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Book 1:1 session with industry experts!
- Armanino, a top-20 U.S. accounting and consulting firm with $650M+ in revenue, is just getting started in India.
- In January 2024, they started an office in Ahmedabad and now expanded to Hyderabad with 130+ professionals.
- Several U.S. Tax leaders visited India for a cultural deep dive with the India team to mark the milestone.
- The Finance Story caught up with Armanino’s leadership to understand what’s next for Armanino India!
Would love to know about each one of you.
Julissa Quirk, Real Estate National Practice Co-Leader
“I have been with Armanino for over 22 years, following our merger with a previous firm. I am a partner based out of our Irvine office in Orange County, California.
As a tax partner, I am also part of both the tax leadership team and the operating leadership team, in addition to leading our real estate practice group!”
Rosalind W. Sutch, Tax Leader, Greater Philadelphia Area
“I took a bit of a strange path into public accounting—deciding at 16 that I wanted to be an accountant.
I dove into the tax world early on. After postgraduate work, I joined Drucker & Scaccetti, which later merged into Armanino in July 2022.
With 23 years at the firm, I am proud to serve as a Tax Partner and lead our Privately held Business Practice Group at Armanino. I’m also on the tax leadership team and the partner advisory council!”
John Karls: National Practice Leader for Private Client Advisors & Texas Practice Leader – Family Office Services
“At 15, I decided I wanted to be an accountant.
Now, with nearly 30 years in public accounting, all in the high-net-worth tax space.
I’m lucky enough to lead our Private Client Advisors practice at Armanino and serve on the tax leadership team.”
What’s it like collaborating across borders, especially with the rapidly growing India team?
Julissa speaks about their global synergy: “We have collaborated across multiple countries, including the Philippines, where I had a great experience.
What I love about our global teams and especially the Indian team, is their passion and their excitement to learn and grow. They want to be a part of Armanino’s broader vision.
Shrenik has been instrumental in fostering this culture, bringing the team together, and instilling a sense of excitement about being part of Armanino.”
John echoes this sentiment: “India has been an eye-opening journey.
Tax is a universal language, and while cultural differences exist, our ultimate goal remains the same – serving our clients with excellence.
This is our first time visiting India. But to be honest, it feels like we’ve known them longer than just this week.
The hunger for tax planning and delivering exceptional client service is evident.
The integration has been seamless and faster than expected, which makes me even more excited about the future.”
Any cultural differences that have surprised you, positively?
Rosalind laughs about the quintessential “chai breaks” in India!
But on a more serious note, Rosalind stresses, “We are all working towards a common goal: adding value to our clients, and driving strategic initiatives.”
Rosalind adds, “I am from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the East Coast of the United States. Julissa is from Orange County, California, representing the West Coast. And John? He’s from Dallas, Texas, right in the heart of the South! It’s no different than interacting with our colleagues in India. At the end of the day, it’s just like working with another office – that’s how we see it!”
John points out, “Time zones are the only major difference. Otherwise, work ethic, attention to detail, and professional excellence remain consistent across borders.”
At Armanino, diversity of opinions has always been a priority. Gender and racial representation are crucial in fostering innovative thinking and stronger client service.
The bottom line is we are all trying to serve our clients to the best of our abilities.
Also read: U.S. firm EisnerAmper built a 900+ team in India, that now supports it’s $1Bn+ revenue
How has the India-US collaboration benefitted Armanino?
Armanino’s expansion into India isn’t just about adding office space—it’s about tapping into a world-class talent pool.
As Rosalind points out, “The US accounting industry faces a talent shortage as fewer people enter the profession.
Expanding into India has significantly broadened our talent pool, giving us access to some of the brightest minds in accounting.
The time zone difference also works in our favour, especially in tax, where deadlines are tight.
US teams are working hand in hand with our India teams, which helps us complete our assignments faster and meet those really tight deadlines with ease.
Because of this 24/7 working model, clients are getting high-quality, enriched services.”
John adds,” After meeting our incredible India team this week, one thing is crystal clear— The talent pool in India is second to none.
Finding this level of expertise in the U.S. in such a short time, given the talent shortage, would have been incredibly difficult!
We have been able to continue to serve the clients at the highest level of quality that they’re accustomed to. Without India, it would have been extremely difficult.”
Julissa reinforces this point, addressing a common misconception: “Our India team is full of domain experts who elevate our client service. We are learning from them just as much as they are learning from us.”
What were some early challenges you faced integrating teams across continents?
When expanding into a new market, challenges are inevitable.
According to Rosalind, these challenges have been manageable:
“Many of the challenges are similar to those we face when merging with a new firm or opening a new office in the US!
The initial hiccups are mostly related to technology, such as ensuring servers are up and running. However, we haven’t encountered any significantly different challenges as a result of this integration.”
Looking ahead, how will AI affect accounting in the future? And what excites you most about it?
One of the most exciting developments in Armanino’s journey is the role of AI and automation in transforming the accounting landscape.
Julissa is optimistic about the future, “AI and automation have transformed accounting and tax, allowing us to eliminate repetitive tasks and focus on high-value advisory roles. Armanino is leading the charge in leveraging emerging technologies.”
John shares how the firm is already using technology to accelerate careers: “During our meetings with the India team this week, it was great to showcase some of the automation tools we’ve developed at Armanino.
These tools have already automated many repetitive tasks using bots, allowing professionals to focus on client service instead of spending time on non-value-added administrative work they previously had to handle at other firms.
This shift will enable new professionals entering public accounting to accelerate their careers, gaining opportunities much earlier than we did.”
Rosalind makes it clear: “If I had to give career advice to a 25-year-old today, it would be this: Don’t shy away from technology—lean in, and lean in hard.”
Also read: From Citrin Cooperman to Armanino: How this CA built a career helping US CPA Firms looking at India
What skills should professionals focus on to succeed in global accounting firms?
For Julissa, John and Rosalind – it’s all about communication.
If you can’t communicate, your impact will be limited. Whether you’re in the U.S. or India, clear communication is key
John advises, “Don’t just sit back. Speak up, share ideas, engage with the team, and focus on delivering excellent client service.”
Rosalind mentioned,” We’ve observed a deep desire from our U.S. team to be culturally competent and avoid missteps, so we’re rolling out cultural training next week to enhance cross-border understanding.”
Rosalind sums it up with Armanino’s core value “Being courageously connected. Accountants may be known as introverts, but communication is critical.”
How do you envision the role of India evolving in Armanino’s global strategy?
For Armanino, India is not a back-office operation—it’s a key part of their global strategy.
John explains, “Our goal is to expand in a way that allows clients to be served primarily or entirely from India, with teams running full engagements and representing the firm.
At the core, our mission is to provide the best service while accelerating careers. We’re not just adding employees; we’re developing future leaders and Partners.”
He further adds, “The US talent pool isn’t expanding rapidly, so we will continue growing here, finding top professionals who align with our vision. That’s my goal, and it’s Armanino’s vision as a whole.”
Julissa reinforces this vision: “India is setting the gold standard. It’s not an extension of our operations, but a core part of our global strategy.”
As Shrenik Shah, Managing Director of Armanino India, adds, “We are hiring at Armanino India. If you’re interested in joining us, visit our careers page.”
The company’s vision for India is clear: it’s not just an expansion into a new market but a strategic move to enhance the firm’s capabilities and leadership across the globe.
