UHY GLOBAL JANUARY 2019 COGS AND WHEELS


WINNING CULTURES


Our Cogs and Wheels section highlights what defines a successful international network. In this issue, we examine the difference that a strong 'can-do' corporate culture with a visionary international focus makes to UHY's success. UHY’s international network has a way of working that gives it extraordinary global reach and allows it to compete favourably on its excellent customer service delivery against larger competitors. Since its beginnings 33 years ago, the network has encouraged member firms to work together as one global family to build business relationships rooted in strong interpersonal cooperation with a long-term approach. Clients and member firms alike believe that these fundamental principles explain why the UHY network is now a dynamic global force with 8,100 professionals working in over 320 business centres in more than 95 countries. As a client of UHY Fay & Co, Spain, entrepreneur and renowned film producer José Luis Moreno, joint partner at Dreamlight International Productions SL says, "We like the fact that there is a UHY community working together across the world and feel reassured that our plans are in good hands." SHARING KNOWLEDGE A focus on being accessible, friendly and informed is important to the UHY culture. Great believers in the power of bringing people together to share ideas, build relationships and transfer knowledge, UHY invites all member firms to a global annual meeting every year as well as three regional meetings covering EMEA, Asia-Pacific and the Americas. Delegate response is always unanimously positive – business referrals are initiated, friendships made, ideas exchanged, technical knowhow is expanded on and expertise is shared both formally and informally. The business agenda includes expert speakers, dedicated drop-in and breakout sessions, the annual general meeting (AGM), a meeting of the major firms group and sub-regional meetings. Every UHY network meeting is a focal point for the level of relationship-building that is at the heart of the network’s success and gives UHY an enviable strength. Special interest groups (SIGs) in tax, audit, corporate finance, mining and automotive bring together UHY experts from across the global network to share their experiences and expertise so they can add value for their clients and help them make more informed commercial decisions in their sectors. All this is part of the network’s determination to continuously improve and deliver better service and value. TOMORROW'S LEADERS With an eye on the future and an unshakeable determination to make sure that member firms are as well informed as possible, the network is committed to developing the next generation of leaders. For the last 17 years the network has run an international management and leadership development forum in Spain for top performers from across the network. Supported by an active alumni programme for past graduates the forum helps delegates to develop non-technical skills like negotiation, strategy, culture and leadership. "The forum is an important part of the UHY network’s annual professional development programme, and is really instils in our future leaders a sense of belonging to a thriving global organisation with a strong international mindset and culture," says Bernard Fay, co-managing partner, UHY Fay & Co, Spain, and founder of the UHY Forum. ENCOURAGING EXCHANGE A thriving UHY secondment programme encourages movement between countries and disciplines, giving ambitious young people the opportunity to learn new skills in new cultures in every corner of the world. At UHY there are no boundaries to how and where people learn best. "There is much to recommend opportunities for learning about different member firms’ business strategies, understanding the work of international business desks, understanding different sales and customer care cultures, and generally exchanging knowledge and best practice," says Vibeke Düring Jensen, partner at UHY’s member firm, inforevision in Copenhagen, Denmark. "This is of huge value to our younger colleagues, and helps them to develop the skills and mindset that the UHY network really values." PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION The quality expectations UHY has of its member firms provide added security to clients. Aligned to recognised international professional standards, in particular those of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Forum of Firms, each member firm signs a quality charter which is part of the network’s culture of ‘being the best’. Through this commitment, member firms have to meet exacting standards which are reviewed every year. Vibeke Düring Jensen, partner at UHY’s Danish member firm, inforevision, is the network’s representative at the Forum of Firms. "Membership of the Forum of Firms is a quality stamp for transnational audits," she says. "It is essential that UHY member firms meet the exacting quality standards in audit performance and reporting that the Forum of Firms membership demands. Our clients across the world expect it, and we strive to meet and exceed expectations at all times." THE FINAL PROMISE As a network that is still 33 years young – and still has plenty of time to grow – UHY’s strong principles of working together, serving clients and having fun are as robust as they ever were, and they will continue to flourish. "I am so looking forward to reinforcing UHY’s incredible culture. There are very few networks of our size that have maintained such a high level of the very best customer service combined with friendship and trust," says Rick David, UHY chairman and chief operating officer of UHY Advisors, Inc., US. "Strong and positive inter-firm relationships are invaluable to the UHY network. Global cooperation will always be encouraged and recognised as a driver in delivering exceptional customer service." For more information about UHY’s capabilities, email the UHY executive office or visit www.uhy.com


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