TaxAssist Accountants launches in the USA

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12 May 2020

TaxAssist Accountants launches in the USA

Following successful expansion to the Republic of Ireland and Australia, the UK’s largest network of small business specialist accountants is now launching in the USA.

Having proven that the TaxAssist Accountants concept can be successfully replicated in the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Australia, TaxAssist is now offering Area Representative and single-unit franchise rights to selected states in the USA.

Karl Sandall, Group Chief Executive Director, says: “After years of careful research and planning, I am pleased to advise that we have completed the formation of TaxAssist Direct USA Inc. This has been a long-held wish of mine personally and always the company’s long-term aim, with our successful franchise model offering massive potential.”

The shareholders are The TaxAssist Direct Group Ltd (85%), Hal and Jamie Gross (7.5%), and Mike and Penny Melling (7.5%).

Hal Gross, based in New Jersey, holds the role of President, with Mike Melling as Director. Karl Sandall, Phil Sullivan and John Chambers, (who are all Directors of The TaxAssist Direct Group in the UK) will also act as Directors for TaxAssist Direct USA Inc.

Hal is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with extensive experience in risk, audit and regulatory leadership roles at major global financial institutions including most recently at UBS’ Investment Bank and Citi, where he held senior positions in the Corporate and Investment Banking operational risk teams. Earlier in his career Hal also held management roles in American Express audit after starting his career in public accounting at Main Hurdman (KPMG).

“Hal recognised the huge opportunity that TaxAssist Accountants would offer to develop and grow accounting and advisory services for small businesses in the USA,” explains Karl, “and with a strong corporate and financial background, in Hal, we saw the ideal candidate to partner with, to launch, build and mature the TaxAssist Accountants brand across the US through the Area Representative model.”

Mike Melling has had a 35-year career as a senior financial services executive in the UK, USA and Asia for American Express, GE Capital and Marsh & McLennan including board-level roles for subsidiary companies. He also served as UK President for operational consultancy Alexander Proudfoot Company serving large and mid-capitalisation businesses.

As well as having extensive international business experience, Mike is also a successful TaxAssist Accountants franchisee in the UK, having purchased a large single location practice resale for £1m in 2012, followed by a further resale purchase in 2015.

Karl explains: “Mike brings with him a huge amount of energy, experience and expertise. He will be able to share best practice, having successfully invested in staff, technology and client acquisition to build his practice up to a 20-person team serving nearly 2,000 small businesses, Directors and individual clients from seven TaxAssist shops and offices."

TaxAssist is expecting a surge of interest in franchising in the USA during and post the coronavirus pandemic, as people re-think their lives.

“These are unprecedented times for everyone, but we have a very sound business model, and our services have never been in more demand, as people look to their accountant for advice and guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic, hence our confidence in continuing with our plans to launch the franchise in the USA.

“Our business model is going to appeal to CPA-qualified accountants working in industry, individuals with a strong financial services or banking background, as well as those that already own an accounting practice they wish to develop as part of a global brand. We are looking for people who are capable of setting themselves up in business, but see the value in the brand, training, support and systems that investing in a franchise with TaxAssist Accountants brings.”

David Paulson, Senior Vice President, Franchise Development, will be seconded to New Jersey later this year, where the USA Support Centre will be based. David is working behind the scenes with the TaxAssist International Team and investors to do as much preparation as possible in readiness for the official launch which will take place at the 2020 International Franchise Online Expo on May 28-30.

The global TaxAssist network supports more than 265 franchised areas with 425 shops and offices, servicing more than 86,000 small businesses and self-employed individuals. Global annual billings are in excess of £56m.

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