The Newton, Mass.-based CPA Braver PC says it has outgrown its location on Charles Street in Providence, where it’s been located since acquiring Prescott Chatellier Fontaine & Wilkinson LLP nearly three years ago. (PCFW had called that office home for 13 years before that.)
Braver – the 12th-largest firm in Rhode Island by the number of CPAs it employs locally – has now moved into a new place, a 7,400-square-foot office in the Packet Building on South Main Street.
Jim Wilkinson, managing director of Braver’s Providence office, answered a few questions about the move.
PBN: In announcing the move, Braver PC said the company had experienced recent growth. What explains that growth at a time when the economy as a whole is sputtering?
WILKINSON: Business owners and executives are looking to get high-quality service for a fair price. At Braver, our professionals work hard to know and understand our clients’ businesses so we can proactively provide real answers to help move their businesses ahead. In this economy, our approach of offering creative solutions to difficult situations and walking clients through anticipated risks and rewards has resonated more than ever.
PBN: How many people are employed in the Providence office? How many were there when Braver arrived in Providence a few years ago?
WILKINSON: In 2007, Braver merged with Prescott Chatellier Fontaine & Wilkinson LLP and employed 16 people in Providence. Over the past three years, our Rhode Island presence has nearly tripled. We now employ 46 people in Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts, 31 of whom are located in the new Providence office. There is ample room to grow and we plan to use it.
PBN: How long was the firm located at the Charles Street site? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the South Main Street location?
WILKINSON: As part of PCFW, our people have occupied 2 Charles St. continuously since 1994. Our comfort with the stability of calling one place home for such a time became discomfort as we no longer had adequate space for our growing team. The South Main Street office is a beautiful building inside and out and is surrounded by some of Providence’s greatest eateries, universities and fellow professional services companies. We are looking forward to forming new relationships with our neighbors.
PBN: The announcement also said the new offices would allow for future growth. What is the outlook for Braver in Providence?
WILKINSON: With a combination of talented employees and strategic leaders, loyal clients and a great city to call home, there is no limit on what we can accomplish. It is our belief that change is good, as long as it does not diminish the high level of service we provide our clients.
PBN: What are some of the challenges that Braver and CPA firms in general will face in the coming year?
WILKINSON: Accounting firms are often a client’s most trusted adviser. We get the first call when a decision is being discussed, whether it related to accounting or not. There is increasing competition for this coveted role from other professional service providers, so CPAs would be wise to maintain strong personal and professional relationships with clients throughout the year, not just at year end.
