Dezan Shira Accounting Alliance Named Second Largest International Association

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Mar. 18 – The International Accounting Bulletin has named the Leading Edge Alliance as the second largest international association of independent accounting firms for 2011. Dezan Shira & Associates are full members of the alliance, part of an international group of independently owned accounting and consulting firms. Established in 1999, The LEA has more than 165 member firms worldwide with collective revenues of US$2.4 billion in 2010. There are approximately 100 countries represented in the association.

“By utilizing technology, developing innovative special interest groups, and connecting internationally to the knowledge of our member firms, The Leading Edge Alliance members are able to compete on a substantial scale, throughout the country and across the globe,” stated Michael Davis, managing partner HW Fisher & Company, London and LEA chair. “LEA provides the resources that support their consistent growth and, subsequently, its own. The combined knowledge of the many top firms in LEA is shared across all firms, and contributes to the continuing success of each.”

“When the idea for LEA was conceived, the plan was to introduce an independent association that helped firms compete with the Big Four. The competitive landscape changed since our inception in 1999 as other large national and regional firms emerged. Yet the continued growth of the Alliance is a testament to the independent successes of member firms and their ability to understand and proactively deal with new challenges. The appeal of an accomplished association that consistently meets the needs of its membership is indisputable,” said Gary Shamis, managing partner SS&G Financial Services, Inc. and LEA chair emeritus. “Accounting has come out of the dark ages. The most successful firms operate as strategic businesses, and this view extends to its client base, centers of influence and the alliance it belongs to. Over the past 12 years, LEA’s success has proven that the attention and support it provides to its members, including their overall operations special interest groups, has been a major factor in the success of its member firms.”

“We are very proud to be a member of the Leading Edge Alliance and have always treasured our relationship with member firms. We wish to express our thanks to all LEA firms and staff who made this ranking possible,” said Chris Devonshire-Ellis, founding partner of Dezan Shira & Associates. The firm was formed in 1992 and is the largest alliance member in Asia, with ten offices in China, five in India and two in Vietnam.

For help with accounting in China, contact Dezan Shira & Associates.