatly appreciated thelocal knowledge required for such a review.Acquiring a new firmA worldwide engineering and constructionfirm based in Germany wanted to buy out itsAustralian affiliate.Peters, Schönberger & Partner GbR in Germanyreferred the client to DFK Hirn Newey inAustralia for assistance with the acquisitionof the Brisbane operation.The company was a significant client to MunichbasedPeters, Schönberger & Partner GbR andDFK since it was already using the servicesof member firms in several countries for theauditing and taxation affairs of other subsidiaries.Brisbane-based DFK Hirn Newey proceededwith the process of liaising with the local dealer,his accountants and the lawyers for both partiesto complete the acquisition.Juan Carlos Estudillo twice visited Chile tofollow up progress and the conclusion ofthe project.The client was very satisfied and Obregón yAsociados has since been given responsibilityfor preparing the accounting records, taxcalculations and other administrative tasksfor its operations in Chile.The benefit for the client is that it now has thesupport of a local DFK firm that delivers verygood results.When the project was finalised, the companydirectors expressed their gratitude for DFKHirn Newey’s assistance in making it a smoothtransition and their confidence that all thenecessary steps had been taken to ensure thefuture success of their latest acquisition.One of the directors also said how happy hehad been dealing with DFK, and with the levelof service that his company had received overthe years. In particular, having access to DFK’sworldwide association of members had givenhim great confidence in DFK’s ability to servicethe company’s needs as part of its on-goingglobal expansion.60DFK Hirn Newey was proud to have beenreferred to this major client and delighted thatit had been able to complete the acquisition ina timely manner and to the satisfaction of theclient, thereby again demonstrating how capableDFK is in undertaking global assignments.

The firm now has a single point of contactat DFK that co-ordinates all international‘‘tax and regulatory compliance issues.‘‘Case studyAdvising private clientsCase studyComplying withinternational regulationsIn today’s competitive markets, companies inconstruction services are constantly striving todifferentiate themselves from their competitors.A world-leader in property consulting andfacilities management expanded its reach byopening offices throughout the United Statesand in Canada from its London base.A wealthy US individual was planning to investin property in France.She approached Zainer Rinehart Clarke CPAs,based in California, for estate planning adviceand with questions about feasibility andstructuring.Zainer Rinehart Clarke was assigned todetermine an optimal tax structure for owningthe French property which involved an interestin it generating income.The firm consulted with F.-M. Richard etAssociés in Paris to brainstorm the best structurefrom a French viewpoint, as well as the structureof US ownership and administrative elementssuch as power of attorney, liability protectionand financing.With its North American expansion, thecompany needed to address the regulatoryand compliance tax issues inherent in not onlytwo different countries, but also in 15 Americanstates and four Canadian provinces.As a result, the client and both firms achievedtheir goals with the client making use of DFK’scombined capabilities to acquire the propertyin the correct way.These issues included complying with federaland state laws and taxes - income, franchise,gas, property and excise taxes as well aspreparing all US and Canadian tax returns.London-based Chantrey Vellacott DFK LLPworked with Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLPin New York and Segal LLP in Toronto on behalfof the company.As a result, the firm now has a single point ofcontact at DFK that co-ordinates all internationaltax and regulatory compliance issues for itsNorth American operations as well as for the restof the world where it does business.The client and both firmsachieved their goals with theclient making use of DFK’s‘‘combined capabilities.‘‘61

Technical committeesAccounting & Assurance CommitteeThe objectives of the committee are to ensure that all of our member‘‘firms perform quality services of the highest professional standards.‘‘Accounting and assurance are among the keyservices offered by most DFK member firms and theDFK Accounting and Assurance Committee was oneof the earliest specialist groups to be established bythe association. DFK’s member firms are committedto delivering the highest quality accounting andassurance services.With the increasing demand for quality worldwideand as the needs of clients have developed, ithas become more important that clients can relyon receiving a good quality of service across ourmember firms.To that end, DFK monitors quality standardsthroughout its membership and all memberfirms participate in the DFK quality monitoringprogramme.The Accounting and Assurance Committee isresponsible for the development, maintenance andmonitoring of the quality monitoring programme.The programme is based on standards issued bythe International Federation of Accountants (IFAC),which is committed to protecting the public interestby developing high-quality international standards,promoting strong ethical values, encouraging goodpractice, and supporting the development of allsectors of the profession around the world.The objectives of the committee are to ensure thatall of our member firms perform quality services ofthe highest professional standards.The committee also helps member firms byproviding advice and information on accountingand assurance matters worldwide, and providesassistance through our private members’ site wherewe share technical knowledge, provide sampletemplates and documents. Members are keptinformed of current developments on internationalaccounting and assurance standards through abi-monthly newsletter issued by the committee.The committee includes representatives from allDFK regions and members have highly-advancedtechnical knowledge of international accounting andaudit standards and principles, theory and concepts.Special interest groups have been set up by thecommittee to assist member firms for the benefit oftheir services to clients. Any international topic thatcan be of value to DFK and its member firms can bea special interest.Johan DaamsChairman DFK Accounting & Assurance CommitteeManaging Partner Foederer DFK, Netherlands62

International Tax CommitteeThe DFK InternationalTax Committeehas for many yearsprovided a forum fortaxation experts inthe member firms toshare the professional knowledge and developtheir understanding of international tax issues.The vision of the International Tax Committee is todevelop a platform for DFK member firms to providehigh-quality, cutting edge, practical and creativeinternational tax advice to their clients globally.The committee’s focus is on helping DFK clients tominimise the risks that are associated with oversightby tax authorities throughout the world.Our aim is to provide clients of DFK member firmswith access to a dedicated team of seasonedinternational tax advisers located throughout theAmericas, Asia-Pacific and EMEA who can delivertimely advice on the national and internationaltaxation of corporate clients and individuals.A lead contact person will manage the internationaltax services provided to the client’s businessregardless of its location.DFK member firms have the specialist knowledge andexperience to help clients deal with all the differentaspects of taxation and, where required, to negotiatewith the various tax authorities. They work toThe committee’s focus is on helpingDFK clients to minimise the risks thatare associated with oversight by tax‘‘authorities throughout the world.minimise the impact of taxation and maximise wealth,while ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.DFK member firms optimise the tax position of theclient’s business and develop a tax strategy to suitcross-border opportunities and threats.The committee has special task force groupsdealing with transfer pricing, wealth management,holding structures and VAT. The groups regularlyexchange information and opinion about the latestdevelopments regarding tax legislation in eachjurisdiction.DFK member firms and their clients are regularlyprovided with an international tax newsletter to keepup-to-date on legislation changes and the latest taxplanning issues and solutions. Annual internationaltax seminars are the highlight of the year.Cary Rodin‘‘Chairman DFK International Tax CommitteeShareholder Emeritus Bennett Thrasher P.C., USAEuropean Tax Committeemembers, both European and non-European,highlighting the fact that tax has become morerelevant and important to our profession.The European Tax Committee provides a forum forDFK member firms dealing with their own nationalas well as European tax regulations.In 2011, the Americas Tax Committee was created inresponse to a desire to share knowledge in North,Central and South America.The committee meets at the DFK EMEA annualconference where a European tax seminar is heldto enable delegates to discuss issues and attendspecialist briefings.The seminar has grown with topics becomingmore technical and participation increasing amongJohan Dens and Roland GrafEMEA Tax CommitteeJohan Dens Partner Juribel BvBA, BelgiumRoland Graf Partner Peters Schönberger& Partner GbR, Germany63

Technical committeesInternational Marketing CommitteeThe vision for the committee is to continue toprovide a forum for DFK member firms to share‘‘information, ideas and experiences.‘‘The International Marketing Committee is relativelynew but has been making a real difference to thefuture of DFK since being officially formed in 2009.The vision for the committee is to continue toprovide a forum for DFK member firms to shareinformation, ideas and experiences relatingto marketing in order to not only help marketthemselves, but help promote the DFK brandworldwide where this is compatible with marketconditions.The primary objectives of the committee are:• To help brand the name of DFK worldwide;• To identify and share best practices in marketingand business development with all DFK members;• To assist and advise the DFK board of directorson the most appropriate marketing strategy forthe association at large.To that end, the committee oversees thedevelopment and content of DFK’s website,brochures, collateral material, press relations andnew media presence.The committee also encourages cross-borderbusiness through an exchange of referrals amongstDFK firms, and sponsors marketing workshops atDFK events.It also publishes a quarterly newsletter documentinghow individual members of the committee markettheir own firms and yet promote the DFK brand inthe diverse regions, countries and cities in whichthey do business.With its members from across the world, the IMCaims to reflect cultural differences and nuancesin the various markets, reinforcing DFK’s corestrength of combining local knowledge with aglobal presence.John J. KmetzChairman DFK International Marketing CommitteeChief Marketing OfficerHoltz Rubenstein Reminick LLP, USA64

Information & Technology CommitteeDFK Internationalrecognises thattechnology is oneof the key enablersin business.Consistent with its philosophy in many areas,the leadership of DFK wanted a committee tobe established to share and enhance the useof technology in the association.At those meetings, we discuss the various projects inprogress and best practice ideas from our members.Projects have included:• The development of a smartphone applicationto provide instant access to our membershipdatabase;• The creation of a survey to determine thetechnology used by DFK members;• A review of the IT needs of the executive office.The Information & Technology (IT) Committeehad its first meeting in 2011 when its role andconstitution were agreed. The committee consistsof members from around the globe and its primaryobjectives are:• To identify best practice in the use of IT systemsand electronic networking in small to mediumsizedaccounting and business advisory firms, andto promote those practices to DFK member firms;• To assist and advise DFK on the best use of IT andelectronic networking to improve communicationand interaction with member firms;• To establish DFK IT guidelines to promoteeffective communication and interaction betweenmember firms when using IT systems.To fulfil these objectives, we have remote meetingsvia the internet several times a year which, forinstance, enable us to share desktops and videos.We also meet face-to-face at the DFK Internationalannual conference, as well as informally at otherconferences where many of our members arein attendance.We also designed the IT portion of the programmefor DFK International conferences. This hasconsisted primarily of sharing best practice ideaswith our DFK members. Some of those ideas haveincluded the use of social media, cloud computing,remote meetings hosted via the internet, web-basedfile hosting and tablets.Raymond MackChairman DFK Information & Technology CommitteePartner Kenway Mack Slusarchuk Stewart LLP, CanadaConsistent with its philosophy in many areas,the leadership of DFK wanted a committee tobe established to share and enhance the use‘‘of technology in the association.‘‘65

PublicationsOver the past 50 years, DFK International has produced a variety of publications to inform themembers about technical issues, latest industry news and best practice, along with updates onindividual members and DFK International itself. The majority of our publications are writtenand contributed to by members whose time and effort is greatly appreciated.Tax OverviewThe Tax Overview provides a summary of thetaxation regimes in different parts of the world,in a handy pocket size booklet.2012 marks its 20th year and its success islargely down to the hard work and effort of themembers and, in particular, Alan E. Weiner whocame up with the idea and has continued tohelp with its production for the past 20 years.Tax NewsBriefThe Tax NewsBrief provides insights on the latesttopical developments and important tax mattersin jurisdictions around the world. It is produced byDFK tax experts for the benefit of the firms andtheir clients.Annual ReviewProduced from 2004 to 2010, the Annual Reviewprovided members with a comprehensiveoverview of DFK’s activities, conferences,committees and membership development.66

World DirectoryThe World Directory is a “who’s who”guide to DFK members. It has been inpublication since the 1960s and remainsa valued source of information formember firms worldwide.Doing Business InSince 2005, the Doing Business Inpublications have been designed formember firms and their clients to haveall the essential information they needto do business in DFK member firmcountries. All the information is suppliedby the members, using their expertlocal knowledge.NewslettersOur various DFK technical and regional committeeshave been producing newsletters with the aim ofinforming the DFK membership on various updatesand best practice within their areas of expertiseand on the developments within their regions. Fromexploring the latest technical issues to reporting ona member firm’s achievements, these newsletterscover every aspect of DFK life.67

A look back at a decade ofDFK conference highlightsThe great thing about DFK conferences is the camaraderie and sharing of experiences;here are a few of my highlights.Whale Watching off Vancouver Island, 2002Intrepid participants were treated to the magnificentspectacle of close encounters with a pod of killerwhales. But a dramatic change in weather on thereturn resulted in the boat being thrown about in thewaves and people wading around knee-deep in waterfor what seemed an age. The other DF K boat we weretravelling with wisely turned back! Despite the seasickness and getting drenched, everybody was relievedto have survived intact with some very vivid memories.Shanghai Post-Conference Tours, 2004Feed back from delegates on both these tours wasglowing. Highlights included the Army of TerraC otta Warriors at Xian, walking on the Great Wallof China and visiting all the major landmarks inBeijing and Hong Kong. The second tour consistedof a four-day Yangtze River Cruise which took insome spectacular scenery, including a visit to thefascinating Three Gorges Dam project.Aboriginal Cultural Tour, 2007This gave participants a unique opportunity todiscover the stories of Aboriginal people, learnthe names and meanings of significant Sydneylandmarks and find out about how the Aboriginalslived. It was made all the more interesting bybeing run by the Aboriginals themselves and itwas an honour to experience some of their rarelyseen rituals.Buenos Aires Post-Conference Tours, 2008Seeing Iguazu Falls from both the Argentine and Braziliansides was the climax of this tour. Getting up close to theroaring waters around the Devil’s Throat was breathtakingand participants were able to take away a video to remindthem of their unforgettable experience. The second tour toSalta in North West Argentina, took in the outstandingnatural beauty of the geological formations, the pre-C olombian ruins of Quilmes, colourful markets and charmingvineyards, creating some great memories.68

At our most recent conference in Chicago 2011, delegates weretreated to a private tour of the Board of Trade which was reallyinteresting and everyone was able to appreciate the superb skylineand architecture of this city on the Architectural River Cruise.Over the years, DFK Internationalaudiences have enjoyed manyshows and performances,notably the remarkable ShanghaiAcrobatic Show (Shanghai,2004); the Rambert BalletCompany in Berlin’s StaatsoperUnter den Linden (Berlin 2003);the theatrical extravaganzaled by Joan Baez at the TeatroZinZanni (San Francisco 2005);the evening with Burt Bacharachand The Sydney Symphony atthe Sydney Opera House (Sydney2007); the Tango Dinner Showat Esquina Carlos Gardel TangoClub (Buenos Aires 2008); andwho could forget the DFK Bandwho made appearances at thegala dinners in Berlin and Sydney!Some other memorable visitsto world-class venues have beenthe Alhambra (Marbella 2001);Potsdam (Berlin 2003); theMonterey Bay Aquarium (SanFrancisco 2005); Sintra Village(Estoril 2006); and the AnneFrank Museum (Amsterdam2009).I also recall many captivatingevening events such as thePacific Starlight Dinner Trainwinding its way along thescenic shoreline of Howe Sound(Vancouver 2002) and theSummer of Love/Flower PowerGala Dinner (San Francisco2005) where everybody got upand danced to nostalgic 1970s’classics well into the night.We’ve stayed at some fabuloushotels around the world and afew favourites are the Shangri-Lain Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur2010) which accommodatedus at short notice when theBangkok conference wascancelled. The facilities andespecially the food were secondto none. The unforgettableviews from the Pan Pacific inVancouver (2002) and theShangri-La in Sydney (2007);the Grand Hyatt in Berlin (2003)for its minimalist décor; andthe superb service at the FourSeasons in Shanghai (2004).Sports have also played a large part in our social programmes,from baseball in the USA to Aussie rules football in Australia,not forgetting the DFK tennis and golf tournaments.It’s been an interesting challenge to find activities that appealto different cultures, ages and pockets, and I hope that, like me,participants will look back with affection on the memorableexperiences they have had at DFK events.Vanessa WardConference Manager DFK International69

DFK International Conferences 1965-20121965Offices of De Rode & Van EijsAmsterdam, Netherlands1978Carlton HotelJohannesburg, South Africa1983Regent HotelSydney, Australia1987Hotel Vier JahreszeitenMunich, Germany1967Cercle de l’Union InteralliéeParis, France1979Le Grand HotelParis, France1984Apollo HotelAmsterdam, Netherlands1988Carlton Inter-ContinentalCannes, France1969Sheraton Palace HotelSan Francisco, USA1980Waldorf HotelLondon, UK1985St Moritz HotelNew York, USA1989Four SeasonsToronto, Canada1972Gazebo HotelSydney, Australia1982Fiesta Palace HotelMexico City, Mexico1986Grand HotelStockholm, Sweden1973Chartered Accountants HallLondon, UK1974Sheraton Hotel2Copenhagen, Denmark1975Hyatt Regency HotelToronto, Canada131976Hotel AmigoBrussels, Belgium451977Sheraton HotelMunich, Germany86791 View from Don Pepe-Gran Melia Hotel,Marbella 2001.2 Potsdam Schloss, Berlin 2003.3 Scott, Beth and Hannah Hazy, Summerof Love Gala Dinner, San Francisco 2005.4 Mike Tovey, Chicago 2011.10125 Enrico Nicolini and Vanessa Ward, Chinesethemed Gala Dinner, Shanghai 2004.6 View from Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver 2002.7 Post-Conference Tour, Imperial Dinner atFangshan Restaurant, Beijing, Shanghai 2004.8 Mark Lamb, Alan E. Weiner and Neil Raynsford,Summer of Love Gala Dinner, San Francisco2005.11139 Geoff Lane, New York 2000.10 Post-Conference Tour, Alan E. Weiner inTangier, Marbella 2001.11 Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aires 2008.12 Shanghai 2004.13 Amsterdam 2009.70

1990Empress PalaceSingapore1995Crowne PlazaJerusalem, Israel2000The Plaza HotelNew York, USA2005Ritz Carlton HotelSan Francisco, USA1991Inter-Continental HotelLuxembourg1996Camino Real HotelMexico City, Mexico2001Don Pepe Gran Melia HotelMarbella, Spain2006Palácio HotelEstoril, Portugal1992Loews L’Enfant Plaza HotelWashington DC, USA1997Hotel Inter-ContinentalParis, France2002Pan Pacific HotelVancouver, Canada2007Shangri-La HotelSydney, Australia1993Westbury HotelDublin, Ireland1994ANA HotelSydney, Australia1998Island Shangri-La HotelHong Kong, China1999Hotel Inter-ContinentalLondon, UK2003Grand Hyatt HotelBerlin, Germany2004Four Seasons HotelShanghai, China2008Sheraton &Convention CentreBuenos Aires, Argentina2009NH Grand Hotel KrasnapolskyAmsterdam, Netherlands2010Shangri-La HotelKuala Lumpur, Malaysia2011Ritz Carlton HotelChicago, USA1 22012InterContinentalParis Le GrandParis, France3 45 67 81 Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C. 1992.2 Samuel Beckett Bridge, Dublin 1993.3 Tower of David, Jerusalem 1995.4 Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco 2005.5 Estoril Castle, Estoril 2006.6 Tram, Amsterdam 2009.7 Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur 2010.8 Arc de Triomphe, Paris 2012.71

EpilogueDFK towards the future50th AnniversaryCelebrationThis short book has sought to capture the essenceof DFK International at the time of its 50thAnniversary. It is inevitably only a snapshot of anassociation that spans such a broad temporal andgeographic canvas, and many important people,places and events will have been omitted. However,contributors have illustrated the waypoints andmilestones that define DFK. This book has usedas its point of reference a short history of theassociation written by Ronnie Warlow, one of itsfounders, in which he wrote:“This is a story of ambitions, hopes, disappointmentsand fulfilment over 22 years. A story of men whohave learned to live and work together, and for thepurpose of better serving their clients in distantlands and not too distant lands and perhaps in someway by learning to understand overseas colleaguesbetter, make a contribution to better understandingbetween nations and world peace.”Over 28 years later, these prophetic words continueto resonate and the essence of DFK remains true tothe vision of its founder “to better serve the client”.The book has also built on the 40th Anniversaryedition in which Simon Fraser, the executivedirector at the time, wrote:“I have given less emphasis to the last few yearsin the hope that a revised edition to mark the50th Anniversary will move the focus forward.”Opéra SalonUse of this photo is by permission ofThe InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hotel.To celebrate the 50th Anniversary,DFK International is returning to Paris, withthe InterContinental Paris Le Grand providingthe venue for a special 50th AnniversaryConference from 24 to 27 July 2012.The focus has indeed moved forward, but DFKremains true to its founders’ ambitions. Today’sleaders of DFK recognise that they owe theassociation’s success to the vision, energy and driveof their predecessors. But while they stand on theshoulders of giants, they remain responsive to theneeds of today and stand ready to adapt to thechallenges of tomorrow. DFK has not succeededby standing still and it will continue to evolve toensure that member firms can continue to offerhigh quality accounting and business advisoryservices to their clients.Martin SharpExecutive Director DFK International72